AN UNDERSTANDABLE PARABLE
There once was a woman whose mother wanted her to become a concert pianist. Although she submitted to the lessons, she failed to fulfill her mother's dream. That dream had been in her family for generations, and so had the piano.

When she had a daughter of her own, she inherited both the piano and the dream of having a daughter fulfill the hope of generations. While her daughter was yet an infant she spanked her for getting near the piano--for fear that she might scratch it. As generations of mothers had done before her, she whipped her daughter away from the piano for the first few years of her life.

Then, when her child was old enough, she hired a tutor to teach her to be a concert pianist. But she would not go near that piano. The mother, perhaps because she was too involved, did not understand what had happened to her daughter, to her, or to the generations who had gone before her.

But, with a little distance to separate us from the problem, we can see what happened. So a child can be whipped away from a piano, or a horse or a toy, until at last he or she will not go near it, even if punished or bribed.

So it is with Christians, but with something far more important than a piano: Truth.

WRONG INTERPRETATIONS
Our enemy, Satan, has deceived those who love not the truth into making wrong interpretations of scripture. They constantly use these wrong interpretations in their sermons. They quote them in our hearing over and over, and soon we come to think of that scripture in those wrong terms.

For example, it is said that Peter said, "One day is as a thousand years." 2 Peter 3:7-10. This quote is then used to imply that God did not mean "There was evening and morning, one day." Yet, not only are Peters words taken out of context, and used in a way Peter did not intend, but the quote is wrong to begin with.

In order to correct this error, we must understand the subject of Peter's words, and what he meant in that context. Peter was talking about God's patience toward the sinner, not God's inability to tell the difference between one day and a thousand years.

Look at Peter's complete statement. "One day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day." What this means is, time makes no difference to God, either time as measured day by day, or time measured a thousand years at a time. On the one hand He is patient, on the other time is insignificant.

Satan loves to get someone to remember only half a scripture, and that taken out of context. When the error prevents them from seeing what the scripture actually says, he has driven them away from the truth.

SATAN'S WHIP
Concerning the study of end time prophecy, Satan has used a half-truth (so close to the Truth the difference may be difficult to recognize) as a whip to drive the Lord's Children away from the Truth. The Truth with which we are concerned is in Matthew 24:32-36. The lie is based on the Truth in verse 36. The Truth from which the Flock have been driven is in verse 34. Study verses 32-36 carefully.

We need a clear understanding of the Truth in verse 36 so we can see the lie. "...But of that day and hour knoweth no man..." The terms "Day" and "Hour" indicate exact time--not general time. Matthew used these terms in the same sense (exact time) in 8:13, 9:22 and 15:28. The half-truth is: "No one can know when the Lord will come." The truth is: "No man can know the day or hour of the Lord's coming."

"AS YE SEE..."
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote: "...As ye see the day approaching..." Hebrews 10:25. He is speaking of "That Day," the day of the Lord, and acknowledges we will recognize that That Day is near.

WE ARE NOT IN DARKNESS
"But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that That Day should overtake you as a thief." Paul is writing to the Saints; the Elect, the Church who would be here on That Day. Paul's statement is not a question, nor is its meaning questionable. It is a statement of fact. In contradiction to Satan's lie, Paul tells us The Faithful will not be surprised by the Lord's coming and the end of this world. Yet, how could we see That Day coming if we did not have a general understanding of the events which precede it? 1 Thes. 5:4. Mat. 25:2.

PROPHECIES DESCRIBE HUMAN EVENTS
Do these Scriptures (Mat. 24:36 and Heb. 10:25) contradict each other? No. There are many Prophecies which describe events which will occur just prior to That Day. Will the Saints see the troops gathering in the valley of Megiddo? When the armies of the world gather in that valley, those of understanding will know That Day is near. "...at the very door." Mat. 24:33, Luke 21:25-26. Isa. 34:1-4 and Rev. 16:16.

A GUESS IS NOT "TO KNOW"
Still, no one will know exactly (in advance) which day "that day" will be. The term "Know" means to have intimate personal experience with, verifiable evidence or undeniable proof of, a fact. To believe something, or to guess at it, is not to "Know." For example, if enough people made enough guesses about which day That Day would be, one of them could (maybe) get it right. But how could anyone "Know" which? And that is the point: no one could KNOW.

THE LIE REVEALED
Because the Truth is: "No man can know the (exact time) Day or Hour..." Then the lie is: "No man can know when (the generation, or, the time in general) the Lord will come." Yes! This lie, "All mankind, even the Elect, will be completely taken by surprise by the Lord's coming," is the whip of Satan. He has used this lie to convince us it is almost blasphemy to study the prophecies of the Lord's coming.

THREE GENERATIONS SAW
Our Lord said the coming of The End would be like the days of Noah. Matthew 24:37-39. A careful reader will notice there are two groups of people in the verses which describe the days of Noah. The first is "they" or "them." "They" were unaware of the coming event. The End took "them" by surprise. "They" knew not, and were drowned in a flood "they" did not see coming.

What about the second group? Study Genesis Chapters 6 and 7. The second group is easy to recognize. Noah and his family. The Faithful. They (God's Flock in that generation) knew the flood was coming in their lifetime: even though they didn't know which day it would be.

Although they didn't know exactly when, they did know it would be when they finished the boat. When they had the boat finished, they still didn't KNOW exactly when. But they knew it would be when they had everything inside. Even then they did not KNOW which day--until God shut them into the boat. Nor did they KNOW the hour until the moment it started to rain. Gen. 7:6-16.

So although they never knew the exact time, they did understand the general time, and it did not take Noah and his sons by surprise. But "they" (who did not recognize the signs of the times) were taken like the prey in the snare.

MOSSES'S GENERATION SAW
The Lord revealed to Abraham that his descendants would abide in Egypt 400 years before receiving their inheritance. We can be sure, then, the generation of Moses knew (because they counted the years) they were the generation who would see the promise to Abraham fulfilled. However, they could not have known the exact day or hour of its fulfillment. Gen 15:13.

JOHN THE BAPTIST'S GENERATION SAW
Jesus told His disciples there were "some standing here which shall not taste death till they see the Kingdom of God." Luke 9:27. Although they could not have known the exact time the Kingdom would come, they knew they were the generation which would see it established because He told them in plain language.

THEY ARE OUR EXAMPLE
Therefore we have an example of three separate generations which had the opportunity to see (comprehend) what was about to occur in their lifetime.

First: The generation who watched Noah build the Ark; who, if they had known a "big boat" foretold a big flood, could have known The End of their generation would occur in their lifetime. Noah and his family knew the flood would come in their lifetime.

Second: The generation who counted the years of exile in Egypt. Though they accepted Moses with some reluctance, they knew they were the generation who would see the promise fulfilled.

Third: The generation who witnessed John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness. They saw Y'Shua's power and heard Him say, "Some standing here shall not taste death till they see the Kingdom of God." This generation also had the example of Daniel. "I Daniel understood by books the number of the years..." Dan. 9:2. Significantly, the number of years were given. Dan. 9:25.

OUR GENERATION
Y'Shua has named a fourth generation who will have the opportunity to recognize what is soon to take place in our lifetime. Although we, like the first three, will not be able to know the exact time in advance. What our generation can know (by recognizing the events occurring prior to That Day, as described in prophecy) is That Day will come in our lifetime. Mat. 24:34.

GENERAL TIME, EXACT TIME
Is there a difference between knowing the general time (so a generation can comprehend what will happen in their lifetime) and knowing the exact time? Yes. Does being able to recognize that we are the generation which will witness the Lord's coming contradict God's Word? No, it fulfills His Word. Amos 3:7, Rev. 10:8-9.

YOU CAN KNOW THE GENERATION
The generation who saw Noah build the big boat could have known what was about to come upon them, if they had recognized the signs of the times. Noah knew. The generation who saw Y'Shua could have known what was about to come upon them if they had not been blind to the signs of the times. The disciples knew. Luke 9:27. Now our generation can know what will happen in our lifetime, if we will recognize the Signs of the Times. Mat. 24:8-14, 15, 21, 29-34. Heb. 10:25, 1 Thes. 5:4.

RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS
The Ark Noah built was a sign of the coming destruction of a whole generation and its civilization. A boat is a device, a device for transporting things over water: or in Noah's case, for saving things from water. We don't see anyone building an Ark today, but what device do we see being built which is supposedly intended to save our civilization, but if used for its intended purpose will result in its utter destruction? Nuclear weapons are not the only sign of the times which is now visible.

Consider the signs of the times, we (believers, not hypocrites) have the right to judge for ourself. Luke 12:54-56.

HUMAN EVENTS FULFILL PROPHECY
Prophecy is fulfilled by human events. In fact, the whole course of human history is nothing more than a chain of lesser human events occurring between the major human events which lead to the accomplished purpose of God's Creation. For example, the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 was a human event which was the fulfillment of the prophecy in Daniel 9:26.

Since lesser human events precede greater human events, it should be possible to detect a coming major event. For example, before the "prince to come" could destroy Jerusalem he had to gather his army and surround the city. He needed a cause to do this. The rebellion of the Jews against Roman rule gave the needed cause.

No Christians died in the fall of Jerusalem. Why? Because they recognized, by the signs of the times, that prophecy was about to be fulfilled and they prepared for it. They knew that knowing "when" does not mean knowing the date and time, but means knowing lesser events precede greater events in a sequence of human events which fulfill prophecy. They are our example. Meditate on that. Dan. 12:9-10, James 1:5.

A METHOD OF COMMUNICATION
God gave many prophecies in visual form. Daniel and John saw visions. A "vision" is a method, or a form, of communication. We often think of a "vision" as a dream, but that is not the best definition. Much more accurate is "visual message." Think of a message, delivered one silent scene at a time. Imagine a mural, 17 rows of 107 individual scenes, painted on a wall.

If we saw such a mural, we may find it difficult to comprehend the message conveyed by the whole of the mural. It would be necessary to first examine each scene and figure out its message. After understanding each scene, the message conveyed by the whole mural would be easier to comprehend. However, the problem may be more difficult if the mural is broken into pieces and mixed into a pile. We would then be faced with a real puzzle.

THE BEST WAY TO ASSEMBLE A PUZZLE
What method do we use to put together the pieces of a puzzle to see (comprehend) the message? What method do we use to sew together pieces of a garment to get the suit of clothing intended by its designer?

For the puzzle, we dump the parts onto a table and turn them right side up. Each piece has clues on it. Besides the shapes, there are colors or line details which are recognizable clues. We sort the pieces into groups according to the recognized details, then put them together. We usually start with the pieces which show the beginning and ending (edges) of the message. (Get the picture?)

We treat the garment in the same way. First we examine each part to locate the tailor's marks (signs). Then we know where and in what sequence to sew the parts. Not only must we sew each piece to the correct piece at the correct place, but they must be sewn in the intended sequence. If they are not, the finished suit may not be what its designer intended. (Get the picture?)

ALL THE PIECES GIVE THE MESSAGE
With either the puzzle or garment so much effort could be put into examining each part that we may never finish the job and see the results. On the other hand, formulating theories from each piece (without putting them all together) cannot result in understanding the message communicated by all the pieces.

GOD GAVE US THE MESSAGE
The visions given by God, as recorded by Daniel and John, may indeed seem like puzzles. God did not, however, intend to confuse us. He gave them to us so we could understand events which would occur in our lifetime. Dan. 12:9-10, Rev. 1:1, 10:7-10.

VISIONS CONVEY A MESSAGE
The visions which Daniel and John saw are visual communications. We need to consider the concept of "visual communications" carefully.

What is a "pictograph?" The literal meaning of the term is "a picture expressing an idea: an Icon or Ideogram." An Ideogram, Icon or Pictograph is used to convey a message. The stylized boy and girl on public bathroom doors is a familiar example.

GOD'S METHOD
This is one method God used to give information to the Kings of Israel, and the King of Babylon. God also used this method to communicate with many prophets. And this is the method He has used to record information for us about events which will occur in our future. Gen. 46:2, Eze. 1:1, Dan. 2:1. Mic. 3:6. Joel 2:28, Luke 1:22, Acts 2:17.

A SAMPLE PICTOGRAPH
As an example, we can use the time and place of this writer's birth. We could express this information phonetically or alphabetically in a verbal or written message. But if we didn't want to use words, we could use pictures. After composing the mural, if we did not want anyone else to "get the picture," we could cut it into many pieces. Then, to increase our margin of safety, we could show the icons to different messengers and require them to deliver the message parts by verbally describing the pictures. The recipient would then reproduce the picture parts, reassemble the whole and "get the picture." (Get the picture?)

Imagine a mural having three scenes. First is Hitler's invading armies. The Netherlands, Belgium, Norway and France have fallen; and Hitler knocks on Moscow's doors. The second scene is of a tent in the woods in winter. In the background, an ornate gateway and a resort hotel; and El Capitan, Half Dome and Mirror Lake. In the third scene Japan has joined the Axis, and the Japanese fleet is on the horizon behind Pearl Harbor. The bombs have not yet begun to fall.

What is the solution to this sample puzzle? What is the message conveyed by our sample Mural? Ahwahnee, the gateway to Yosemite National Park, was the place of this writer's birth. The time was after World War II had begun in Europe, but before the war had begun in the Pacific. For a modern historical example, see THE BAYEUX TAPESTRY, by Sir David Wilson. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1985.

NO EXACT DATES OR TIMES
Although a historian may decide the time, in general, of this writer's birth was the winter of 1940-41, could he know the month? Could he figure out the exact day or hour? No. That is a very important fact to remember.

In transcribing written descriptions of Daniel and John's visions back into pictographs we may be able to recognize an approximate date for past events, but we will not be able to figure out any exact days or hours for future events.

GOD'S WORD CONTAINS THE CLUES
Both Matthew and Luke list signs of the times (tailor's marks) and a sequence in which these events will occur. Most of the Old Testament Prophets gave hints and clues about the Lord's coming. Many of the New Testament Letters, not just John's Revelation, have recognizable details (tailor's notches) in them which will help us sort out, fit together and understand the End Time Prophecies. Our God wants us to "get the picture," which is why He gave the End Time Visions and Prophecies to us. He wants His children to understand His plan and purpose for us as His will unfolds in our lifetime. Amos 3:7.

KEY WORDS
"Tailor's notches" and "Signs" can also be called "key words." These key words can be used in searching for clues which show how the visions fit together. For example, the vision describing the Seventh Trumpet depicts events named "resurrection" and "judgment." Look up the terms "Seventh Trumpet," "resurrection" and "Judgment" in your concordance. Compare all the scripture which include them, then look up the key words included in those scriptures. Follow the trail of key words until you have located all scripture which describe the events which will occur when the last trumpet is sounded.

IT IS GOD'S WILL
Descendants of Judah did not fail to understand the prophecies of the coming of the Messiah due to any lack of interest or ability. God closed their eyes for a reason: To allow Gentiles who believe in Him to "come in." Isaiah 29:10-12. Romans 11:25. The prophecy, "My name shall be great among the gentiles," has been fulfilled. Mal. 1:11. Now God will open the eyes of the descendants of Judah who are faithful. Isa. 35:5, 54:4-8. Hosea 1 and 2, 3:5. Luke 21:24, Rom. 11:25. This is a sign of the time in which we live.

PROPHECIES OF HIS FIRST COMING
It is now evident the prophecies of the coming of the Messiah are divided, by God, into two sections.

The prophecies of the first coming which were given to Eve and Abraham, as recorded by Moses, were rather vague. Yet they did indicate He would make His first visit to Earth as a human being, of the seed of Eve and descendant of Abraham. Gen. 3:15, 12:3, 18:18.

Later prophets recorded similar prophecies. See Isa. 7:14, 9:6-7, Jer. 31:15, Micah 5:2, Hosea 11:1 and Psalms 89:4, 27, 29. Prophecies which describe His first advent say a forerunner would precede Him. Mal. 3:1. He would preach in Galilee. Isa. 9:1-2. He would be a Prophet, a preacher of deliverance. Deu. 18:15, Isa. 61:1-3. He would be meek, and rejected. Isa. 42:2, 53:3. And, He would be ordained a Priest after the order [type or kind] of Melchizedek. Psalms 110:4.

Also included in the list of things He would do during His first visit is the establishment of His Kingdom. Isa. 2:2-4, 42:1-2, Jer. 31:31-33 Isa 9:6-7. All prophecies of the establishment (the selection of His People) of His Kingdom belong to the "first coming" category. Deu. 7:6, Mat. 1:21.

PROPHECIES OF HIS SECOND COMING
Prophecies of the second group, those depicting His second coming, tell of His coming in judgment and of the defeat of His enemy--Satan. "...abase the proud, tread down the wicked." Job 40:12, Psalms 21:8-13, 96:10-13, 98:1-9 and 102:26. Isa. 2:10-22, 5:24-25, 9:16-18; 10:20-27, 24:19-23 and 26:20-21. "And it shall come to pass in That Day, ...the great trumpet shall be blown." Isa. 27:13. Isa. 29:5-6, "It shall be in an instant, suddenly." Isa. 34:4, 42:13-15, "He shall cry, yea, roar." Isa. 51:6, 52:10, 59:16-21, 65:11-17.

"For by fire and by His sword will the Lord plead with all flesh... the slain of the Lord shall be many." "I will gather all nations and tongues, and they shall come and see my glory." Isa. 66:14-18.

Other such prophecies are found in Ezekiel 28:11-19, 37:12-13, 38:17-23. Dan. 7:26-27, 12:1-3. Hosea 2:14-23. Joel 2:1-32. Amos 1:2. Oba. 1:15-18. Mic. 5:8-15. Nah. 1:4-6. Zep. 1:15-18. Hag. 2:6-9. Zec. 2:6-13, 9:14-15, 10:3-10, 11:19, 12:3, 13:2, 14:1-4. Mal. 3:2-3, 4:1-3.

Concerning these prophecies of the coming of our Lord, some may be tempted to say none of them actually say "this is His first coming" or "this is His second coming." In this case the prophecy beginning in Isaiah 11:10 deserves study, and it should be compared to Hebrews 9:28. Compare the King James Version to your favorite translation.

THINK FOR YOURSELF
The false prophets will, of course, say, "those prophecies are only figurative" or, "they have all been fulfilled." Yet as the prophecies of His lowly birth and death as the Lamb of God were literal, we should believe the prophecies of His second coming and The End of this physical world are also literal.

It should be obvious all of the depicted events cannot be fulfilled at the same time. As an example, He could not be born a human child and destroy His enemies in battle on the same day; or make a stick with only one end. Nor can He speak softly and roar at the same time, or tell the truth and contradict Himself. In the one instance He is born the child of a virgin, walks the path of a Prophet then dies as the Lamb of God--Savior of His Chosen People. In the second event He comes as Judge and warrior and destroys the proud and wicked, as well as Satan's yoke (sin and death) from off our neck and this physical world. Isa. 10:21-27, 42:13. Psalms 98, 2 Peter 3:7, 10-12.

Once it is seen the prophecies of the coming of the Lord indicate two events, common sense dictates that one precede the other.

Prophecies of the first group cannot be fulfilled now because the Tribe of Judah has lost its lineage. Ezra 2:62. How long has it been since a Levitical Priest kept the pedigree of the sons of Jesse? How can any man prove, according to the Law of Moses, he is descendant of the sons of David and Solomon? Num. 1:2-26.

THE TIME HAS COME
Since the First Advent of the Messiah was to be 69 weeks after the command to rebuild the City and Temple, and since the City and Temple were to be destroyed after His death, it should be clear the first event is now past. Dan. 9:24-26, Ezra 5:13.

Because we are in the "last years" as described by Ezekiel and Hosea, and demonstrated by the signs of the times, it should be obvious it is the Second Advent which is fast approaching. Eze. 38:8, 39:1-16 and Hosea 3:4-5.

"O Israel, prepare to meet thy God." Amos 4:12.

We have determined it is possible for a generation to know prophecy will be fulfilled in their lifetime. We recognize the prophecies of the coming of the Messiah are divided into two groups, and the first group has been fulfilled. We will now begin to look for pictographic details in the visions and prophecies and match them to similar details in other prophecies in order to sort them into groups. Sorting prophecies of End Time events into groups will help us find the sequence in which they will occur.

THE QUESTION
Which events, occurring before That Day, will show the wise virgins of this generation that their Master is coming in their lifetime? Mat. 25:2-10. In order to answer this question we must separate events which will occur on That Day from those which must precede or follow That Day.

SING A NEW SONG
In the Ninety-eighth Psalm Solomon says, "O sing unto the Lord a new song... for He cometh to judge the world..." The phrase "sing a new song" must have seemed insignificant to those who first heard these words, because Solomon often wrote new songs. But in these last days, (with the advantage of hindsight and the Revelation of John,) those words "sing a new song" take on new a significance. John wrote, "They sang as it were a new song..." The rest of Solomon's song, we can now see, speaks of "That Day," the day the Lord comes. Rev. 5:6-10, 7:9-10, 19:6-7.

Therefore we see the phrase "Sing a new song" is a key word by which we can align two scriptures. "Cometh to judge the world" is also a clue which we can use to match this prophecy to other prophecy. Using a concordance, look up the phrase "judge the world" and compare the listed verses to find those which describe this End Time Event.

THE UNIVERSE ENDS
Solomon tells us clearly the foundations of this earth, and the heavens, will perish. Psalms 102:26. "All the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall..." Isa. 34:4. Mat. 24:29, Rev. 19:11. This is an excellent metaphor of a collapsing galaxy, or of our galaxy falling into a "universal black hole." Falling stars (their host shall fall) is a key word which will help us match prophecies which describe End Time Events.

WORKING MODEL
Draw a pictograph of the universe on a piece of typing paper. Tape each end to a pencil and roll half onto each, and put a rubber band around it. Carry it in a pocket for a few days. Then unroll it on a flat surface and release both pencils. Falling stars and collapsing galaxies are events which we should be able to see for some time prior to His coming, and thus will give us some warning.

WE WITNESS ITS END
Will any of God's Children remain alive on this earth to see this day? Speaking of the tribulation which will come on this world in its last days, Isaiah wrote, "Except the Lord... had left us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom... we should have been as Gomorrah." Sodom and Gomorrah were completely destroyed by fire. There were no survivors. This gives us a hint of the cause and severity of the coming tribulation. Isa. 1:9, Dan. 12:1, 2 Peter 3:10.

The Messiah spoke of this day, and this remnant, in this way. "And except those days be shortened, there would be no flesh saved; but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." John also refers to this remnant, saying, "the remnant were afrighted, and gave glory to the God of Heaven." Mat. 24:22, Rev. 11:13. Dan. 9:27, Isa. 10:20-27.

GREAT MEN HIDE
Isaiah sees the events of That Day and describes what he saw in these words. "Enter into the rocks, and hide thee in the dust, for the fear of the Lord... and they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for the fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty." John also sees these events, writing: "the kings of the earth... the great men... hid themselves in... dens and... rocks of the mountains, for the great day of His wrath has come..." It is written: "In That Day... the Lord alone shall be exalted." Isa. 2:10-11, 17, 19-21. Rev. 6:15-17. Men building underground shelters to protect themselves from nuclear war is a sign of His coming.

SHAKE TERRIBLY
The Lord Himself, speaking through Ezekiel, said: "Behold, it is come... it is done, saith the Lord God; this is the day whereof I have spoken." Eze. 39:8 and Zep. 1:15-18. "It is done." Rev. 16:17, 2 Thes. 1:7-10. And Isaiah (speaking of His glory and majesty, from which even the heavens and earth shall flee) wrote, "That Day" would be when "He ariseth to shake terribly the earth." Isa. 2:17-21 and Haggai 2:6.

Isaiah prophesied: "The stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light; and the sun shall be darkened, the moon shall not cause her light to shine." Y'Shua also spoke of these events. "And the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heaven shall be shaken..." John wrote: "The sun became black, ...moon became as blood ...the stars fell ...the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together." Isa. 13:10, Mat. 24:29, Rev. 6:12-14.

SATAN DESTROYED
Both Daniel and Isaiah write of the "consumption determined" to be poured out upon the desolate. Isaiah says, "...Destroyed because of the anointing." Daniel wrote: "...To anoint the Most Holy... even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured out upon the desolate." Isa. 10:22-27, Dan. 9:27 and Jer. 30:7-9. John wrote, "...and the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame." Dan. 7:11, Rev. 19:11-20, 20:10. The key word "consummation" means "finish" or "end," and is a notch which shows where to match scriptures.

IDOLS DESTROYED
"And the idols He shall utterly abolish..." Her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces." Isa. 2:18, Jer. 50:2. "And it shall come to pass in That Day, saith the Lord of Hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the false prophets and the unclean spirits to pass out of the land." Zec. 13:2. "...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 wood..." Rev. 9:20. The destruction of false gods and idols is a clue which shows the sequential relationship of prophecies which describe this event.

THE QUESTION IS WHEN
If the false gods and idols are still remembered (we know their names today) and still worshiped in Modern Babylon, in the time (as per John) of the Sixth Seal, how could they have been utterly destroyed in the days of Isaiah and Zechariah? The false prophets are also with us to this day. They were not destroyed in those days because this is a prophecy of the second coming of the Lord. Their day of destruction is yet to come. Micah 5:10-15.

WORLD'S ARMIES DESTROYED
"Come near, ye nations, to hear; and harken, ye people; let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the World, and all things that come forth from it." "For the indignation of the Lord is upon all nations, and His fury upon all nations ...His fury upon all their armies: He hath utterly destroyed them... delivered them to the slaughter." Isa. 34:1-2, Eze. 39:17-20 and Zec. Chapter 11. John also writes about this slaughter. Rev. 19:17-21 and 20:9-10. This slaughter is another clue, a key word, which shows where prophecies fit together.

"The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war; He shall cry, yea, roar; He shall prevail against His enemies." "I will destroy and devour at once." Isa. 42:13-14, Zep. 3:8.

HIS PEOPLE RECALLED
"Come forth, flee from the land of the north, saith the Lord." "Therefore behold, the days come, saith the Lord, they shall no more say, The Lord liveth, which brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, but, The Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country." Jer. 3:18, 23:8. Zec. 2:6. This is a very significant prophecy, and a very significant clue.

EVIL FROM THE NORTH
Jeremiah 1:14-15. Then the Lord said to me: "Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land, for, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the Lord; and they shall come. And they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem." Jer. 6:22-26, Rev. 20:9.

WHICH NATION
From which "land of the north" do the children of Israel of today flee? And note; this is not limited to blood descendants of Judah, but includes Abraham's children by adoption. Hosea 1:11, Gen. 48:5. Rev. 7:1-8. "Israel says it expects to receive 100,000 Soviet Jews in the next 3 years." ("Israel Seeks U.S. Aid For Emigres' Housing," THE PORTLAND OREGONIAN, 2 Oct. '89, p. A-9.)

Ezekiel names names in Chapter 38 and 39: As Moses did in Gen. 10:2-5. Russia is Gog and Ma-Gog, the land of the north. Rev. 20:9.

FALSE PROPHETS PREACH PEACE
"Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing... because they have seduced My people, saying, Peace, peace, and there shall be no peace." Eze. 13:1-10. The world today is full of false prophets who say, "We can have world peace. Man can determine and control his own destiny." But: "By peace he shall destroy many." Dan. 7:21, 8:11-12, 24-25, 11:22, 24, 45. The coming "World Peace" is a clue which will give us several years warning that The End has come.

RESURRECTION
"And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up out of your graves." "And many of them that sleep in the dust ...shall awake, some to everlasting life..." Eze. 37:13, Dan. 12:2. Concerning this day, the day of the resurrection of the dead, Daniel said: "I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient Of Days did sit... judgment was set, and the books were opened." Mal. 3:16.

OUR ANSWER
This Chapter began with a question: "Which events, occurring prior to that day, will show the wise virgins of this generation that the Bridegroom will come while they watch?"

By locating key words which describe specific events, we are able to sort the visions and prophecies into groups so we can determine the sequence of their occurrence. For example, the new heaven and earth descending from God occur after this physical universe is destroyed. The Nation Israel must be re-established before the Kingdoms of the North can invade, and, the restoration and invasion of Israel must occur before the Lord comes. Since God's Chosen People are again planted in the Promised land it is clear the Lord will come in the lifetime of our generation.

DIFFERING DESCRIPTIONS
In the Major Prophets we found prophecies of End Time events which use different words, metaphors, to describe the same event. "The heavens rolled up like a scroll" and "stars falling from the heavens" are one example. Knowing this will help us in our study because we will be able to match the related prophetic signs.

In searching the Minor Prophets for prophecies of End Time events we continue to look for and compare pictographic details. We will sort prophecies into groups which must occur before or after other groups, and by this method supplement our preliminary sequence of events.

HOW TO DETERMINE SEQUENCE
As noted earlier, because some events must occur before the actual end of this universe and some must occur after it, the end of this universe gives us a key word by which we are able to begin arranging prophetic events in sequence. The return of Israel is another sign which will help us sort groups into a "before" and "after" sequence.

CORRECT DEFINITION
The correct definition of the term "Israel" is very important. Judah is not "Israel" any more than the Ten Tribes were "Israel." We must distinguish between a political/military establishment which names itself "Israel" and the people whom God has called to be a peculiar people unto himself. All of the descendants--by blood or adoption--of Jacob (Israel) are Israel. But it is only when they are faithful to God that they are Israel. Deu. 14:2, Mat. 1:21.

HIS PEOPLE RECALLED
Hosea 1:11. "Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel."

First: Hosea, by the Word of God, reveals the descendants of the former Nation of Israel will return to the Promised Land. Although they have intermarried with the gentiles and lost their linage, they will return. "I will surely gather all of thee..." Jer. 3:18. Eze. 39:25, Rom. 11:23, 26-29.

Second: although the Nation of Judah will also be destroyed their descendants will return. Dan. 9:26, 11:14-16, Zec. 11:10, Malachi 1:6-11, Luke 21:20-24.

Third: not only will all twelve tribes return in these last days, but they will also set aside (to some degree) the rivalry which led to the divided Kingdom and choose one head. (President, King or Prime Minister?) They will come together with one mind and purpose: To serve the God of Abraham, and to re-establish the kingdom which God promised to him and his descendants. (Do not confuse "Zionism" with the worship of God according to the law of Moses.)

Fourth: together they (the descendants of Judah and the "adopted children") will become an army, fill the land and rise up prepared for war. "For great shall be the day of Jezreel." Dan. 7:7, 8:24, 11:40-45. Eze. 38:8, Isa. 34:1-3, Mat. 24:15-22, Rev. 9:14, 16:12-16.

Because the Ten Tribes did not return before the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army, and have not yet returned, this prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. Let the reader understand. Rev. 18:4.

Hosea 3:4. "For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a King, and without a Prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without a teraphim ...and seek the Lord their God, and David their King; and shall fear the Lord and His goodness in the latter days."

For almost 2,000 years Judah has had "no king, no Prince, no ephod or teraphim." Nor have they had a Levite Priest who could offer a sacrifice for their sin. And since Judah has had no King, Prince or Levite Priest for 1960 years they cannot deny this prophecy and say, "It is about the ten tribes."

This prophecy, then, clearly refers to both parts of the divided Kingdom, and specifies the time of their return as "the latter days."

These are the later days. Now is the appropriate time for the adopted children to claim their inheritance. Rom. 11:2, 5, 11. (Mat. 1:21, Acts 10:44, Titus 2:14, Gen. 48:5, 16, 19.) Rom. 11:17, 25-26.

The re-establishment of the nation of Israel and the return of those who worship God to Jerusalem (Luke 21:24) is a significant fulfillment of prophecy which makes further fulfillment of prophecy possible and imminent, because all remaining prophecy must be fulfilled in the lifetime of this generation. Mat. 24:34.

BIRTH PANGS
Zechariah 11:17, Rev. 13:3; 17:10-11. "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people around about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem." Surely the mid-east has trembled since Israel has been re-established.

Micah 5:5-8. "...And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people ...among the gentiles as a lion." This prophecy could not have been fulfilled prior to 1948-67. There are few who would argue it has not been fulfilled in our lifetime.

HE POURS OUT HIS SPIRIT
"And it shall come to pass afterward, [after the sacrifice of the Lamb of God,] that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh." Joel 2:28-32, Acts 2:38-40. This prophecy has not yet been fulfilled, since, like Daniel 9:24, it is in two parts. "The sun shall be turned into darkness, the moon into blood..." One of these events is described again later by both Y'Shua and John. Mat. 24:29 and Rev. 6:12-17. The gift of the Holy Spirit, an important key word must be fulfilled seven or more years before the end. Rev. 7:1-4, 10:8, 11:3-6.

HE INFORMS HIS PEOPLE
"Surely the Lord will do nothing, but He revealeth His secrets to His servants the prophets." Surely this declaration of fact pertains to this generation. Amos 3:4-8, Rev 10:8, 11:3. Why does God reveal His secrets to His Servants? So they can inform His People. Those who stand up in Church and warn of end time events are themselves a sign of the end, as are false prophets. As the end grows nearer more false prophets will come. Watch for them, they are a sign.

FALSE PROPHETS
Micah 3:5. "Thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they... prepare war against them." Eze. 13:1-10, 16, Mat. 24:24, 2 Timothy 3:7, 2 Peter 2:3. The corrupted church of the last days will be a money hungry organization, and an instrument of Satan's government. It is, in fact, the beast with "horns like a lamb." Rev 13:11-14.

Amos 6:8-10. "Hold thy tongue, for we may not make mention of... the Lord." Dan. 11:31, Rev. 13:15. End Time Governments will make a law against teaching our children about the God of Creation. Only the government approved "religious establishment" will be allowed to teach "religion." Modern Rome will execute those of us who are found with a Bible.

GATHER TO ARMAGEDDON
Joel 3:2. "...in the remnant..." 1 Thes. 4:15 "We who remain." Zep. 3:8. "I will gather all nations, and bring them... into the valley of Jehoshaphat..." Isa. 34:1-10, Dan. 11:45, Rev. 17:13-14. How can the false prophets tell us, in the face of such an end time sign, that the end will completely surprise mankind? Will any Christian miss this sign? Will Christians somehow be blind to the gathering of all the world's armies for the battle of Armageddon?

WORLD'S ARMIES GATHER
"Behold, the day of the Lord cometh..." "For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem..." Isa. 34:1-4, Zechariah 14:2-4.

Obadiah 1:1. "We have heard a rumor from the Lord ...an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle." Jer. 1:15. Rev. 20:7. The nations gather to defeat Israel (they think), but God gathers them for Armageddon.

AFTER ISRAEL RETURNS
Joel 1:6. "For a nation is come up upon my land, strong... without number... teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion." Dan. 7:19-21, Rev. 13:2.

"A great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth." Joel 2:1-11, Eze. 38, 39. Dan 11:40-45, Jer. 6:22-25. This invasion of Israel was not possible until Israel was re-established. It is now possible. It will be a significant event which will reveal just how short the remaining time is.

THREE HORNS PLUCKED UP
"Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul loathed them, and their soul also abhorred me." Zec. 11:8, Dan. 7:8, 24; 11:22. Rev. 13:1. This is a significant event which we can not miss. The destruction of three major European Capital cities will not go un-noticed.

SOLD AS SLAVES
"The children also of Judah and the children of Jerusalem have ye sold unto the Grecians..." "Ye" is Satan, King of Greece (Rome reborn) who has occupied the body prepared for him and now rules this world. Dan. 8:9, 25, Zec. 9:13. When Israel submits to Modern Rome, and comes under its protection, many of those who are in debt will be sold into slavery to pay off their bills. "Owe no man anything." Y'Shua.

IT IS APPOINTED
Habakkuk 2:3. "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it: because it will surely come, it will not tarry." Dan. 8:19, 12:4, 9-10.

Zephaniah 3:8-16. "Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I raise up to the prey; for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire..." "In that day...." "In that day..." Isa. 34:1-4, Rev. 19:17-21.

THAT DAY WILL BE DARK
"And it shall come to pass in that day..." Micah 5:10-15, Eze. 38:8 to 39:16. The term "That Day" is a significant term which can lead to many prophecies of end time events. It is like a string which, when pulled, pulls out all the parts of a puzzle.

Amos 5:18-20. "Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord! To what end is it for you? The day of the Lord is darkness, and not light. Shall not the day of the lord be darkness, and not light? Even very dark, and no brightness in it?" The sun (its internal furnace off) is turned ashen, the moon blood red, and stars fall from heaven in the sight of men. Psalms 102:26, Isa. 24:1-6, 19-23. Mat. 24:29, Luke 21:26, Rev. 6:12-14. The sun's growing dim is an event which will warn us of how short the remaining time is.

Amos 8:9. "And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day." The universe has fulfilled the purpose for which it was created, and is dissolved. Isa. 34:4, Rom. 8:18-23.

Amos 9:11-15. "In that day I will raise up the Tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches..." Eze. 40 to 48, Rev. 20 & 21. Dan. 7:18, 27, John 14:2. "That Day" is the day He will come. It is the day He will bring down the new heaven and new earth.

Obadiah 1:15. "For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen: As thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: Thy reward shall return upon thine own head. For as ye have drunk upon my Holy Mountain ...yea, they shall drink and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been." Jer. 51:6-9, Rev. 17:2, 14.

"And in that day..." Zec. 12:2-3. "In that day..." "In that day..." Zec. 12:6. "In that day..." Zec. 12:8. "And it shall come to pass in that day..." Zec. 12:9, Isa. 14:1-4, Rev. 16:17.

"And His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of olives." Rev. 14:1-5, Zec. 14:4.

HE COMES IN ANGER
Amos 1:1-15. "And He said, The Lord shall roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the shepherds habitations shall mourn..." "I will send fire into the house..." "...on the wall..." "...kindle a fire in the wall..." Isaiah 42:13-15, 2 Peter 3:2-12. The whole world will be consumed in fervent heat, but this event will provide no advance warning. Yet it is useful for dividing events into "before" and "after" categories.

MOUNTAINS MELT
Micah 1:2-4. "Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: And let the Lord God be witness against you, the Lord from His Holy Temple. For, behold, the Lord cometh down out of His place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth. And the mountains shall be molten under Him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place." As certainly as the prophecies of His first coming were literally fulfilled, so will this. 2 Peter 3:7, 10-12.

JUDGMENT DAY
Micah 4:3, 6. "And He shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations..." Isa. 34:1-3, 42:13-15. "In that day... will I assemble her that halteth, and... gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; and... make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast off a strong nation: And the Lord shall reign... in Mount Zion from henceforth, even forever." Isa. 10:20-27, Eze. 16:44-63. Hosea 1:11, 34-5. Dan. 12:1-3, Rev. 20:9-15.

EVERY EYE SHALL SEE
"The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: They shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf. They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth." Micah 7:16-20, Isa. 2:10, Rev. 1:7, 6:12-17.

WE SEE HIS GLORY
"His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. And His brightness was as the light; ...burning coals went forth as His feet... He stood, and measured the earth: He beheld, and drove asunder the nations; the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow." This is the moment when our Lord comes--the moment we shall see Him as He is, as we will be. Hab. 3:3-6, Nahum 1:5, Micah 1:3-4, 2 Peter 3:7-12, 1 Cor. 15:51-58.

SATAN DESTROYED
Micah 5:5. "...Seven shepherds... eight principle men..." This is about those who will rule during the last three and a half years. Satan is the eighth, and is of the seven. Rev. 17:10-11, Dan. 7:8, 11:40-45.

Nahum 1:13. "For I will break his yoke from off thee, and burst thy bonds in sunder." Isa. 10:20-27, Jer. 30:8.

Nahum 1:14. "The Lord hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: Out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave: for thou art vile." Isa. 14:12-21, 25-27, Dan. 8:23-25; 11:21.

EVERY PHYSICAL THING DESTROYED
Zephaniah 1:2-10, 14-18. "I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the Lord. I will consume man and beast ...the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the Lord. Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord God: For the day of the Lord is at hand: for the Lord hath prepared a sacrifice, He hath bid His guest. And it shall come to pass in the day of the Lord's sacrifice... I will punish the princes and the kings children... in the same day... and it shall come to pass in that day... the great day of the lord is near... that day is a day of wrath..." "The whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy." Rev. 19:17-21.

Please note: His wrath is upon those who have rejected His Son, not upon the descendants of Abraham--sons by blood or adoption.

THE UNIVERSE SHAKEN
Haggai 2:6-9. "For thus saith the Lord of hosts; `Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land.'" "The glory of this latter house shall be greater..." Heb. 12:27, Isa. 2:19-21.

THE LORD'S FURY
Zechariah 8:1-12. "Thus saith the Lord of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy... was jealous for her with great fury." "...of the remnant." "I will cause the remnant..." Eze. 36:1-15, 38:19, Jer. 33:5-9. Eze. 13:11-15, Rev. 16:21. Eze. 38:16-22, Rev. 11:13.

THE TWO WITNESSES
"And two olive trees by it..." "What are these two olive trees...?" "These are the two anointed ones, that stand before the Lord." Zec. 4:3, 11-14, Rom. 11:1-36, Rev. 11:3-13. Isa. 60:21, 61:3. See pp. 178, 181.

ETERNAL ISRAEL
Zechariah 2:10-13. "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: For, Lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord." It is for the fulfillment of this promise that we wait. Isa. 2:4, 43:1-7, 62:1-4 and Revelation 21:3.

WE ARE HIS JEWELS
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and thought upon His name. "And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of host, In that day..." "In that day when I make up my jewels..." Malachi 3:16 to 4:3, Haggai 2:23, Eze. 39:21, Dan. 12:1-3, 1 Cor. 15:51--53, Rev. 21:4-6.

DANIEL'S AUTHORITY
Before we begin a study of the Book of Daniel there are two questions we should consider. There are those who say the Prophet Daniel did not write the Book of Daniel; and, it is "pure fiction based on historic events." Was Daniel a Prophet, will the events he described be fulfilled? In answer to the question of his authority, Y'Shua approved of Daniel's work: thus revealing Satan to be the father of these lies. Mat. 24:15.

BRIEF REVIEW
In the Chapters MAJOR PROPHETS and MINOR PROPHETS we have found many prophecies of the end of this world and the coming of the Lord. We found within them recognizable signs (key words) which helped us put similar prophecies into groups. But, though we are able to sort them into a rough chronological order, we found no sequence given by the Major or Minor Prophets.

Although there is subtle hint of the Two Advents of the Lord within prophecies given by the Major and Minor prophets, we are not told how these events fit into the chronological progression of human affairs.

In Daniel we find a vision of the sequence of End Time Events given (significantly) to a pagan king.

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Two important facts which we must keep in mind is, first, Daniel received communications in visual form. He transcribed the visions into words to record for us. The words are metaphors. He used words (like a painter uses pigments) to paint a word picture and pass the visual communication on to us. Second, although the visions and the words Daniel used to record the visions are metaphorical, they do contain a literal message: the meaning designated by God, their Composer. It is His interpretation for which we seek. 2 Peter 1:20-21.

UNDERSTANDING IS FROM GOD
God gave the vision of the sequence of world ruling empires, recorded in Daniel's Second Chapter, to the King of Babylon. But his "wise" men could not figure out its meaning. God gave the understanding of the vision to Daniel. An understanding of God's messages is a gift from God. This is an important lesson. Dan. 2:19-21, 12:9-10, Pro. 9:10, Ecc. 2:26. Luke 24:45, James 1:5.

THE SEQUENCE OF NATIONS
This visual communication gives the sequence and description of the empires which will rule the world from then until That Day.

The first was Babylon. This Empire ruled all the known civilized world, and destroyed the Nation Judah and the Beloved City by the will of God. 606-586 B.C. Isa. 39:6-7, Jer. 39:1-2, 2 Kings 25:1.

Second was the Medo-Persian Empire. The Empire of silver defeated Babylon in 538 B.C. Dan. 5:30-31. It is important to note, the Medo-Persian army failed to destroy Babylon.

Greece was the third Empire. Alexander the Great defeated the Medes and Persians in 331 B.C., without (this fact is very important) destroying either Babylon or Jerusalem.

The first part of the fourth Empire was Rome, the legs of iron. Dan. 2:33, 40. Rome conquered Babylon (Syria under the Seleucids) in 54 B.C., and again in 114-117 A.D., without destroying it. For the most part Babylon remained a Roman "border territory." (ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA MACROPAEDIA, Vol. 11. p. 989-90, Vol. 17, p. 947-51.) In 63 B.C. Rome acquired Palestine, without destroying Jerusalem, and ruled the known world until 476 A.D.

It was during the reign of these kings that our Lord set up His Kingdom. Dan. 2:44, Acts 2:37-47. But the Kingdom (Heaven) is not yet given to the Chosen People. Dan. 7:27.

This vision depicts the second half of the fourth empire as being "iron mixed with miry clay." This empire (Rome re-born) will conquer the world in the lifetime of this generation. This is revealed by the fact that this empire and its ruler will be destroyed at the second coming of the Messiah. Dan. 2:43-45, 7:26, Rev. 14:17-20, 19:11-21, 20:7-10.

A MISTAKE
It is also revealed, by this fact, that those who teach this second half of the Roman empire is the Holy Roman Catholic Church are in error. For, while the Catholic Church does exist today, it is not now a temporal/secular world ruling empire. Also, it was brought down by the hand of man, not the personal appearance of the Lord. Dan. 2:40-43, 8:25.

ROME RISING
The many parts of the fourth empire, which will conquer the world in our lifetime, are now visible as the NATO-Common Market Alliance Nations. Daniel's Seventh Chapter describes this empire in more detail.

Daniel 7:1-2. "I saw visions by night, and, behold, four winds strove upon the great sea..." The "sea" is peoples and the "winds" are spirits. Rev. 7:1-2, 13:1, 17:15. The winds "whip up" the seas in order to bring about a desired result. For example, the spirits arrange a national leader desired by Satan, and he, by controlling this man, controls that nation. Historical examples include the Pharaoh of Egypt and the King of Babylon. More modern examples are Hitler and Saddam Hussein.

THE END TIME BEASTS
In studying this Seventh Chapter it will become apparent it is divided into several major parts. First is the description of the four beasts. Note, the first three are not described as World ruling Empires as were Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. Verses 2 to 8. The next section, verses 9-11, describes the fourth empire to rule this world and its rise to power, as well as its destruction at the end of this world.

Verse 12 is a very significant statement, to which we will return. Verses 17 to 25 are an explanation, giving more detail, of the four beasts recorded in verses 2-8. Verses 13 and 14, and 22, 26, 27 are a repeat, with more detail, of verses 9 to 11. It is important to note these descriptions of the "giving of the Kingdom to the people" do not use the term "set up" or "establish," because this was accomplished in A.D. 30. Acts 2:37-47, Col. 1:13. Dan. 2:44, Luke 9:27.

FIND THE CLUES
Before discussing the identities of these beasts, we need to look for an internal key word by which we can connect this vision to other communications, and events on earth; and a sign of the times by which we can recognize the earth time in which these events occur. Clearly the fourth beast (Satan and his empire) will be destroyed at the second coming of the Messiah. Verses 9-11, 13-14, 22, 26-27. 2 Thes. 2:8, Rev. 20:10. Therefore the events depicted in this vision will be fulfilled in the lifetime of the generation who witnessed the return of Israel to Jerusalem. Luke 21:24, Mat. 24:32-34.

END TIME ROME
This beast (nation) is Rome re-born; the second half of the fourth kingdom, the part of iron mixed with miry clay. Compare 7:23, 26-27 to 2:44-45. The last half of the fourth kingdom in the Second Chapter will rule the world until the Lord comes. The fourth beast in the Seventh Chapter will rule the world until the Lord comes. Both will be destroyed by the Lord when He comes. Thus, they are the same beast. Even now the NATO-European Common Market Alliance is being rewritten. (TIME, March 5, '84, p. 20. ATLANTIC, April '84, p. 43.) Which State will rule the United States of Europe? Greece. Dan. 8:21, Joel 3:6, Zec. 9:13. See pp. 175, 181.

THE BEASTS IDENTIFIED
Who are the first three beasts? (7:4, 5, 6.) It is suggested by verses 2 and 3 that all four beasts "came up" at the same time; that they co-exist with the Beasts Kingdom. Can this be correct?

THE UNITED STATES
Verse 4. "The first was like a lion..." In Prophetic descriptions of nations, when a nation is faithful and fulfills God's purpose, it is depicted as a regal beast. However, when a nation is unfaithful she is described as a whore. Hosea 1:2, Rev. 17:1. Thus, one nation may be described by different icons or ideograms at different times in its existence. The term "man" means "human." Gen. 1:27.

Daniel watched this beast for some time, until its "wings" (speed of conquest) were taken away and it was made to stand up like a "man." Thus, a beast standing like a human; a nation acting like a person--as this country did under President Carter. What does the human heart mean? Secular Humanism, the Anthropic principle, "man as god," the center of all he surveys. "Ye shall be as gods..." Gen. 3:5.

From 1600 until after 1800 this nation was a haven for those who fled religious persecution in Europe so they could worship God according to their Spirit led interpretation of His Word. But this nation, since the late 1880's, has gone a-whoring after the false gods of materialism and nuclear/electromagnetic energy; and has led other nations down the path to nuclear destruction. The Lion was the United States of America--now she is Babylon. (See pp. 121, 174, 181.

RUSSIA
The bear is Gog and Ma-gog, the "land of the north," known today as Russia. In what year was Russia conquered by the delusion of God-less Communism? Dan. 7:5, Rev. 2:7. See pp. 175, 181.

Who are the three ribs between its teeth? Look at a globe of the world. Which three nations look like spare-ribs dangling in front of the bear? Finland, Sweden and Norway. (READERS DIGEST, April '84, p. 94.) See p. 115.

CHINA
The Leopard is China, and her cohorts, the Kings of the East. Dan. 7:6, 11:44, Rev. 9:14, 16:12. Expect war in the east as China consolidates her empire. See pp. 175, 181.

THESE NATIONS CO-EXIST
All these nations can be seen in the beast of Revelation 13:1 (after three of the horns are pulled up). Daniel reveals the first three beasts, whose lives the fourth beast spares, must exist at the same time. Dan. 7:12 explains. "...Yet their lives were spared..." The Ram (Medo-Persia) did not spare the government of Babylon. Nor did the Goat (Alexander) spare the government of Medo-Persia. Yet these three beasts (America, Russia and China) will submit to the Beast's (the European Empire under Satan) rule and he (Satan) will let them "co-exist in peace." Then the people of this world will exclaim, "Now we have world peace!" It is written, "By peace he shall destroy many." Dan. 8:25. Rev. 13:1, 17:13-14.

A MORE DETAILED SEQUENCE
The vision in Chapter 8 is also in several sections. The Ram is Medo-Persia, the silver kingdom in 2:32 which conquered Babylon. The rough goat is Greece, the brass part in 2:39. 8:5-8, 21. The first horn is Alexander, the four horns are the Kingdoms which survived his death.

Verse 9: "And out of one of them came a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land." As is clear from these visions, the "little horn" is a man (King or President) who rules a nation. The questions we need to answer now are: Which nation is this? Who is the man who will rule? And, what is meant by "Out of one of them?"

THE PARTS OF THE VISION
From verse 9 to 12 is a description of this "little horn." Verses 13 and 14 are a conversation between Daniel and the angels. From verse 15 through 18 we are given details of Daniel's request for more understanding of the meaning of the vision. Verse 20 is the identity of the Ram, and verse 21 gives the identity of the rough goat. Verse 22 shows Alexander's death and the division of the empire among his four Generals. Rome is not named. Verses 23, 24 and 25 are another description of the "little horn" of verse 9, as "he stands against the Prince of princes" shows. Verse 26 is a very significant statement, to which we will return.

END TIME GREECE
This prophecy is not about Rome because Greece is named, and, Rome was broken by many hands. (vv. 21, 22, 25.) This prophecy is not about Alexander either: since verse 11 states "His sanctuary was cast down..." And, verse 14 states, "...unto 2,300 days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed." If this was prophecy about Alexander then he was to destroy the City and defile the Temple of God--but he did not.

Therefore, either this prophecy is about Alexander and the Word of God has been broken; or this prophecy is not about Greece under Alexander. This prophecy is about modern Greece, and reborn Rome, as led by Satan. See pp. 176, 181.

IDENTIFY THE CLUES
Look for key words which reveal the time of this prophecy's fulfillment. Verses 17 and 19. "For at the time of the end shall be the vision." See verses 14, 23, 26 and Habakkuk 2:3. This vision clearly contains pictographic descriptions of events which will be fulfilled at The End of time.

PERIODS OF TIME GIVEN
Verse 26: Many of God's statements of amounts of time are given in the form "a day for a year." However, He said He created the Universe in seven days, and each day contained an evening and a morning. The angels told Daniel, "the vision of the evening and morning are true." Thus the 2300 evenings and mornings are literal days, not "a day for a year." And so it is with the 1,290 and 1,335 days. These are about three and a half years; while 2300 days is 255 days short of seven years. Verses 14, 26, Gen. 1:5. Dan. 12:9-10. We will study all the prophecies of time periods in "PROPHETIC TIME PERIODS." See p. 185.

THE KINGDOMS IDENTIFIED
This King and his kingdom will be seen by the descendants of Abraham (by blood or adoption) who have witnessed the re-birth of Israel. Rome re-born will make war on Israel re-born. Russia, China, Africa and Babylon (the United States of America) will submit to Satan's rule. Dan. 8:9, 24, 11:22.

The little horn in 8:9 is the same as in 7:7 --Satan. This King will understand magic ("craft" and "dark sentences," 8:23, 25) as did the sorcerers of ancient Egypt and Babylon. Exo. 7:11, Dan. 2:10. 8:25, see 2:45 and 11:45.

OUT OF ONE OF THESE
"Out of one of these" (v. 9) may mean one of two things: A nation descendant of one of the four Nations which ruled after the breakup of Alexander's Greece. Or, a descendant of one of the four men who ruled after Alexander. By the first definition we are told one of four nations would conquer the world. This omits Spain as future ruler of Europe. By the second we would be informed that one of the four leader's progeny survived to produce a world conqueror. This omits Jaun Carlos as the "seventh," and last, king of Europe. Rev. 17:9-12.

HUMAN HISTORY OMITTED
We have come to Daniel 9:24 to 27, some of the most difficult prophecy in the Word of God. We need to re-examine prophecy concerning two events before preceding: The establishment of the Kingdom of God, and the day of Judgment.

Specifically, when will (or did) these events occur? Compare the following three sets of Scripture carefully and prayerfully. First: Isa. 2:2-4, 42:1-12, 13-15 and Jer. 23:5. Second: Dan. 2:44, Luke 9:27. 1 John 1:1-8, Col. 1:1-13, John 4:23, 1 Cor. 15:50. Third: Dan 12:2, Micah 4:1-3, Rev. 11:15-19 and 16:17-21.

According to the Master's own Word, the Kingdom was to be established before the generation who witnessed His life and death all died. Luke 9:27, Dan 2:44. Therefore "in the days of these Kings" (the first half of the Roman empire) the Kingdom of God was "set up." In other words, His people were chosen. Acts 2:37-47, Mat. 1:21, Rev. 12:10. Next, according to the Word of God as recorded by John, Daniel and Micah, the day of Judgment is also the day of The End of this world: THAT DAY, The Day of God, the day of the Seventh Trumpet. "The day... the dead... should be judged." 2 Peter 3:7, 10-12.

Therefore it seems Isaiah, Jeremiah and Daniel have glossed over, or otherwise omitted, almost two thousand years of human history: since they write as if the establishment of the Kingdom and Judgment Day will occur at the same time. So we have discovered an almost 2,000 year "gap" concealed within Isaiah 2:2-4, 42:1-12, 13-15 and Jeremiah 23:5.

This missing history is detectable in Daniel's writings. The first place is between the "legs of iron" in 2:40 and the "feet and toes of iron mixed with miry clay" in verse 41.

The next place is in Chapter 8 at verses 8 and 9. Verse 8 describes Alexander's death and division of the empire. Verse 9 depicts the "little horn" who will rule the world for almost seven years (2300 days) at The End of Time. 7:8, 23-26, 8:23-25. The next place this omission can be seen is in Chapter 9, verse 24. The Messiah died "to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity." But "everlasting righteousness" is not yet "brought in."

The next omission is between verses 26 and 27. The City and Temple were destroyed by Titus in A.D. 70. Yet verse 27 depicts the last seven years of man's physical existence. But there is no mention of the history of man from A.D. 70 until the rise (and final destruction) of Rome-reborn. Dan. 7:27 and 1 Cor. 15:50.

NEW COVENANT DEFINITIONS
Before continuing, we need to take note of an important fact. That is, when interpreting prophecy we must interpret prophecy which was to be fulfilled under the Old Covenant by Old Covenant definitions. But when interpreting prophecy which is to be fulfilled under the New Covenant, we must use New Covenant definitions.

Example: Under the Old Covenant "My People" meant the twelve tribes of Israel. Under the New Covenant this same term must mean His Church. "For He shall save His people from their sins." Mat. 1:21, Acts 2:37-40. Under the Old Covenant "Twelve Tribes" designated the blood (and adopted) descendants of Jacob. Now, under the New Covenant, that term means the People He purchased with His own blood. Mat. 1:21, James 1:1.

GOD GIVES UNDERSTANDING
Daniel 9:27. "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week; and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice to cease, and for the over-spreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured out upon the desolate." This is known as "Daniel's 70th week."

FIND THE CLUES
First, consider the recognizable key words. The term "he" is used three times. `They' accomplish three things: Confirm the Covenant, stop the worship, and cause desolation until the end.

THE NEW COVENANT CONFIRMED
Who is the first "he" and which "covenant" will be confirmed? The Old Covenant was broken by God. Zec. 11:10. The Messiah made a New Covenant with His people Israel. Mat. 1:21, Jer. 31:31. Therefore, since this prophecy is to be fulfilled after the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70, this is the New Covenant which "He" will confirm for "one week." Thus we conclude this first "He" is the Lord.

WORSHIP OF GOD FORBIDDEN
Who is the second "he" and which sacrifice will be stopped? Under the Old Covenant God's servants offered animal sacrifices to Him. Under the New Covenant the Lamb of God has been sacrificed, once for all, for His Chosen People. Eph. 5:2. Now we are admonished to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to our God. Rom. 12:1. That which we give to the aid of others is also a sweet sacrifice to God, as is our prayer and songs of praise. Heb. 13:15, Rev. 8:3-4.

Who will stop the faithful from offering their lives and bodies to God? Amos 6:8-10. Who will command us not to offer the oblation and incense of prayer and song to the God of Abraham? That beast who has opposed our God from the beginning, Satan. Dan. 7:8, 8:9, 7:21, 8:24, 11:31, Rev. 13:15. The second "he" is the ruler of Greece, Emperor of Rome reborn, conqueror of all the world, that son of perdition, Satan.

SATAN CLAIMS TO BE GOD
Who is the third "he?" What is meant by "over-spreading of abominations?" The Holy Spirit identifies Satan as the Abomination. Isa. 10:20-27, 14:19, Nahum 1:9-14 and Rev. 13:14-15. Y'Shua and Paul both mention this Abomination. Dan. 11:31, 12:11, Mat. 24:15 and 2 Thes. 2:4. "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by the prophet Daniel, stand in the Holy Place..." And: "So that he, as God, siteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God."

Under the old Covenant the Holy Place was in the Temple. Now, under the New Covenant, the Holy Place is in the hearts of those who worship Him. John 4:20-23. This third "he" is Satan, who will demand to be worshiped as `God' and will murder those who refuse, bringing desolation upon this world until its end.

UNDERSTANDING
This interpretation of the 27th verse is a gift of the Holy Spirit. The Lord, after marking His chosen with His Holy Spirit, will confirm the New Covenant with His Elect for seven years. In the midst of those years the Son of Perdition will mark the balance of mankind and will defeat the Saints, forbidding them to worship the God of Abraham. The false priests will proclaim Satan to be `God,' causing desolation until the Lord comes to destroy him and his kingdom. Dan. 7:21, 8:11, 24 and 11:31. Rev. 7:13, 11:3, 13:14-15. 2 Thes. 2:8, Isa. 10:20-27, Eze. 28:9, 13-18. See pp. 176, 181.

Compare Dan. 7:28, 8:27 to Rev. 10:10 and Ecc. 1:18.

THE FINAL FRAMEWORK
Daniel begins his Eleventh Chapter with some details of the Medo-Persian Empire. Verses 1 and 2. Then he speaks of Greece under Alexander. Verses 3, 4. In verse 5 he describes the rise of the Roman Empire, and in verse 6 prophesied the change in the reckoning of the years from B.C. to A.D., (the "last time,") thus indicating the birth of the Messiah. He then describes the early years of Rome, and the consummation of the Nation Judah. Verses 14 to 16.

Because the placement of the Abomination of Desolation is depicted, we conclude the 31st verse is a pictographic description of events which must be fulfilled at the "time of the end."

By the Word of God the event depicted in verse 31 will occur just 1290 (or 1335) days before the Lord comes. Dan. 12:9-12. See p. 185.

Where in this vision does Ancient Rome end, and Rome re-born begin? To discover its beginning, simply follow the trail of "hes" back to the start of this "hes" story. This vision, beginning in verse 20, is a most detailed chronological account of the last seven years of mankind's journey. We will return to it for the conclusion of our study of End Time prophecy.

In the Major and Minor Prophets we found many prophecies of the coming of the Lord which have not yet been fulfilled. The use of internal clues allowed us to form a preliminary sequence of events. In Daniel we found the sequence in which the prophecies of the Lord's coming will be fulfilled.

What did the man Y'Shua have to say about His return to this earth? His disciples asked Him this very question. Their questions and His answers are recorded in Matthew Chapter 24, for us to study.

NOT ONE STONE
The Messiah had been to the Temple to worship or teach many times. Now He departs for the last time. Soon God's Temple will be the hearts of faithful men. John 4:21-24, 1 Cor. 3:16. "Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God?"

As they are leaving, the disciples, impressed by the building, make comments concerning its grandeur.

Matthew 24:2. "See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." (The "wailing wall" is not part of the temple. This lie is but one of Satan's many attempts to break the Word of God.) This is a repeat, and confirmation, of earlier prophecies of the destruction of the City and Temple. Dan. 9:26, Jer. 5:10-12.

THE QUESTION IS, WHEN?
Verse 3: "When shall these things be?" (The City and Temple destroyed.) "What shall be the signs of thy coming?" "What shall be the signs of the end of the world?" The disciples have asked Y'Shua three questions. One concerning the destruction of the City and Temple, one about the evidence (signs) of His coming and one about The End of this physical world. Now (with hindsight) we can see the destruction of the City and Temple by Titus had nothing to do with the end of this physical universe.

After verse 2 the Lord makes no other comment (as recorded by Matthew) about the City's fall to Titus. He answers the questions about His return and the end of this world.

WATCH FOR FALSE PROPHETS
Verse 4: "Take heed..." He begins with a warning about false prophets. The deceiver will send liars to deceive you; as he deceived Adam and Eve, Cain, Ham and Nimrod.

Verse 5: "For many shall come..." Every one of them sent by Lucifer. If one false prophet telling one lie can't deceive you, he will send another with a different lie. If you're not deceived by Mormonism or Muhammadism, he'll try materialism or secular humanism; and if these don't succeed, sex, drugs, self righteousness or pride. 1 Tim. 4:1-3, 2 Thes. 2:11. See pp. 75, 135.

THE END IS NOT YET
Verse 6: "And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars..." He seems to be reassuring them. He is telling them, and us, the signs (events) He has just listed (vv. 4, 5 and 6) do not (by themselves) indicate The End has come (yet).

Verse 7: "For nation shall rise against nation... and there shall be famine, pestilences, earthquakes, in divers places." He has just given a list of events which will come upon mankind. But He uses the phrase "divers places," indicating that as long as they occur separately they do not mean The End has come (yet). But it is clear The End and His coming is the subject of His speech.

THE BEGINNING OF THE END
Verse 8: But now His tone changes. Listen with your spirit. "All these are the beginning of sorrows." There are two phrases in this sentence: "All these are..." and "the beginning of sorrows." See the contrast: comprehend the change in the message. First He said, "divers places." Then He said "All these..." Now He has collected the listed signs together, saying "all these" are the beginning of sorrows. While the listed events occur in divers places "the end is not yet." But He tells us "all these" (collectively) are the beginning of the pains of (eternal) birth.

WE MUST WITNESS
Verse 9: "Then they shall deliver you up..." The term "then" means things have changed; that, though conditions were not ready for a specific event, "then" they are ready. "Then" indicates a change of time. The time was not right for an event, now it is. The term "then" refers to events already discussed; understood by the listener; which will "then" bring about the now described consequence. In this context "then" refers to the time when "All these..." are in full bloom.

"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and they shall kill you: and you shall be hated..." In the days of Noah there were "they" and "you." "They" were those who did not see the "signs of the times." In the days of Y'Shua's ministry there were "they" and "you." "They" were those who did not comprehend the "signs of the times." Today "they" are those who know not God, while "you" are those who love the Truth.

Our Savior taught us, by example, what love is: the fulfillment of God's law. He taught us to love even our enemies. Now He tells us that in return, we, like He, will be hated. Mat. 10:25.

SEE THE SEQUENCE
It must be emphatically stated, the affliction which is described in verse 9 follows "the beginning of sorrows" in verse 8, which begins after "all these" (events listed in vv. 4-7). Therefore this affliction cannot be that which came upon the Early Saints. This is prophecy of the affliction which the last century Saints must endure. Rev. 6:11. See p. 159.

THE WEAK WILL FALL
Verse 10: "Then shall many be offended..." Here the term "then" refers to the affliction which began after "all these..." "Offended," not because of the wars or earthquakes, but because of the affliction. ("Why did God let this happen to me?") Heb. 12:7, James 5:11, 1 Thes. 2:11.

WATCH FOR FALSE PROPHETS
Verse 11: "Many false prophets shall rise..." Not a few, many. All who teach the philosophy of religion are false prophets, as are any who tell us the Word of God does not mean exactly what He said. 1 Tim. 4:1-3.

SIN COVERS THE EARTH
Verse 12: "And because iniquity shall abound..." Iniquity is that whole way of life which is opposed to God. "Abound," because those who oppose God will conquer the world. Dan. 7:12. "As the days of Noah were, so shall these last days be." 2 Tim. 4:3, 2 Pet. 2:1.

ENDURE TO THE END
Verse 13: "But he that shall endure unto the end..." From the beginning of His speech in the fourth verse the Master has been speaking of The End of this world and His return. Let us not change His meaning here in this verse.

He has been speaking to you--His disciples. Does this mean, then, that some of the disciples to whom He was speaking would live until the end of this world? If so, where are they? Because none of them have survived, He could not have been talking directly to them to the exclusion of all others.

The Faithful who live at the time of The End are also His disciples, are we not? Because He refers to His disciples as "you," and we are His disciples, then He is speaking to us. Some of the faithful will survive to the end. He just said so: "He that shall endure unto the end..." See pp. 159

"Endure unto the end..." As Job endured affliction to test, purify and exemplify his faith, those of us who see these last days will also endure a little affliction. The test of our faith by the fires of affliction (vv. 9-12) is brought upon us by "them" (those who know not God) just before The End.

THE END COMES
Verse 14: "And this Good News of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations and then the end shall come." The disciples asked "When" and here He has answered that question. "When the Good News... then."

Here again is the term "then." When the Gospel... "then the end..." What is an important "sign" of the coming End? The "Good News" is now being preached to all the World. But there is more.

ATTENTION TO THE SUBJECT
All along He has been speaking of the signs of His coming and The End, and from verse 4 to 14 He has not mentioned the temple. All of the events listed in verses 4 to 14 are events which must happen before the coming of the Lord and The End of this world. The destruction of the Temple was not included in this list. Verses 8 to 14 are a sequential list of End Time events which Y'Shua gave in reply to the disciples question, "When...?"

Since nothing can happen on this earth after The End, then any events which are described hereafter in this discourse must occur before The End or must indicate a change of subject.

THE ABOMINATION
Verse 15: "When ye therefore shall see..." [Who is this "ye"?] "...the abomination of desolation..." [What or who is this?] "...spoken of by the prophet Daniel, stand in the Holy Place," (whoso readeth, let him understand,)...."

We must answer three questions: First. Is this "Holy Place" Herod's Temple? Second. What is this "abomination?" Third. Who is He speaking to?

First: He said, "...stand in the Holy Place..." Which place does He mean? We must be careful to consider the meaning of His words within the context of His speech. First and foremost we must remember He is speaking of events which will occur under the New Covenant. Under the New Covenant, what is the correct definition of "Holy Place?" We also need to ask, (in order to make sure we understand this prophecy,) "was Titus the abomination and did he stand in the Holy Place before destroying it and the City?"

THE HOLY PLACE
We know under the Old Covenant the Holy Place was in the Temple. But Y'Shua said, "The hour cometh when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor at Jerusalem, worship the Father..." John 4:21-24. Now, under the New Covenant, God's Holy Place is in our hearts. Acts 17:24, 1 Cor. 3:16. God's Most Holy of Holy Places is in Heaven. Rev. 4:2, 15:15, 21:1-3.

Does not place also mean position? Example: "He is in a position (place) in his life where he must make a decision." Is not God, now, this very day, in His "Holy Place" of worship in our lives? Will Satan be usurping--standing in--that Holy Place; which we have given to God, and belongs to God alone; when he claims to be God and demands to be worshiped as God?

ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS
The Romans surrounded Jerusalem before destroying it, but Titus did not stand in the Holy place before taking the City. True, he may have stood (after defeating 24,000 Jewish troops) in the Temple before it was destroyed. However, consider verse 16 carefully. "...Then let them... in Judea flee..." See that, first, He did not say "in Jerusalem," but "in Judea." That is, in the country or state of Judea. Second, and most instructive, is this fact: If the residents of the City had waited until they saw Titus "stand in the Holy Place," it would have been too late for them to flee. This prophecy does not concern Titus. It is about Satan and the last three and half years of human bondage.

Finally, Titus is not the abomination because he did not "bring desolation until The End," nor was he destroyed by the coming of the Lord. Dan. 8:25, 9:26.

HISTORY, OR FUTURE EVENT?
Second: The abomination of desolation Y'Shua has mentioned is spoken of by the Prophet Daniel three times. In 9:27, 11:31 and 12:11. In 12:11 the Spirit of the Lord tells Daniel that from the abomination to The End would be 1,290 (or 1,335) days; and He is referring to both 11:31 and 9:27. All these prophecies are about The End and second coming of the Lord. None of these tell of the destruction of the City and Temple by Titus in A.D. 70.

If Y'Shua had wanted to refer to scriptures which tell of the fall of Jerusalem to Titus, He could have referred to Daniel 9:26 which specifically describes the destruction of the City and Temple. Or He could have referred to Jeremiah 5:12-18, which specifically tells of the fall of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem. Ezekiel 9:1-9 also describes His first coming and the destruction of the City and Temple. But He did not refer to Ezekiel, Jeremiah or to Daniel 9:26. Instead He referred to the Abomination of Desolation which in every case depicts End Time events and His second coming.

THE SUBJECT UNDER DISCUSSION
Third: For this whole discussion, so far, the Lord has been speaking of "the end" and the signs of His coming. That did not occur in the lifetime of those to whom He was speaking. If He is now speaking about the destruction (which occurred in their lifetime) of the Temple, then He has changed the subject of His speech.

But our Lord has not changed the subject. He is still speaking of The End and His final visit to this earth. Since these events did not occur in the lifetime of those who heard Him describe them, we must conclude He is speaking to those who will be here to see them occur. (Vv. 15, 33, "Ye shall see...").

A MAJOR END TIME EVENT
The Master is not speaking to His disciples of the destruction of the City and Temple by Titus in A.D. 70. He is talking about Satan's proclaiming himself to be God and the subsequent desolation of the world: signs (events) which occur just three and a half years before The End. Isa. 14:13, Dan. 9:27, 11:31, Rev. 13:14.

Verse 16: "Then let them... in Judea flee..." Verses 16 to 20 are plain and simple language: the remnant of Israel will not need scholars to explain their meaning.

FAITH TESTED BY FIRE
Verse 21: "For then..." Here again is the term "then" which tells the listener conditions are now right for the coming event. "...shall be great tribulation." The term "then" is referring to the Abomination of Desolation described by Daniel. Y'Shua is referring to the consequences of Satan's "standing in the Holy Place" and proclaiming himself to be "God."

The "affliction" described in verses 9 to 12 is brought upon the Church by those who "love not the truth." 2 Thes. 2:3-12, On the other hand, this "tribulation" is brought upon the whole of mankind by Satan. Having proclaimed himself to be "God," he will murder all but a remnant of the Saints; and God will pour His wrath upon Satan, his kingdom and those who reject Y'Shua. Dan. 12:12, Rev. 9:1-6, 13:4-8, 16:13-14. Don't be mislead by those who are deceived or angry and blame the God of Creation for this tribulation. Satan is the destroyer. Jer. 51:25.

MERCY FOR THE ELECT
Verse 22: "But for the mercy of God, but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." Here He tells His disciples (us) that some of His disciples (us) will survive (by God's mercy) until The End. Verse 13. Isa. 10:20-27, 1 Thes. 4:17, Rev. 20:9.

"No flesh saved..." This tribulation is so murderous that if it were not for the mercy of God no human being would survive on the face of this earth. Who are the elect for whom God will shorten the holocaust of those last days? Dan. 12:1-3, Rev. 11:13, 20:9. Mat. 1:21, Col. 1:1-3, Acts 2:37-47, 1 Thes. 1:1-4, 4:15, James 1:1, 1 Peter 1:2.

WATCH FOR FALSE PROPHETS
Verse 23: "Then if any..." Here again is the term "then," giving an indication the circumstances or time is specified. In this context the term "then" indicates the time from when Satan (the abomination) stands in the Holy Place through the tribulation. (A period of three and a half years. Rev. 13:5.)

"Any man..." We all understand the term "man" is generic and means "human." The term "any," like "all," is inclusive, and tells us "none" are excluded. Therefore, any person, man or woman, who says, "Look, here is the Christ," or "He is in Jerusalem" is wrong or lying. His warning sounds so emphatic it now has the ring of command: "Believe it not."

Verse 24: "For false Christs... false prophets... great signs and wonders..." Why? To deceive even (if possible) the very elect. Satan is the deceiver. He deceived Adam and Eve, who actually had the privilege of walking in the garden with the Lord. Solomon was finally overcome by Satan, and bowed down to idols. Satan will do his best (or worst) to deceive us too. 2 Thes. 4:3, Acts 17:17.

Verse 25: "Behold, I have warned you before." Four times now He has warned us. Because He has warned us so many times, it is clear our not being deceived is important to Him. 2 Timothy 2:15.

Verse 26: "Wherefore if they shall say unto you, behold, He is in the desert... He is in the secret chambers; believe it not." What is He telling us here? Is it that the idea He will come in secret is a lie? He just said He is not going to come to some out of the way (desert) location. He just said He is not going to slip into the city (secret chamber) unnoticed and start a whispering campaign to collect a few favored (if they say to you) disciples.

EVERY EYE SHALL SEE
Verse 27: "For as lightning... so shall the coming of the son of man be." Lightning is a local occurrence, but it is an event which can be used to teach a world encompassing truth. When lightning strikes near you, no one has to tell you, "lightning!" Everyone sees it at the same time. As lightning is local to you, so the whole world is local to the coming of our Lord. Every eye shall see Him. Every eye will see him at the same time. No one will have to say to you, "the Lord has come." Nor will we be able to say to our companion, "the Lord has come." Why? Because there will be no more time; and every soul, living or who ever lived, will all know at the same time. The End of Time is coming toward us at the speed of light. Rev. 1:7.

VULTURES FLY
Verse 28: "Where the body is..." Here is another reason we should not believe any person who tells us, "He has come." The Messiah died as the sacrifice for our sin. It is by and through His death we have hope in God's mercy. This body is His. His blood is the blood of the New Covenant. The Elect eat the Passover Supper of His flesh and blood (the bread and wine). Exo. 12:17. John 6:51-55 and Mat. 26:26-28. Eagles and vultures both fly and eat flesh. We live by His flesh, and will fly up to meet Him in the sky.

IDENTIFY THE CONTEXT
From verse 4 to 22 Y'Shua has listed the signs of the times by which we can recognize the generation of His coming. He has graphically described events which will precede The End. From verse 23 to 28 He explained how we can recognize false prophets who lie and tell us "He has come." Now in verse 29 He returns to the tribulation first described in verses 15 to 22.

THE QUESTION IS, WHEN?
Verse 29: "Immediately after..." Without delay: next.) "...the tribulation of those days..." "Those days" are the last Three and an Half days of Daniel's week. Dan. 9:27. This tribulation is that which is brought by the Abomination. (Then) "shall the sun be darkened... the moon shall not give her light, the stars shall fall from heaven." Ps. 102:26.

Do not be deceived: Do not listen to those who say this is "only figurative speech" used to teach us some vague "moral lesson." Y'Shua spoke the common language of His day. He spoke to the common people, not to philosophers or intellectuals. Mat. 11:25-27. This message is literal and is understandable in the common language to common people of today. Let philosophers and intellectuals believe what they wish. Let those who love Truth believe exactly what He said. Y'Shua is The Word, and the very word He spoke is Truth. John 18:37.

Stars shall fall. Indeed, the astronomers can detect these falling stars now, but refuse to believe what they see. They prefer to believe the lie of the "Big Bang Expanding Universe" and call them "Quasars," and claim they are at the edge of the universe.

THE SIGN OF THE SON OF MAN
Verse 30: "And then shall appear the sign of the son of man in heaven..." The term "then" again, again denoting a change from the time or circumstances before an event could occur to the time or circumstances when it will take place. "Then" in this context refers to the events just described. That is, the sun and moon darkened and stars falling. Y'Shua has just revealed "when." After "the gospel" is preached, after the tribulation, when the sun is darkened--THEN!

The period of tribulation will be of three and a half years duration. During these years the preaching of the Good News will be finished, and many Saints will be killed for their testimony. Dan. 9:27, Rev. 11:3-9.

EARTH'S TRIBES MOURN
"Then all the tribes of the earth shall mourn..." The term "all" is wholly and totally inclusive: none are omitted, none are excluded. Every soul who ever lived will see Y'Shua coming in the clouds of heaven with great glory and power. Rev. 1:7.

Verse 31: "And He shall send His angles..." He (The Man Y'Shua, our Lord) is in command of the events of That Day, ("All authority is given...") "...shall send His angels..." The Son of God will send Heaven's legions to gather those who sleep, and the remnant of His people. Isa. 27:13, Zec. 9:14, 1 Cor. 15:52, 1 Thes. 4:16 and Rev. 11:15-19. Verses 14 and 31 both depict the same event--The End and His coming.

AN UNDERSTANDABLE PARABLE
Verse 32: "Now learn..." This is a parable, like the house built on the sand, told to teach us a truth. The teller of the parable uses something the listener already understands, in story form, to teach something not yet understood. When the tender buds of the plants begin to swell and turn green it is spring, and summer is near. Y'Shua wants us to use this practical method of telling the seasons of the earthly year to recognize the seasons of God's time. The events He has just described are the "buds." When these "buds" begin to "swell and open" (occur) then we can know "summer" (His coming) is near.

YOU WILL SEE
Verse 33: "When ye shall see all these things..." Y'Shua just said his disciples would see all these things. If He was speaking to the disciples of His day, then either they are still alive, (all of these events have not yet occurred,) or his word is broken, since they did not see them all. Or, He was not speaking to them but to His disciples living in the days these events would occur.

OUR GENERATION
Verse 34: "Verily I say to you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." Taken in the context of this complete discourse (it is all about the same subject), the phrase "all these things" indicates all events listed and described in verses 4 to 14, 15 to 21, 27, 29 and 30.

Together "When ye shall see..." and "this generation" must indicate the generation which sees the "buds" open is the generation who will see the lord come. Because the generation who sees these events begin to occur will not all die until they are all fulfilled. All the events He has listed must occur within the lifetime of one generation.

Either those who listened to Him list the events, or the generation who witnesses the listed events will know they are the generation who will see the Lord come.

Since it is obvious all the events listed have not yet occurred; and since He said this generation shall not pass till "all" these things be fulfilled; and since we know none of the generation to whom He spoke has survived to this day, then we must conclude that the generation He identifies as "this generation" is the generation who see the listed events occur, not the generation who heard them listed.

"This generation" indicates a specific generation. "All these..." indicates one generation, and thus the listed events cannot be divided between more than one generation. The generation who heard Him give the list did not see them all occur, therefore "this generation" can be only one other generation -- Our generation.

The Messiah was commanded by His Father what to say and what to do. John 12:48-50. We know, therefore, that not only did He mean to say generation, but that God the Father instructed the Son to say "generation."

A STATEMENT OF FACT
Verse 35: "Heaven and earth shall pass away..." This is a clear and concise statement of fact. This physical universe will case to exist: period. Those who refuse to believe this present world will end are refusing to believe the Truth. "...But my word will not pass away." This physical world is temporary. His Word is eternal: it will not change, it will remain the same forever. His words mean the same thing today they meant the day He spoke them.

EXACT TIME IS UNKNOWABLE
Verse 36: "But of that day and hour knoweth no man..." While it is given to the generation who sees and recognizes the signs of the times to know they will see The End, they cannot know the exact day or hour in advance. There is a difference between knowing the generation who will see Him come, and knowing the day and hour He will come. Heb. 10:25, 1 Thes. 5:4.

OUR DAYS LIKE NOAH'S
Verse 37: "But as the days of Noah were..." Noah and his family are foretypes of physical Israel saved out of Egypt and Spiritual Israel saved out of this world. As the world was full of sin and violence then, so it is today. As the world was destroyed then, so will it be destroyed in lifetime of those who witness the rebirth of Rome. 2 Peter 3:7, 10-12.

Verses 38-39: "They were eating and drinking..." Noah and his sons knew the world would end in their lifetime. But "they" knew not until the flood came and swept them away. "They" were the unbelievers who saw Noah building the Ark, but would not believe the flood (of which Noah forewarned) was coming.

They/them are unbelievers of our day who will not believe our testimony concerning the signs of the times which are occurring in our lifetime. "They" are those who see the Bible but will not believe it is the Word of God. "They" are those who see the nuclear weapons but refuse to believe they will be part of the Great Tribulation which will all but wipe mankind off the face of this earth. "They" will refuse to believe The End of this world is coming in our lifetime. They will refuse to believe it right up to the moment it comes upon them.

THE DOOR WILL BE CLOSED
When the earth runs loose in the heavens like the roe fleeing the wolf; the sun ashen, the moon blood red, stars falling in the sight of men; it will be too late. As in the days of Noah, God will close the door of the ark. "...And took them all away; so shall the coming of the son of man be." Gen. 7:16.

NOT IN SECRET
The Lord has taken great care to tell us He is not going to come in secret, and that all the peoples of the earth will see Him come. (v. 26.) Rev. 1:7.

THE LAST TRUMPET
Verses 40-41: "One shall be taken... the other..." All along Y'Shua has been speaking of the end of this world and His coming. There has been nothing said so far to suggest He might come twice more. Indeed, as noted in verse 26, He has taken great care to assure us He is not going to come in secret. So the question is, "When..." "When will one be taken and the other left?" The answer is contained within the term "then." "Then" tells us when. In the context of His speech, "then" refers to verse 31 when He shall send the angels to gather His elect. "Then" shall one be taken and the other left. "Then" refers to the Seventh Trumpet and "That Day" as described in verses 14, 30, 31 and 36. Compare these to 1 Thes. 4:15-16, 1 Cor. 15:51-52 and Rev. 11:15-19.

WATCH, AND SEE
Verses 42-43: "Watch therefore..." Here again the Lord is speaking of "That Day," the day of His coming. "What hour the Lord doth come..." Referring again to verses 14, 27 and 31. In verse 43 He speaks of the time the thief comes. Some theologians have misunderstood this parable, so we should consider it with care and payer. We must consider this parable in the light of the context of His speech. First, this parable repeats, in different words, the same idea as verses 40 and 41. In fact, the words are much alike. "What hour the Lord..." and "What watch the thief..." "Hour" and "Watch" both mean "time." The careful Bible student will also notice that in describing the "thief" the Lord said "come" and not "getaway."

IDENTIFY THE CONTEXT
From verse 4 to 14 Y'Shua has given a detailed chronological list of events leading to The End; events which climax with His return. Verses 15 to 22 are specific details of events which occur during the time period identified by verse 14. The abomination will bring the holocaust which is described in verse 21. The signs given in verse 29 will be seen within the three and a half years after the Abomination stands in the Holy Place, and just before our Lord's return as described in verse 30.

BE CAREFUL OF THE LIES
In verses 36 and 44 He tells us any man who attempts to tell us he knows the day or hour of His coming is sadly mistaken, or is a liar sent by Satan. The counter part of this lie is "no one can have any idea of the general time of His coming."We can know the generation, as did Noah's generation, but we cannot know the day or hour.

NOT ONE STONE
According to Matthew, when the Messiah left the Temple He said "every stone shall be cast down." The disciples asked Him, "When shall these things be?" They also asked Him about the "signs of His coming" and "The End of this world." Matthew recorded His answers to questions about The End and His return, but gave no answer to the question about the destruction of the Temple.

Did Luke record the same conversation as Matthew? Both men wrote at the direction of the Holy Spirit, so we can be sure their account is accurate. If there is some difference between them it must be significant, and we will want to understand it.

Luke 21:5. "And as some spake of the Temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts..."

Verse 6: "As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in which there shall not be left one stone upon another..." This is the same prophecy of destruction as recorded by Matthew. Mat. 24:2.

THE QUESTION IS, WHEN?
Verse 7: "And they asked Him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? What sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?" By referring to Matthew 24:3, and comparing the questions carefully, it will be clear there is a difference in the questions as recorded by Matthew and Luke. Luke records two questions: both about the destruction of the City and Temple. Is this difference important?

Consider the question, "What sign will there be when these things come to pass?" The term "sign" means recognizable event. In other words, the disciples have asked, "What will be the recognizable events preceding the destruction of the city and Temple by which we can know this event will soon occur?"

GOD GIVES HIS PEOPLE SIGNS
The building of the Ark was a recognizable event which preceded the flood of Noah. The ten Plagues were recognizable events which preceded the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham's descendants. John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness was a recognizable event which preceded the coming of the Messiah. God has always given His people signs by which they can see the time of the fulfillment of His promise has come. They knew He Would give them a warning sign, if the City and Temple were to be destroyed, so they could be prepared. Indeed, God has always done so, and we can be sure He will continue to do so. Amos 3:4-8, Rev.10:6, 11:3.

FALSE CHRISTS
Verse 8: "And He said, take heed that ye are not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ, and the time draweth near; go ye therefore not after them." The Lord was, of course, right; many have come claiming to be the Christ, or "the gate." As this is being written there is one Benjamin Creme who claims "the Christ is now here." Jehovah's Witnesses claim the Lord came in October of 1874. (STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, series iv, p. 621, 1897.) But we know they are wrong, because "every eye" did not see Him when they said He came. Mat. 24:11, 27. Rev. 1:7, 2 Thes. 1:6-10. See pp. 75, 135.

Still, more false prophets and false Christs will come; and as The End comes closer, they will become more Demonic. Their coming is a recognizable sign in itself.

IDENTIFY THE SIGNS
Verse 9: "But when ye... hear of wars, commotions, be not terrified: For these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by." That is, "the end is not soon." Human history has been full of wars and commotions. He said that will not change. And it has not and will not. Things which have always plagued mankind will continue, and they are not (by themselves) a sign the end has come (yet).

Verse 10-11: "Then He said to them, nation will rise against nation... earthquakes, famine..." This list is the same as given in Matthew 24:4-7. "...Fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven." These are the same calamities which have fallen on man from the beginning. However, with the addition of "great signs from heaven," Y'Shua seems to draw out the list into the future, to The End. (Luke is reporting Y'Shua's words, not composing them.)

IDENTIFY THE SEQUENCE
Verse 12: "But before all these..." He had just directed their attention into the future, and now He calls their attention back to their own time. "But before all these..." (fearful sights from heaven), first. All the events which Y'Shua just listed in verse 10 and 11 cannot occur "until." By the phrase "but, before all these things" He is telling them (and us) the events He now lists must be occur before the previous list.

"But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before Kings and rulers for my Name's sake." All the events listed in verse 12 to 19 are things which must come to pass before the list in verses 10 and 11. Thus, this affliction was to come upon the First Century Saints before Jerusalem fell to Titus.

A RECOGNIZABLE SIGN
Verse 20: "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies..." Here Y'Shua names Jerusalem. This is still part of the list of things which must happen "before all these" (the list in 10-11). "Then know... the desolation thereof is nigh." Y'Shua has named Jerusalem, and said it would be destroyed.

The list of events (signs) in verses 10 and 11 are the same as those recorded by Matthew. (24:4-7, 29.) Yet the list given in Luke 21:12-22 must be fulfilled first. Matthew did not name Jerusalem specifically, Luke did.

"Desolation thereof is nigh..." is a reference to Daniel 9:26, 11:14; Jer. 5:11-18 and Eze. 9:1-5.

SEE, THEN RUN
Verse 21: "Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains..." Verses 20 and 21 are part of the list beginning in verse 12 which must be fulfilled before the list given in verses 10 and 11. Y'Shua is speaking specifically of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple which occurred in A.D. 70. Dan. 9:26.

BEFORE, OR AFTER
Again, emphatically, the events listed in verses 12 to 22 were to occur before those listed in verses 10, 11. Therefore, those events must have occurred before A.D. 70; while the events listed in verses 10 and 11 can not have begun to be fulfilled until after A.D. 70. Thus saith the Lord: "But before all these..."

PROPHECY FULFILLED
Verse 22: "For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled." Y'Shua declared that Jerusalem would be destroyed so "all things that are written" could be fulfilled. Yet the words He just spoke were not yet written. Also, "All things..." is an indication of more than one writing or of more than one event. This indicates the destruction of the City and Temple was the subject of prophecy before His coming. Dan. 9:26, 11:14-16, Zec. 11:9-10, Eze. 9:1-5. Verses 23-24: "But woe unto them... wrath upon this people ...they shall fall by the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations..." ("Let His blood be on us and our children.") These events are part of the list begun in verse 12. The phrase, "This people" is designating a specific people--Judah. "Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the gentiles be fulfilled."

TIMES OF THE GENTILES
Jerusalem was first trodden down by the Romans, then by the Moslem hordes, then by the Turks. Since Jerusalem is no longer trodden down by the gentiles, the "Times of the Gentiles" must be ended. The "times of the gentiles" ended (by His word) when His people Israel returned to take control of the Holy City. Prophecy fulfilled in our lifetime. Hosea 1:11, 3:4-5. Rom. 11:25.

ATTENTION TO THE SUBJECT
Verses 25-26: "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars..." These signs will be IN the sun, moon and stars. That is, not apparent to the eye only, but internal. The Sun will turn red because it ran out of fuel, the moon will be red because it reflects the sun's light. The stars will fall because Momentum and Gravity will no longer hold them in their assigned places. "And upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity..." It will become clear (due to the signs in the heavens) this universe has come to its end. Ps. 102:26, Isa. 34:4, Rev. 6:13.

SEE, AND COMPREHEND
"The sea roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear... looking after those things which are coming on the earth." This passage reveals the Truth. Men will see (and understand) the end has come. By this statement, ("looking after those things which are coming..."), the lie "the end of the world will completely surprise mankind" is exposed.

"For the powers of the heavens shall be shaken." The consequences of this prophecy may be beyond comprehension. But, the powers of the heavens are Gravity and Momentum. If these are shaken then stars and planets will fall like dust shaken from a carpet. Isa. 13:13, 24:20, Amos 8:9, Hab. 3:11, Hag. 2:6.

IDENTIFY THE SEQUENCE
In reading these descriptions of coming events it will be obvious they have not yet become visible--to the naked eye. They are part of the list of things in verses 10 and 11. These events are the same as listed by Matthew. Mat 24:29. These are events which will occur just shortly before the Lord returns. They have, in fact, already begun: But Astronomers call falling stars "Quasars," and claim they are at the edge of the universe.

IDENTIFY THE EVENTS
Verse 27: "And then..." In this context the term "then" refers to the events (signs) listed in verses 25 and 26. "And then shall they see the son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." Mat. 24:30-31. Every eye shall see Him come, every knee shall bend.

Verse 28: "And when these things..." These things are the events described in verses 25 and 26. Here again we are told the generation of Saints who live at the time of The End will see and recognize they are witnessing events which lead to and climax in the coming of the Lord. Heb. 10:25, 1 Thes. 5:4.

AN UNDERSTANDABLE PARABLE
Verses 29 and 30: "And He spake to them a parable, Behold the fig tree, and all the trees..." Some say the fig tree is Israel. But do all the trees ("...and all the trees...") represent Israel? This is the same parable recorded by Matthew. Luke, by the authority of the Holy Spirit, tells us this is a parable. This is a story with a point, a lesson. When we see the plant buds begin to swell and turn green, we know it is spring, and summer is near. The "buds" are the events which He has described. "Summer" is His coming. It is true Israel is one of the "signs of the times." And if it is the only sign of the times we will witness, the time of His coming is near--because The Tree is again planted in the land of Promise. Isa. 61:3, Rom. 11:24-29.

WHEN YOU SEE
Verse 31: "So likewise ye, when ye see..." Again He tells His disciples (us) it is possible for them (us) to know The End has come in their lifetime. "When ye see..." Anyone who tells His disciples it is not possible for them to recognize the signs of the times and thus know The End is coming is contradicting His word. "...See these things come to pass..." The generation of His disciples living at the time of The End can understand the events He has described are signs of the times. Signs that The End has come.

"Know ye..." Know: have indisputable proof. We do have undeniable evidence of this fact. "Know ye that the Kingdom of God is at hand." "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." 1 Thes. 5:4. "As ye see the day approaching." Heb. 10:25.

ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS
"When ye see these things..." These things are the events listed in verses 10, 11, 25 and 26. "The Kingdom of God is at hand." The Kingdom was established (His people chosen) when Y'Shua was "cut off," before that generation who saw Him all died. Acts 2:38-48, Luke 9:27. However, the Kingdom (the promised land, heaven) has not yet been given to the Chosen People. This event will occur on "that day," the "day of the Lord." Dan 7:27, Zec. 14, 2 Peter 3:7, 10-12. Rev. 19:11-21, 20:9-15.

OUR GENERATION
Verse 32: "Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled." When Y'Shua said "generation" He meant "generation." The word "all" is inclusive: none are excluded. "All" prophecy of the Second Advent of the Lord will be concluded in the lifetime of one generation. "This generation" is the generation who witnesses the events depicted in verses 10-11 and 25-26. We are the generation who witnessed the return of His Chosen People (Church, Ecclesia) to Jerusalem. We will soon witness the rebirth of Rome, and will watch as the whore Babylon murders the Saints. We are "this generation." The Lord will come in our lifetime.

THE LAST SOUND
Verse 33: "Heaven and earth will pass away..." Yes, literally, and with a big bang. 2 Peter 3:10.

FIRST THINGS FIRST
Verse 34: "Take heed to yourselves..." Do not let the concerns of this worldly life prevent you from recognizing the signs of the times. As Y'Shua said many times, "Let him who has eyes see."

IT WILL COME SUDDENLY
Verse 35: "For as a snare it (The End) shall come on all them..." Again, "them" are the unbelievers who do not pay attention to the previous verse. And, as a snare is quick, so will the coming of The End be quick.

WATCH, AND SEE
Verse 36: "Watch ye therefore, and pray..." If it were not possible to see, why would He tell us to watch? The term "escape" means not loose ones faith because of the tribulation, rather than not have to live through any tribulation. We have been told "all who live Godly lives will suffer..." 2 Tim. 3:12. Many weak Christians will fall from fear; seeing the things which are coming upon this earth, and because of the affliction by those who love not the Truth. See p. 159.

SUMMERY
In studying Luke's Twenty-first Chapter and comparing it with Matthew's Twenty-fourth Chapter, we find much agreement and one major difference. That is, Luke does warn the first century disciples about the fall of Jerusalem to Titus. Luke also warns the early disciples about the affliction which was to come upon them before the fall of the City. Matthew, on the other hand, omits the fall of the city, and almost 2,000 years of human history, and warns the last century disciples of the affliction which will come upon them just before His coming.

How do these sequences of end time events fit together?
After dumping all the pieces onto the table so we can see them clearly, we recognize the following sequence.

  
First Affliction  
Luke 21:12-19                                            A.D. 30-  
  
Fall of Jerusalem  
Luke 21:20-24, Daniel 11:14-16                           A.D. 70  
  
The Gap                                                     ....  
Daniel 9:26-27  
  
The Beginning of Sorrows  
Luke 21:10-11, Mat. 24:8, Rev. 20:7                    1820-1880  
  
The return of Israel  
Luke 21:25, Hosea 3:4-5                                  1947-67  
  
The Great Tribulation                             Last 3.5 years  
Matthew 24:15-21, Dan. 11:31-33                             ....  
  
Heaven Shaken                                          Last days  
Matthew 24:29, Luke 21:25-26, Isa. 34:1-4                   ....  
  
Last Trumpet                                           Last hour  
Matthew 24:31, Luke 21:27                                   ....  
Dan. 11:45, 12:1-3, 1 Thes. 4:14-17,  
Rev. 20:9-15.  

QUESTIONS
Before beginning a study of the Book of Revelation there are some questions which should be considered.

First: Are the apocalyptic writings of John only figurative? Or, asked in different terms; did he use metaphors to convey descriptions of future events which will be literally fulfilled? The idea that the Word of God does not really mean what it says is a repeat of the lie Satan used to deceive Eve. In fact, it will be seen that these metaphorical descriptions of human events will be fulfilled with a perfection only God could manage.

Second: Did John compose the Book of Revelation to explain coming events to Early Saints, or to explain events which would occur just before Y'Shua's return? Actually, God composed the Book of Revelation, not John. The Father gave it to the Son, who showed it to John to deliver to His servants. John was just the instrument through which the visions were transcribed, applied to paper and delivered to the Saints. (1:1.)

Third: Do the Chapter and Verse numbers have anything to do with the sequence in which the prophecies of John will be fulfilled? No. God did not give us these numbers, nor were they given by John. These numbers have nothing to do with the contents of the visions, nor with the sequence in which the prophecies will be fulfilled. The numbers were added several hundred years after John wrote, and serve only to itemize the contents for ease of location and study.

There is, in fact, a mistake in numbering Chapter Eight. Verse 1 should be the last verse of Chapter 7, and Verse 2 should be the first verse of Chapter 8. Or perhaps Verse 1 should be alone in its own chapter.

THE EARLY SAINTS UNDERSTOOD
This Little Book of Visions, "The Revelation of John," is the most remarkable Little Book ever penned. John did not write to just the Early Saints, or to the Late Saints: but to both. The Early Saints understood the visions which applied to them, and the Late Saints will understand the prophecies which apply to us. Daniel wrote, "...at the time of the end the wise shall understand." Dan. 12:9-10. And John wrote, "...to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass..." Rev. 1:1. Luke 24:45, Ecc. 2:26.

THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND
Every man knows what "to show" means, because his father "showed" him how to hunt and fish. Every woman knows what "to show" means, because her mother "showed" her how to bake a cherry pie. "To show" means to give instruction, and thus "to give understanding."

Because "all these things" have not yet come to pass, and since some must occur in the lifetime of the generation who witnessed Israel's return to Jerusalem, and since we are that generation, then the Lord will give us the understanding of these visions. Mat. 24:34, Dan 12:10, Rev. 1:1.

UNDENIABLE PROMISE
That the Lord will give the understanding of the visions of Daniel and John to Christians who live at the Time of The End is an undeniable promise. "With all your getting, get understanding." Pro. 2:6, 3:13-15, 4:7, Ps. 111:10, Ecc. 2:26. Acts 2:38, 1 Cor. 12:8, James 1:5. Rev. 10:8-10, 11:3. Ask, it is time.

SEE, AND KNOW
There may be no tangible evidence by which we can show that the Early Saints understood the part of the Book of Revelation which concerned them. However, with the eye of The Spirit we can read it and see that parts of the visions describe them or us. They would have recognized themselves and us, just as we can recognize ourselves and them.

THE WINDOW
The Book of Revelation is a window. Through this window they and we can see Earth's past, present and future, as well as see into Heaven. They could see events which would occur in their lifetime, and see us and events which would occur in our lifetime. We can see into the past, see the events which they lived through, and see them in Heaven now. And, perhaps more important, we can see the events which will occur in our lifetime.

THEY UNDERSTOOD THE SALUTATION
The first thing they would have understood is the salutation. Some of the Saints alive when John wrote were those who had seen Y'Shua. Some were children whom He blessed, or were descendants of those He healed. Many had known the Apostles, and witnessed their lives and miracles. Many others had met and heard testimony from the Five Hundred who walked with the Master. Most of these suffered some affliction, or witnessed the affliction suffered by the Apostles or their brothers in The Way. Then there would have been those who knew John personally. All of these would have known what John meant when he said "your brother and companion in tribulation." (1:1-9.)

And soon we too will understand. Are we aware of the trial of living the Christian life in Russia and Asia? Is it easy to follow Christ in Moslem countries? Are there no trials for Catholic or Protestant in South America? We are their brothers in Christ, are we not?

THE SEVEN LETTERS
Next would be the Letters to the Seven Churches. Can we imagine the joy which the Churches felt when they heard John had survived his stay on the Isle of Patmos. Can we feel the excitement they felt when they heard he had received a revelation from the Lord, and it was being copied so they could have a copy?

The first Churches to receive copies would have been the Seven Churches addressed by the Lord. Can you feel the joy, or agony, of the Saints when an Elder read their letter aloud in the general assembly? Chapters 2 and 3.

SOULS UNDER THE ALTER
Then, reading through the rest of the Letter, they would have come to Chapter 6, verse 9. "I saw under the alter the souls of them that were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held." Then someone with the eye of The Spirit would have cried out, "Look, there is Stephen, and there is James and Martha..." They would recognize every soul who had gone before, the faithful who died for their testimony. After all, we recognize them, don't we?

THEY WERE MARKED
Reading Chapter 7, verse 3, they would realize that as they had been marked in their foreheads, so would the Late Saints. Eze. 9:1-5, Acts 2:38-40. Then in verse 9 they would see every faithful soul they knew, and know we would all, someday, gather before that Throne. And so can we.

They recognized themselves in Chapter 11, verse 1 and us in verses 3-7. Yes, as they witnessed and died for their testimony, so will we. They suffered under the Emperor of Rome, we will suffer under the Emperor of Rome-reborn.

THE REMNANT
Then, seeing the Remnant in 11:13, they would realize the suffering these few remaining Late Saints would have to endure. Prayers, like incense, must have risen to God for these few Faithful who must remain to The End. We can see those who must remain, can't we? Because we cannot know which of us God may allow to see those last days, we should also pray for courage for them.

SEE THE EARLY SAINTS
Then they would come to Chapter 12: current events to them, history to us. Many of them lived from the Birth of Christ past the fall of Jerusalem. Some would see the dispersion with their own eyes. We see them in verses 11 and 17, don't we?

SEE THE LATE SAINTS
They would have recognized the unity of Chapter 13 and Daniel's Seventh Chapter because the Lord gave them the understanding, as He will give it to us. Luke 24:45, Rev. 10:8, 11:3. Because this is clearly a vision of End Time events they would have recognized us in 13:7 and 15.

COMPANIONSHIP
What a wonderful letter this almost inconceivable gift from God is! What reassurance, what joy it gives to those who will consume it. We can say, "They made it, and so can we." And now, looking into our travail on Earth, they are calling out to us, "We made it, and so can you."

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself least ye be wearied and faint in your minds, ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Hebrews Chapter 11, 12:1-4. "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood..."

CLUES TO SEQUENTIAL RELATIONSHIP
As we study the Revelation of John we will put together descriptions which depict single events, and look for clues showing their sequential relationship. First, for example, events which will occur when the angel blows the First Trumpet. There are specific events which must occur seven years before His coming, and others must occur three and a half years before That Day.

THE CEREMONY BEGINS
After beginning the Book of Revelation with his salutation, John records his vision of the Lord and the seven letters to the seven Churches. Rev. 1:1 to 3:22.

Then, caught up in the spirit, John sees the throne in Heaven. John, a guest before The Throne, has arrived just in time--a ceremony is about to begin.

Like a poet uses words, like an artist uses oils, John uses metaphors and allegories to paint a picture of the throne; the Beasts and Elders who surround the throne, He who sits upon it, and the ceremony as it begins. Rev. 4:1 to 5:14.

With the eye of faith we can read these two Chapters and see this scene in heaven, and watch "The Ceremony Of The Opening Of The Book." Ten thousands times ten thousands watch the man Y'Shua open The Little Book. This is an important moment; it is The Little Book we are studying. Dan. 12:10, Rev. 1:1, 10:1-11, 11:3.

WHY WERE WE GIVEN THE BOOK?
Why did the Father give this Little Book to Y'Shua to give to John to give to us? Read the first verse of Revelation carefully and prayerfully. It reveals the reason God gave us the Little Book. "...to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass." We are His servants. We, Early and Late Saints, were given the Book of Revelations so we would understand God's will for us in our lifetimes. Compare Isa. 29:11 to Rev. 10:8.

A COLLECTION OF VISIONS
Having read the Little Book of The Revelation of Jesus Christ more than once, we begin to notice it is a collection of separate visions. The first vision is of Christ dictating the letters to the seven Churches. The vision of Heaven and The Ceremony Of The Opening Of The Little Book is the second vision. The visions in Chapters Seven, Ten and Fourteen are each separate visions. The visions of The Seven Seals, Seven Trumpets and Seven Vials are separate visions. The Burning of Babylon is a separate vision, as is John's view of The New Heaven and Earth.

UNIMPORTANT QUESTIONS
Having recognized this Little Book is actually a collection of visions, some questions may come to mind. Why did John record the visions in this order? Did he record them in the sequence in which he received them? Answers to these questions are actually unimportant. We can be certain that as John recorded these visions he was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and his account is accurate and dependable.

WHICH SEQUENCE?
Must they be fulfilled in the recorded sequence? If so, that will surely be alright with us. But if not, in which sequence will they be fulfilled?

Before we jump to the old conclusion these visualized events must be fulfilled in the order in which they are recorded, We need to examine the visions for internal indications (key words) of the order of their fulfillment. Perhaps God has placed within the message keys to understanding its sequential structure. After all, the sequence of their fulfillment is an important detail.

Where will we find such clues? What is our final authority? We will find the needed evidence in His Word. The Word of God is our final authority.

First consider the rest of the Word of God. Is the Old Testament recorded in strict chronological sequence? No, it is not. What about the four Books about the birth and life of the Messiah? Are they recorded in a strict chronological sequence? Do they follow the same day to day order, are they recorded in the same event-to-event sequence? No. God did not write the Bible in a strict chronological sequence in an attempt to conform to the western mind's straight line logic. Why must we try to force The Revelation of Jesus Christ into a rigid formal (and external) sequential structure?

Is there evidence within the visions concerning the sequence in which they will be fulfilled? There are actually many events which will occur on The Last Day, and perhaps some of them will happen at almost the same moment: the defeat of Satan, the end of this physical world, the resurrection of the dead, and our ascent into Heaven to be with our God. However, it is clear some events must occur before others. By determining which must occur last, or first, we will arrive at the correct sequence.

In order to determine the sequence in which the events depicted will be fulfilled, we must compare the signs of the times contained in each vision with those contained in other visions and with the sequence given in Daniel, Matthew and Luke.

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened and the moon shall not give her light... the stars shall fall from heaven: ...then shall all the tribes of earth mourn, and they shall see the son of man coming in the clouds with power and great glory." Mat. 24:29-30, Luke 21:25-27.

INTERNAL SEQUENCE
We need to examine the self contained sequence of these prophecies.

  
     A.   Tribulation  
     B.        Sun and moon darkened  
               a.   Heavens shaken and  
               b.   Stars fall  
     C.   Heaven opened  
               a.   Sign of the Lord appears  
     D.   All the tribes mourn

Where else do we find this sequence events? Isa. 2:10-22, and 27:13, Eze. 38:19-23, Rev. 16:17-21. Zec. 14. Rev. 6:12-17, 11:14-19, 20:9-15. These texts all describe the Lord's coming and the End of this world, and contain the same internal sequence.

Consider 2 Thessalonians 2:8. Paul tells us the Lord will destroy Satan with the spirit of His mouth. Where else do we find this End Time event described; and do these texts contain within them clues to the sequence of their occurrence? Dan. 7:9-11, 11:45. Rev. 19:11-21.

Satan will be destroyed by our Lord on That Day. Unless we choose to believe the Lord will destroy him over and over again, we must conclude all these texts speak of the same event, even though some use different metaphors to describe his demise. 2 Peter 3:7, 10-12.

Consider the event described as the "Judgment." This event is depicted by Daniel, Malachi, Matthew and John. Dan. 7:9-10, 12:1-3. Mal. 3:16 to 4:3. Mat. 24:31. Rev. 20:11-15. Here is another selfcontained sequence. The Lord comes and the dead are resurrected, then this world ends. All are judged: The evil inherit the lake of fire, the blessed inherit Heaven.

Study the vision in Rev. 19:11-21. Compare this vision to that in 20:9-15. The vision in Chapter 19 describes the same event as Chapter 20: the destruction of the Beast and false prophets. How can the event described in Chapter 20 happen after the event described in Chapter 19? It cannot. They will occur at the same time, and they occur at the same time as the prophecy in Second Thessalonians 2:8. Dan. 7:9-10, 12:1-3 and Mat. 24:31.

THE CORRECT ORDER
What we see are several visions which describe the same events occurring in the same sequence, even though "pictographic details" (words/pigments) differ in some few cases. Unless we believe Earth will be destroyed several times, Satan slain more than once, the dead judged over and over, and a New Heaven and Earth created for both John and Ezekiel; we must conclude these are prophecies of the same events occurring at the same time.

Therefore the events depicted in the visions of the Seven Seals, the Seven Trumpets and the Seven Vials must occur concurrently. In other words, the events described in The Little Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ will be fulfilled in a parallel sequence.

THEN I SAW
Thus the phrase, "Then I saw...," as used by John does not indicate what he saw next chronologically followed the events previously described. The phrase, "after I saw... then I saw...," means just that and nothing more. The phrase has to do with the sequence in which he saw the visions, not with the order of their fulfillment or occurrence.

WHAT HAPPENS FIRST?
If the Seals, Trumpets and Vials all end at the same time, do they all begin at the same time? Do one of these visions begin before the others? Does one of the other visions; for instance Chapter 10 or 12; begin before the Seals, Trumpets or Vials? How can we know which begins first? And perhaps more important, since Israel has returned to Jerusalem, "has Y'Shua opened the Little Book?"

HOW WE CAN KNOW
We know Time is a physical thing: There is no time in Heaven. If we could look into Heaven for a while and could see what was happening there, how could we tell when "in earth time" the events were occurring? When what we saw occurred on earth we would recognize the earth time by the event, rather than recognizing the event by the time. We must learn to tell time by the sequence of events. Remember, lesser events precede greater events. "When buds turn green (then) summer is near."

In order to determine which vision began first in earth time we must search for and compare the signs of the times contained in the visions, and then compare them to the events occurring on earth. We must be a student of human affairs and current events as well as a Bible student. Mat. 25:1-12.

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
In Chapter 12 John describes the vision of The Woman, Man-Child and the Dragon. Compare this vision with the prophecy in Mic. 5:2-3, Jer. 31:15, Isa. 11:1 and Zec. 6:12-13. Now compare Rev. 12:1-3 and these prophecies with the event which occurred on earth in 4 B.C. as recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

How many men will be born to rule from the throne of God? How many times will the Christ Child be born on earth? One Man, one time. Y'Shua is the Messiah.

This vision, in chronological order, begins before the other visions recorded by John.

"Which vision first?" The vision of The Woman, Man-Child and Dragon, Chapter 12. See pp. 172, 180.

WAR WITHOUT END?
Why were we given these visions? To explain the events which would occur in our lifetime. Rev. 1:1. However, in reading this vision we will notice it does not tell us what happens at The End. It does not seem to have an ending, but leaves us in mid air (to use a metaphor) with no climax. The Dragon goes off to war against the Saints--but what happens? Is that all? Is that the end? Will Satan's war against God's Elect never end?

We will return to this vision in the Chapter "BIRTH, DEATH AND RESURRECTION" (See p. 86 ) to study it verse by verse, and search for its conclusion. First we need to determine the correct sequence for the events depicted in the visions of the Seals, Trumpets and Vials, and we need to find out if "The Ceremony Of The Opening Of The Little Book" began in our lifetime.

In examining the events these visions describe, we find John didn't record them in the order in which they will be fulfilled. The vision "The Birth of Christ" (although it follows other visions) was fulfilled before other depicted events.

The vision "The Ceremony Of The Opening Of The Little Book," which is recorded before other visions, is not fulfilled for at least a thousand years. Perhaps it is recorded so soon because it impressed John more than we have been aware. Comparing Isaiah 29:11-12 and Ezekiel 2:9 to 3:3 with Revelation Chapter 10 will reveal the significance of the opening of The Little Book.

SEALS, VIALS AND TRUMPETS
We have determined the visions of the Seals, Trumpets and Vials are fulfilled in a parallel sequence, and all end at the same time--when the Lord comes and this world ends. Do they all begin at the same time? If not, what is the sequence of their beginning? Has the First Seal (and thus, The Little Book) been opened?

In order to answer these questions we must examine the visions carefully for internal evidence of the order of their fulfillment. We must also compare their descriptions of events with human events to see if the described events are occurring in our lifetime.

HE WENT FORTH CONQUERING
Revelation 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. 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." There is a description of the Lord on His white horse in 19:11-15. Compare them. This "he" is not our Lord. There is no description in any scripture of the Lord using a bow. His weapon of choice is the sword. This "conqueror" is not our Lord, but is some other spirit released ("let out") to make war on mankind. See pp. 173, 181.

TYPES OF WAR
There are four types of war: Military, Economic, Ideological, and Religious. Do other visions or End Time Prophecies contain descriptions of someone being "let out" to make war? We need to compare them all before we can declare with certainty that we have figured out this one.

SOPHISTRY
2 Thessalonians 2:11. "And for this cause God will send them strong delusion..." We know with certainty that God tempts no man, and finds no pleasure in the fall of the sinner. Eze. 18:23, 32, James 1:13. However, as He allowed Satan to test Job, He allows Satan to test mankind and deceive those who choose to reject the Truth. Thus it is clear Satan brings this "strong delusion" (sophistry) on mankind. Sophistry is Ideological warfare. See pp. 135, 143. Mat 24:4-8.

GATHER FOR WAR
Rev. 20:7. "And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed... and shall go fourth to deceive..." (That is, delude: wage Ideological warfare.) "...the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth..." (thus, all nations.) "...Gog and Ma-Gog..." (One nation specifically: Russia.) "...to gather them to battle."

What is the best way for a would be conqueror to defeat his intended victims? Delude them with Ideology and get them to fight between themselves. Divided and making war on each other they can be easily conquered.

When was Russia overcome by Godless Communism? How many nations have fallen to Godless Communism since Russia because of Russia? And, haven't all the nations been involved in the "cold war" between Capitalism and Communism?

The First Seal and The Release of Satan from the Pit are two metaphorical descriptions of the same event.

THE BEGINNING OF THE END
Matthew 24:8. Y'Shua said, "all these are the Beginning of sorrows..." That is, "war, famine and pestilence" are the beginning of The End of this world and the birth of the eternal Heaven and Earth. When did "all these" begin? "All these" began between 1880 and 1917. Luke 21:25-28. 2 Thes. 2:3-11, Rev. 6:1, 20:7.

"THIS GENERATION"
Y'Shua said, "When ye see all these things, know that it is near, even at the very door." And, "Truly I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." Mat. 24:32-34.

The generations listed by Matthew and Luke average about forty years. Numbers 14:34-38. Mat. 1:1-16, Luke 2:23-36. However, the Lord did not say, "within a one generation time period." What He said was, "This generation shall not pass..." It is not the number of the years which we want to know. Counting years is not the key: Recognizing the signs of the times and realizing we are "this generation" is.

WHICH GENERATION?
Which generation has seen the listed "signs of the times?" "See" may mean "witness" or "comprehend." It may mean both witness and comprehend. Did the generation who witnessed the return of Israel (blood descendants of Judah who believe Y'Shua is the Messiah) to Jerusalem and World War One and Two also comprehend that those events are "signs" of the coming End? Let the Holy Spirit witness and testify of the truth. The answer is "Yes."

OUR GENERATION
Let us revue the signs of the times which reveal we are now in the last days. Many signs are visible now. Easiest to identify might be "the gospel will be preached to all nations, then the end will come." Mat. 24:14. Which nation has not had the Good News preached in it? Rev. 11:3-6. But there is more.

Look at the visions of the beasts who conquer the world. Daniel 7:1, Rev. 7:1-3 and 13:1. These beasts will not be allowed to harm Earth until we are marked on our foreheads. They are visible now. The Bear is Russia, the Leopard is China, the King of the South is Africa. The Beast's Kingdom is Rome re-born: The European Common Market-NATO alliance Nations. The United States of North America was the lion in her youth, now in her womanhood she is Modern Babylon. Yet, there is more.

Hosea said, "For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a King, and without a Prince, and without a sacrifice." This Scripture was fulfilled in A.D. 30-70, and for 1,960 years they have had no King, no Prince and no Priesthood to offer a sacrifice for their sins. Hosea 3:4, Jer. 5:12.

Y'Shua said Jerusalem would be destroyed "that all things which are written may be fulfilled... until the time of the gentiles be fulfilled." Luke 21:25, Romans 11:25. Then, as told by Hosea, "Afterward shall the children of Israel return in the later days." Hosea 3:5, Eze. 38:8, 39:12.

The children of Israel, by blood or adoption, who accept Y'Shua as their Messiah are again living in Jerusalem and attempting to rebuild David's Kingdom. The "times of the gentiles" are fulfilled. The fullness of the gentiles have "come in:" or will within what little time remains. Romans 11:5-32.

There is more evidence, for those who care to look.

  
  
  
                             PART A  
  
Event                                                    Endnote  
  
A.   Mormonism:           Joseph Smith                         2.  
     "As man is, God once was."  
  
B.   Evolution:          Charles Darwin                        3.  
     "Man is descendant from Apes."  
  
C.   Uniformatism:                                             4.  
     "All things remain the same." Geological  
     age of earth set at millions of years,  
     contradicting the Word of God.  
  
D.   Communism:             Karl Marx                          5.  
  
E.   Zionism:                                                  6.  
     Dr. T. Herzil, Y. L. Pinsker  
     "It is not a Holy Land we want, but our  
     own land."  
  
F.   The Conference on Foreign Relations, et al:               7.  
     Brain trusts dedicated to establishing a  
     ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT--which means the  
     same thing as "conquer the world."  
  
G.   Jehovah's Witnesses, et al:                               8.  
     Many errors concerning the coming of the  
     Lord.  
  
H.   "Big Bang" Theory:  Father Lemaitre                       9.  
     How the universe created itself!  
  
I.   Theory of Relativity: Albert Einstein                    10.  
     "Now God has no place to stand."  
  
J.   WORLD WAR ONE:                                           11.  
     The first time in recorded history  
     all major nations are at war at the  
     same time and place.  
  
K.   World wide flu epidemic:                                 12.  
  
L.   Expanding Universe theory:Hubble, E.                     13.  
     "The stars shall fall..."  
  
M.   Federal Reserve Board:                                   14.  
     "Let me control the money and I care  
     not who makes the laws."  
  
N.   Crash of '29:                                            15.  
     The United States sold to the highest  
     bidder--the Babylonian Conspiracy.  
  
O.   WORLD WAR TWO:                                           16.  
     The second time in one generation  
     all major nations are at war at  
     the same time and place.  
  
P.   Hiroshima and Nagasaki:                                  17.  
     The first two names on what will soon  
     be a long list.  
  
Q.   BABYLON rules the world:                                 18.  
     Look at her, Her name is on the front of  
     her face. It should be the first thing  
     we see.  
  
R.   Polio epidemic:                                          19.  
  
S.   "New Age" movement:                                      20.  
     Secular Humanism, Anthropic Principle,  
     Situation Ethics morality.  
  
T.   COLD WAR: Conquest by fear.                              21.  
     Capitalism-Communism divide the world,  
     Banking-Military Industrial Complex  
     divide the profits.  
  
U.   International Monetary Fund and                          22.  
     World Bank established to enslave  
     Third World nations by debt.  
  
V.   Greenhouse Effect,                                       23.  
     El Nino, Drought, Famine, Cancer in man  
     and beast, A.I.D.S., etc.  

While this list (part A) is incomplete, and arbitrarily chosen, it is ample to illustrate the types of human affairs. Having identified the types of human affairs, it will be recognized they are the fulfillment of the first three Seals. The events listed in Part A are examples of the TYPES of human events listed in part B and C.

  
  
                             PART B  
  
                      EVENTS LISTED BY TYPE  
  
     The First Seal: WAR                        Rev. 6:1-2, 20:7.  
  
TYPE                          EVENT  
  
i.                      D, J, O, P, Q, T.           Mat. 24:4-14.  
  
ii.                        D, E, F, Q.            2 Thes. 2:3-12.  
  
iii.                     M, N, Q, T, U.               Dan. 11:39.  
  
iv.                   A, B, C, D, E, G, H,           Rev. 13:6-7,  
                           I, L, Q, S.                 Dan. 7:21.  
  
  
     The Second Seal: Great Sword                     Rev. 6:3-4.  
  
i-iv.                     P. (Q, D, T.)              Rev. 17, 18.  
  
  
     The Third Seal: Famine                           Rev. 6:5-6.  
  
v.                          K, R, V.           Luke 21:10-11, 25.  
  
  
                             PART C  
  
Type                          NAME                    Description  
  
i.                        War: Military     The conquest and rule  
                                            of Nations by force.  
  
ii.                       War: Ideology     The conquest and rule  
                                            of Nations by control  
                                            of what they think, &  
                                            thereby, Civil Law.  
  
iii.                      War: Economic     The conquest and rule  
                                            of Nations by control  
                                            of wealth, also known  
                                            as Capitalism.  
  
iv.                      War: Religious     The conquest and rule  
                                            of Nations by control  
                                            of what they Believe.  
  
v.                        ACTS OF GOD:      Drought, Famine;  
                                            Plague, Cancer,  
                                            AIDS; Earthquake,  
                                            Flood, Roaring seas.  

Yes, these events have plagued mankind from the beginning of history, but with one major difference. "All these" occurred in the lifetime of one generation, the generation which witnessed the return of God's Chosen People (Ecclesia) to Jerusalem. This generation will not all pass away before every prophecy of the coming of the Lord is fulfilled.

In the words of John, "Even so Lord, come."

  
1.   Numbers 14:29, Mat. 1:1-17.  
  
2.   THE GOD MAKERS, Book, Harvest House: Video, Jeremiah Films,  
     Inc. 1982.  
  
3.   Mason, Stephen F., A HISTORY OF THE SCIENCES, New York:  
     Collier Books 1962, p. 32, 414.  
  
     Courville, D., "Evolution and Archaeological Interpretation"  
     CREATION RESEARCH SOCIETY QUARTERLY, V. 11, N. 1, Jul. 1974,  
     p. 47.  
  
4.   "...Continue as they were...", Mason, op. cit. p. 402,  
     408-9.  
          That is, "stay the same;" or, "are uniform" and thus,  
     "Uniformatism." 2 Peter 3:3-7.  
  
5.   Skousen, Willard C., THE NAKED COMMUNIST, Salt Lake City:  
     Ensign Pub. Co. 1961.  
  
     Olsen, R. E., KARL MARX, Boston: Twane Publishers 1978.  
  
6.   THE INTERNATIONAL HEBREW HERITAGE LIBRARY, Israeli  
     Publishing Institute, Jerusalem, Miami, FL: International  
     Book Corp., 1969, V. II, p. 235-37.  
  
7.   Allen, Gary, NONE DARE CALL IT CONSPIRACY, Rosemore CA:  
     Concord Press 1971, p. 81.  
          Skousen, op. cit.  
  
8.   STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, Series iv, 1897, p. 621.  
  
9.   Mason, op. cit., p. 569.  
  
     Jastro, R., RED GIANTS AND WHITE DWARFS, New York: W. W.  
     Horton 1979, p. 77-8.  
  
10.  Mason, op.cit., p. 541-45.  
  
11.  ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA MACROPAEDIA, Chicago: Encyclopaedia  
     Britannica, V. 19, p. 538-53.  
          Allen, op. cit.  
  
12.  Beveridge, INFLUENZA: THE LAST GREAT PLAGUE, New York:  
     Prodist 1977.  
  
13.  Mason, op.cit., p. 569.  
          Jastro, op.cit. p. 76-80.  
  
          St Peter, R., "Lets Deflate the Big Bang Hypotheses",  
          CREATION RESEARCH SOCIETY QUARTERLY, V. 11, N. 3, Dec.  
          1974, p. 143.  
  
14.  Allen, op. cit., p. 49-50.  
  
15.  Glassman, THE CRASH OF '29 AND THE NEW DEAL, Morristown NJ:  
     Silver Burdette Co., 1986.  
          Allen, op. cit.  
               Skousen, op. cit.  
  
16.  ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA MACROPAEDIA, OP. CIT., V. 19. p.  
     538-53.  
          Allen, op. cit.  
               Skousen, op. cit.  
  
17.  HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI, THE PHYSICAL, MEDICAL, AND SOCIAL  
     EFFECTS OF THE ATOMIC BOMBING, New York: Basic Books 1981.  
  
18.  "During the time when the U.S. was pre-eminent.", Kissinger,  
     H., TIME, 5 Mar., 1984, p. 21.  
  
     McCarthy, Eugene  
     "...An imperial power... for 30 years.", U.S.A. TODAY, 7  
     Nov., 1984. p. A-15.  
  
19.  Poliomyelitis, ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA MICROPAEDIA, OP.  
     CIT., V. VIII, p. 81.  
  
20.  Cumby, C., HIDDEN DANGERS OF THE RAINBOW, Lafayette LA:  
     Huntington House 1983.  
  
     Hunt & McMahon, THE SEDUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY, Eugene OR:  
     Harvest House 1985.  
  
21.  Divine, EISENHOWER AND THE COLD WAR, New York: Oxford  
     University Press 1981.  
          Allen, op. cit.  
               Skousen, op. cit.  
  
22.  Harrington, THE TWILIGHT OF CAPITALISM, New York: Simon and  
     Schuster 1976.  
          Allen, op. cit.  
               Skousen, op. cit.  
  
23.  Golden, Branegan, et al., "Hot Time For The Old Orb", TIME,  
     31 Oct., 1983, p. 84.  
  

Because the release of Satan from the pit is the same event as the release of the conqueror, we must ask, "When was the Thousand Year Reign of the Saints?" Rev. 20:4-6.

BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH
The Birth of the Messiah occurred before the Lord showed John this vision. However, all of the vision recorded in Chapter 12 was not history to John and the Early Saints. Part of it was about events still to occur in their future.

Rev. 12:1. "And there appeared a great wonder in Heaven; a woman clothed with the sun..." This is a metaphor depicting the honor given to Mary: for within her womb God created His Seed. Micah 5:2-3, Luke 1:41-55. See pp. 172, 180

MARY, OR ISRAEL
Is this vision speaking only of Mary? Hosea depicted Israel as a woman, wife and mother. Scripture describes the New Covenant Body as the Bride of Christ. As the Old Covenant gave birth to the New Covenant and Mary gave birth to Y'Shua, Judaism gave birth to "The Way." Israel, wife to God according to Hosea, gave birth to the Bride of Christ. Whether we prefer to see this woman as Mary or Israel, this is a vision of Y'Shua's birth. Eph. 1:22, Hosea 2:2-13. Col. 1:18, John 3:29, Eph. 5:23-29, Rev. 21:9, 22:17.

12:2. "And she being with child cried, travailing in birth..." Israel's birth pains were no less painful than Mary's.

THE GREAT DRAGON
Verse 3: "...Behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns..." This is Satan and his kingdom. As Satan moved Pharaoh to try to kill Moses, he moved Herod, as head of state, to attempt to murder the Messiah.

Verse 4: "...The dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born." Satan sent the magi (they were magicians, astrologers) to find the Child so he could arrange His death. As Satan had used a Head of State before in an attempt to murder Moses and destroy Israel, He attempted to murder Y'Shua at His birth. See pp. 172, 180.

Verse 5: "And she brought forth a man child, who is to rule all nations with a rod of iron." "She" is Mary, virgin mother of the Messiah. "She" is Israel, who gave birth to the daughter of Judaism, the Bride of Christ. Gen. 12:3, Isa. 11:1-3, Hosea 11:1. See pp. 172, 180.

Y'SHUA ASCENDS THE THRONE
"And her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne." "...The Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself." Dan. 9:26, Mark 16:19. Y'Shua rules Heaven and Earth from His Father's Throne.

DISPERSAL OF JUDAH
Verse 6: "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place..." After the birth of Y'Shua Joseph and Mary fled into Egypt, then after Herod's death they returned to Nazareth. However, this "woman" fled after the Messiah was ascended to God. This is Judah. This verse is depicting the dispersion of the Jews after A.D. 70. This is current events for John and the Early Saints.

If the prophecy "a thousand two hundred and threescore days" is of literal days, this is three and a half years. The Roman war against Judah lasted longer than that. If this prophecy was to be counted at a year for a day, then Judah was to be hidden from Satan during the rise and fall of the Catholic Church and the Moslem Empire.

SATAN CAST DOWN
Verses 7, 8, 9: "And there was war in Heaven: Michael and His angels..." "...Neither was their place found anymore." "And the great dragon was cast out, and his angels with him." These verses depict the battle in Heaven which ended in Satan's defeat. Isa. 14:12, Eze. 28:16-17, Luke 10:18. See pp. 172, 180.

SATAN'S CAREER
So we can get the most from this vision, we need to do a quick review of Satan's life. So far, in this vision, we have seen how he tried to murder Y'Shua at his birth. We know that was not the beginning of his career. Where does the story of Satan begin?

Ezekiel 28:2-19. "How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of dawn!" "Because your heart is lifted up and you have said `I am a god'..." "...Although you make your heart like the heart of God." "You had the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect beauty... you were in the garden of Eden, the garden of God. On the day you were created they were prepared. You were the anointed Cherub, ...blameless in your ways, ...unrighteousness was found in you, you sinned." Isa. 14:12, 2 Thes. 2:3-12.

In the beginning God created everything in a state of innocence and perfection. God created Satan when the garden of Eden was prepared. Then Satan sinned.

Then Satan set about to overcome man. He deceived Eve with the sophisticated lie that although God said one thing, what He meant was something else. He tempted and defeated Adam and Eve, then Cain. Soon every man on the face of this earth, except Noah and his family, fell to Satan's lies. After the flood, Satan defeated Ham, Nimrod and Asher, to name but a few. Gen. 3:1, 6:1-5. 9:22, 11:3-4.

Then he used the King of Egypt in an attempted to murder Moses. When he failed, he tried to use another King in an attempt to destroy Israel. (Num. 22, 23.) This is an important lesson: Satan has used Heads of State and whole nations in attempts to destroy God's People.

Where is the end of Satan's story? We will come to it soon.

THINGS ACCOMPLISHED
Verse 10: "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, now..." Notice that this is all one list. A list of things accomplished. "NOW..." "...is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down..."

When did salvation come to man? When God allowed the Lamb to be sacrificed for our sins. Mark 15:26. When did Y'Shua sit down at the right hand of God? When He ascended. Mark 16:19. When was the kingdom established? When He called His people out of "Egypt." Mat. 1:21, Luke 9:27, Acts 2:1-47, Col. 1:1-18.

THE EARLY SAINTS
Verse 11: "And they [Early Saints] overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." They (who believed Y'Shua is the Son of God) testified that He is the Messiah: testimony which cost them their lives. They are our example. We can see them now under the Throne. See pp. 172, 180.

WOE TO THOSE LIVING ON EARTH
Verse 12: "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens..." Satan was cast out, but: "Woe to the inhabiters of the earth, for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time." If he knows his time is short, so do we: John did not write this for Satan's benefit. If Satan's time was short when this was written, how short is it today?

FALL OF JERUSALEM
Verse 13: "And when the dragon saw he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the Man Child." The "woman" is Israel. This event (Satan cast out) must have occurred before the woman fled to the wilderness. This was when Satan lead the Romans (he used Titus as he used the Kings of Egypt and Babylon) to destroy Jerusalem. So Satan was cast out of Heaven before the desolation of Jerusalem. Dan. 9:26, 11:14-16.

John and the Early Saints had seen much of this in their own lifetime. The dispersion was still in their future.

DISPERSION OF THE CHURCH
Verse 14: "And to the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished..." In this Chapter we have seen three different women depicted. Mary, and Israel, the wife of God, who gave birth to the Bride of Christ. The woman depicted in verse 6 is Judah, while the woman in verse 14 is the Church. The dispersion of both Judah and the early Church has begun. Earth time, between A.D. 70 and 110. See pp. 172, 180.

THE DARK AGES
Verse 15: "And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood..." Satan attempted to destroy the remnant of Judah and the Church. We can read, in history books, the story of the dispersion of the Jews by Rome which took place from about A.D. 70 to 110. We can read about the persecution of the Early Saints. After Rome, the Catholic Church and Moslem hordes persecuted both Jews and Christians.

Verse 16: "And the earth helped the woman..." Both the descendants of Judah and the Church fled to nations on the edge of civilization where their enemy could not reach them: England, Poland, Russia, Spain and others.

Verse 17: "And the dragon was wroth with the woman [Judah] and went off to make war with the remnant of her seed [Early Saints] which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Y'Shua the Messiah." Yes, Christianity ("her seed") is the daughter of Judaism. See pp. 172, 180.

ETERNAL WAR?
However, is this the end of this vision? Satan has gone off to make war against the Saints. Is there no end to his war? What will be the outcome of Satan's war against the Saints?

Where can we find the ending of this vision? By reading the Word of God we know what the future of Satan must be. He will be destroyed in The End. Satan's end is described in Dan. 7:7-11, 8:25, 11:45. Paul also foretold his end. 2 Thes. 2:8. We can also see the end of Satan in Revelation Chapters 19 and 20.

Where is the last half, the climax of the vision in Chapter 12? It is in Revelation Chapter Twenty.

SATAN LOCKED AWAY
20:1-3. "And I saw an angel come down from Heaven, having the key..." "He laid hold on the dragon, ...old serpent, which is the devil, and bound him for a thousand years." See pp. 173, 180.

Satan; who had been deceiving the nations (12:17) and using them (as he had Pharaoh, Herod and Titus) in his attempt to destroy the remnant of Judah and the Church; is locked into the pit. So, as we already knew, Satan will not always make war against Judah and the Church.

We see, therefore, Chapter 12 contains the first half and Chapter 20 contains the second half of a single vision which depicts events from the birth of the Messiah until The End of human affairs.

IDENTIFY THE CONTEXT
Before we consider the Fourth through Sixth verses, some questions need answers. When was Satan locked into the Pit? Were the thousand years literal? When, in earth time, did (or will) these depicted events occur?

In order to answer these questions and identify the correct "earth time," we must locate the key words so we can match them with recognizable clues in other visions, and historic events.

We first notice this vision is divided into several major sections. The description of Satan's imprisonment is first. Second is the "first resurrection" and the "thousand year" time period. The third section depicts Satan's release and renewed war on Judah and Christianity in particular, and mankind in general. The last section depicts our Lord's coming and Satan's defeat.

LOOK FOR INTERNAL CLUES
The most obvious sign of the times is at the end of the vision: Satan's defeat. Also depicted is The End of this world and The Final Judgment. Dan. 12:1-3, Mal. 3:16-18, 4:1-3, 1 Cor. 15:52, 1 Thes. 4:13-17, 2 Peter 3:7-12. Rev. 6:12-17, 11:15-19, 16:17-21, 20:10-15.

So we have identified The End. However, these events are still in our future. Are there events which have occurred in our recent history by which we can correctly identify the sequence of depicted events?

EXAMINE HUMAN EVENTS FOR EVIDENCE
It is not possible to establish an exact date for Satan's imprisonment. However, by examining the history of mankind and the Church it becomes clear Satan's war against Judah and the Church became more and more severe after A.D. 70, finally reaching its peak in about 800 or 900. At about that time, the depth of the Dark Ages, mankind's slip into darkness halted, then reversed. Then, in about 1200, the period known as the Renaissance began, which reached its brightest hour with the printing of the King James Bible in 1611.

So there is evidence Satan was missing from Earth for some part of recent history, which allowed man's renaissance. We can also see evidence of his release from the pit.

SATAN IS LOOSED
Verses 7-8: "And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, and shall go out to deceive the nations..." What evidence is there that God has allowed Satan to be released? That Satan used the Ideology (delusion) of Godless Communism to conquer Russia is but one symptom. That the delusions known as "Evolution," "Big Bang theory" and "Relativity" have deluded all the nations is a little more. But there is much more. See pp. 135, 143, 173, 181.

Russia's first astronaut declared he saw no God in the heavens. In Modern Babylon it is against the law of the land to teach the Bible account of Creation to school children. Yet liars teach children "something which did not exist created itself" with a straight face. Pagan religions and witchcraft are growing. Sophists and Liberal Theologians openly ridicule those who believe a literal interpretation of God's Word. And yet there is more. The Spirit of God bears witness: The angel loosed Satan upon mankind between 1800 and 1900 --the thousand years are expired. As 12:13-14 was the present time for the Early Saints, these verses (7-8) depict current events for this generation.

WAR AGAINST THE SAINTS
Satan's war against the Saints begins as guerilla warfare: a secret ideological, economic and religious war which soon becomes murderous. Rev. 20:8. See pp. 173, 182.

GATHER FOR ARMAGEDDON
Verse 9: "And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the Saints about, and the beloved city..." The beginning of the Battle of Armageddon, the day of Jezreel. Hosea 1:11, Isa. 34:1-4, Zec. 14, Zep. 1:15-18, Dan. 11:40-45 and Rev. 9:14-16. Verse 9 depicts The End of human affairs. See pp. 173, 183.

We have located the pictographic details in this vision which reveal The End. We have found the key words which reveal our location in the sequence of events revealed by this vision. Now we can fit verses 4 to 6 to events in other visions, and human history.

THE EARLY SAINTS
Verses 4-6: "The souls of them who were beheaded for the witness of Jesus..." These souls, the Saints, are described as having refused the mark of the beast. We should not assume this is the "mark of the beast" depicted in Chapter 13. These are the same beast seen by Daniel. Dan. 7:7. This is the beast who will defeat the Saints and rule the earth for 42 months, and will be destroyed by the Lord when He comes. 2 Thes. 2:3-12. The Beast in Chapter 13 is the same beast who will murder the Saints after they complete their 1260 days testimony. Rev. 11:7. This beast is not released upon the earth until 20:7, yet these Saints (in vv. 4-6) are killed and resurrected before Satan is released from the pit to deceive the nations. See pp. 173, 180.

THROWN TO THE LIONS
During the affliction of the Early Saints, the Emperor of Rome claimed to be God; and by acknowledging him as `god' a man could save his worthless flesh. The Pope of the Catholic Church claimed to be `God' and murdered millions of Christians who would not accept his mark. These are those Saints, our brothers, and they can also be seen in Rev. 6:9-11 and 14:1-5. These are those who received the mark of our Lord depicted in Ezekiel Chapter 9. They are the "firstfruits." Acts 2:38, James 1:18.

THE THOUSAND YEARS
"And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years..." Is this ("lived and reigned with Christ") a promise of a kingdom on this physical earth? See pp. 173, 181.

Before we continue, we should consider Revelation 22:18. "If any man add unto these things..." It will be wise to continue with caution. We will want to make every effort to add neither words or definitions (yes, it says thus and so, but what it means is so and so) to the Word of God. So while we consider these verses we will want to consider carefully not only the words which are in them, but also the words which are not.

Consider these words carefully: "And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." "With Christ." The Kingdom over which Christ reigns is His People: Church, Ecclesia. The Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of People, not a Kingdom of Earthly land. This Kingdom was established in A.D. 30. Luke 9:27, Mark 16:19, Acts 2:37-47. Col. 1:2-18, Rev 12:10.

STUDY WITH PRAYER
Y'Shua said, "My kingdom is not of this earth..." John 18:36. Paul wrote, "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom..." 1 Cor. 15:50-52. The Scriptures plainly teach His Kingdom is eternal, and is not of this earth. Dan. 2:44, Isa. 9:6-7, Luke 1:32-33.

How--then--can some teach that He will establish a kingdom on this earth which will last for a thousand years? They do it by adding words and definitions to God's Word which are not in it.

Read these Scriptures for yourself. Study them, meditate on them in prayer and fasting. Ask the Lord for understanding. God, by His Holy Spirit, will open your mind and give you His definition of His Word. You do not need to study what the theologians write about His Word: you can understand His Word. Pro. 9:10, Ecc. 2:26, Dan. 12:9-10, James 1:5.

FIRST, LEARN HIS WORD
Before we can recognize the lies which are being told about these verses, we need to learn exactly what they say. Once we know exactly what they do say, then we can recognize what they do not say. When we are sure of exactly what they say, we can understand what they mean.

The Scripture cannot mean something it does not say. The most powerful thing a Christian can do to defend himself against the lies of Satan, is learn what The Word says. If we do not know what The Word of God says, how can we hope to understand what it means?

WHAT HE DID SAY
"And they lived and reigned with Christ..." This does not say, "Christ will reign on this earth." (To where did Christ ascend to sit on His Father's throne? Mark 16:19, Rev. 12:5, 10.) "They reigned with Christ" has nothing to do with the location of Christ's reign, or with the duration of His reign. His reign has already begun and will last forever. He reigns from His Father's throne in Heaven. It is the Saints who will "reign with" Him for a thousand years.

WHAT HE DID NOT SAY
Verses 4 to 6 do not say the Lord will come to this earth and establish an earthly kingdom which will last for a thousand years. Only those who love not the truth will insist they mean something they don't say.

WHAT WILL END?
Verse 7: "When the thousand years are ended..." We need to determine exactly what this verse identifies as having ended. Did Christ's reign end? No. Did the reign of the Saints with Christ end? No. This scripture said the thousand years ended. It is the time period which ends, not the reign of Christ, or the Saints reign with Him. This Scripture tells us when the time period ends the location of Satan will change. "When the thousand years are expired, Satan will be loosed from the pit."

The Time Period ended, Satan was loosed from his prison.

Were the "thousand years" a literal thousand years? We know the Pope of the Holy Roman Catholic Church grew in power until controlling almost all of the known world. The "reign of harlots" was about the time the Pope reached the peak of his power, and the Dark Ages reached their depth. We can show that between 8 to 9 hundred the Pope began to loose control of men's minds.

By comparing the key words in this vision to recognizable events in history, it is evident Satan was loosed between 1820 and 1880. If Satan were locked into the pit between 800-900 and then released between 1800-1900, then the "thousand years" were literal. But regardless of whether or not the thousand years were literal, the Signs of the Times reveal that Satan has been loosed from the pit and the First, Second and Third Seals have been opened.

ONE VISION
This vision, recorded in Revelation Chapters 12 and 20, covers Earth events from the birth of Christ to the final defeat of Satan: about two thousand years. It contains the past, present and future of the Early Saints, and the past, present and future of the Late Saints. This magnificent vision is the handiwork of God. It is He who will give the understanding of its message to those who ask. Dan. 12:9-10.

Compare the following Scriptures: Ecc. 2:26, Isa. 28:9-10, Dan 2:21 and 1 Cor. 2:12. In contrast to: Isa. 44:25, 1 Cor. 1:19-21, 3:18-20.





1. What is the purpose of this chapter?
2. How could Satan's war against Judah and the Church account for man's fall into the Dark Ages?
3. How could man's recovery from the Dark Ages be a consequence of Satan's absence?
4. Identify the group in 6:9-11, 12:11 and 20:4-6. List the clues which identify them.
5. Identify "the camp of the saints." What clue identifies it?
6. Combine the sequence of events as depicted by the vision contained in Chapters Twelve and Twenty with your sequence of events from previous chapters.

SOME QUESTIONS
Having recognized the first vision to begin in the "end of the days" time period was The Woman, Man-Child and Dragon; and the visions of the Seals, Trumpets and Vials all must end at the same time and are fulfilled in some concurrent order; and the First Seal has been opened; we are faced with some pressing questions. Where are we in the sequence of the Seals, Trumpets and Vials? Has the angel sounded the First Trumpet, or poured out the First Vial?

THE BOOK IS OPEN
The Ceremony Of The Opening Of The Little Book may have began as early as 1820. "As early as," because we cannot figure out an exact date for any Heavenly event. For example, someone may claim World War One began at 9 am Local Standard Time on June 3, 1914. Even if that date and time are correct, we can not take it as conclusive evidence the Lord opened the First Seal at that exact time. After Y'Shua opened the First Seal and released Satan, there must have been a time delay while Satan made his plan and enlisted the aid of rebellious spirits and sinful men. We can't figure out any exact days or hours, nor will we attempt to do so.

SATAN IS LOOSE
The First Seal is open and Satan is loose to make war and to conquer. Rev. 6:1, 20:7. He was given a bow and a white horse. The horse is an instrument of war: Cavalry. What other instruments of war were familiar to men in John's lifetime? The spear, ax, battering ram, catapult, siege tower, chariot and galley.

Today's armies use jeeps in place of horses, tanks in place of the battering ram, and artillery for the catapult. The galley is now the aircraft carrier, battleship and submarine. The spear and sword are the rifle, bayonet and machine gun.

If we were painting a mural to communicate a message, would it be possible to represent all of these weapons of war with one pictograph? See pp. 173, 181.

THE GREAT SWORD
6:3-4: "...Opened the second seal... and there went out another horse that was red: and power was given 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."

Is there a recognizable key word by which we can determine if the Lord has opened the Second Seal? Yes, it is the "great sword." Since it is possible to use "a sword" to represent any or all weapons of war, all we need to do is recognize which weapon is called a "great sword."

The first successful atomic chain reaction took place in Chicago, July 1942. (COLLIER'S ENCYCLOPEDIA, New York: Macmillan Educational Co. V. 17, p. 713-714.) The consequence was the Atomic Bomb. This great sword murdered the innocent of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. See pp. 173, 181.

If, in a metaphor (and Revelation is a book of metaphors) a sword may be any weapon of war, then "great sword" is certainly an accurate metaphor for a weapon which can kill a million men, women and children in less than a heart beat.

Therefore, if we (for convenience of reference) conclude the Lord opened the First Seal in about 1800, then we can agree He opened the Second Seal in about 1900. Again, we are not attempting to figure out any exact dates. These numbers are no more important to us than the numbers of the verses in the Book of Revelation.

The Cold War of the Fifties followed World Wars One and Two, and since then war after war. We have had World War, but not world peace: nor will we. The coming world peace will be false. As it is written, "by peace he shall destroy many."

FAMINE
Verse 5-6: "...Opened the third seal... and lo, a black horse... a measure of wheat for a penny..."

This is famine. Since 1950 (when nations tested atomic bombs in the atmosphere) it has become apparent the world's weather has become unstable. Volcanos (St. Helens in Washington and El Chichon in Mexico) have spewed gasses into the atmosphere. High altitude military and civilian aircraft also pollute the atmosphere. Use of Fluorocarbons and other contaminates has caused a depletion of the ozone layer. Industrial burning of fossil fuels has contaminated earth's air. The consequence is called "the Greenhouse Effect." The resultant instability of earth's weather has disrupted agriculture which, in turn, has brought famine. (TIME, Oct. 31, 1983, p. 19.) See pp. 173, 181.

There are, this very moment, millions of starving people in the world. As the worlds weather continues to fluctuate unpredictably, famine will spread. It is a sign of the end. ("Are We Close To The End?" Maranto, G. DISCOVER, Jan. '86, p. 29.)

DECADE OF THE EIGHTIES
We have arrived at the division of history and future--the present. The Lord has opened the first Three Seals. He has not yet opened the Fourth Seal. What must take place before the Fourth Seal is opened? After He opens it, what must occur?

DEATH AND HELL LOOSED
6:7-8: "...Opened the fourth Seal... and behold, a pale horse: And his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him... power over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with the sword, and hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth." "Sword" is a metaphor for "instrument of war." If millions die ("a fourth of the earth") then this must mean that great sword, the atomic bomb, has been unleashed upon mankind. If so, the angel has sounded the First Trumpet. See pp. 173, 181.

FIRST TRUMPET
"The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth; and the third part of the trees was burned up." Rev. 8:2-7. See pp. 174, 181. The phrase, "Mingled with blood...," must mean the great sword has killed millions.

We know the use of nuclear weapons will cause the earth great harm.

BUT FIRST, THE MARK
However, in 7:3 we read, "Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees... till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads..." See Ezekiel Chapter 9. The marking of the servants must take place before the Lord opens the Fourth Seal and the angel sounds First Trumpet. See pp. 178, 181.

The Lord has opened the Third Seal, and (as this is being written) we are waiting for nuclear war to break out. We must conclude the marking of the Lord's servants is taking place now. Events depicted in the Seventh Chapter of Revelation are current events. We will study the Sealing of His servants in the Chapter "THE MARK OF GOD." See p. 101.

The Fourth Seal means death for millions of mankind by famine, plague, earthquake, flood, nuclear war, and the beasts of the field. The First Trumpet depicts the consequences of nuclear war on the Earth; and death to millions due to the breakdown of earth's ecology.

RADIOACTIVE WASTE
8:8-9: "The second angel sounded... great mountain burning... cast into the sea... a third of the creatures died, and a third of the ships..." "Burning mountain" is a metaphor for the contamination from nuclear war; and collectively all the poisons poured into rivers, lakes and seas by man--which will bring death to earth. ("As some species plunge further into decline..." Steinhart, Peter. "Portrait of a Deepening Crisis" NATIONAL WILDLIFE, Oct./Nov. 1989, V. 27, N. 6, p.4.) See pp. 174, 181.

A "third of the ships" will be military cargo and oil tankers, and the escort vessels and submarines which will destroy them and each other. Tactical nuclear weapons will be used, at sea and on land, at this early date. Unusually powerful storms at sea will also destroy many ships.

WATERS POISONED
8:10-11: "The third angel... great star fell upon a third of the rivers and ...fountains... wormwood... waters bitter... many men died." If men die from "bitter waters," then "bitter" must be a metaphor for "poison," (that is, contamination). The world's water supply is poisoned by nuclear contamination and DDT, PCB's, ad infinitum. (Stranahan, Susan Q. "Living in the Shadow of Poisonous Air" NATURAL WILDLIFE, Aug./Sep. 1987, V. 25, N. 5, p. 30.) See pp. 174, 182.

Shadows of this coming reality are in fact already visible to those who have courage to see. In the Duwamish River, Washington; the Buffalo River, Ohio and Torch Lake in Michigan, from 30 to 80 percent of Cat Fish have detectable to grossly visible cancers. (SCIENCE DIGEST, April 1984.) This is a sign of the coming event; as are Times Beach and Love Canal, forests dying of acid rain, the Rhine River spill and Russian nuclear reactor disaster. And for those who can see, there is more.

THE SUN TURNED OFF
8:12-13: "The fourth angel sounded... the third part of the sun was smitten..." From the time of the Fourth Seal, when the Great Sword is released to harm the earth, nations will fight a number of local limited nuclear wars--the smoke of which will darken the sky. New and reawakening volcanos will add their smoke to the atmosphere. Yet, this thickening of the air is not the reason for the dimming of the sun. It was not the atmosphere smitten when this Trumpet was sounded, it was the sun itself. It has grown old and used up its fuel. Like an ember, it will turn red as it dies. See p. 174.

Modern scientists ridicule this truth today, but in their own lifetime their laughter will turn to tears. Mat. 24:29, Luke 21:25. ("Long Term Downward Trend In Total Solar Irradiance," Willson, R. C., et al, SCIENCE, V. 234, Nov. 28, 1986, p. 1114. And see: "The Solar Neutrino Problem" or "Missing Solar Neutrinos," I. Peterson, "Making Sunshine" SCIENCE NEWS, V. 136, Oct. 28, 1989, p. 280.)

MODERN SOPHISTS AND FALSE PROPHETS
Modern Alchemists deny they have had anything to do with what is coming upon the earth. They will, of course, blame God. False prophets will ridicule those of us who warn that these events are signs of The End. (NIGHTFALL, Isaac Asimov, ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION, Sept. 1941.) After all, "the visions of John are only the dreams of a very old holy man." And "there is no conclusive evidence that acid rain kills trees, or radioactive ash kills grass."

We have looked at the consequences of the first Four Trumpets, which the angel will sound after the Lord has marked the Servants of God and the Lord has opened the Forth Seal. We will consider the Fifth Seal next.

OUR BROTHERS IN CHRIST
6:9-11: "...Under the alter the souls of them who had been slain for the testimony..." "...Until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were..." Rev. 12:11. Who is this under the alter? The Early Saints who were murdered by the pagan god of Rome for their testimony. James 1:19, Luke 21:12-16. See pp. 173, 182.

Who are these "fellow servants" who will be killed as they were? "With all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours..." 1 Cor. 1:2. "Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God..." Rom. 1:7, Gal. 1:2-5, Col. 1:1-7, 1 Thes. 1:1-4. Brothers of mine, you know we are brothers because we have the same Father and Savior, because we serve the same Lord. Those who lived and died in those early centuries are our brothers in Christ.

THE PLAIN TRUTH
Here, in plain and unmistakable terms, our Lord warns us that, as they died, we must die. In plain words only those who refuse to believe Truth could deny, our Lord tells us as the pagan god of Rome murdered our fellow servants, the pagan god of Rome reborn will murder us.

"The... horn made war with the Saints and prevailed against them." Dan. 7:21. "And shall destroy the Holy People..." Dan. 8:24, 11:31-35. "Yet they shall fall by the sword..." Mat. 24:9. "...And shall kill you..." "...Shall make war against them, and shall kill them." Rev. 11:7. Dan. 9:27, 12:11-12. Mat. 24:15-21 and Rev. 13:14-15. See pp. 159.

LOOK FOR INTERNAL CLUES
These scriptures reveal that the war against the Saints occurs within the last 1,290 days of human history; and, the Beast's kingdom has been established. We will consider the evidence concerning the time of the rebirth of Rome in the Chapter "BEASTS FROM THE SEA." See p. 109.

The angel is to pour out the First Vial upon the Beast's kingdom. Thus, the Beast must re-establish the Roman empire before the Fifth Seal.

THE LOCUSTS LOOSED
9:1-11: "The fifth angel sounded... he opened the bottomless pit..." Who are the locusts? To answer this question we must consider recognizable clues contained within this vision and compare them with those in other visions and prophecies. For example, Isa. 14:15-19. See pp. 174, 182.

THE BOTTOMLESS PIT
The first key word is the bottomless pit. "I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit..." (20:1.) God kept Satan in the pit. Who else? "And the angels who kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day." Jude 1:6.

HELL'S ANGELS
The locusts are the "stars of heaven" whom Satan swept down with his tail. The stars are angels. 9:1, 12:4. Who are the Locust? The angels who rebelled against God and followed Satan. The angels who have been locked in the pit with the Evil Spirit they chose to follow.

THE MARK IS A CLUE
There is another key word in verse 4. "But only those men who have not the seal of God in their foreheads." By this negative connotation it is indicated that, first, the servants of God have been marked. And second, they are still on earth. It is therefore evident this event (the Fifth Trumpet) occurs after the events depicted in 7:1-3 but before 6:9-11, 11:7-10. After the Lord has marked His servants, but before they die for their testimony.

The Beast's kingdom has been established, and he is making war against the Saints. Dan. 7:7, Rev. 13:1. The Lord released the locusts, Satan's angels, to torment those who will not believe the truth. It is about this time the angel pours out the First Vial upon the beast's kingdom.

THE VIALS POURED OUT
16:2: "And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell... upon the men who had the mark of the beast... which worshiped his image..." This First Vial is poured out upon the Beast's kingdom and those who reject the Son of God. It is not poured upon those who love the Truth. This event takes place after the events depicted in Revelation 13:16 and Daniel 11:21-24.

THE FRUIT OF TECHNOLOGY
These sores are what one would expect from the contamination of nuclear war and the loss of the ozone layer. See pp. 174, 182.

The Second, Third and Fourth Vials are the results of the contamination of nuclear war and pollution of the atmosphere, lakes, rivers and seas. Those who have destroyed the earth will now wallow in their own waste. ("THE LONG TERM WORLD WIDE ATMOSPHERIC CONSEQUENCES OF NUCLEAR WAR," Carl Sagan, Dr. P. Ehrlich, et al, 1983.)

THE FIFTH VIAL
16:10-11: "And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the Beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness..." If, by this, the Lord meant literal physical darkness, like when the sun goes down on a moonless night, then all they would have to do is turn on their (atomic reactor produced) electric lights. Yet that kind of darkness is not painful. This darkness is the same kind which men endured during the Dark Ages, and yet worse. This is a complete lack of moral or spiritual values. But darkness of any kind cannot hide the death pangs of this dying Earth and universe. Luke 21:26. Isa. 44:18, 2 Peter 1:9. See pp. 174, 182.

THE FINAL BATTLE
The Sixth Seal, and Sixth Trumpet and Vial must occur at about the same time, as they have to do with the same river, Kings and war--the battle of Armageddon. Rev. 16:12-16, 9:14-19. The armies of the world gather for the last battle. Isa. 34:1-3. See pp. 174, 183.

THE SEVENTH TRUMPET
The Seventh Seal, Seventh Trumpet and Seventh Vial are also events which take place in the same general time because they are all events which occur at the end of this world. Now Babylon drinks her cup. Rev. 16:17-21. "...Sun black... moon turns to blood... stars fall, a great earthquake..." Heaven opened like a scroll, men try to hide from God. Isa. 2:10-22. Rev. 11:18, 20:9-12. "It is done." A great earthquake, cities fall. The "time of the dead, that they should be judged." The Seventh Trumpet is THE LAST TRUMPET! Mat. 24:31, 1 Cor. 15:51-52. "Thy wrath has come ...destroy them who destroy the earth." See pp. 174, 183.

When the Seventh Seal is opened all the hosts of Heaven will wait in reverent silence for The End.

The Seventh Trumpet is sounded when the Lord comes to defeat His enemy and gather His elect. Two events will take place after the Seventh Trumpet: First, The Judgment. Rev. 19:11-21, 20:9-15. Dan. 7:26, 12:1-3. Second, The Kingdom (His Chosen People) will inherit the Kingdom (the New Heaven and Earth). Isaiah 65:17-25, Ezekiel 40 to 48. Psalms 98, Zechariah 14, Revelation 20 and 21.

Which events must occur before the angel sounds the First Trumpet? We will now study the visions which depict those events which have been occurring during the decades of the Eighties, which must be fulfilled prior to the First Trumpet. Those events depicted in Chapters 7 and 10.

THE MARK OF GOD
7:1. "After these things I saw..." It is clear, from the last verse of John's Sixth Chapter (which describes the end of this earth's existence) that John is not saying the events which he now sees occur after the events which he saw in that vision. What are the key words in this vision that identify its place in the sequence of events described by all the visions?

IDENTIFY THE SEQUENCE
Verse 3: "Hurt not the earth till..." John tells us the Lord's Servants will be marked before the four winds harm the earth. The Fourth Seal and the first four Trumpets are descriptions of the harm caused to earth by the four spirits. Thus, the Servants of God are marked after the Third Seal, but before the Fourth Seal and First Trumpet. 6:7-8, 8:7-12.

The four Angels who held back the four winds are the Spirits of God. The four winds who will harm the Earth are the spirits who rode the four horses. The waters are peoples. 2 Thes. 2:7, Rev. 4:5, 6:1-8. Rev. 13:1, 17:15. Dan. 7:1.

WHAT IS THE MARK?
"We have marked the servants of God in their foreheads." Where can we find recognizable clues by which we can identify this event? See pp. 178, 181.

"Go through the city... set a mark upon the foreheads of the men..." Eze. 9:1-5. The man in linen is the Messiah. He came in the days of the Temple of Herod. He marked those who had been called out of the world to be His people. He marked those who believed in Him and cried because of the abominations being done in the name of religion. He gave them the understanding of the prophecies of His coming and poured out the Holy Spirit upon them. He gave them power. Joel 2:28, Acts 2:1-47, Luke 24:45.

WE, LIKE OUR BROTHERS
As Ezekiel said the Lord would mark His people when He came, John tells us the Lord's people who live in the last days will be marked. Within the lifetime of those who the Lord marked, Jerusalem was destroyed. Within the lifetime of those who are being marked now this world will be destroyed, and the New Jerusalem will be given to the People. Ezekiel Chapters 40 to 48, Revelation Chapters 20 and 21.

WHO, HOW MANY?
Verse 4: "And I heard the number of them who were sealed... 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel (Jacob)." Is this a literal number? Who are the children of Jacob? John names the Twelve tribes in the following verses. Dan, being lost, is omitted. It is very significant that Manasses and Ephraim are adopted sons. Gen. 48:5-6, Rom. 11:17.

ADOPTED SONS
Ten of the original Twelve Tribes were lost to the Assyrians. Levi was destroyed by the Romans. Of the original Twelve Tribes only Judah survives. However, not one son of Judah can prove by the law of Moses that he is, in fact, a son of Jacob. Ezra 2:62, Num. 1:18. How is any man to be reckoned a son of Jacob? By Faith, and by adoption. The Twelve Tribes named in these verses, who are even now being marked, are the descendants of Judah and Gentile believers who want to be sons and claim their heritage--as Jacob and the sons of Joseph did. Gen. 25:29-31, 27:18-29. Hosea 1:11, Rom. 11. James 1:1.

CHILDREN AS THE STARS
Concerning the number 144,000: we need to look for key words and recognizable clues. The marking of His Servants as described by Ezekiel preceded the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, and the affliction by the Beast of Rome. We can see these Saints in Chapters 6:11, 11:1, 14:1-5 and 20:4-6.

The marking of the Saints in 7:3-8 will precede the opening of the Fourth and Fifth Seals. The Fifth Seal is prophecy showing the affliction of the Late Saints just before our Lord's return. Mat. 24:8-13, Luke 21:10-11, 25-26. So it can be seen there are 144,000 Servants sealed in the first Century (14:1-5) and 144,000 sealed in the last days. (7:3-8.)

Is this a literal number? Will there only be 288,000 saved from Earth to sing before His throne? The second part of this vision (Rev. 7:9) is a view of Heaven and that throng of the saved who surround His throne just after The End. "A great multitude, which no man can number, of all... nations." This mass of saved humanity can be seen in another pictograph in Rev. 19:1-9. Both of these descriptions of the redeemed from earth describe the saved as "uncountable." Thus, the number 144,000 is a metaphor used to indicate an infinite multitude; a throng beyond a man's ability to count. See pp. 178, 183.

The Servants of God will be marked before the Beast marks the balance of mankind. However, these two events could occur during the same general time period. That is, even while Satan marks those who refuse the sacrifice offered by God, we may still be able to pull some from the fire. Jude 1:23, Rev. 13:16-18.

As noted, the marking of the Early Saints occurred before their testimony and subsequent affliction. They are our example. Their receiving the mark resulted in the gift of the Holy Spirit and gift of the understanding of prophecy. Luke 24:45. Will the same events accompany the marking of the Last Century Saints?

TO EACH AS HE IS ABLE
The vision in Chapter 10 is another which must take place before the Lord allows the four spirits to harm Earth. However, we can not assume the Holy Spirit will give every believer this gift whether they want it or not, or that all will receive the same gift. 1 Cor. 12:4-8.

THE HOLY SPIRIT
10:1. The "mighty angel..." is the Spirit of the Lord. The Little Book contains all of the visions depicting End Time Events which God gave to His Son. This is the Little Book which John saw opened. Rev. 5:7-6:1. The Lord then showed John (and Daniel) these visions to record for us. (1:1.) The Early Saints understood the parts of this Revelation which applied to them, otherwise The Little Book was kept closed "until the time of the end." Dan. 12:9-10. See pp. 178, 181.

WE ALL USE METAPHORS
In this vision the Lord gives the Little Book to John to "eat." There is no one, surely, who would say John, or we, are to actually eat the book. So this is a metaphor, an allegory. It is a visual message.

The terms "eat" and "consume" can both be used in a figurative manor. We have heard these words used as metaphors, and may have used them ourself. "Did she like the book?" "Yes. She ate it up." "Is he already finished with that three book set?" "Yes, he consumes that science fiction junk."

"Eat the Little Book." We know what it means. In this vision John is a proxy, a stand in for you. He will not be sent back to earth to witness in these last days. His tour of duty is done. He is our example, as are the Early Saints who received understanding during the term of their duty. Luke 24:45.

This vision of the Lord giving the Little Book is an icon: a pictographic message informing the Late Saints that we will be given the understanding of all End Time prophecy. See the Little Book? IT IS OPEN. Compare the visual message of Isaiah 29:9-12 and Ezekiel 2:9 to 3:3 with Rev. 10:8. See pp. 178, 181.

GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
So as the Lord gave understanding to the Early Saints, He will give understanding to the Late Saints. And, as He gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Early Saints, He will give the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Late Saints.

THE VAIL
We can, after we begin to recognize events which are being fulfilled as depicted in a vision, determine a Seal has been opened. However, there is a day-to-day vail through which we cannot see. Therefore, while it is clear the marking of His Servants has begun, and they are beginning to receive understanding of the End Time prophecies, it is not yet clear when events depicted in Chapter 11 will begin to be fulfilled. But it is certain the witnesses will not begin to witness until after they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and this event occurs when the "confirm the covenant" time period begins. The witnessing of the Saints and Daniel's Seventieth Week begin when the first Trumpet is sounded.

THE LAST SEVEN YEARS
11:1. "...And them that worship within..." This is heaven, and the first century Saints who "loved not their lives unto the death." 6:9-11, 12:11, 20:4-6. See pp. 178, 181.

HIS SERVANTS ON EARTH
Verse 2: "But the court which is without..." This is earth and the Saints who are His Temple ("outer Sanctuary") here. Dan. 8:13-14. The Lord's Sanctuary on earth is His people, whom Satan will defile for 2300 days, and kill for 42 months. Dan. 7:21, Rev. 13:5-7.

THE GIFT OF POWER
"I will give power to my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy..." What is meant by "power" and who are the "two witnesses?" The notches and clues which will help us understand these metaphors are in verse 4 and the writings of Zechariah, Joel, Luke and Paul. "Power" is what the Lord promised to the Early Saints. What they received was the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8, 2:1-3, Joel 2:28-32, Luke 24:45, 49. See pp. 178, 181.

IDENTIFY THE CLUES
Compare Zechariah 4:12-14 and Romans 11:1-26 with care. The Wild Olive Tree was grafted into the Domestic Olive Tree. The Witnesses are Olive Trees. The first Witness is the descendants of Judah who believe Y'Shua is the Messiah. The second Witness is the Gentiles adopted as sons of Jacob. Thus, the Witnesses are groups, not individuals. Isa. 61:3.

"A thousand two hundred three score days" is a few days short of three and a half years. This gift of power will begin the Seven Year Confirm the Covenant Time Period of Daniel. The First Trumpet and this Gift Of Power will occur within the same time period.

SORROW AND POVERTY
"Clothed in sackcloth" means sadness and poverty. Those who witness will not be allowed to buy or sell, and they must watch those who reject the Truth go to their bottomless graves. "And I, Daniel, was sick certain days." "My belly was bitter." Dan. 8:27, Rev. 10:10.

DEFENDED BY GOD
"And if any man will hurt them, fire..." The Holy Spirit will come out of their mouth. The "fire" is the Holy Spirit. Acts 5:1-6. Verse 6: "These have power..." The Servants of God in the last days will have power the earthly mind can not comprehend.

OUR TIME TO DIE
Verse 7: "When they... finished their testimony..." Dan. 7:7, 21, 11:32-35. Rev. 13:1-4. This verse reveals the first half of the seven years has ended. See pp. 179, 182.

Verse 8: "And their bodies will lie in the street of..." The names "Sodom" (Rome-reborn) and "Egypt" (the rest of earth) are metaphors. For three and a half years Jewish and Gentile believers will be publicly executed. Rev. 13:7-10, 17:6. Dan. 7:7-21. Rev. 13:7-10. See pp. 179, 182.

THEY CELEBRATE OUR DEATH
Verse 9: "And they of the people..." "This is all of the peoples of the world who do not believe in the God of Abraham and will not believe this world is coming to its end. "They" believe in the god of this world and accept his mark. "Three days and a half" at a day for a year is three and a half years. This is the last half of Daniel's week. Dan. 9:27. See p. 185.

Verse 10: "And they... will rejoice over them..." Because they have been able to kill the witnesses of God who told them the Truth of the coming End, they will think they can and have changed the "times and laws." Dan. 7:25.

THE REMNANT
The Lord once asked if there would be faith on earth when the Son of Man returned. Luke 18:8. Later, as recorded by Matthew, He answered His own question. Mat. 24:22. The Faithful are the Two Witnesses, the Elect. A few of His Servants will survive, and gather in Israel. Here, in 11:13, we see the last of these faithful, the remnant. Isa. 2:10-22, 10:20-27.

RESURRECTION
Verse 11: "...And after three and a half days..." At the time appointed by God, the Lord will return and gather His Elect. Our enemies will watch us rise up to meet Him. This is the Grand Finale: the ascension at The End. This is the birth which Y'Shua mentioned. Mat. 24:8, 27-28, 30, 31. 1 Cor. 15:51-52, 1 Thes. 4:14-17. 1 Peter 3:7, 10-12. See p. 179.

END TIME EVENTS
In verses 11 through 13 we have come again to the coming of the Lord, Judgment, and The End of the world. "And the remnant were afrighted, and gave glory to God." This explains who the "remnant" is: The last of His Servants alive and remaining to The End to serve Him on this earth, and witness His coming. This is the "camp of the Saints" in the Beloved City. 20:9.

"And the same hour..." The time just depicted: thus, the same time the Saints ascend to meet the Lord. All the events depicted in verses 13 to 19 will occur in the same time period, be it forty heart beats or forty-nine days.

The Seventh Trumpet. The last Trumpet. The Great Trumpet. Isa. 27:13. Mat. 24:31, 1 Cor. 15:51-52, 1 Thes. 4:14-17. Rev. 6:12-17, 16:18-21, 20:9-15. Psalms 102:25-26. Isa 34:4, 1 Peter 3:7, 10-12.

HEAVEN, AND THE LAST BATTLE
Revelation 19 contains two visions. The first is of heaven just after the destruction of Babylon and The coming of the Lord. This first vision must occur after the second. The second is The Word of God in battle, which depicts the battle of Armageddon and the destruction of the Beast. The vision in the first ten verses depict Heaven after that battle and The End of this world. The Spirit gives understanding to those who ask. See pp. 179, 183.

PROPHECY
Chapter 14, like 19, may seem out of sequence to the western mind. This chapter is divided into three parts. The first section is a vision of the Lamb of God and those who come with Him on That Day. Verses 6 to 12 contain repeats of earlier prophecies. Verses 13 to 20 contain visual descriptions of the "harvest" of earth.

Verse 1: "And I looked, and Lo, a Lamb stood on Mt. Zion, and with Him an hundred and forty and four thousand, having His Father's name..." The Lamb of God is the man Y'Shua, our Messiah. This is a pictograph of His descending out of Heaven and stepping onto the Mount of Olives at the last instant of this earth's existence. Isa. 34:1-4, 2 Peter 3:7.10-12 and others.

The 144,000 are depicted as "being with Him," and as "being the firstfruits unto God..." James 1:18. James had addressed his letter to "the twelve tribes," among which there were many faithful descendants of Jacob. Rom. 11:1. These "firstfruits" were resurrected in the "first resurrection," have now ruled with Him for 1,086 years. 20:4-6. They will come with Him when He comes. 1 Thes. 4:14-17.

Verse 6: "Having the everlasting Gospel..." We should be careful not to loose sight of this fact: the "gospel" means "good news" of the Kingdom of God. We are not preaching the bad news of the end of this world--we are preaching the Good News of the coming of the New Heaven and Earth. This is a repeat of Mat. 24:14. The time is now short. It is time for those who are marked, chosen to be witnesses, to stand up and testify. "The fields are white unto harvest."

Verse 8: "Babylon is fallen..." This is a repeat of Isaiah 21:9. This event will occur in the time period designated by Rev. 16:19 and 18:1-8.

Verses 9 through 11: The consequences of accepting the mark of the beast.

Verse 12: Refer to 13:10.

Verses 14-16 tell of the harvest of the sweet and ripe grapes of earth: the Saints. The harvest of His Faithful Ser- vants. Mat. 24:27-32, 40-41. Luke 21:34-36, 1 Thes. 4:14-17, 1 Cor. 15:51-52, Rev. 11:11-13.

Verses 17 to 20 depict the harvest of the bitter grapes of wrath--those who reject the sacrifice offered by God. This harvest is pressed in the winepress of God's wrath. The grapes of wrath will be stomped outside the City. Thus, not in Heaven. The blood of those who rejected the Lamb of God will run deep. Zec. 14:1-3. See pp. 179, 183.

The Fourteenth Chapter is an example of the fact that The Revelation of Jesus Christ is not a strict sequential list of events. Consider the Sixth verse: The angel tells of the preaching of the Gospel, yet those who are to preach are the witnesses in Chapter 11. These witnesses are pictured as being murdered in 11:7 by the beast which is depicted in Chapter 13.

Why did John record the visions in this sequence? There will surely be a long line of Saints waiting to ask him that question: and he waits, smiling.

SET THE STAGE
Chapter 15 is another which is not in what the western mind would consider "the logical order." This Chapter is a vision of Heaven just before the Seven Vials are poured out. This is a setting of the stage, a preparation of our mind by describing the background for the final act.

Verse 1: John sees seven angels with seven vials.

Verses 2-4: He sees the throng around the throne, standing on the sea of glass singing the Song of Moses.

Verse 5: "...The Temple of God opened..." This is the same moment depicted by 11:19 and 19:11.

Verses 6 through 8: Here is evidence John is painting a word picture to prepare our mind, not giving a legalistic list. "Gave unto the seven angels seven vials..." How can these angels both have (as in v. 1) and be given the vials at the same time? This is a verbal description of a pictograph.

The key words that reveal the sequence in which the depicted events occur are contained within the visions--not within the words used to describe them.

The First Vial will be poured out upon the Beast's kingdom, and those who have accepted his mark. Thus the Beast's kingdom is established prior to the pouring out of the seven Vials depicted in the Sixteenth Chapter.

CONSIDER ALL THE EVIDENCE
Both Daniel and John see beasts rise from the sea. Dan. 7:2-8, Rev. 13:1-3. Are these the same beasts? To be certain our identification of the beasts is accurate we must examine the scriptures which describe them and their conduct. It is written, "By their fruit ye shall know them."

THE FATE OF THE BEAST
The Lord destroys the beasts of Revelation Chapter 13 when He returns. 2 Thes. 2:8, Rev. 19:11-21, 20:10-15. The Lord destroys the beasts of Daniel's Seventh Chapter when He returns. Dan. 2:44-45, 7:9-11, 8:25, 9:27, 11:45. Mal. 4:1, Jer. 51:25.

THE BEAST MAKES WAR
The beast of Daniel's Seventh Chapter makes war against the Saints. 7:21, 25, 8:10-11, 24, 25. 11:31-35. The beast of John's Thirteenth Chapter makes war against the Saints. 13:7, 15, 11:7, 6:9-11, 17:11-14 and 20:7-9.

THE BEAST BLASPHEMES GOD
The beast seen by John "opened his mouth in blasphemy against God." 13:5-6. The beast seen by Daniel committed blasphemy against God. 7:8, 20, 25, 11:36.

The evidence is irrefutable. The beasts of Daniel and John are the same beasts.

ACCOUNT FOR DESCRIPTIONS
If the beasts are the same beasts, we have a question. "Why do John and Daniel describe the beasts differently?" The difference in descriptions could be caused by the difference in the personality, experience, training and education of the two men. Daniel was educated and wise, trained in the interpretation of visions. John was not formally educated and had no known experience in the interpretation of visions.

VIEW POINT
However, there is another reason for the differences in their accounts of the Beast. This is the vantage, the view point, the place in time and history from which they witnessed the rise of the Beast. Daniel saw these visions some 2,300 years before the beasts rose from the sea. He was looking forward in time, from his place on earth, as he watched each beast rise and submit to Satan. John, on the other hand, sees these visions from Heaven. He sees these events from timeless eternity, is looking back into human history, and thus sees the Beast after it has consolidated from the smaller beasts.

SEE, AND COMPREHEND
Because these beasts all exist during the lifetime of that generation who witnessed the return of Israel to Jerusalem, and these same nations must be destroyed at The End, we should be able to recognize which beast represents which nation.

ROME AND CO-RULERS
Revelation 13:1. "...And I saw a beast rise up out of the sea..." This is the European Common Market Nations, ruled by Satan. 13:3, 13, 15. 20:7-9. Dan. 7:2-8, 8:9, 24-25, 11:21-22. The empire which will rule the world at the time of The End is, like Medo-Persia and Greece, a combination of several nations. The first empire to rule the world was made up of several nations: Babylon, Assyria and Chaldea. The Medes and Persians combined to defeat Babylon. The army of Babylon was given a choice: swear allegiance to the new King, or die. So the victor assimilated the military and everything else, and several nations became an Empire. Greece under Alexander, and then Rome, were also combinations of nations. Dan. 2:37-39, 8:4-8, 11:5-9.

And, so it is today. The empire of Russia (Gog and Ma-Gog) is today made up of several nations. The British Empire is more than one nation, her military forces consists of men from several of nations. The military of the United States of America includes men from subject nations.

Verse 2: "...The leopard... Bear... Lion..." As the empires of Greece and Rome were made of several nations, the Empire of the Beast in these last days consists of a group of ten nations: the European Common Market-NATO Alliance Nations.

The Bear, Leopard and Lion will submit to the Dragon's rule. Dan. 7:1-7, 12. Rev. 17:13. These nations have consumed smaller nations. The Lion is the United States of America (Babylon) and the smaller nations which she rules. The Leopard is China, the Kings of the East and those Asian nations which she rules. The Bear is Russia, the Kings of the North, Gog and Ma-Gog, and the nations she has consumed. Daniel 7:1-12.

What we see described by Daniel and John, then, is every nation on the face of this earth today brought to do battle against God's people as they gather in Israel. Isa. 34:1-4.

A BODY PREPARED FOR SATAN
Verse 3: "And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death..." "Heads..." That is, one of the leaders of this group of nations (King or President) will suffer an assassination attempt. This will be the Leader of Greece. Rev. 17:11, Micah 5:5, Zec. 11:8, 15-17. However, he will not die, as Satan will enter into and possess his body. John 13:27.

Verse 4: "...They worshiped..." And so the Dragon will rise up to rule the world in person. Dan. 11:21, Nah. 1:14.

Verse 5: "...A mouth speaking great things..." He will make claims and promises which he cannot prove or keep. In the garden of Eden he promised mankind they would not die and would be as gods--he still does. "...blasphemy against God." Slander, lies: Evolution, the Big Bang Expanding Universe Theory and Relativity. Dan. 7:8, 25, 11:32-38.

"And power is given him to continue forty and two months." He will absolutely rule the world absolutely for three and a half years. Dan. 7:23-25.

SOPHISTRY
Verse 6: "And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God." One of his lies is, "God is a deceiver because He said He created Adam and Eve full grown and mature." "How," Satan asks, "can God claim to be honest if He created a stratified rock, or light before stars?" Sophistry! Intelligent and well educated men wrestle with, and are defeated by, such babble. See pp. 135 and 143.

IN THE MIDST OF THE WEEK
Verse 7: "It was given unto him to make war with the Saints." 6:9-11, 11:7. Dan. 7:21, 8:10, 11:31-35. Satan used the Magi in an attempt to get the government (Herod) to murder Y'Shua at His birth, just as he had used the government of Egypt to kill Moses. He will now use Modern Scientists in murdering Christians.

REJECT GOD, WORSHIP SATAN
Verse 8: "...All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the Book." Malachi 3:16.

Verse 9: "If any man have an ear, let him hear." Those who love the Truth will hear and will understand.

HAVE PATIENCE
Verse 10: "He that leadeth into captivity... he that killeth with the sword..." Faith in The Word of God is the foundation of patience. Patience founded upon faith cannot be shaken. Justice comes.

THE FALSE CHURCH
Verse 11: "And I beheld another beast coming up... he had two horns..." Alexander was the horn of the goat. The Pope is the horn of the Catholic Church. Thus, two false christs (one will die, or take an early retirement) will rule the End Time (False) Religious Establishment. 1 Tim. 3:1-7, 4:1-3.

"Like a lamb..." The Lamb is the Messiah. This beast is like a lamb. Therefore the "horns" are false Christs who lead Satan's religious establishment. This is the World Council of Churches taken over by the New Age Movement, ruled by Satan. Those who refuse to join this false church and worship him will be killed.

"Spake as a dragon..." Satan is the dragon. The horns speak like Satan. Sophistry, the philosophy of religion and ancient Babylonian science. Luke 1:69, Mat. 24:24.

SATAN'S POWER
Verse 12: "He exerciseth all the power of the first beast.." "He" is the horn of the false church. The first beast is Satan. The head of the church will use Satan's power, like the magicians of Egypt. Exo. 7:11. "Cause craft to prosper..." Magic and witchcraft grow in darkness. Dan. 8:25.

"And causeth... them ...to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed." The false christ will force mankind to worship the ruler of Rome, as men did in Babylon and Rome. Dan. 3:5-6, 11:32, Mat. 24:15.

Verse 13: "...Great wonders..." False signs and lying miracles. Exo. 7:12.

Verse 14: "And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth..." Do not be deceived. Mat. 24:4, 5, 11, 24. "Make an image of the beast..." Dan. 3:1-6. Yes, Satan has done it before, and will do it again. We are the generation who will see it: be it plastic statue, three dimensional television or computer generated laser hologram.

The lamb-like beast depicted in Revelation 13:11-12 is "they" of Daniel 11:31. These are the false Christs who lead Satan's one-world religious establishment. "They shall place the abomination..." Rev. 13:14-15.

Verse 15: "And he had power to give life unto the image..." Real life, or just real enough to deceive those who do not love the Truth. Satan will execute us if we will not worship the beast. Dan. 3:8-11.

SATAN'S MARK
Verse 16: "...To receive a mark." Why? God has marked all those who believe in Him. Why? The Lord knows who belongs to Him, so the mark would not seem to be for His benefit. It is a spiritual mark, so the man of flesh cannot see it. There would seem to be only one reason for the mark of God. So the angels of God and the spirits who serve Satan can recognize followers of their respective masters. The angels of God will help His servants. The evil spirits will make war against the servants of God. Rev. 9:4.

Why, then, would Satan need to mark all of his followers? So his followers can tell each other from Christians? Possibly. But there is another reason. At the time of the birth of Y'Shua, the Emperor of Rome sent out a proclamation that the world should be (enrolled) numbered. Why? So all the world could be taxed. Luke 2:1-3, Dan. 11:20.

REFUSE THE MARK
Verse 17: "That no man might buy or sell..." No man can use money (not earn it, save it or spend it) without paying taxes on it. However, there is another reason: Control. Those who refuse to accept the number of the Beast will not be able to buy food or medicine. We will not have any way to collect retirement funds or Social Security benefits, or pay our house payments.

This is economic war against Christians. The Beast will make war against the Saints by forcing them to sell their soul for a shot of insulin or penicillin--or die.

We will give our testimony in sackcloth and ashes.

UNDERSTANDING IS A GIFT
Verse 18: "Here is wisdom..." Wisdom comes from the Lord, it is a gift. He will give you the wisdom to recognize the number of the Beast so you won't be fooled into accepting it. It is the "number of a man." Does this mean every man will have the same number? "...his number is 666."

It does not seem to be practical for every man to wear the same number. That would not make it any easier to tax all the world, nor would it help regulate buying and selling. Those tasks would be easier if each man had his own number. According to the I.R.S. or Social Security, for example, the number of a man is 572-52-1516.

The practice of Numerology has been used in attempts to figure out the number 666. According to that "science" all letters have a number. All numbers are added together and reduced to one number and its corresponding letter. Thus 666 is equal to 18 which equals 9 which is "I." (Selfish Egotism.)

However, there is another possibility. 666 is Six Hundred, Sixty and Six. That is, it is three sets of numbers: hundreds, tens and units. Three sets of numbers is the number of a man.

The technology already exists by which each man can be recognized by palm print or blood vein pattern of the eye, by laser and computer. "On the hand, or the fore head..." All that remains to be done, is to match each man's number and financial information to these patterns by computer. Mankind just needs to be enrolled. We still have time to refuse. 1 Peter 4:12.

WHO IS BABYLON?
We know Gog and Ma-Gog is Russia, the land of the north. We recognize the Kings of the East, China, also called the Leopard. Rome-reborn is the European family of nations ruled by Satan. The King of the South is Africa. Yet, which nation is Babylon? If her name is on her face, why is it so hard to recognize her.

Is Babylon, as some philosophers contend, an abstract concept? Or is it a geo-political entity with national borders? Could Babylon be a religion? Is Babylon a world ruling system, a socio-economic conspiracy which ignores national borders?

EVIDENCE FROM HISTORY
Babylon was the nation who destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple between 606 and 586 B.C., and carried the Tribes of Judah and Levi into captivity. They served in Babylon for 70 years, and there Daniel wrote his book. It was to this nation Jeremiah's scroll was taken, read aloud, and thrown into the river. Jeremiah 51:63. So between 586 and 416 B.C. Babylon was a nation, a place of servitude. However, to start here is to begin in the middle of the story of Babylon.

After God created Lucifer and mankind, Satan fell. He then deluded mankind into sin and death. After the flood Satan again tempted mankind, again deluding them into bondage to sin.

What was the first lie Satan told? "The word of God does not mean exactly what He said." ("Yes, I know what He said was so and so, but what He means is thus and so.") What is recorded next? Pride. The pride of Cain brought jealousy, then hate and murder. Gen. 3:1-4, 4:6.

Nimrod was a mighty man, a famous hunter: Proud. Gen. 10:9. What would Satan tempt him with? Matthew 4:8-9 will give us a clue, and with the evidence in Gen. 10:10 we have the answer.

A NATION OPPOSED TO GOD
So rather than serve Jepeth, Nimrod chose to worship Satan in return for a kingdom. Lucifer wanted a throne in a temple, a high temple. Isa. 14:9-21. Satan gave Nimrod the strategy and system by which he could rule men and build a kingdom for himself, and a temple for Satan.

God had commanded the descendants of Noah to fill the earth with people. Gen. 9:1, 7. Satan and Nimrod opposed God. In order for Satan to have a temple which would reach to heaven, and Nimrod to have a kingdom capable of building that temple, they needed all of the people to stay in one place. Nimrod lied to the people. "Least we be scattered abroad..." Gen. 11:4.

THE FIRST PYRAMID
The temple/tower of Babel was the prototype of the pyramids. Not only was it designed to lift Satan's throne up to heaven, but it was the emblem of Satan's system which gave Nimrod rule over the people.

The Lord, looking down and seeing what Satan and Nimrod had done, confused the language of man and scattered them across the face of the earth. Gen. 10:10-20, 25, 11:6-9.

However, Nimrod shared the knowledge he received from Satan with his co-conspirators, and wherever they went they built pyramids. Some went to Egypt and to India, and some, eventually, to South America.

For generations Babylon, Egypt and Assyria fought for the privilege of serving Satan and ruling the world. During this time God groomed His People to receive their heritage; promised by Noah to Shem and by God to Abraham.

In time the Israelites came out of Egypt into the Promised Land, destroying the Canaanites who had filled up with their father's sins. They worshiped Tamuz and murdered newborn children. So God used Israel to bring judgment upon a sinful nation.

JUDAH AND ISRAEL FALL
Israel also sinned. After Solomon died the Nation divided into "Israel" and Judah. The Ten Tribes worshiped false gods. The Tribes of Judah and Levi also sinned; falling from faith in God to faith in doctrine and ritual--the empty keeping of pompous ceremony and tradition.

The Lord, in order to bring judgment upon Judah and Levi, gave Nebuchadneezar the greatest nation on earth: Babylon. Daniel 2:36-38. God used a sinful nation to punish His People for their sins: as He had done before, has done since, and will do yet once again.

A ROSE BY ANY NAME
It is this nation established by Satan and Nimrod which gives us the definition of the term "Babylon." It is a world ruling empire, a nation opposed to God; ruled by those who oppose God, who use a system of rule opposed to God. It is a place of the gratification of every form of the lusts of the flesh. Its people live the richest most elegant lifestyle of any on the face of the earth. It is a place of defeat and servitude for God's people.

David and Solomon ruled Israel by God's law and system, the law of Moses. Babylon uses Satan's laws and system to rule her people. By this system, and her conduct, we will recognize her regardless of what she calls herself.

SATAN'S SYSTEM
What is this system? It's a complex socio-economic pyramid. There are four visible sides and one invisible side. The invisible side is the foundation on which the other four facets rest. It (the foundation) is a conspiracy. It is the secret agreement and strategy by which the King and his court subjugate the people. Ideally only they will understand how the other four facets work together to enslave the people.

The second side of the pyramid is the military. By "force of Arms" the King imposes his rule, defends his kingdom and obtains slaves, workers and territory.

The third face is Ideology. By this ideology the leaders determine the type of the bureaucracy: that is, how civil order is maintained, and nonconformists are excluded or punished.

The fourth side is economics. It is the system of finance by which people are rewarded and enslaved. Taxation was 1 in 5, or 20 percent. Temple tax was 10 percent. By outright ownership of the economic infrastructure the King (and his co-conspirators) collect the remaining income generated by the people.

The last facet is religion, also used to reward or enslave the people. The religion was idolatry--the worship of Satan by any name. The High Priests were Magi, Astrologers, Numerologists, prostitutes and sodomites. Exo. 7:11, Dan. 2:2.

PROPHECY OF DESTRUCTION
It was to this nation Jeremiah sent his scroll: the prophecy of its complete destruction. Jer. 50:42, 51:6-7, 51:33. Prophecies of complete and total destruction for Babylon were also recorded by Isaiah. Isa 13:19, 21:9, 47:1. John also described the total destruction of Babylon about 800 years after Jeremiah. Rev. 17 and 18.

SEE THE WHOLE PICTURE
So now we have a complete pictograph of Babylon. It is a nation opposed to God, given to the quest for power, wealth, luxury and the lusts of the flesh of any kind. It is a nation whose people worship false gods. It is supported by Satan's socio-economic pyramid system.

Is Babylon an abstract concept? No.

Is Babylon a religious establishment? No. However, her religion is the freedom to pursue the lusts of the mind and flesh, and she has male and female homosexual high priests in her churches.

Is Babylon a socio-economic system? No. However, she uses Satan's system to enslave her people. She is, in other words, supported by Satan.

MODERN BABYLON REVEALED
Is Babylon a Nation? Yes. She is a nation, the richest most powerful in the world today. She both uses and promotes the economic system and religion of her mother, ancient Babylon. It's a place of servitude, her people having been sold into slavery to the One-World Government for over nine trillion dollars. (Perhaps they can take pride in the price.)

IF THE SHOE FITS
How many wives have sent their unemployed husband off to apply for a job saying, "early bird gets the worm?" How many husbands have called home to tell their wives, "I can't make it home for supper, I'm all tied up?" We all use metaphors in communicating with each other, and we know they have a literal meaning.

Cinderella became a queen because the shoe fit. If the shoe fits America, she is Babylon.

NO PROPHECY OF AMERICA?
Many Theologians teach the United States of America is not in the Bible. The theory may sound reasonable, since the Bible was completed almost 1,895 years ago, and which wise man could have foreseen the United States? She wasn't even a gleam in her mommies eye then.

Why wouldn't the richest, most powerful nation in the world be included in Bible prophecy? Since the invention of the atomic bomb she has, in a manor of speaking, ruled the world. She has never been visited by war. She led the world in the industrial revolution and gave it modern life saving medicine. She introduced the world to electric power, nuclear energy, television, the computer and modern technology. She won the space race.

Because the Zionists wanted land, She and Briton, through the League of Nations, arranged for them to have Palestine. She has been a treasure chest to the Zionists since that day.

She gave the world (via Hollywood) the "sexual revolution." She led the world in the destruction of the family (divorce) and the murder of innocent unborn children (abortion). She is the homosexual cesspool of the world.

The old and feeble are abandoned in rest homes. The (poor) sick are not healed, nor are the hungry given food. There is no justice for the innocent, the guilty are not punished. Both Indian and African have been oppressed for three hundred years, while her high priests proclaim "justice and equality for all."

Her false prophets preach, "Peace, peace. Peace through power." And She will sell slaughter weapons to anyone, to maintain the balance of (terror) power, and make herself rich.

THE SHOE FITS
In ancient Babylon the High Priests taught the people "the waters contained the seed of life." In which nation today do high priests teach, "life came from the sea?" In which nation of the world is this ancient lie taught to innocent school children?

The wise men of ancient Babylon were astrologers, alchemists, numerologists, magicians and sorcerers. The "wise men" of Modern Babylon are astrologer-astronomers, Nuclear Chemists-alchemists, and Mathematician-numerologists. The magicians and witches are still with us too. Though many have changed their names, their potions and spells are found on store shelves, some even using the term "magic" on the label.

Her people are given to the pursuit of material goods, success and happiness, and the richest most luxurious lifestyle in recorded history. They are ruled by the lusts of the mind and flesh, and sensuousness of every imaginable kind.

For the past 40 years the United States of America has been the richest most powerful nation in the world. She; by keeping her troops in the lands which once were Rome, and will be Rome again; sat on the seven hills of Rome for a lifetime. Daniel 7:1-12 and Revelation 13, 17 and 18 describe the nations, including this whore Babylon, which will co-exist at the time of The End.

HER NAME BY DEFINITION
According to Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Babylon was the ancient capital city of that nation which bore her name. It was regarded as rich, luxurious, wicked and given to the gratification of the lusts of the flesh and senses. The name came to be applied to any nation which lived the same life style. Which nation, in your own mind, fits that description today?

As certainly as Israel has been reborn, Babylon has been reborn and Rome will be reborn, we are the generation who will see the Lord come.

"Come out of her, my people..." Jer. 51:8-9, 45, Rev. 14:8, 18:4.

BABYLON NEVER DESTROYED
Before preceding with the study of Revelation Chapters 17 and 18 we need to answer two questions not answered in "MODERN BABYLON." Using your concordance, compile a list of prophecies which include descriptions of the destruction of Babylon. Which prophecies concerning Babylon have not been fulfilled? Are there any signs of The End of the world or the coming of the Lord in the prophecies of the destruction of Babylon?

THE QUESTION
If the Prophets told us God would destroy Babylon, did they tell us when this destruction would occur? Are there any clues in these prophecies which indicate the general time of this femme fatal's flaming finish?

THE ANSWER
Isaiah 13:1-19 contains the sign of the Sixth Seal, also given by the Lord as a sign of His coming. Mat. 24:29, Rev. 6:12-14. This is enough evidence to prove Modern Babylon will be destroyed in the last days of earth's existence. But we need not rest our case on one clue. Compare Jeremiah 50 and 51 with Revelation Chapters 17 and 18.

HER END IS SURE
It is undeniable; since the 10 Kings of Daniel 7:7 are the same Kings depicted by John in 13:1 and 17:12, and since these Kings all live at the Time of The End, and because it is these Kings which God has caused to give the golden cup of filth and wrath to the whore to drink--at the time of the sixth Seal; that Babylon is one of the nations existing now.

Since Babylon is a metaphor for the richest and most powerful and corrupt nation of her time, there is only one nation which can be identified as Babylon: The United States of America.

SEE, AND COMPREHEND
Revelation 17:1. "And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven Vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters."

WHEN
The Judgment of the Great Whore is part of the Seventh Vial, which occurs during the same time period as the Seventh Trumpet and Sixth Seal. The Seventh Trumpet and Vial depict the End of this world. John did not state that all of the listed events occur on the same earth day. It is absolutely clear they do occur in the same time period--however long that is. There is a 45 day difference in the number of days given by Daniel which must be significant in End Time events. Dan 12:9-12. See p. 185.

John is being shown details of the Seventh Vial, when the angel gives the Great Whore the cup of God's wrath to drink. And drink she will; she will drink it all, even the bitter dregs.

HER OWN CUP
The vision of the Seven Vials is of the wrath of God being poured out upon the Beast's kingdom. This cup God gives to Babylon is in addition to the Seven Vials. It is her own intimate and personal cup of God's wrath.

SHE IS A WHORE
As we learned from Hosea, "Whore" is the term used by God to indicate a nation who was once faithful to Him, but has now gone after false gods. During the first 200 years of her life America was a Christian nation, but in the last 100 years she was seduced by deceivers who turned her heart to Satan.

RULES MANY PEOPLES
"Sitteth upon many waters..." By intimidation and Capitalism this Great Whore has ruled the western hemisphere, and sat on the Seven Hills of Rome for the last forty years.

TECHNOLOGY IS A FALSE GOD
Verse 2: "Kings of the earth have committed..." They have worshiped her false gods. Evolution is not a god capable of creation. "...Inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication." The product (wine) of her adultery is the alchemists PCB's, EDB, DDT, nuclear weapons, etc. ("Admiration" is worship, and she worshiped Technology.)

"Drunkenness" is loss of direction, or reason. She got rich from her act of adultery and lost her sense of direction. She shared the fruits of her whoredom with others and lead them to worship the false gods of Technology, Relativity and Evolution.

HER HABITATION
Verse 3: "...He carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness..." This angel took John to a place which he didn't recognize. Babylon is a nation far from Israel.

SHE IS SUPPORTED BY SATAN
"And I saw a woman sit on a scarlet..." This Beast is Satan. See 12:3 and 13:1-2. She sat on the Beast: that is, the beast carried her, or supported her. Satan gave her the ability to rule and prosper in opposition to God's laws, as did ancient Egypt, Sidon, Tyre and Assyria.

SHE IS RICH
Verse 4: "And the woman was arrayed in purple..." This is an icon describing the wealth of her ruling class. "Having a golden cup in her hand." The rich (compared to the nouveau riche) would not drink from a clay cup. In the gold cup is the fruit of her lust. See pp. 177, 181.

HER NAME IS OBVIOUS
Verse 5: "Upon her forehead..." The term "fore head" means front of the head, or face. Thus, her name is on her face, plain as day, for all to see. If we saw a beautiful woman walking the street with her name written on her face, wouldn't her name be obvious to us? See pp. 177, 181.

SHE KILLS THE SAINTS
Verse 6: "She is drunken with the blood of the Saints..." This nation had been (before Satan seduced her and taught her whorish ways) a place of refuge for people who fled religious persecution in other nations. For two hundred she was the Lion described by Daniel. Then, preferring adultery to chastity, she turned on them and began to seduce them into serving her favorite god--Technology. See pp. 159, 178, 182.
She turned her own children into harlots, and taught them free love and abortion are good; and there is no absolute black and white, only shades of grey, it depends on how you look at things. In the lifetime of this generation she will murder the Saints who try to warn her of her coming destruction.

"We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country." No theologian in his right mind would claim the descendants of Judah attempted to save Babylon from the Medo-Persians. This prophecy refers to Christian's patriotic attempts to save their Republican Constitutional (as opposed to "Democratic Capitalism") Free Enterprise form of government. Jer. 51:9.

SATAN RISES UP
Verse 8: "The beast that thou sawest..." This is Satan. Rev. 20:7-8.

Verse 9: "Is the mind which hath wisdom..." Since the fall of Rome (from 476 until 1945) there has been no one nation who ruled Europe as Rome had. (That is, by military conquest.) For over a span of one generation this whore has had the power to completely destroy any nation. She took Europe from Germany by military force and has kept her troops on Europe's soil because they were not strong enough, she said, to defend themselves. The United States of America sat on Rome's Seven Hills for 40 years.

SATAN, THE LAST KING
Verse 10: "Seven Kings... the other is yet to come." The signs of the times reveal he will come in our lifetime. "And when he comes ...continue a short space." Dan. 11:20. This seventh King will not be in power long: about 295 days. "One of his heads received a wound... to death." And: "is the eighth, and is of the seven..." The seventh will loose his body to the eighth--Satan. Zec. 11:17, Dan. 2:44, John 13:27.

Verse 11: "And the beast that was..." Satan is King of Rome reborn. Dan 2:42-44, 7:7-9, 20-21, 11:21.

A VERY SHORT REIGN
Verse 12: "And the ten horns..." These nations are visible now, and though we do not yet know exactly who all the "horns" are, it now seems that Gorbachev will be the "horn" of Gog and Ma-Gog, and Clinton may be the last president of America. "Kings one hour with the beast." Satan will rule for 42 months, and share his rule for a short time.

ALL NATIONS RULED BY SATAN
Verse 13: "They have one mind and will give their power to the Beast." They will submit to the Dragon in return for their lives, after he plucks three by their roots. Dan. 7:8, 12.

WAR AGAINST THE ELECT
Verse 14: "These shall... war with the Saints..." These are the Ten Kings, Babylon, the Bear, the Leopard and the kings of the South. This is the time the Lord warned about: the affliction of the Saints. Dan. 7:21, 8:24, Rev. 11:7, 13:7. Mat. 24:9.

Verse 15: "The waters are peoples..." Dan 7:1, Rev. 13:1.

SHE DRINKS HER CUP
Verse 16: "The ten horns shall hate the whore..." No one loves a Jezebel. "Shall make her desolate and shall eat her flesh... burn her with fire." See pp. 178, 183.

Verse 17: "For God hath put in their hearts..." As God used Israel to punish the Canaanites, and Babylon to punish Israel, He will use Gog and Ma-Gog and Rome to burn Babylon. Although these Kings may not know it to be true, they do the will of God: as do the jackal and vulture.

Time: the last 45 to 49 days of Daniel's seventieth week.

Verse 18: "...The woman is the great city which ruled over the earth..." She ruled by intimidation, and poisoned the world with the contaminated fruits of her whoredom.

LOOK UPON HER END
18:1-2. "And after these things..." After the first angel had explained just who the whore is, by describing her and her conduct, then: "And he cried mightily with a strong voice..." Like Sodom and Gomorrah, Babylon is utterly destroyed by fire from the sky. See pp. 178, 183.

SEE, AND COMPREHEND
"The habitation of devils... the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." Many of the words used by John to record these visions are descriptive. He used words like an artist uses pigments--to paint a picture. The visions are visual communications of something the reader may have never seen, so John uses familiar words to paint a word picture which shows an actual event, a literal thing. The words, while not being used literally, do convey a literal message.

What kind of a bird is a hateful bird? There is no such animal. So this is a metaphorical description of a thing which we have never seen: but John did. The words themselves are easy enough. Hateful means full of hate, expressing undeserved bitterness; or a consuming, unrelenting, anger. A bird is an animal, or a being, capable of flight. These words together paint a mental picture of a vulture, who, in no mood to eat, but not wanting to wait for its prey to die, would aggressively attack and cruelly rip the flesh off of its living victim.

The phrase "hateful bird" and "devils and foul spirits" depict those beings who will inhabit Babylon for the short time between her destruction by fire and the actual end of this world.

BURNED IN ONE HOUR
In verses 10 and 17 the angel said her destruction comes upon her in just one hour. The ten Kings will burn her with fire. 17:16-17. How will they destroy Babylon in just one hour?

It is written: "He who lives by the sword shall die by the sword." And: "Of the cup she has given to others, give her a double portion." Which "sword" has Babylon lived by? The atomic bomb. What is this cup she has given to others? One of the fruits of her adultery: the nuclear warhead. This Great Sword which she has given to others will murder uncountable millions of innocent men, women and children in the next few years. Then she will be given a double potion of her own cup of filth to drink.

How long, once the ten Kings turn her own sword upon her, will her complete annihilation require? Two thousand nuclear warheads will fall on her in one hour.

SURVIVORS?
What is a hateful bird? There will be some few citizens of Babylon who will survive those burning mushroom clouds. At first they will be in a state of shock, dumbfounded. Then, in the days after, they will begin to wander about in a dazed frenzy, possessed by evil spirits; and, as they begin to comprehend what has come upon them, a consuming anger because the power they trusted has destroyed them. Then, having no one to vent their insane anger upon, they will attack each other and rip the flesh off each other even as they die.

A CLEAR MESSAGE
There is no need, in this study guide, for a verse by verse study of Chapter 18. The language may be figurative, but the message is unmistakably clear. It is a description, in pictographic terms, of the destruction of the United States of America by nuclear weapons.

THE ELECT ARE SPARED
It is of no consequence to those who love the Truth that the United States will be destroyed by nuclear war, as any Saints who remain will have been murdered during the last three and a half years for a testimony of their faith. "Come out of her, my people ...that ye receive not of her plagues." Rev. 18:4, Jer. 51:6, 45.

This Chapter is about delusion and Sophistry in general. The Chapter "BABELSCIENCE" (p. 143) will take a more detailed look at delusion in Modern Science. "AFFLICTION OR RAPTURE" (p. 159) will look at one delusion in Theology.

According to Webster, "delusion" means to mislead; as in to lead from truth into error. The terms "Delude" and "Deceive" are synonyms.

What is this Delusion? It is a lie embracing every field of human endeavor: Philosophy (what people think), Religion (what people believe) Politics and Economics (how people are conquered and ruled) and Modern Science (which opposes God). It will lead all who will not believe the Truth to rebel against God, and death. John 18:37-38, 2 Peter 2:1-22.

Why would God allow mankind to be deceived by such delusion? Having the freedom of choice, they chose not to believe the Truth which has been offered freely to all.

If we love the Truth, we need not fear a lie. As God allowed Satan to test Job, He let Satan bring this lie upon humanity to test us. Satan brings this lie upon mankind in an attempt to destroy the Elect. However, by doing so both he and his followers are revealed. Job 1:8-12, Mat. 24:24.

THE LIE OF HIDDEN TRUTH
While typing one morning this writer was listening to music on a religious radio station. An advertiser began speaking, and these words ruined the atmosphere: "...And you will learn Bible Greek so well you can get in and dig out the truth."

WHAT?! Is the Truth so well hidden in the Word of God that we must "get in and dig it out?" Does it take a college education, a doctorate in "Bible Greek," to be able to find the Truth in God's Word? Wouldn't a good solid Masters degree in King James English do just as well? What about a regular Bachelor's degree in regular American English: would it be possible to find the Truth in God's Word with that? Well, O.K., perhaps one would need a minor in Philosophy and "Religions of the World."

Is there no hope (of finding the Truth hidden in God's Word) for the common man who only has a High School diploma? And what of the self-taught, just barely able to read? Must the common man and the unlearned depend upon The Learned with Doctorates in "Bible Greek" for the Truth? Acts 4:13, 1 John 4:1.

Where is it written that Truth is so well hidden by God the common man and woman has no hope of finding it? Did Y'Shua speak only to the intelligent and educated people of His day, knowing the uneducated plain folks couldn't understand Him anyway? No. He spoke to simple fishermen and carpenters, thieves and harlots. The "Learned" rejected Him, just as they do today. Mat. 21:31-32, Luke 11:52.

Did God say the Truth was hidden in His Word? If so, where is it written, and from whom is it hidden? Is the lie, "the Truth is hidden from God's people," from Satan?

TWO KINDS OF WISDOM
The Lord has clearly indicated there are two kinds of wisdom. The first comes from God. Ps. 111:10, Pro. 2:6, 8:1 to 9:10, James 1:5. The second is false wisdom. It is the kind a man earns for himself, or gets from that source other than God. Exo. 7:11, Dan. 2:2. The wisdom of man is to be confused and made useless. "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise." 1 Cor. 1:19, 27, Isa. 29:14. The wisdom to understand the Word of God is a gift from God. Dan. 2:21-23, 1 Cor. 12:8, James 1:5. Ecc. 2:26, 1 Kings 3:5-15.

Just as man cannot earn salvation, neither can a man earn wisdom. Man is saved by the grace and mercy of God: not by his own efforts. "But we are saved by faith." True, and that's the way we receive wisdom and understanding: by faith. "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith..." James 1:5. God Himself will give us the understanding of His Word. We don't need to know "Bible Greek" or depend on Theologians for it.

HISTORY OF DELUSION
Where did the idea `wise' men could figure out God's "hidden truth" come from? Who would prefer that common men believe Truth was beyond their understanding? Who would benefit if men believed this lie? Satan: and those who count themselves intelligent, wise, educated and full of understanding; who make themselves rich by selling explanations of "hidden truth."

Does every good and perfect gift, including Truth and Wisdom, come from God? Where, then, does all which opposes God come from? Satan.

This lie of hidden truth is an old one. It goes back to a King named Nimrod, and his kingdom of Babylon. The `wise' men of Babylon were Astrologers, Chaldeans, Magi and Sorcerers. It was these `wise men' who gave us the idea of hidden wisdom, and they got it from Satan. It is by Satan's power the magicians do signs and wonders, and they receive their `wisdom' from him.

When Aaron threw down Moses's staff, and it became a serpent, did not Pharaoh's wise men do the same? Yes. By who's power? Satan's. Dan. 2:2, 8:25. Exo. 7:10-12.

At the time Daniel served in Babylon, the King's advisors were Magi, Astrologers and Sorcerers. The Babylonian empire fell to Medo-Persia, which fell to Alexander. At the time of his death the Grecian Empire was divided between his four generals. Rome rose out of one them to rule the world.

But what happened to the wise men? They went with the flow of civilization. First to Persia, then to Greece, then to Rome, then finally back to BABYLON.

SOURCE OF MODERN SCIENCE
The "wise men" and their method of gaining wealth and power can be followed through the world's empires from Babylon to BABYLON. Consider: What is astrology? The study of the stars and the influence they have over the fate of men. Where did modern Astronomy come? From Astrology. Astrology is from Satan and opposes God. Modern Astronomy and Cosmology deny the God of Creation and espouse the gods of Evolution, "Big Bang" expanding universe and multi-reality theories. Who is an anti-Christ? 1 John 2:18.

Who is an Alchemist? One who believes it possible to change one element into another. They serve Satan. Where did nuclear Chemists come from? From Alchemists. They have given us such blessings as PCB, DDT, Dioxin and the nuclear warhead. These men deny the God of Creation, and praise the god of accidental random chance origin and Evolution. Who is an anti-Christ? 1 John 2:22.

What does a Numerologist do? He studies numbers for hidden knowledge to forecast the future. He throws dice or rolls bones and gets his hidden knowledge from Satan. What are Statisticians, Mathematicians and Actuaries? Men who study numbers for hidden trends by which they can forecast the future. Rather than roll bones these wise men toss numbers through computers.

Pythagorean-mathematician-numerologists tell us it is not possible that God created the universe in just six working days, but they praise the god of chaos who, they proudly proclaim, can do anything if given billions and billions and billions and billions and billions and billions and billions and billions and billions and billions and billions and billions and billions and billions of years. Who is an anti-Christ? 1 John 4:1-3.

What about the Sorcerers and Magicians? They use chants and secret potions to influence hidden forces to produce benefits for those who have enough cash. They received their knowledge of these "secret potions" and forces from Satan. Although these men and women have changed their names, like Astrologers and Pythagoreans, they are still with us. We find their potions on modern store shelves promising everything from removing (or growing) hair to winning friends and lovers. Many even use the word MAGIC on the label. Who is an anti-Christ?

NEW NAMES FOR OLD LIES

Early Christians burned books of magic and sorcery. Acts 19:19. The practitioners of the Dark Arts went into hiding as Christianity rose to power. Where did they hide? In nations ruled by those who oppose God. Where did the Renaissance begin. This is not to imply it was a bad thing--not at all. The Magi recognized a good thing and took advantage of it. It began in the seat of the anti-christ: Rome.

Around the 1600's the `wise men' began to change their names. Astrology became Astronomy. The Alchemists changed their names to Chemists, the Numerologists to Mathematicians. Practitioners of the occult arts changed their name from Chaldeans to Natural Scientists. Then in the 1900's they decided they wanted to be known as Modern Scientists. Today they prefer to call their dark art "Technology."

Natural Science grew by practical application to mankind's base lusts. Modern Science made man healthy, wealthy and (seemingly) wise. The results of Modern Science were spectacular: Atomic energy ended a popular war with a fantastic flourish. Technology's nuclear energy promised (lied) cheap power and freedom from defeat, and gave modern Babylon the pride of world rulership. Modern medicine cured man's ills, in self proclaimed "miracle" fashion, and promised much more. ALL WHILE DENOUNCING GOD AND PREACHING EVOLUTION.

THE FRUIT OF TECHNOLOGY
Do not be deceived! Look at the real fruit of Technology. Chemical contamination which kills rivers, lakes and seas; nuclear waste which poisons every living thing. The forests die from acid rain, the air is un-breathable. Has Modern Science done anything good for mankind if, in the final analysis, the death of mankind is its crowning achievement?

Do not be deceived! Those who deny God cannot be from God. If they blaspheme God they must be from Satan. If they destroy humanity they must be our enemy. Didn't Y'Shua tell us the false prophets would come working false signs and lying wonders? Mat. 24:4, 11, 24.

SIGN OF THE END
"For that day shall not come except there come a falling away first..." 2 Thes. 2:3. Before The End comes many who have claimed to be Christians will reject the truth. The wheat will be separated from the chaff. How? Unable to accept the truth of the destruction of this world, which they love, they will prefer to believe Satan's lies of world peace and mankind's ability to save himself.

Two groups are identified by that verse: those who love Truth, and those who do not. Truth is the sword by which all are separated into one group or the other. It is black or white, cut and dried. "Truth" is the literal Word of God. He said He created this world in six days. His word is Truth, so He created the universe in six days, period. He said He would come and this world would end. His word is Truth, therefore this universe is little more than ash.

THE MODERN CHURCH
The Church in the New World grew until the 1900's, when it reached its peak. It began to suffer decline then, falling to Religious Philosophy in the 1950's and 60's. It fell to the modern dark arts: intellectualism, Cosmology and Relativity. It fell to Materialism and the `feel good' religions which promise success and happiness. It fell to the attack of false prophets who rose up when Darwin published his lie of evolution: which is not new, but came from ancient Babylon. ("The waters contained in themselves the seed of life." LAROUSE WORLD MYTHOLOGY, p. 69.)

They didn't make a frontal attack, saying "there is no God." They lied, saying, "He didn't actually create the universe in six literal days, He used evolution, and it took billions of years." They twisted and distorted His Word to fit their purpose. They used "one day is as a thousand years" to imply He meant something different from "there was evening and morning, one day." (Peter meant God was patient toward sinners.) 2 Peter 3:8-9.

They accused God of being deceptive if He created a stratified rock, light before stars, or a full grown man and woman. What unmitigated gall, to put sour for sweet, then commit utter blasphemy and accuse God of an act of deception!

THE FALLING AWAY
So the well educated religious establishment began to fall away after 1880, and will continue to fall away. It is time to separate the chaff from the wheat: those who choose to believe the lie from those who love the truth. Jude 4. The closer we come to The End the more extreme the falling away will become.

Then in the 1960's these wise and learned pushers of the religion of philosophy announced, "God is dead." (TIME, April 8, 1966.) Now they tell us if we don't have a doctorate in "Bible Greek" we can't find the Truth in His Word. Luke 11:52.

THE STRONG DELUSION REVEALED
What is the Strong Delusion? It is every lie Satan ever told. He has lifted up every false god and idol he ever used to deceive mankind and placed them on new polished plastic pedestals to be admired by men who are apparently wise and learned. Taoism, Hinduism, Buddhism; as well as Zoroaster, Tamuz, Ishtar, Mars and Diana; have all been given new sounding "modern philosophies" with which to deceive those who love not the Truth. (THE CRACK IN THE COSMIC EGG, by Joseph C. Pearce. THE HOLY SCIENCE, Swami Sri Yokteswar, Self Realization Fellowship, 74.)

New sounding lies are just old lies in gift wrap. "Peace comes out of the barrel of a gun," "religion is philosophy," "what you believe is truth," "debt is wealth," "man created God," "the Bible is not God's Word" and "man can determine his own destiny" are just lies and nothing more.

DIVIDE AND CONQUER
Can a house divided against itself stand? No. So Satan has done his best to divide the House of God and provoke dissension between Catholics and Protestants; and all Christians against the Moslems and Mormons. He attempts to confuse them all with the Jehovah's Witnesses and Seventh Day Adventists--then attack the weak with Edger Cayce and Jean Dixon. Satan sends false prophets preaching "Peace, peace," while he practices ideological warfare.

Can a house divided against itself stand? No. So those who practice abortion and those who believe in reincarnation love those who preach and practice free love. Those who's security is in material goods are loved by those who say there is no soul, no God and no Judgment. Evolution and Technology are at peace with Tao, Buddha, Zoroaster and Tamuz; and all war against the few who believe the literal Word of the God of Abraham. Does not the servant imitate his master? Mat. 10:25, 12:25.

CONCLUSION
After 1880 the false prophets of Evolution and "Big Bang" theory began to infiltrate our Churches and Church schools. They began to teach our children, who eventually became our preachers, these lies of Evolution and the 14 Billion year old universe. Now, for a full generation, Theologians who are deceived by the Strong Delusion of Religious Philosophy and Scientific Sophistry have been teaching us that we must get our understanding of the Word of God from them. Luke 11:52.

God tells us He will give us the understanding of His Word. Pro. 2:6, 9:10, Ecc. 2:26, Ps. 111:10, 119:33-34, 105. Luke 24:45, 1 Cor. 12:8, James 1:5. Mat. 7:7-11, 10:26. Dan. 12:9-10, Eze. 2:9 to 3:3, Rev. 1:1, 10:7-10.

So that the wheat may be separated from the chaff, we must choose who we believe.

ANCIENT FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENCE
The Sumerians and Babylonians asked, "What keeps the heavenly bodies in their places?" Lucretious, Newton and Einstein also asked this question. Modern Science is in fact based, in varying degree, upon their answers. (1.)

Most modern scientists believe their assessment of the empirical evidence is correct. (2.) However, "The business of Science is not to corroborate previous beliefs, but to test them." (3.) This chapter will show Modern Science is in fact founded upon delusion practiced by the Sumerian and Babylonian Astrologers.

THE KINDS OF LOGIC
Before testing beliefs which are the foundation of Modern Science, a definition of the Logic to be used is in order. There are several branches of logic. Pythagorean logic is one. Mathematics, Euclidean Geometry or otherwise--however elegant, is a branch of logic.

It is not possible to determine which mathematical system represents reality by mathematical methods alone because: (4.) The scheme adopted by Tycho Brahe "was mathematically equivalent to the Copernican system." And, "Astronomical computations were rendered easier by the Copernican scheme ...but the prediction of planet places was not more accurate." And, (5.) Einstein accounted for the evidence of the rotation of the earth on its axis by the false assumption that the universe rotates around the earth. And last, because Pythagoreans have confused the Logical with the Real, Pythagorean logic will not be used. (6.)

MODERN SOPHISTRY
The logic practiced by Modern Philosophers is a combination of the Dynamism of Boscovich, the Mechanism of Descartes and the Skepticism of Hume. The Modern Sophists have castrated themselves with the question "What is Truth," which they cannot answer. (7.) Their methods and conclusions are therefore without use or value.

That form of logic begun by Aristotle and refined by St. Thomas will be used; since it is, according to them, possible for Reason to obtain Truth. (8.)

WHAT IS SCIENCE?
According to Dr. Jerry Bergman, "Science" is a method of obtaining knowledge by: First, Observation. Second, Classification. Third, Hypothesis. Fourth, Tests. (9.) Science is the study of that which is tangible and measurable by controlled and repeatable experiment. The inherent nature of Science limits it to things which can be perceived by human senses (or instruments which amplify them) and to things which it can confine, control and manipulate in contrived and isolated tests and experiments.

To know what Science is, is to know what Science is not. If scientists cannot see or touch an object or get it to cooperate in repeatable experiments and tests, it cannot be the subject of Scientific study. If scientists cannot demonstrate that a thing has tangible attributes, they cannot prove its existence. If scientists cannot show tangible evidence of the non-existence of an object, rather than just a lack of evidence of its existence, they cannot prove its nonexistence by the scientific method. Scientists can only demonstrate, in this case, that Science cannot treat the subject: it is rightfully the property of Philosophy or Theodicy.

Sir Frances Beacon said, "When philosophy is cut off from its roots in experience, where it was born, it dies." (10.) Kepler said, "If a scientist's hypothesis fit into a certain metaphysical theory, fine; but if not, then it is the metaphysics which must go." (11.)

According to Webster, Metaphysics is a branch of Philosophy. (12.) Specifically, Ontology (the science of being) and Cosmology (the science of the fundamental cause of things) are Metaphysics. Therefore, if the empirical evidence, rather than Modern Sophists miss-interpretation of evidence, does not support the theories of Uniformatism, Evolution, Big Bang and Relativity, they must go.

Harlo Shaply (13.) said the origin of Origins is beyond Astronomy in the realm of the, to us, unknowable. George Gaylord Simpson (14.) said the source of all physical laws was quite unknown, probably unknowable to science, and here religion may honorably enter the picture.

Some early Modern Sophists thought by proving the absence of an Absolute Point of Reference (from which the Prime Mover was thought to view and control the universe) they could refute the existence of the Supreme Being. However, to prove God has no place to stand does not disprove His existence; it proves man's concept of God is inadequate, and the subject is not treatable by scientific method. (15.)

The Word of God tells us the soul of man exists separate from the body. Some scientists say there is no tangible evidence of the soul, thus it does not exist. Yet scientists proclaim the existence of other physical dimensions, of which they have no tangible evidence. (16.) Thus, Science has severed itself from its roots.

SOPHISTRY IN SCIENCE
Before preceding, some examples of irrational thought should be considered. The absolute winner for putting things backwards -- with intent to delude -- is the wrong assumption "man created God." However, let us consider examples of sophistry directly related to the subject. According to Webster, "Sophism" or "Sophistry" is "an argument designed to deceive." The argument, "there is no argument to deceive," is an argument designed to deceive.

Can the statement, "there are no true statements," be a true statement? Can the statement "there are no absolutes" be absolute? (17.)

Mosses recorded the first argument designed to deceive. Gen. 3:3-5. "If God had meant you would die, He would call this the Tree of Death, rather than the Tree of Knowledge. He meant ignorance would die. It will make you wise, so you won't die." Knowledge has nothing to do with the mortality of the body, thus this is a non-sequitur argument. Another argument like this is, "Cinnabar is far different, so, it can make people immortal." (18.) Both arguments lead to death. The first for Adam and Eve, the second for seven Chinese Emperors by mercury poisoning.

One kind of sophistry is that which is based upon or contains a false premise. A more subtle argument uses the delicate shades of meaning of terms, or the confusion of Real and Logical, with intent to deceive. (19.)

As an example of wrong assumption, consider the epitome "there is no God." Since there is no tangible evidence to prove such a hypothesis, and thus it is impossible to arrive at this statement by scientific method, it can only be an assumption. The beliefs of Evolution and "Big Bang" cannot proceed except they begin at this wrong assumption.

Consider an example of the confusion of Real and Logical. "Physicists are wont to talk about `space-time co-ordinates' as if they were real." (20.) Form (or Shape) does not exist separate from Substance. The Concept of "curved space-time" exists only in the mind of the Modern Sophists; yet they would have us believe Space (empty area) is curved. (21.)

For examples of terms the Modern Sophists have designed with intent to deceive, consider some terms used in Evolution theory: "discontinuous variation" and "punctuated equilibrium." Consider "unlimited finite space" as used in Relativistic "Big Bang." Sophists intend that self-contradictory terms lead to wrong conclusions, and this reveals an utter contempt for Truth. (22.) 2 Thes. 2:10-12.

MODERN BABYLONIAN SCIENCE
The conclusion drawn from the Michelson and Morley experiments by Fitzgerald and others will now be considered. (23.)

Fitzgerald advanced an untested premise. Namely: That the length of a steal rod is determined solely (an assumption) by the electra-static equilibrium of its particles, and the rod, in motion through the Aether, would contract.

If the premise was correct, the application of a magnetic field would cause a steal rod to contract; regardless of the motion of the rod, the Earth, or the existence or nonexistence of Aether. In contradiction to this false premise, a steal rod effected by a magnetic field will expand.

However; if the premise was correct, then it must be demonstrated that the motion of the rod -- or aether -- is of sufficient velocity to induce a measurable contraction in the length of the rod. There may be a null result to the tests if the Aether consists of "other than Real" (or neutral) particles incapable of inducing a magnetic field.

However, the results of the tests were not null. "They did not make the assertion often attributed to them, that the effect was zero [or null]. Their published result says: `Considering the motion of the earth in its orbit only... the relative motion of the earth and the aether is probably less than one-sixth the earths orbital velocity, and certainly less than one fourth.'" (24.)

Yet, consider the sophistry which follows. Some scientists, eager to promote their preconception, jumped to the non sequitur assumption that an observer in a moving system cannot know the Absolute Velocity of his system. They believed they could then eliminate concepts such as Absolute Space, Absolute Time and a Privileged Observer (God). (25.)

If it be proven that an observer can not know the Absolute Velocity of his system, that could not prove the non existence of an Absolute Point of Reference, Absolute Space or Time (or God). What is demonstrated is, the scientific method is inadequate to the task and the subject belongs in the field of Philosophy or Theodicy. (26.)

The non sequitur conclusion to the Michelson and Morely experiments marked the severing of Modern Science from its roots, and the beginning of Satan's Ideological war (the Strong Delusion) against mankind. 2 Thes. 2:2-12, Rev. 20:7-8.

CHAOTIC SCIENCE
Having dispensed with an Absolute Point of Reference, Modern Sophists needed another Absolute to save Science from absolute chaos. In an effort to replace the absolute point of reference, Albert Einstein made man, after Nicolus of Cusa, the center of motion. However, the Theory of Relativity proves there are no Absolutes and thereby falsifies itself.

If there is no absolute point of reference, and it is not possible to determine both the position of an object and its momentum-inertia at the same time, it is illogical to say the speed of light is absolute. (27.)

First, because there are no Absolutes. Second, in order to determine an objects velocity, an observer must relate its location to a system of reference points to determine distance traveled while measuring its rate of motion with an accurate, consistent time measurement system. If Time is inconsistent, or if the reference points are in motion, the measurement of velocity must be inconsistent.

If the speed of light through a vacuum is C, and the speed of light through a given substance is C -1, then the speed of light is dependent upon the substance through which it passes (which thus becomes an Absolute Point of Reference) and it cannot be independent. (28.)

In order for velocity to be Absolute there must be an Absolute Point of Reference, and Absolute Time. If there is no Absolute Point of Reference and no Absolute Time then there can be no Absolute Velocity. Relativity cannot remove one without eliminating all.

The lack of an Absolute Point of Reference must result in a universe of Apparentivity, where the Universe revolves around Earth. However, Relativity and Big Bang theory are mutually exclusive, since the point of the Big Bang must be the Absolute Point of Reference for its resultant universe. (29.)

A LOGICAL CIRCLE
Einstein based his Theory of Relativity, to some degree, on the postulate of Mach. (30.) Can a paradox (or logical loop) be a solid foundation for scientific theory?

Axiom: The quality of the whole is the sum of the qualities of its parts. Can the whole exist before the parts of which it consists? If all the individual parts of which the universe consists did not first have mass, then the universe must be without mass. If the universe is without bound or limit then each object (according to Mach) must be of infinite momentum/inertia. That the postulate of Mach is a logical circle is the only rational conclusion.

CURVED SPACE
Does the bending of light prove Space is curved? Consider the idea of curved space. It is possible that all of the bodies of the universe exist on a single plane, yet space is curved so the light from those bodies travels in arcs and curves to our location, therefore we believe our cosmos is a sphere. Extending this idea of curved space to its logical limit, we arrive at the conclusion that only one star exists in the universe and space is infinitely curved. Therefore, regardless of which direction we look we can only see one star: our own.

It is possible the observational evidence for the bending of light proves space, or light, has mass. Choose one of the following. First: All Substance has both Form and Mass. Space is curved. Therefore, Space is a substance with Form and Mass. Second: All Substance has both Form and Mass. Light is curved. Therefore, Light is a substance with Form and Mass. (31.)

OUR SYSTEM'S ABSOLUTE MOTION
Astronomers have discovered the Absolute Motion of Earth and the Milky Way, revealing the Modern Sophist's error. (32.) And, the Hubble Space Telescope may have the ability to see to the (apparent) edge of our visible universe. (33.) If Astronomers can see the edge of the universe, that must prove we are at the center of a Finite Cosmos. Since we know the Absolute Velocity of our moving system, they must abandon Einstein's postulate "there is no single privileged observer" and his Theory of Relativity.

THE STRONG DELUSION REVEALED
After considering examples of the Sophistry being practiced in the name of Modern Science, the Strong Delusion is promptly exposed. "...Science falsely so called..." 1 Tim. 6:20. Randall Hedtke (34.) has determined "a delusion exists." Henry H. Grimm (35) said, "What a perversion exists now." George Mulfinger (36.) wrote, "Satanic forces exists at all levels, even in the basic sciences." And Charles L. Webber (37.) has concluded that Satan has not limited his influence to biology.

RELATIVITY ANCIENT AND MODERN
"What supports the heavenly bodies in their places?" This has been a problem question from the beginning of recorded history. (38.) The Babylonians put their mind to rest by believing the heavens to be a hemi-spherical vault. And thus (by giving it Form) they inferred it was a substance with the strength to support the heavenly bodies. The Greeks later named the heavenly substance Quintessence: the "Fifth Substance." Thus (by naming it) they assigned it the strength and stability of Substance. (39.)

By the time of Copernicus the Quintessence had assumed the texture and strength of crystal. However, Tycho Brahe observed a comet cross the orbits of the planets, and announced, "there are no solid spheres in the heavens." (40.)

The Crystal Spheres had no more than fallen when the Sophists rushed in an "other than real" substance to reassure mankind (Deus ex Machina) that the heavenly bodies would remain securely in their places. (41.)

Stephen F. Mason said the cosmological theories of the twentieth century are as numerous and varied as the Aether theories of the nineteenth century, of which they are in a sense the historical heirs. They both belong to a tradition which has sought to explain the phenomena of nature by a cosmic continuum: a "geometrical Space-Time" in the first, a mechanical all pervading "Aether" in the second. (42.)

Thus the "Fabric of Space" is a replacement of that "Other Than Real" substance which was a replacement for the crystal spheres of the Greeks which replaced the vault of the Babylonians.

The fabric of space of the Modern Sophists reveals a fundamental error which has been handed down from the Sumerian Astrologer Priests to the Modern Cosmologists. Namely: Shape does not exist A SE or PER SE, but only as an attribute of Substance. As they were unaware of the Force of Gravity, or Inertia and Momentum, they adopted the wrong assumption that the apparent arched shape of the heavens kept the stars from falling.

The false hypothesis of curved space was reborn in Modern Babylon by confusing a Logical Concept with the Real. According to Einstein, a gravitational field may be understood as a curved plane analogy (an example of sophistry) of a four dimensional sphere. He compared it (his sophisticated analogy) to a pool table with depressions near the holes. (43.)

Space is not a substance and has no surface, and thus has no Form or Shape. A geometrical concept is not a real thing, it "exists" only in the minds of the Sophists and Pythagoreans. To confuse the Real with the Logical and conclude with "curved space-time" is pure delusion.

"This philosophy if it be carefully examined will," as Sir Frances Beacon said, "be found to advance certain points of view which are deliberately designed to cripple." (44.)

Curved space and Relativity have set science back 4,000 years to the Apparentivistic hemi-spherical vault of the Babylonians. The only difference: the question of whether the "bowl of the heavens" is right side up or upside down. (45.)

CONCLUSION
In ancient Babylon the false assumptions "order came from chaos," "life came from the seas," the heavens are a "hemispherical vault" and "earth is the center of the universe" were all taught in religious schools. (46.)

Today the lies, "order came from chaos," "Life came from the sea," "space is curved" and "Man is the center of the universe" are all taught in government funded and controlled schools. (47.)

Consider each of these wrong assumptions briefly. First: That something which does not exist could create itself, or exist without Cause. This is blatant absurdity. The ability to create (Ex Nilo) belongs to God alone. To assign that ability to something is to make it a false god.

Second: That life came from the sea -- Evolution. The Word of God tells us He created each kind of being. Evolutionists say all life came from one kind, and specifically that at some time in pre-history a monkey gave birth to mankind.

Third: That the heavens are curved. In Modern Babylon the Cosmologists believe space is curved. They have not decided whether the curve is open or closed. Regardless, right side up or upside down, open or closed, curved space is vaulted heavens.

Fourth: That the Universe is Geocentric. The Babylonian Astrologers believed the sun, moon and heavens moved around the earth. We now know they arrived at this wrong conclusion by confusing Apparent Motion with Primary Motion. If Modern Sophists prove all the bodies of the universe are moving away from earth, and no part of the universe exists beyond the limit of our vision, then perhaps Earth is at its center. Jeremiah 31:37.

A SIGN OF THE TIMES
We must come to one of two conclusions. First: The Ancient Babylonian Astrologers were correct about our universe, and Modern Sophists (who claim there is no truth) have demonstrated that to be the truth. Second: Satan practiced his trade (Sophistry) in ancient Sumer and Babylon, and has been allowed to bring this ancient delusion upon modern man.

For a rational thinker who loves the Truth, the first choice is unthinkable, and the second reveals a significant fulfillment of Bible prophecy. 2 Thes. 2:2-12, Rev. 6:2, 20:7-8.

  
1.        "Science had its roots in two primary sources. Firstly, the  
          technical tradition [crafts and trades] and secondly, the  
          spiritual tradition [priestly scribes]."  
               Mason, Stephen F.,  A HISTORY OF THE SCIENCES  
               New York: Collier Books, Inc., 1962, pp. 11-24, 142.  
  
2.        "We believe that our calculations are essentially correct and  
          that we are on the edge of fully understanding the atom as well  
          as the beginnings of the universe." Murry Gell-Mann  
               Boslough, John, "Worlds Within The Atom",  
               NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, V. 167, N. 5, May, 1985, p. 663.  
  
          "Your not going to be able to understand it ...my physics  
          students don't understand it... I don't understand it."  
          Richard Feynman, Book Review by Lemonick, Michael D., "A  
          book that makes no sense", SCIENCE DIGEST  V. 94, N. 7,  
          July 1986, p. 81.  
  
               Velikovsky, Immanuel, WORLDS IN COLLISION, New York: Pocket  
               Books, 1977, pp. 21-22.  
  
3.             Malcom McKenna  
               U. S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT 13 Feb., 1986, p. 76.  
  
4.             Mason, op. cit. a., p. 131, 134; b., p. 547.  
  
5.        "The Theory of Relativity was born of math errors.", Webber,  
          Charles L., Jr., CREATION RESEARCH SOCIETY QUARTERLY, V. 11,  
          N. 4, Mar. 1975, p. 221.  
  
               THE EINSTEIN MYTH AND THE IVES PAPERS, Ed: Hazelett, R.  
               Turner, D., Old Greenwich, Con: The Devin-Adair Co. 1979.  
  
6.             Jacques Maritain, AN INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY,  
               New York: Sheed & Ward, Inc., 1947, pp. 56-60.  
  
               Mason, op. cit. pp. 28-30.  
  
7.             Maritain, op. cit. pp. 65-67, 165-66, 181-82.  
  
8.             Maritain, op. cit. pp. 97, 166, 184.  
  
9.             Bergman, Jerry, "What Is Science",  
               CREATION RESEARCH SOCIETY QUARTERLY,  
               V. 20, N. 1, June 1983, p. 39.  
  
10.            Mason, op. cit. p. 142.  
  
11.            ibid. p. 136.  
  
12.            WEBSTER'S NINTH NEW COLLEGIATE DICTIONARY, Springfield,  
               Mass: Merriam-Webster Inc., Pub. 1987.  
  
13.            Shaply, Harlo, SCIENCE PONDERS RELIGION, New York:  
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14.            Simpson, George Gaylord, THIS VIEW OF LIFE, Harcourt,  
               Brace and World, Inc. 1964, p. 38.  
  
15.            Mason, op. cit. pp. 541-42.  
  
16.       "New Universes may be Percolating out or our own..."  
               NEWSWEEK,  Ju. 13, 1988, p. 60.  
  
17.            Purtill, Richard l., LOGICAL THINKING, New York:  
               Harper and Row, 1972, pp. 7-9, 55-65, 66.  
  
18.            Mason, op. cit. p. 77.  
  
19.            Maritain, op. cit. pp. [n.p.]  
  
20.            On the confusion of Real and Logical, see:  
               McCall, R. J., BASIC LOGIC, New York:  
               Barns & Nobel, Inc.,  
               2nd ed. 1952, p. 30-36, 140.  
  
               Popkins, Richard H., Ph. D., Stroll, A., Ph. D.  
               PHILOSOPHY MADE SIMPLE, Made Simple Books Inc:  
               New York, 1956.  
  
21.            Models of the Universe, Curvature; Flat (Euclidean),  
               Spherical (closed), Hyperbolic (open),  
               ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA MACROPAEDIA, op. cit.,  
               See V. 16, pp. 788-91, V. 25, p. 860,  
               V. 26, p. 534, V. 28, pp. 655-57.  
  
               Space-time, Newtonian & Relativistic; ENCYCLOPEDIA OF  
               SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, New York:  
               McGraw-Hill, 5th ed. 1982, V. 12, pp. 799-800.  
  
22.            Moore, John N., "Dictionary of Deceit",  
               CREATION RESEARCH SOCIETY QUARTERLY, 16, N. 1,  
               June 1979, p. 59.  
  
23.            Mason, op. cit. pp. 205-6, 471-3, 482-4.  
                    And see Ref. # 19.  
  
24.            Foley, Arther L., COLLEGE PHYSICS, 2nd Edition,  
               Philadelphia: Blakiston's son & Co., Inc. 1937, p. 695.  
  
               AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, V. 34, 1887, p. 340.  
  
               Shankland, R. S., The Michelson-Morely Experiment  
               SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, Nov. 1964, p. 80-94.  
  
               Walter Michels, et al; FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICS Princeton,  
               N.J: D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc., 1968, p. 211-212.  
  
25.            Mason, op. cit. pp. 207, 543  
                    And see Ref. # 19.  
  
               Durell, Clement V., READABLE RELATIVITY, New York: Harper  
               and Row, 1960.  
  
26.       "Philosophy is competent to judge every other human science,  
          rejecting as false every scientific hypothesis which  
          contradicts its own results."  
               Jacques Maritain, op. cit., p. 111.  
  
27.            Heisenburg's "Principle of Uncertainty"  
               Mason, op. cit. p. 557.  
  
28.       "Light travels more slowly in water."  
               Fizeau, Foucault  
               Mason, op. cit. pp. 471-75.  
  
29.       "The space telescope may be able to detect... the very edge  
          of the universe."  
               Wm. Harwood, THE PORTLAND OREGONIAN,  
               Thursday, 15 Nov. 1984.  
  
          "Its center coincides with its circumference."  
               Nicolus of Cusa  
               Mason, op. cit. p. 133.  
  
30.       "Einstein, adopting the view of Mach...."  
               Mason, op. cit. p. 567.  
  
31.       "Light, (a.) exerts pressure like a gas of fast moving light  
                       weight particles,  
                  (b.) has momentum (else it could not exert pressure),  
                  (c.) has Form (else it could not exert pressure),  
                  (d.) losses energy when traveling up out of a gravity  
                       field,  
                  (e.) can be deflected."  
               Roger L. St. Peter, "Lets Deflate the Big Bang Hypothesis",  
               CREATION RESEARCH SOCIETY QUARTERLY, V. 11, N. 3, Dec. 1974,  
               p. 143.  
  
          As Newton put it, "Light rays consist of [the consequences of] a  
          stream of particles in rectilinear motion."  
               Mason, op. cite.  
  
32.            "Are We All in the Grip of a Great Attractor?"  
               Research News; SCIENCE, V. 237, 11 Sept. [Yr] pp. 1296-7.  
  
          "The Earth's absolute motion through the universe..."  
               Ferris, Timothy, SKY AND TELESCOPE, V. 73, May 1987, pp.  
               486-90.  
  
          "The Milky Way and its neighbors are falling..."  
               News Notes; SKY AND TELESCOPE, V. 74, Aug. 1987, p. 119-20.  
  
33.       "Seeing the edge of the Universe"  
               U.S.A TODAY, V. 114, June 1986, p. 1.  
  
34.            Hedtke, R., "The Epistimo Is The Theory" CREATION RESEARCH  
               SOCIETY QUARTERLY, V. 18, N. 1, Ju. 1981.  
  
35.            Grimm, H.  
               ibid. Sept. V. 22, N. 2, 1985, p. 97.  
  
36.            Mulfinger, G.  
               ibid. V. 10, N. 3, Dec. 1973, p. 170.  
  
37.            Webber, C. L., Jr.  
               ibid. V. 11, N. 4, Mar. 1975, p. 39.  
  
38.            Mason, op. cit. pp. 20-21.  
  
               Velikovsky, op. cit.  
  
39.            Mason, op. cit. pp. 26, 38.  
  
40.            ibid. p. 193.  
  
41.            ibid. see: Descartes, Huygens, p. 197.  
  
42.            ibid. p. 567.  
  
43.            ibid. pp. 546-568.  
  
          "Probing Cosmic geometry suggests the universe is flat."  
               PHYSICS TODAY, V. 40, May 1987, p. 17.  
  
44.            ibid. p. 146.  
  
45.            Rothman, Tony, "This Is The Way The Universe ends"  
               DISCOVER, V. 8, N. 7, July 1987, p. 82.  
  
46.            Mason, op. cit. pp. 11-24.  
  
                    Thales, p. 48, Anaximander, p. 49, Empedocles, p. 50.  
                    Maritain, op. cit.  
  
               And see: LAROUSSE WORLD MYTHOLOGY, et al.  
  
47.            Jastro, Robert, RED GIANTS AND WHITE DWARFS,  
               New York: W. W. Horton, 1979.  

THE EARLY AFFLICTION
The affliction which our early Christian brothers suffered was at first caused by those who could not accept the New Covenant which was promised by God and put into effect by the Lamb of God, sprinkled with His own blood. The book of Acts records much about the early affliction. Jer. 31:31. Mat. 1:21, Acts 2:37-47, Heb. 7:27.

Soon the Romans began to persecute both Jews and Christians. The New Testament contains many comments about afflictions which the Apostles and Early Saints suffered. 1 Thes. 3:3-4 is but one example. "...No man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto." 1 Cor. 4:6-14, 1 Peter 2:21, 2 Tim. 3:12.

The Letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 11, tells of the faith and the affliction of God's servants who lived before the birth of Christ. Job suffered affliction. Isaiah, Jeremiah and Zechariah (just to mention a very few) were both rejected and persecuted by the people and religious establishment of their day.

Not only are there references in the New Testament to the suffering of the Early Saints, but there are references in the civil records and private writings of the people of that time.

THE ROMAN STATE
The 1966 Edition of COLLIER'S ENCYCLOPEDIA gives details of some instances. Caligula's emphasis on his own divinity almost raised a war in Judea. Astrology, mysteries, eastern cults and worship of the goddess Isis flourished. (Caligula, A.D. 41-54, V. 20, p. 194.) If a Jew or Christian would not acknowledge Caligula as divine (accept the mark of the beast) he or she was executed.

The first Empire wide persecution apparently took place in about A.D. 251 under Decius, when he called for an Empire wide devotion to placate the gods of the Roman State, because of the plague, and murdered Christians who refused to participate. Persecution and affliction, localized and sporadic, continued until about A.D. 315.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
It was about this time Constantine issued the "Edict Milan," which decreed tolerance for Christians. He presided at the Council at Nicaea. He was the first man in history to be worshiped as pagan god (the Emperor-god of Rome) and `christian' Pope (father) of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. There, at the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325, was the birth of the Catholic Church. From then until the fall of the Roman Empire the Catholic Church grew.

The Pope soon declared himself the head of the Body of Christ in his absence (Mat 29:00), and thus, he `is God on earth.' Any Christian or Jew who would not accept him as god (receive the mark of the beast) was murdered. The Scripture was taken from the faithful on pain of death. The Pope seized power when and where he could, until controlling almost all of the known world. From 500 to 900 unknown millions of Christians were killed because they would not accept the mark of the beast: they would not accept the Pope as "God on earth." (See HALLEY'S BIBLE HANDBOOK, 23rd Ed. 1962, p. 758-97.)

800 or 900 A.D. was, in round figures, the depth of the Dark Ages and the peak of the Pope's power. From that time the Catholic Church began to loose power over mankind. Yet, from 900 through 1700 the Pope, though the Catholic Church was in decline, managed to kill millions of those who would not submit to his rule and accept his mark.

In 1532 Martin Luther broke away from the Pope. In 1611 the King James Bible was printed. (Aside from the Sacrifice of The Lamb of God, the most significant event in human history.)

It is a matter of fact -- recorded on the pages of history -- that the Pope has tormented the survivors of the Tribe of Judah and murdered uncounted millions of Christians who would not accept his mark.

Why? Why would the horn of a "form of religion" murder those who would not worship him as God? Because he has been deceived, possibly possessed by Satan as Judas was. 1 Tim. 4:1-3. Do not be deceived, it was Satan who brought this affliction upon Jews and Christians, and he will do it again. Dan. 7:21, Rev. 13:7, 11:7-10.

WE WERE WARNED
Y'Shua said those who followed Him would have to suffer, as the world had rejected and afflicted Him it would reject and afflict His servants. Mat. 10:24-25, 24:9-10.

The Prophets suffered affliction. Jesus suffered for us. The Apostles suffered affliction. The early Saints suffered affliction until as late as the 1700's.

In fact, to this very day Christians suffer affliction in Russia, Asia, Africa, the Mid-east and South America. As a matter of Fact (with some few exceptions) the only Christians in this modern world who have not suffered for their faith are the last five generations who have lived in North America. The spoiled and pampered Christians who have lived in the richest nation of this world are the only Christians who have not suffered affliction for a testimony of their faith. To be born to purple may be more curse than blessing. Being weak, and fearing affliction, they are easy prey to the false promise of life, or death, without pain. Rev. 2:18-22.

WHAT ABOUT THE RAPTURE?
If the Lord wants to take us before the Affliction and Tribulation, that would certainly be alright with us, right? Who, in his right mind, would refuse to go? On the other hand, if He has decided we must remain for the testing of our faith by fire, how could we argue with Him? Isn't it true we want to understand His will for us so we can serve Him? Do we sincerely pray, "Thy will be done..."?

Will the Late Saints have to suffer affliction or tribulation? Is the affliction described in Matthew 24:9-10 the same event as the tribulation in verse 21? Will the Church live, and suffer, through both events? Or will the rich and pampered Christians who's faith has never been tested by the fire of affliction be "ruptured off this earth" before the Vials of wrath are poured out upon the Beast's Kingdom?

WHERE IS IT WRITTEN?
The Doctrine of the Rapture is one which should be considered from the "where is it written?" point of view. If a theory, doctrine or dogma is not written in clear and concise terms in The Word, then we may reject it. And, any theory, doctrine, or dogma which contradicts the literal definition of The Word should be rejected.

We need to answer three questions.

Do any of the scriptures given as proofs of "the rapture" literally say God is going to take His Church off the Earth before the Affliction? Or is this what someone said they mean even though they don't actually say it? Study the Scriptures carefully and it will be found that none clearly say our Lord will come two more times. In fact, He took great care to tell us He would not come in secret, that every eye would see Him. Mat. 24:26-30. Rev. 1:7.

Where is it written, in black and white, that although the Early Saints were murdered by the Horn of Rome, the Late Saints will not be murdered by the Horn of reborn Rome?

STUDY CAREFULLY
The serious Bible student will examine all verses which refer to a named event. The day our Lord will come is referred to as "That Day." by carefully examining all of the events described as occurring on That Day we find that "the day of the Lord" and "the day of God" are the same day. 2 Peter 3:7-12 ...compare verses 10 and 12. 1 Thes. 4:16, Ps. 102:26, Isa 34:4, Mat 24:29.

ONE TAKEN, ONE LEFT
It is written that we will rise up to meet him in the sky, and that one will be taken and the other left: But the question is WHEN?

Study Matthew 24:29 to 32 with care. Jesus tells when "one will be taken and the other left." "Immediately after the tribulation... and THEN will appear the sign of the son of man... and THEN all the tribes ...will mourn, and they will see the Son of man coming ...AND He will send out his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather His elect..." One will be taken and the other left when the Lord sends His angels to gather His Elect.

Now, using your concordance, study the events listed in those scriptures which contain the sign of the Seventh Trumpet, the Last Trumpet. Jesus will gather His elect at the last trumpet, not before. 1 Cor. 15:50-54.

WHO IS APPOINTED TO WRATH?
It is written that we are not appointed to wrath. "Jesus which hath delivered us from the wrath to come." 1 Thes. 1:10 and 5:9. The term `delivered' is past tense: that is, this is something which has been done, not prophecy about something which will be done at the end of time. "Now is come salvation, and strength, and the Kingdom of our God..." Rev. 12:10.

HOW did we get salvation? By the death of the Lamb of God. WHEN did we get salvation? When we accepted the death of the lamb of God as atonement for our sins. Mat. 1:21, Acts 2:37-47, Col. 1:12-14.

How can some men claim the Letter to the Thessalonians meant one thing to the Early Saints and something else to the Late Saints? Were they ruptured off the earth before they suffered affliction? No. They received salvation when they believed and were added to the Church, and still suffered affliction.

This "saved from wrath" means the same thing to us it meant to them. That is, by His sacrifice the Messiah has saved us from the eternal separation from God which we earned by our sins: grace rather than judgment. Acts 2:21, 47, 15:11. Rom. 5:9, 1 Cor. 5:5.

Who did God appoint to wrath? "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up to thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God." Rom. 2:5-8. Those who reject the Messiah, deny Truth and refuse to repent from their life of rebellion are appointed to wrath. When will they receive this wrath? On That Day... the day of judgment. Rev. 11:18, Zep. 1:15-16.

It is that wrath from which we are saved. And please note: the Vials of wrath are poured out upon the Beast's Kingdom, not upon the Saints--just as the 10 Plagues were poured out upon the Egyptians, not on the Twelve Tribes of Judah. Rev. 16:1-10.

THE CHURCH IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION
It has been said "the rapture" is proven by the fact the Church is not spoken of past the Fourth Chapter of the Book of Revelation. Is this correct? Is there no mention of the Church in the Sixth, Seventh or Twentieth Chapters?

In order to answer that question we must define four terms.

  
     1. What is the Church?  
     2. Who is in the Church?  
     3. What are the names of the Church?  
     4. What are the names of its members?  
  
     1.  The term Church (Ecclesia) means Assembly, Congregation.  
The Church is the People of God who are gathered in His name.  
  
     2.  The Faithful Children of Abraham (by blood or adoption)  
are the Congregation, Assembly, Church of God. The Strangers  
(Exiles) are the Church. The saved are added to, or are "in," the  
Church. 1 Peter 1:1, Col. 1:1-18. Acts 2:38-47.  
  
     3.  Following is a list of the NAMES of the Church.  
          The Assembly of the Saints, Ps 89:7.  
          The Assembly of the upright, Ps. 111:1.  
          The Body of Christ. Rom. 12:5, Eph. 1:23.  
          The Branch, Isa. 60:21, Rom. 11:17-21.  
          The Bride, Rev. 21:9.  
          The Church of The First Born, Heb. 12:27.  
          The Church of God, Acts 20:28.  
          The Family in heaven, Eph. 3:14-15.  
          God's Flock, Isa. 40:11, Acts 20:28.  
          General Assembly, Heb. 12:23.  
          God's Building, 1 Cor. 3:9.  
          God's Husbandry, 1 Cor. 3:9.  
          The Habitation of God, Eph. 2:22.  
          The Holy City, Rev. 21:2.  
          The Israel of God, Gal. 6:16.  
          Household of God, Eph. 2:9.  
          The Lamb's Wife, Rev. 19:7.  
          Pillar and Ground of Truth, 1 Tim. 3:15.  
          A Spiritual House, 1 Peter 2:5.  
          Saints, Rom. 1:7, Col. 1:2.  
          Temple of God, 1 Cor. 3:16.  
          The Twelve Tribes, James 1:1, Eze. 48:5-6.  
          Saints and Faithful Brethren, Col. 1:2  
          God's Beloved, Romans 1:7  
  
     4.  Following is a list of NAMES of the members of the  
Church.  
  
          Saints, Rom. 1:7, Acts 9:13.  
          Believers, Acts 5:14.  
          Beloved Brethren, 1 Cor. 15:58.  
          Spiritual Brethren, Mat. 23:8.  
          Children of God, Mat. 5:9.  
          His People, Mat. 1:21.  
          Holy People, Deu. 7:6, 1 Pet. 2:9.  
          Chosen Ones, Deu. 7:6, Mark 13:20.  
          Christians, Acts 11:26.  
          Dear Children, Eph. 5:1.  
          The Elect, Mat. 24:22.  
          Heirs, Rom. 4:13-16.  
          Lights, Mat. 5:14.  
          Ransomed of the Lord, Isa. 35:10.  
          The Righteous, Job 36:7.  
          The Salt, Mat. 5:13.  
          My Servants, John 18:36.  
          Sheep, Ps. 74:1.  
          The Sons of God, Hosea 1:10.  
          Children of Light, Luke 16:8.  
          Trees of Righteousness, Isa 61:3, Rom. 11:17.  
          Vessels of Honor, 2 Tim. 2:21.  
          Vessels of Mercy, Rom. 9:23.  
          We Who Remain, Isa. 1:9, 1 Thes. 4:14, Rev. 12:17.  

OUR BROTHERS
6:9-11. "...And I saw under the alter the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God..." These are the Early saints. "...And it was said unto them that they should rest yet for a little season until their fellow brethren that should be killed as they..." Mat. 23:8, 24:9-12. 1 Cor. 15:58. The "brethren" are the Church.

The Church is still on earth during the time of the Fifth Seal. Not only are we still here, but this is a specific prophecy that we will endure the same test of faith as our First Century Brothers.

HIS SERVANTS
7:3. "...Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of God (the Church) on their forehead. "My servants..." This is the Church. John 18:36. "And I heard the number of... of the Twelve Tribes..." The "Twelve Tribes" are the Church. James 1:1. The Church is here during the Seventh Chapter.

9:4. "...But only those men which have not the seal of God in their forehead..." Why make this distinction? (Have NOT the seal.) The Church was marked in the Seventh Chapter. If the Church had been ruptured off the earth there would be no need for this distinction. The Church is on earth in the Ninth Chapter, during the time of the Fifth Trumpet.

THE WITNESSES
11:3-4. "...My two witnesses... two olive trees..." Verses 3 to 8. The two witnesses are olive trees--the Church (congregation) of Judah and the Church (congregation) of the Gentiles. Isa. 60:21, 61:3, Rom. 11:17-21. Luke 24:48, Acts 1:8, Heb. 12:1. See pp. 178, 181.

Verse 13: "...and the remnant..." "We who remain" are the Church. Isa. 1:9, 10:20-27. 1 Thes. 4:14-17, Rev. 12:17.

CAMP OF THE SAINTS
20:9. "...And compassed the Camp of the Saints... and the Beloved City..." This Scripture, in context, is speaking of the last battle between Heaven and earth: The Battle of Armageddon. Jerusalem is "The Beloved City." The "Camp of the Saints" is the Church. This verse depicts the very moment The Messiah comes to save His People. Ps. 89:7, Rom. 1:7.

Y'Shua once asked if there would be faith on earth when the Son of Man came. Then He answered His own question when He said, "Except those days be shortened, no flesh would be saved, but for THE ELECT'S SAKE those days shall be shortened." The Elect is the Remnant, the Church. Mat. 24:22, Mark 13:20.

The Church is here until the end, when He comes to defeat His enemy. Rev. 14:12-20, 19:11-21, 20:9-15, Joel 3:1-2, Zec. 14, 1 Cor. 15:52, 1 Peter 3:7, 10-12.

WHO COMES WITH HIM?
It must be asked: "If the Church is not raptured, then who is it that comes with Him when He comes?" 2 Thes. 4:14-17.

Verse 14: "...Even so them which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him." We will identify this as group number One: Those who "sleep in Jesus." Those who He brings "with Him." First, however, we should note that if they remained asleep, they could not come with Him. Therefore it is revealed, in this verse, that some of those who sleep must have been awakened prior to His Last Advent. Rev. 20:4-6. Group number One comes with Him. 2 Peter 3:7, 10-12, Dan. 7:9-10, 22, 26-27 and 12:1-3.

Verse 15: "...And we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord..." This is group number Two: Those who are alive and remain. "Alive," that is, have not slept, nor died. "Remain," or, stayed on earth. Thus "we who remain" is the Church, waiting on earth for His return. Isa. 1:9, Mat. 24:22, Rev. 11:13, 20:9.

Verse 16: "...For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout... and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first..." Group number Three is "the dead in Christ," the Late Saints who have been killed by the Beast for a testimony of their faith. Rev. 13:15, 11:7-10.

IDENTIFY THE GROUPS
In these verses we can clearly identify Three separate groups of Saints. First: Those who have been resurrected in the first resurrection, have ruled with Him for over a thousand years and come with Him when He comes. Second: We who are alive, the Camp of the Saints at Jerusalem--waiting here to witnesses His return. Third: Those who have died since the first resurrection along with those Late Saints who were murdered by the Beast for a testimony of their faith.

HIS FIRSTFRUITS COME WITH HIM
Who is group number One? They had to be with Him in Heaven in order to be able to come with Him. These are the First Century Saints, the "first fruits," who were resurrected in the first resurrection. Rev. 6:9-11, 12:11, 11:1. 7:9, 20:4-6. "And they lived and reigned with Christ..." This is the Early Saints. They were resurrected before Satan was loosed from his prison and have reigned with Him now for over a thousand years. These are those Saints who "loved not their lives unto the death."

"Being the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb." James 1:18, Rev. 14:1-4. So the Early Saints, His "first fruits," are with Him now and will come with Him when He comes for us.

IDENTIFY THE SEQUENCE
In these verses we are given a clear and concise sequence of events by which these three groups will participate in meeting with our Lord when He comes.

  
  
     1.   Group One comes with Him. (Group Two will not  
          precede group Three.)  
     2.   Group Three will be resurrected.  
     3.   Groups Two and Three will rise together to Meet  
          the Lord and group One in the sky.  

The group of Saints who come with Him cannot be the second group, who are alive and waiting here for He and they to come. Nor can the group who comes with Him be the group who is dead when He comes: as the dead will be resurrected when He comes. In Addition, we are plainly told those who are alive will not precede those who are dead in rising to meet the Lord and those who come with Him.

The Late Saints who were murdered by the Beast as a testimony of their faith will be resurrected when the Great Trumpet sounds. Then "we who remain alive" will be transformed, and together we will rise in joy to meet them (both He and those who come with Him) in the sky. Mat. 24:29-31, 1 Cor. 15:52, Rev. 11:12.

We must conclude there will be no rapture before the resurrection which occurs at the sound of the Seventh Trumpet.

Do not be deceived. The philosophy of "the rapture" (that Christians will be removed from this earth without having to endure affliction) is a lie of Satan. Mat. 24:24, Col. 2:8. The intent and purpose of this lie is first, to deceive the weak and fearful, and second, to divide the Saints.

PROOF AT LAST
If we could place the visions of Daniel and John on an obelisk properly, an age old theory says, we could understand their message. Using the method described in the Chapter "THE METHOD" we can now prove that ancient theory to be correct.

SEE THE CLUES
The words used to describe the visual communications Daniel and John saw contain the secret to understanding those visions. "Look" and "I saw" are the key. The Book of Daniel contains written descriptions of the visual communications he was shown. The Revelation Of Y'Shua The Messiah is a description of visual communications which were shown to John. These Books contain descriptions of Ideograms, Icons and Pictographs. Though John and Daniel recorded their descriptions alphabetically, to pass them to us, we must use visual means to understand them.

SEE THE MESSAGE
We must transcribe the written descriptions into pictographs and arrange them on an obelisk, or on a wall in mural from, in order to see the message. Those who rely on the strict definition of terms, rather than the pictures painted by the words, cannot discover the message of the visions.

We may imagine the artistic style of the individual icons to be Egyptian, as the Hebrews never developed art. Pictographs in the technique of the Twelfth Dynasty Tomb at Beni-Hasan in Upper Egypt, but surrealistic in the style of Salvador Dali, would give the right End Time message.

THE ESCHATOLOGRAPH
In creating The Eschatolograph a compromise was made regarding the number of pictographs--between few and many. The one would cause each pictograph to be so complicated it would not be decipherable. The second would result in so many pictographs the obelisk, or mural, would be to large to manage.

The Eschatolograph has 40 Columns, each with 17 cells for pictographs. One icon or pictograph is placed in the indicated cell. The 17 rows of pictographs are labeled on the vertical axis with a letter from "A" to "R," with the letter "i" omitted. Time is measured on the horizontal axis, from right to left; the first column being number 40 and the last being number 1. Thus, Column 1 contains those pictographs which depict events which occur at The End of this world.

  
  
                       THE ESCHATOLOGRAPH  
  
  
                      The Seventeen Visions  
  
          Vision                                        Number of  
Row       Set name                                    Pictographs  
  
A.        Woman, Man-Child and Dragon                          7.  
          Rev. 12:1-17.  
  
B.        The Final Battle                                     7.  
          Rev. 20:1-15.  
  
C.        The Seven Seals                                      7.  
          Rev. 6:1-17, 8:1.  
  
D.        The Seven Trumpets                                   7.  
          Rev. 8:2, Chapter 9, 11:14-19.  
  
E.        The Seven Vials                                      7.  
          Rev. 16:1-21.  
  
F.        The Four Beasts                                      7.  
          Dan. 7:1-26.  
  
G.        The Beast With Seven Heads                           7.  
          Rev. 13:1-8.  
  
H.        The Beast Like a Lamb                                6.  
          Rev. 13:11-16.  
  
J.        The King Of Greece                                   7.  
          Dan. 8:9-25.  
  
K.        The Vile One                                        18.  
          Dan. 11:20-45.  
  
L.        The Whore Babylon                                    7.  
          Rev. 17-18.  
  
M.        The Seal of God                                      2.  
          Rev. 7:1-8, 9-17.  
  
N.        The Little Book                                      5.  
          Rev. 10:1-11.  
  
O.        The Two Witnesses                                    7.  
          Rev. 11:1-13.  
  
P.        The Heavens Opened                                   3.  
          Rev. 19:11-21.  
  
Q.        The Harvest of Earth                                 2.  
          Rev. 14:14-16, 18-20.  
  
R.        The Lamb Comes                                       1.  
          Rev. 14:1-5.  
                                                             ____  
Number of pictographs                                         107  
  
  
                       THE ESCHATOLOGRAPH  
  
                       The 107 Pictographs  
  
  
Pictograph                     SET                       Location  
Number, Name                  NAME                     row-column  
  
  
                    A.  THE WOMAN, MAN-CHILD  
                           AND DRAGON  
  
1.   The Birth of Christ                                     A-40  
     Rev. 12:1-2, 5.  
  
2.   The Dragon Attempts Murder                              A-39  
     Rev. 12:3-4.  
  
3.   Death and Resurrection of The Lamb                      A-38  
     Rev. 12:10.  
  
4.   War In Heaven                                           A-37  
     Rev. 12:7-9.  
  
5.   Desolation of Jerusalem                                 A-36  
     Rev. 12:13.  
  
6.   Dispersion of Judah                                     A-35  
     Rev. 12:14.  
  
7.   Affliction of the Saints                                A-34  
     Rev. 12:15-17.  
  
  
                      B.  THE FINAL BATTLE  
  
1.   Satan Locked into the Pit                               B-32  
     Rev. 20:1-3.  
  
2.   The First Resurrection                                  B-31  
     Rev. 20:4-6.  
  
3.   The Thousand Years.                                     B-30  
     Rev. 20:4-6  
  
4.   Satan is Loosed                                         B-29  
     Rev. 20:7.  
  
5.   War Against the Saints                                  B-15  
     Rev. 20:8.  
  
6.   Satan Surrounds Jerusalem                                B-2  
     Rev. 20:9.  
  
7.   Fire Comes Down from God                                 B-1  
     Rev. 20:9.  
  
  
                       C.  THE SEVEN SEALS  
  
1.   The Conqueror Released                                  C-29  
     Rev. 6:1-2.  
  
2.   The Red Horse                                           C-28  
     Rev. 6:3-4.  
  
3.   The Black Horse                                         C-27  
     Rev. 6:5-6.  
  
4.   Death and Hell Sent Out                                 C-24  
     Rev. 6:7-8.  
  
5.   The Souls Under the Alter                               C-15  
     Rev. 6:9-11.  
  
6.   The Great Earthquake                                     C-4  
     Rev. 6:12-17.  
  
7.   Silence in Heaven                                        C-3  
     Rev. 8:1.  
  
  
                     D.  THE SEVEN TRUMPETS  
  
1.   Hail, Fire and Blood                                    D-24  
     Rev. 8:2-7.  
  
2.   Burning Mountain                                        D-22  
     Rev. 8:8-9.  
  
3.   Burning Star                                            D-20  
     Rev. 8:10-11.  
  
4.   Sun, Moon and Stars Dark                                D-16  
     Rev. 8:12.  
  
5.   Locusts Released from Pit                               D-15  
     Rev. 9:1-11.  
  
6.   Spirits of Euphrates Released                            D-4  
     Rev. 9:13-21.  
  
7.   The Last Trumpet                                         D-1  
     Rev. 11:14-19.  
  
  
                       E.  THE SEVEN VIALS  
  
1.   Grievous Sores                                          E-18  
     Rev. 16:1-2.  
  
2.   Sea becomes as Blood                                    E-16  
     Rev. 16:3.  
  
3.   Fountains, Rivers as Blood                              E-14  
     Rev. 16:4.  
  
4.   Sun Scorches Men                                        E-12  
     Rev. 16:8-9.  
  
5.   Beast's Kingdom Dark                                    E-10  
     Rev. 16:10-11.  
  
6.   Euphrates Dried                                          E-5  
     Rev. 16:12-16.  
  
7.   Voice From Heaven                                        E-4  
     Rev. 16:17-21.  
  
  
                       F.  THE FOUR BEASTS  
  
1.   The Lion                                                F-29  
     Dan. 7:1-4.  
  
2.   The Bear                                                F-28  
     Dan. 7:5.  
  
3.   The Leopard                                             F-25  
     Dan. 7:6.  
  
4.   The Beast                                               F-24  
     Dan. 7:7-8, 12.  
  
5.   The Four Beasts War Against Saints                      F-15  
     Dan. 7:21.  
  
6.   The Four Beasts Destroy the Earth                       F-11  
     Dan. 7:23.  
  
7.   Death of the Beasts                                      F-1  
     Dan. 7:11, 26, 11:45.  
  
  
                 G.  THE BEAST WITH SEVEN HEADS  
  
1.   The Composite Beast                                     G-24  
     Rev. 13:1-2.  
  
2.   One Head Wounded                                        G-23  
     Rev. 13:3-4.  
  
3.   The Beast commits blasphemy                             G-21  
     Rev. 13:5-6.  
  
4.   The World Worships the Beast                            G-20  
     Rev. 13:5, 8.  
  
5.   War against the Saints                                  G-15  
     Rev. 13:7.  
  
6.   The Beast Rules the World                               G-11  
     Rev. 13:5.  
  
7.   The Beast Destroyed                                      G-1  
     Rev. 19:20.  
  
                    H.  THE BEAST LIKE A LAMB  
  
1.   False Christs                                           H-22  
     Rev. 13:11.  
  
2.   The Command to Worship Satan                            H-21  
     Rev. 13:12.  
  
3.   Lying Signs and Wonders                                 H-19  
     Rev. 13:13.  
  
4.   The Mark of the Beast                                   H-17  
     Rev. 13:14-16.  
  
5.   False Christ Murders the Saints                         H-15  
     Rev. 13:15, 17.  
  
6.   False Christ Destroyed                                   H-1  
     Rev. 19:20.  
  
  
                     J.  THE KING OF GREECE  
  
1.   The Fierce King Stands Up                               J-23  
     Dan. 8:23, 25.  
  
2.   King Uses Magic                                         J-22  
     Dan. 8:23, 25.  
  
3.   He Waxes Great                                          J-21  
     Dan. 8:24.  
  
4.   He Magnifies Himself                                    J-20  
     Dan. 8:25.  
  
5.   He Destroys the Holy People                             J-15  
     Dan. 8:10, 24-25.  
  
6.   By Peace Destroys Many                                  J-11  
     Dan. 8:25.  
  
7.   He Is Broken                                             J-1  
     Dan. 8:25.  
  
  
                        K.  THE VILE ONE  
  
1.   The Raiser of Taxes                                     K-24  
     Dan. 11:20.  
  
2.   The Vile One                                            K-23  
     Dan. 11:21.  
  
3.   With the Arms of a Flood                                K-22  
     Dan. 11:22.  
  
4.   He Works Deceitfully                                    K-21  
     Dan. 11:23.  
  
5.   He Forecasts his Devices                                K-20  
     Dan. 11:24.  
  
6.   He Wars With King of the South                          K-19  
     Dan. 11:25.  
  
7.   Two Lying Kings at One Table                            K-18  
     Dan. 11:26-27.  
  
8.   The Beast Returns Rich                                  K-17  
     Dan. 11:28.  
  
9.   Ships of Chittim Oppose Him                             K-16  
     Dan. 11:29-30.  
  
10.  They Place the Abomination                              K-15  
     Dan. 11:30-31.  
  
11.  They Murder the Saints                                  K-14  
     Dan. 11:33.  
  
12.  The Beast Magnifies himself                             K-13  
     Dan. 11:36-39.  
  
13.  The Kings Push at him                                    K-8  
     Dan. 11:40-41.  
  
14.  Nations fall                                             K-7  
     Dan. 11:41-42.  
  
15.  Many Shall Be at his Feet                                K-6  
     Dan. 11:43.  
  
16.  Bad News from the East                                   K-5  
     Dan. 11:44.  
  
17.  He goes forth to Destroy Many                            K-4  
     Dan. 11:44.  
  
18.  The Beast Comes to his End                               K-1  
     Dan. 11:45.  
  
  
                     L.  THE WHORE BABYLON.  
  
1.   The Whore Rides the Beast                               L-27  
     Rev. 17:3-4.  
  
2.   Her Name Is On Her Face                                 L-26  
     Rev. 17:5.  
  
3.   Satan Supports Babylon Lavishly                         L-25  
     Rev. 17:8.  
  
4.   People Marvel at Her                                    L-24  
     Rev. 17:8.  
  
5.   Babylon Drunk on Blood of Saints                        L-15  
     Rev. 17:6.  
  
6.   People of Other Nations Hate Her                         L-5  
     Rev. 17:16.  
  
7.   Babylon is Burned in One Hour                            L-4  
     Rev. 17:16, 18:1-23.  
  
  
                       M.  THE SEAL OF GOD  
  
1.   The Saints are Sealed                                   M-25  
     Rev. 7:1-3.  
  
2.   The Saints Surround the Throne                           M-1  
     Rev. 7:9-17.  
  
  
                       N.  THE LITTLE BOOK  
  
1.   The Mighty Angel                                        N-25  
     Rev. 10:1-3, 5-6.  
  
2.   The Saints Receive the Book                             N-24  
     Rev. 10:8-10.  
  
3.   Saints Understand the Message                           N-23  
     Rev. 10:9-10, Eze. 2:9 to 3:3.  
  
4.   Understanding is Sweet as Honey                         N-22  
     Rev. 10:10.  
  
5.   You Must Witness                                        N-21  
     Rev. 10:11.  
  
  
                      O.  THE TWO WITNESSES  
  
1.   Witnesses Receive Power                                 O-24  
     Rev. 11:3.  
  
2.   The Two Olive Trees                                     O-23  
     Rev. 11:4.  
  
3.   Witnesses Speak with Fire                               O-21  
     Rev. 11:5.  
  
4.   Witnesses Exercise Power                                O-20  
     Rev. 11:6.  
  
5.   The Beast Murders the Witnesses                         O-15  
     Rev. 11:7.  
  
6.   Bodies Lie in the Streets                               O-11  
     Rev. 11:8.  
  
7.   Witnesses Rise to Meet The Lord                          O-1  
     Rev. 11:12.  
  
  
                     P.  THE HEAVENS OPENED  
  
1.   Universe Rolled Up Like a Scroll                         P-1  
     Rev. 19:11.  
  
2.   Feast of Fowls                                           P-1  
     Rev. 19:15-20.  
  
3.   Beast Cast into Lake of Fire                             P-1  
     Rev. 19:20-21.  
  
  
                    Q.  THE HARVEST OF EARTH  
  
1.   Harvest of the Sweet Grapes                              Q-1  
     Rev. 14:14-16.  
  
2.   Harvest of Grapes of Wrath                               Q-1  
     Rev. 14:17-20.  
  
  
                       R.  THE LAMB COMES  
  
1.   We See the Face of God                                   R-1  
     Rev. 14:1-5, 1 Thes. 4:14-17,  
     Mat. 24:30, 1 Cor. 15:52.  
  
  
                            THE ESCHATOLOGRAPH  
  
  
                                    1.  
  
  
                    B.C.      A.D.  
APPROXIMATE TIME   --->  4         30        70                 900  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| WOMAN WITH CHILD | A |  1 |  2 |  3 |  4 |  5 |  6 |  7 |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| FINAL BATTLE     | B |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  1 |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| SEVEN SEALS      | C |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| SEVEN TRUMPETS   | D |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| SEVEN VIALS      | E |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| FOUR BEASTS      | F |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| SEVEN HEAD BEAST | G |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| LAMB-LIKE BEAST  | H |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| KING OF GREECE   | J |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| THE VILE PERSON  | K |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| MODERN BABYLON   | L |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| SEAL HIS SERVANTS| M |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| THE LITTLE BOOK  | N |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| THE WITNESSES    | O |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| HEAVEN OPENED    | P |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| THE HARVEST      | Q |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
| OUR LORD COMES   | R |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
---------------------------------------------------------------------  
                       | 40 | 39 | 38 | 37 | 36 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 32 |  
                       ----------------------------------------------  
  
  
                            THE ESCHATOLOGRAPH  
  
  
                                    2.  
  
  
  
               1900                 <----- FIRST HALF ---->  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| A |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| B |  2 |  3 |  4 |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| C |    |    |  1 |  2 |  3 |    |    |  4 |    |    |    |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| D |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  1 |    |  2 |    |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| E |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| F |    |    |  1 |  2 |    |    |  3 |  4 |    |    |    |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| G |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  1 |  2 |    |  3 |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| H |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  1 |  2 |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| J |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  1 |  2 |  3 |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| K |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  1 |  2 |  3 |  4 |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| L |    |    |    |    |  1 |  2 |  3 |  4 |    |    |    |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| M |    |    |    |    |    |    |  1 |    |    |    |    |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| N |    |    |    |    |    |    |  1 |  2 |  3 |  4 |  5 |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| O |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  1 |  2 |    |  3 |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| P |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| Q |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
| R |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
------------------------------------------------------------  
    | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 |  
    --------------------------------------------------------  

  
  
                            THE ESCHATOLOGRAPH  
  
                                    3.  
  
  
  
     <-----  OF SEVEN YEARS ---><------    SECOND HALF    ----->  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| A |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| B |    |    |    |    |    |  5 |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| C |    |    |    |    |    |  5 |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| D |  3 |    |    |    |  4 |  5 |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| E |    |    |  1 |    |  2 |    |  3 |    |  4 |    |  5 |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| F |    |    |    |    |    |  5 |    |    |    |  6 |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| G |  4 |    |    |    |    |  5 |    |    |    |  6 |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| H |    |  3 |    |  4 |    |  5 |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| J |  4 |    |    |    |    |  5 |    |    |    |  6 |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| K |  5 |  6 |  7 |  8 |  9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |    |    |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| L |    |    |    |    |    |  5 |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| M |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| N |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| O |  4 |    |    |    |    |  5 |    |    |    |  6 |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| P |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| Q |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| R |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
    | 20 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |  9 |  
    -------------------------------------------------------------
  
  
  
                            THE ESCHATOLOGRAPH  
  
                                    4.  
  
  
  
  
<--- OF SEVEN YEARS --><-- 40  DAYS -->  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |     | A | WOMAN WITH CHILD |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|    |    |    |    |    |    |  6 |  7  | B | FINAL BATTLE     |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|    |    |    |    |  6 |  7 |    |     | C | SEVEN SEALS      |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|    |    |    |    |  6 |    |    |  7  | D | SEVEN TRUMPETS   |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|  5 |    |    |  6 |  7 |    |    |     | E | SEVEN VIALS      |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  7  | F | FOUR BEASTS      |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  7  | G | SEVEN HEAD BEAST |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  6  | H | LAMB-LIKE BEAST  |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  7  | J | KING OF GREECE   |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |    |    | 18  | K | THE VILE PERSON  |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|    |    |    |  6 |  7 |    |    |     | L | MODERN BABYLON   |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  2  | M | SEAL HIS SERVANTS|  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  7  | N | THE LITTLE BOOK  |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |     | O | THE WITNESSES    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |1/2/3| P | HEAVEN OPENED    |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    | 1/2 | Q | THE HARVEST      |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  1  | R | THE LORD COMES   |  
-----------------------------------------------------------------  
|  8 |  7 |  6 |  5 |  4 |  3 |  2 |  1  |  
------------------------------------------

NO MAN CAN KNOW THAT DAY
The Lord said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man..." Mat. 24:36. Thus, that no man can know (before that day) which day That Day will be is an absolute and immutable truth. Only a fool or a liar would claim to know The Day or The Hour of the Lord's coming.

STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED
We have come to a subject which we can no longer ignore. What are we to do with the Scriptures which give prophecies of times and days in reference to The End and the coming of the Lord? Shall we ignore them in the hope they will go away? Were we given these prophecies of years, months and days so we could carefully avoid them?

"Study to show thyself approved, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightfully dividing the word of truth." This command must include the visions and prophecies of the Lord's coming. The prophecies of years, months and days are included in the "word of truth" which we are commanded to study. To refuse to study these prophecies of days, months and years is to refuse to obey the word of God.

It may seem we are caught between a rock and a hard place. We fear to study the prophecies of times and days because we may be accused of trying to set a day for That Day. Yet if we do not study them we are refusing to obey a command of the Holy Spirit.

STAND ON FAITH
Does this fear reveal a lack of faith? The Word of God is immutable, unchangeable. "No man can know that day or hour..." If we believe His Word, and know it is immutable, why would we live in fear of finding out the exact day or hour? Since it is not possible to Know which day That Day will be in advance of That Day, these prophecies can not and will not enable us to figure it out.

Still, one will have to fight a feeling of fear and dread when starting to study these prophecies. Then, finally, a great sense of relief comes as we find there is no way we can use them to figure out That Day.

A GIFT FROM GOD
These prophecies of time periods are a gift from God. The understanding of the prophecies of years, months and days is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Dan. 2:1-19, 9:2.

DANIEL'S SEVENTIETH WEEK
The first prophecies of years and days were given by our Lord to Daniel, then he recorded them for us to study. "He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week..." The 69 weeks were fulfilled in 483 years, therefore the weeks were one day for a year. Thus we are certain the 70th week represents seven years. There are 365 days per year under the New Covenant, so this time period is 2,555 days in length. Dan. 9:27.

THREE AND A HALF DAYS
"In the midst of the week..." Thus the week is divided into two time periods of three and a half days; or three and a half years, or 1,277 and 1,278 days.

MORNINGS AND EVENINGS
2,300 days is another time period recorded by Daniel. But we cannot know exactly (to the day) when this time period will begin and thus figure out (in advance) on which day it will end. Have faith in The Word of God. We do know--by His Word--this time period must end on That Day, when Satan is cast into the Lake of Fire. We also know this is a literal number of days because the angel said, "morning and evening." Dan. 8:14, 26, Gen. 1:5.

TIME AFTER THE ABOMINATION
"There shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days... blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days." Here are two time periods (1,290 and 1,335 days) which concern one subject: The End. There is a significant difference of 45 days between them. Dan. 12:9-12.

TIME, TIMES, AND HALF A TIME
There is also the prophecy recorded in Daniel 7:25. "They shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the diving of time." "Time" is one year, "times" is two years, and "the dividing of time" is half of a year. Thus, three and a half years.

TIMES OF THE WITNESSES
John writes, "They shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and three score days..." And, "See their dead bodies three days and a half..." And, "After three days and a half the Spirit of Life from God..." Rev. 11:3, 9, 11.

HOW DO THEY FIT TOGETHER?
"How do these prophecies of years, months and days fit together?" The question must be answered. Yet it can only be answered by comparing the signs included with the time periods.

THE LAST SEVEN YEARS
The Seven Years of Daniel are divided, by the placement of the Abomination of Desolation, into two periods of three and a half years.

The Lord told Daniel that after the Abomination there would be two time periods: 1,290 and 1,335 days. Both represent periods in which specific events must be fulfilled in the second half of Daniel's Seventieth Week.

SATAN'S RULE
Both Daniel and John tell us the Beast will rule for three and a half years. "Forty two months, and, "Time, times and the dividing of time." This must also represent the second half of the Seven Years (2,555 days) because both Satan and his kingdom are destroyed when the Lord comes.

THE WITNESSES
The time periods given by John in reference to the testimony of the two witnesses represent two separate three and a half year time periods. The first, 1,260 days, corresponds to the first half of the 2,555 days. When the Lord confirms His New Covenant with His Elect, they will begin to witness. The three and a half days for which their bodies lie in the streets are the last three and half days of Daniel's week.

The witnesses will testify for three and a half years before the placement of the Abomination. Satan will kill them for their testimony during the three and half years which follow that event.

COMPARE THE TIME PERIODS
Three and a half years is 1,277 days, and 1,260 days is 17 days short of three and a half years. 1,290 days is 45 days short of 1,335 days, yet both occur after the Abomination. While seven years is 2,555 days; 1,260 days plus 1,335 days is 2,595 days--40 days longer than seven years. 1,260 and 1,290 are 2,550 days--5 days short of seven years.

PUT THEM TOGETHER
The 1,260 days for which the witnesses testify will begin at the start of the seven years, and end 17 days short of the middle of the week.

Rome will be reborn when the seven years begin. However, Satan will not possess the body prepared for him for some 295 days after the 2,555 days begin, which will reveal that the 2,300 days have started. He will not proclaim himself to be God, or murder those who refuse to worship him, until the midst of Daniel's week.

Both the 1,290 days and the 1,335 day time periods begin when the 1,260 days end. The 1,290 days will end 5 days short of seven years, while the 1,335 days continue 40 days beyond the end of Daniel's week.

FORTY DAYS!
When God destroyed the world in the days of Noah it rained for 40 days. Gen. 7:12. The Children of Israel wandered forty years in the desert. Numbers 14:34. The Messiah fasted 40 days, and was with His disciples for forty days after resurrection. Acts 1:3. The number forty is significant in God's account of times and events.

When it rained for forty days in the days of Noah, everyone wasn't killed instantly. While it rained and the waters piled up and flooded the lowlands, people had time to scramble to hill tops and mountains, to watch their end come-up-on them. The door of the ark was closed during those 40 days, and so it will be during the last 40 days. Those who destroy the earth, and those who burn Babylon, will stand and watch the smoke rise up into the sky and circle the earth--and plunge it into the ashen darkness of eternal death.

WHY WERE WE GIVEN THESE PROPHECIES?
There is no way for us to know exactly when God will begin to count the 2,555 days--or the 2300 or the 40 days. Have faith in The Word of God. We cannot use these prophecies to "figure out That Day."

Why, then, were we given these prophecies of years, month and days to study? So we could be sure (without any doubt) that God has appointed That Day. (It is pre-ordained.) And, God has also appointed the generation who will see that day come. Mat. 24:33-34.

"As for me, Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me..." Dan. 7:28.

"As soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter." Rev. 10:10.




  
  
  
                        A GRAPH OF THE TIME PERIODS  
  
  
  
|---------------- DANIEL'S 70th WEEK -----------|  
|                                               |  
|-------------------- SEVEN YEARS --------------|  
|                     (2555 DAYS)               |  
|                       |                       |  
|------ 1260 DAYS  -----|------- 1335 DAYS -------------------|  
|                       |                       |             |  
|     |--------------- 2300 DAYS -----------------------------|  
|     |                 |                       |             |  
|     |                 |                     | |             |  
|     |                 |------- 1290 DAYS ---|---- 45 DAYS --|  
| 2   |                 |  |                  | |             |  
| 9   |                 |1 |                  | |-- 40 DAYS --|  
| 5   |                 |7 |                  | |             |  
|     |                 |  |---- 42 MONTHS -----|             |  
| D   |                 |D |                  | |             |  
| A   |                 |A |---- 3 1/2 YEARS ---|             |  
| Y                     |Y |                  | |             |  
| S                     |S |---- 3 1/2 DAYS ----|             |  
|                       |  |                  | |  SIXTH AND  |  
|                       |                     |5|  SEVENTH    |  
--FOURTH SEAL           |--FIFTH SEAL         | |--SEALS      |  
--FIRST TRUMPET         |  AND ABOMINATION    |D|             |  
                        |  OF DESOLATION      |A|--SIXTH      |  
                                              |Y|  TRUMPET    |  
                                  SIXTH VIAL--|S|             |  
                                                |--SEVENTH    |  
                                                |  VIAL       |  
                                                |    SEVENTH  |  
                                                     TRUMPET--|  
  
Daniel 7:25, 8:14, 9:27, 12:10-12. Revelation 11:3, 9-11, 13:5.  
  

  
          a.   Is it possible for us to understand how  
               the prophecies of days and times fit  
               together without figuring out which day  
               the Lord will come?  
          b.   Why did God give us these prophecies?  
          c.   What is the benefit of understanding how  
               these prophecies fit together, if any?

The best framework for a conclusion to our study is Daniel's Eleventh Chapter. It gives a detailed sequence of those events which will occur during the last seven years of mortal human existence. We will study this Chapter verse by verse, and combine the events depicted in other visions with the sequence of End Time events revealed by daniel.

IDENTIFY THE CONTEXT
Daniel 11:2 gives some details of the Medo-Persian Empire, then mentions Ancient Greece under Alexander. Verse 5 describes the change from the "B.C." to the "A.D." time period, and the rise of the Roman Empire. The birth of the Messiah, beginning the A.D. time period ("the end of years"), is indicated in verse 6. John refers to these years as "the last time." 1 John 2:18.

Verses 14 through 16 describe the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, and expulsion of the descendants of Judah from the Promised Land which took place from A.D. 70 to about 110. Dan. 9:27, Luke 21:20-24. Rev. 12:14-17.

In verse 31 is a description of the Abomination of Desola- tion, and verse 45 depicts the end of the Vile One. By this Sign of the Time we know this is an account of The End of this world and the coming of the Lord. Mat. 24:14-22, Dan. 8:25, 9:27, 12:11-12, 2 Thes. 2:8, 1 Peter 3:7, 10-12, Rev. 20:9-15.

AN IMPORTANT QUESTION
Where in this Chapter does this account of satan's end, and the events which must immediately precede his end, begin? By starting at verse 45, then reading one verse at a time, back- wards, and following the trail of "hes" and "hims" we will find it. It is in verse 21. "A vile person" is that son of perdition, Satan. This is when he takes possession of his kingdom and the body prepared for him. However, that event takes place after Rome is reborn; after some 295 days of the last seven years of this physical universe's existence have expired. Dan. 7:7-8 and Rev. 17:10-11.

When, in the sequence of events depicted by the Seals, Trumpets and Vials, will Satan's kingdom be re-established?

THE BOOK IS OPEN
Evidence reveals the Lord opened the First Seal before 1900 and Satan was released from his prison. This is proven by World Wars One and Two, the influenza and polio epidemics, Cancer, AIDS, Evolution, Big Bang theory, the conquest of Gog and Ma-Gog by Godless Communism and the return of Israel (His chosen People) to Jerusalem. See p. 75.

THE SECOND SEAL
The Lord opened the Second Seal before 1920, as demonstrated by the murder, in 1945, of the innocent of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by that Great Sword. See p. 75.

THE THIRD SEAL
The Lord opened the Third Seal before 1950. This is revealed by the change in weather patterns and the depletion of the Ozone layer. Scientists call these signs "El Nino" and "The Greenhouse Effect." These changes in climate have brought famine which will grow worse as we near The End. See p. 75.

80's DECADES
It is therefore clear we are (as this is written) between the Third Seal and Fourth Seal, and the Fourth Seal and First Trumpet are soon to occur.

After the Fourth Seal is opened and the First Trumpet is sounded the Four Winds will be allowed to harm the earth.

Before the Lord allows the beasts to harm the earth, those who believe will be given their mark and the understanding of the End Time prophecies. Rev. 7:3, 8:7-12. Eze. 9:1-10, Acts 2:1-47, Luke 24:45. Rev. 10:7-10.

These prophecies are being fulfilled now, as an article by James Kilpatric demonstrates. "Survey Finds Clear Indications of Revival of Religion" referred to a recent Gallop pole. "Found 26% of Americans (43 million) are active in Bible study groups, up from 19% five years ago." "The shift away from science is dramat- ic..." "A sharp increase in prophecy and speaking in tongues and the Charismatic movement." THE PORTLAND OREGONIAN, Oct. 29, 1987, p. B-7.

The Lord is calling His Elect to receive His mark (the gift of His Holy Spirit) and the understanding of the prophecies of His coming. Dan. 12:9-10. As this is being written the visions in Revelation Chapter 7 and 10 are being fulfilled.

COMING EVENTS
Then, when the Lord has marked His servants, "He who lets" will be taken out of the way. The Lord will open the Fourth Seal and the angel will sound the First Trumpet. Then the Beast and his evil spirits will be allowed to harm the earth. Rev. 7:1-3.

THE NATIONS RISE
In this approximate time period the Bear (Russia) will consume the Three Ribs (Finland, Sweden and Norway). The King of the South will rise up in Africa, and the Kings of the East will establish their Empire, and Rome will be re-born. Rev. 13:1-3.

NUCLEAR WAR
The atomic bombs begin to fall. The first use of nuclear weapons may occur when Gog and Ma-Gog take Finland, Sweden and Norway. It may be when China takes Pakistan and India, or North Korea takes South Korea, or the Moslem hordes take Africa. The threat of chemical-biological or nuclear war against Europe will be the force that finally binds Rome together. Dan. 11:24.

We can now begin to fit all the recognizable clues and pieces together within the seven year framework of Daniel's Eleventh Chapter.

IDENTIFY THE CONTEXT
Verse 20 describes the re-establishment of Rome and its first leader, who will be a "raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom." Verses 21 to 28 depict the consolidation of Satan's kingdom by military force. Verses 29 to 39 depict events which will occur in the middle of the seven years, verse 31 being the central point. Verses 40-45 show events which will occur in the last, perhaps 49, days.

ROME RISES
When Rome is re-established the first King, Prime Minister or President will proclaim that all the world should be numbered (enrolled) and taxed, and thus will begin the last seven years of mortal man. Dan. 7:1-12, 9:27, 11:20-21, Rev. 13:1-4. See pp. 176, 181.

This first Prime Minister, President, or King of Rome reborn will not live long. He will die of natural causes. The next leader will suffer an assassination attempt, but will be saved and possessed by Satan. See pp. 176, 181.

SATAN INCARNATE
By this event we will know the 2300 day time period has begun. Although we may know the day this event takes place, we cannot know the day God begins to count the time period. Dan. 8:9-14.

"In his estate shall stand up a vile person..." Satan now occupies the body prepared for him. Dan. 7:8, 8:9. Nah. 1:9-14, Zec. 11:8. Rev. 17:9-12. This King, flesh occupied by Satan, will destroy three Capitals of the European Family of Nations (Rome, London, and Istanbul); the balance of which will submit to his rule. Pulling up the three horns "by the roots" will be accom- plished by the use of tactical nuclear weapons... "Surgical strikes." Dan. 7:8, 11:24. See pp. 176, 181.

WITNESSES TESTIFY
At the start of this time period, which was began by the Fourth Seal and First Trumpet, the Saints will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit--with power. Rev. 11:3. "...Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you..." "...And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire ...it sat upon each of them..." Acts 1:8, 2:1-4. "And I will give power... fire proceedeth out of their mouth..." Rev. 11:3-5. The power is the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit is the power. See pp. 178, 181.

The Wild Olive Tree and the Domestic Olive Tree witness, teach and plead earnestly--in mixed joy and sadness.

NUCLEAR WAR
The Fourth Seal and first Four Trumpets include descriptions of the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons. The sun is dying, and the radio active ash of dead cities and burning forests darkens our sky. Rev. 6:8, 8:7-12. See pp. 174, 181.

"And with the arms of a flood..." Those who resist him are swept away. "...Waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and east, and toward the Pleasant Land." Dan. 8:9-11, 25. By military force he takes the lands which once were Rome: North Africa, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Austria. This event may include tactical nuclear weapons.

FORECAST DEVICES
In the 1600's the term "forecast" meant "to toss." "The farmer forecast his seed." A Field Artillery Piece, an Honest John rocket or a Scud B missile are "devices" capable of "fore- casting" atomic warheads. Dan. 11:24.

Every conqueror who ever lived has used the best weapons he could buy, beg, borrow or steal in order to defeat his victims and establish his empire. Hitler certainly did, and is there any doubt he would have used the atomic bomb if his scientists had given him the opportunity? Is there any doubt, then, as to which "devices" that Beast Satan will use?

GREECE RISES
Verse 23: "And shall become strong with a small people..." Greece. Dan. 8:23-24, Joel 3:6, Zec. 9:13. See pp. 176, 181.

Verse 24: "...Enter peaceably..." Dan. 8:25. "By peace shall destroy many..." The Dragon will use the promise of peace as a weapon. The father of lies will promise his intended victims anything, but will give them defeat and destruction.

WAR IN THE SOUTH
Verse 25: "The King of the South..." The King of Africa. The Moslem hordes, a "mighty army," defeated by "devices." See pp. 177, 182.

Verse 26: "Many shall fall down slain..." A quarter of Earth's population killed in a matter of months. Rev. 6:7-8. Those who flee from war will die of plague, those who flee from plague will die of hunger, those who flee from hunger will die by the beasts of the field, or bitter waters. In the beginning God put the fear of man into animals: But in the last days the beasts will hate man; so like the hunter stalked the dear, the dog, cat and canary will prey upon man.

A PEACE CONFERENCE
Verse 27: "They shall speak lies at one table..." The Beast and the King of the South will meet to make a treaty: it will be deception. "For yet the end shall be at the time appointed." "That Day" is predestined by God. Neither man or Beast can know which day it is, nor change which day it will be. See pp. 177, 182.

RELIGIOUS WAR
Verse 28: "...And his heart shall be against the Holy Covenant..." War against the People chosen by God. Dan. 7:21, 8:24, Rev. 13:7. Once Satan has established his rule over the whole world there will be a period of relative peace, except for the verbal and economic war against the Elect. See pp. 177, 182.

NO PEACE
However, peace is not what Satan wants, nor will The Most High God allow him to delay the instant of his ultimate defeat by so much as a heart beat.

Verse 29: "At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south..." The Beast lied when he promised peace to the King of the South, but this time his war will not please him.

SATAN'S DIVIDED KINGDOM
Verse 30: "For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore shall he be grieved..." The End Time Kingdom is "iron mixed with miry clay," and so does not hold together very well. Dan. 2:33. See pp. 177, 182.

WAR AGAINST GOD'S PEOPLE
The angry Beast turns to attack The People of The Promise. "And have intelligence with them that forsake the Holy covenant." "Them that forsake" are sad words indeed. These are the descen- dants of Judah who will not accept the New Covenant and those who cling to the false hope of an earthly kingdom. Many will be deceived and accept Satan as the Messiah.

Verse 31: "And arms shall stand on his part..." Those who forsake the Holy covenant will, by force of arms, oppose those who accept the New Covenant.

THE LAST THREE AND A HALF YEARS
"They shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice.." This "daily sacrifice" must be interpreted under the New Covenant. 1 Peter 2:5, Romans 12:1. "...They shall place the abomination that maketh desolate." The term "they" includes those who reject the New Covenant in general, but specifically it indicates Satan's religious leaders who command everyone to worship him. "...That they should make an image of the Beast, that the image should both speak, and cause ...as many as would not worship the... beast should be killed." Rev. 13:14-15. See pp. 177, 182, 185.

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE
Let those who are in Judea flee! Mat. 24:15. Dan. 9:27. The placement of the abomination of desolation is an event which must occur "in the midst of the week." When we witness it we will know we have only three and a half years to endure.

The 1,260 days during which the witnesses could testify without fear is finished. Now Satan, having proclaimed himself to be "God," will murder any who are arrested for their testimony.

THE FIFTH SEAL
The Lord has opened the Fifth Seal. With the promise of eternal life with God held tightly in hand, it is no wonder they "loved not their lives unto the death." The door into Heaven is opened wide. Look in, there is our goal. See pp. 173, 182.

SATAN RULES
The 42 months of Satan's absolute rule has begun. Jer. 51:25, Dan. 7:22-25, Rev. 13:5-7. The angel now sounds the Fifth Trumpet, the angel pours out the First Vial upon the Beast's Kingdom. Satan grinds the Earth beneath his feet. His servants suffer vile sores. Rev. 9:2-5, 11:7-8. See pp. 174, 182.

CIVIL WAR
Verse 32: "Such as do wickedly against the Covenant shall he corrupt with flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." Civil war in the Promised Land between those who know their God and those who do not.

OUR BODIES LIE IN THE STREET
Verse 33: "They that understand..." The Lord gives understanding to those seek it and ask in faith. Proverbs 11:9, James 1:5. "Yet they shall fall... many days." 1,290 days, to be exact. Rev. 11:8. See pp. 177, 182.

Verse 34: "Holpen with a little..." Those who fall will receive some help--but many who offer help will betray them.

Verse 35: "Some of them of understanding shall fall..." Gold is purified by fire: Affliction cleanses the soul, and so the flesh is burned away. The Saints are hunted like animals for a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Mortal life is cheap as dirt. Why grovel for the life of flesh when the door of heaven stands open? Rev. 11:7-9. See pp. 159.

SATAN'S CONDUCT
Verse 36: "And the king shall do according to his will..." Satan will gratify his every whim; and by comparison Hitler will seem like a Boy Scout to those who can see. His Kingdom is filled with darkness, and the people of this world worship him as their god. We must remember that by its fruit the tree is known, by the wind the wheat is separated from the chaff. Isa. 14:14, 2 Thes. 2:4.

Verse 37: "...for he shall magnify himself above all." Satan is the embodiment of Narcissism.

Verse 38: "But in his estate he shall honor the god of forces..." That is, energy or electromagnetic power as a god.

Verse 39: "...A strange god..." Odd, unusual; not a god of living spirit nor an idol of stone. The father of lies creates for himself a false god. See pp. 177, 182.

These verses describing Satan exalting himself may not be depicting events which must occur exactly in the midst of the seven years, as these are things he has done throughout history. Yet these are things he will personally do publicly and blatantly during the time of his reign.

THIS DYING WORLD
The earth is now just a sickly ghost of herself: rivers, lakes and fountains poisoned, the sea dead, the atmosphere thick with radio active ash, forests dead and burning; the false god of technology in convulsions of eternal death, no electrical power; civilization in a state of collapse, no food distribution.

Men go insane with fear from seeing what has come upon the earth: stars falling, galaxies exploding; Earth running loose across the heavens, quaking and belching fire and ash. Mat. 24:29. Luke 21:25-26.

Most men won't know what hour of the day it is, few will know the day of the week: For how can the mind darkened by the rejection of Truth, twisted by anger and irrational from the fear of eternal death be cognizant of details?

Christians--living on the run for three and a half years, hiding in caves or bombed out buildings, without access to news of current events--will have lost track of days and dates. The End will come upon mankind like a hawk on a rabbit.

THE LAST WEEKS
Whether verses 40 to 45 depict the last six months or the last seven weeks of the existence of the man of flesh will remain to be seen. However; the angel pours out the Sixth Vial, the angel sounds the Sixth Trumpet, and so begins the last war between kingdoms of Satan's Empire. Rev. 9:14-19, 16:12-16.

Verse 40: "And at the time of the end..." In the specific sense this term must mean the last few weeks prior to the Lord's coming. Whether this indicates 40 or 49 days, we will just have to wait and see. Yet, unable to tell time or know which day of the week it is, how will we know? See pp. 177, 183.

Although none of us can know on which day this final "time of the end" time period begins, we can know with certainty it will, and it will end exactly at the time appointed by God.

"The King of the South shall push at him..." Africa will attack the Beast. The King of the South had once allied himself with Chittim, but this time with the King of the North, Russia. When he attacks, the King of Rome will counter, leaving himself open to attack from the north. It was a trap set by the two Kings, but Satan will retaliate with a trap of his own.

The Bear will come like a whirlwind over Turkey and Syria: to the very gates of Jerusalem.

Verse 41: "He shall enter also into the glorious land..." This event is described in Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39. "And many counties shall be overthrown..."

The Lord will now open the Sixth Seal. Time: the last 40 some-odd days of End Time events. See pp. 174, 183.

The ten Kings will now burn Babylon. Rev. 17, 18.

Verse 42: "He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries..." Now that Satan has destroyed the army of the Bear, he will defeat the King of the South and retake the Mid-East. When the Lord opens the Seventh Seal, the Hosts of Heaven will wait for The End in reverent, expectant silence. Rev. 8:1.

The angel has poured out Seventh Vial. This is a list of events which will occur at The End. It is not certain the listed events must occur in the exact sequence given by John, or that they must all occur at the same moment in time. However, it is absolutely certain these events will be fulfilled in the last few weeks of human existence. Rev. 16:17-21.

Verse 43: "But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver..." "What will it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and loose his soul?" See pp. 177, 183.

Verse 44: "But tidings out of the East and out of the North will trouble him..." With the defeat of the Bear, Babylon and the King of the South the Beast had only one enemy left on earth, though a remnant remained in Jerusalem, who could oppose his rule: China. Now the Kings of the East swarm through defenseless Russia on a sweep from Mongolia to Turkey, and rush by the millions through Persia and across the dry Euphrates. Joel 2:2-11. See pp. 177, 183.

"Therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and to utterly make away many." They will meet upon the blood drenched plane of Esdraelon: of this dying planet, winner take all. The stage is now set for the Earth's final battle: the battle of Armageddon. "I will gather all the armies of earth, and they will come and see my glory..." Rev. 9:14-21, 16:12-21, Hosea 1:11.

ARMAGEDDON
Verse 45: "...He shall come to his end..." The revelation of God's glory will not be delayed for a heartbeat. The Seventh, The Great, The Last, Trumpet is sounded. The fabric of space, like curtains hiding a stage's last setting, is rolled away. The substance of the Cosmos dissolves in great heat with a loud noise. Every eye shall see His glory, every knee shall bow. Isa. 34:1-4, 42:13-15, Rev. 6:12-17, 14:14-20, Mat. 24:29-30, Luke 21:25-26, 1 Cor. 15:51-52 and 2 peter 3:7-10-12.

Daniel 12:1-4 is the end of the story of mankind. These verses are a reference to the fulfillment of Daniel's seventieth week in particular, as well as events known as tribulation, resurrection and judgment in general. See pp. 177, 183.

The journey is made easier by keeping an eye on the goal. Eze. 40-48, Rev. 21-22.

  
  
  
A.   THE FIRST SEAL  
          WAR, MILITARY FORCE  
               Hot and Cold war  
  
     1.             "World War One" and "World War Two"  
                    ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA MACROPAEDIA  
                    Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.  
                    15th ed., 1988. V. 19, pp. 538-553.  
  
     2.             Divine, Robert A.  
                    EISENHOWER AND THE COLD WAR  
                    New York: Oxford University Press, 1981.  
  
     3.             Allen, G.  
                    NONE DARE CALL IT CONSPIRACY  
                    Rosemoor, CA: Concord Press, 1971.  
  
     4.             Skousen, W. C.  
                    THE NAKED COMMUNIST  
                    Salt Lake City: Ensign Pub. Co., 1961.  
  
          WAR, IDEOLOGICAL  
               The Great Delusion, Science Fiction  
  
     5.        "...This myth [of the end of the world] the Cultists have  
               in their Book Of Revelations."  
                    Asimov, Isaac  
                    "Nightfall"  
                    ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION, 1941.  
  
               The Great Delusion, Philosophy, Logic  
  
     6.        The term "sophistry" means "an argument designed to  
               deceive."  
                    WEBSTER'S NEW COLLEGIATE DICTIONARY  
                    Springfield MS: Merriam-Webster Inc., 1987.  
  
     7.        "Sophistry is not a system of ideas, but a vicious  
               attitude of the mind."  
                    Jacques Maritain  
                    INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY  
                    New York: Sheed & Ward, Inc., 1947, pp. 65-76.  
  
          MODERN SCIENCE, ORIGIN OF  
  
     8.        "Astrologer-Priests, Priestly-Scribes, Temple schools...  
               chaos of primeval waters... gods of chaos."  
                    Mason, Stephen F.  
                    A HISTORY OF THE SCIENCES  
                    New York: Collier Books, 1962, pp. 15-23.  
  
          GEOLOGY  
  
     9.        "We find no vestige of a beginning."  
                    James Hutton, (father of Modern Geology)  
                    Mason, op. cit. p. 402.  
  
               (In other words, "Things have always been the same."  
               2 Peter 3:8-9.)  
  
          BIOLOGY, EVOLUTION  
  
     10.       "The waters contained in themselves the seed of life."  
                    Trans. Gremal, Pierre  
                    LAROUSSE WORLD MYTHOLOGY  
                    New York: Putnam, 1981, p. 65.  
  
     11.       "Thales (624-546 B.C.), for example, influenced by tradi-  
               tional myths which derived all things from the primordial  
               waters..."  
  
               "Ionian School ...Materialistic Nouism and Evolution were  
               taught in 5th and 6th century B.C. Greece."  
  
               "Empedocles of Agrigentum taught that ...eyes and legs  
               joined together by accident..."  
                    Jacques Maritain  
                    op. cit. pp. 47-50.  
  
                    Mason, op. cit., p. 32.  
  
     12.            EVOLUTION OF SPECIES  
                    Charles Darwin, (1859)  
                    New York: Norton, 1975.  
  
                    Mason, op. cit. pp. 414-25.  
  
     13.       "Building blocks of life created in lab..."  Please note:  
               These "building blocks of life" were "created" in an exper-  
               iment which required planing, design and materials supplied  
               by their "creator."  That is, the creator, apparatus and/or  
               substances were not selfexistant. If this experiment proves  
               anything at all, it is that an Intelligent Being capable of  
               forethought AND CREATION EX NILO created everything which  
               exists.  
  
                    Jastro, Robert  
                    RED GIANTS AND WHITE DWARFS  
                    New York: W. W. Norton, 1979, p. 216.  
  
     14.       "...The first living creatures evolved spontaneously [note  
               the self contradictory terms] out of the inert chemicals  
               that filled the atmosphere and oceans..."  
                    ibid, p. 197.  
  
          COSMOLOGY, ASTRONOMY  
  
     15.       "Tycho Brahe, father of modern astronomy, was an astrologer  
               and alchemist."  
                    George Warfel  
                    (Ref's lost.)  
  
     16.       "...Astronomer Percy Seymour, whose studies reveal that the  
               planets do indeed influence our lives."  
                    Sobel, Dava  
                    "Dr. Zodiac"  
                    OMNI,  Dec. 1989, p. 60  
  
     17.            Big Bang Theory  
                    Father Lemaitre, (father of "Big Bang")  
                    Jastro, op. cit. p. 77.  
  
     18.            Corwin, M., Wachowiak, D.  
                    "Discovering the Expanding Universe"  
                     ASTRONOMY,  Feb. 1985, pp. 18-27.  
  
     19.            Davis, O.  
                    "Cosmic Creation"  
                    OMNI,  Dec. 1985, pp. 74-9.  
  
     20.       "Multiple realities..."  
                    Davies, Paul  
                    "The Anthropic Principle"  
                    SCIENCE DIGEST,  V. 91, N. 10,  
                    Oct., 1983, p. 24.  
  
  
          CHEMISTRY, NUCLEAR PHYSICS  
  
     21.       "New Age of Alchemy..."  
                    Wolkoir, Richard  
                    "Amazing Superstuff"  
                    OMNI  
                    Oct., 1983, p. 110.  
  
     22.       "Success for Alchemy..."  
                    Mason, op. cit. p. 50-53.  
  
          FALSE HOPE  
  
     23.       "Earth, after all, may become uninhabitable"  
                    Regis, Edward Jr.  
                    "Comet Odyssey"  
                    OMNI, V. 6, N. 9, June 1984, p. 54.  
  
     24.       "A planet wide cataclysm, natural or manmade, could destroy  
               the entire human race. But space flight allows us to detach  
               the fate of the human race from that of the planet."  
                    ibid, Dec. 1984, p. 22.  
  
     25.       "We will have fled to another part of the galaxy."  
                    Jastro, op. cit. p. 57.  
  
     26.       "No Deus Ex Machina will save them from cosmic  
                incineration."  
                    Rothman, Tony  
                    "This Is the Way the World Ends,"  
                    DISCOVER, V. 8, N. 7, July 1987, p. 82.  
  
          BRAZEN LIES  
  
     27.       "Space Beings Here to Save Us While Space Wars Rage"  
                    Heath, Anson  
                    NATIONAL EXAMINER, 10 Oct. 1984. p. 33.  
  
     28.       "If Armageddon comes, so will the aliens, swooping down in  
               spaceships to evacuate one-tenth of the  population in what  
               Christians call "the rapture."  
                    "Story of Spacemen Broadcast By Man"  
                    THE PORTLAND OREGONIAN  
                    Tue. 8 May 1984. p. B-2.  
  
     29.       Space Beings Give Man Key to Unlock Cosmic  Mysteries  
                    (Advertizement)  
                    SUN, 14 Feb. 1984, p. 26.  
  
          WAR, ECONOMIC  
               Capitalism/Communism  
  
     30.       "The borrower is the slave of the lender."  
                    Solomon.  
  
     31.       "Owe no man anything."  
                    Y'Shua.  
  
     32.            Allen, G., op. cit.  
  
     33.            Skousen, W. C., op. cit.  
  
     34.            Harrington, M.  
                    THE TWILIGHT OF CAPITALISM  
                    New York: Simon & Schuster, 1976.  
  
     35.            Glassman, Bruce  
                    THE CRASH OF '29 AND THE NEW DEAL  
                    Morristown NJ: Silver Burdett Co., 1986.  
  
          WAR, RELIGIOUS  
               Pseudo-christianity  
  
     36.       "We are in serious opposition to the ideology of nuclear  
               Armageddon because it is predeterminism  ...it is heresy."  
                    "Reagan Foes Brandish End of World"  
                    Washington, (AP)  
                    THE PORTLAND OREGONIAN  
                    24 Oct. 1984, p. A-13.  
  
                    See "Predetermined" in your concordance.  
  
     37.       "...See them as symbolic depictions of the spiritual  
               struggle between good and evil... Liberal theologians  
               tend to discount them altogether."  
                    "Armageddon and The End Times"  
                    TIME, Nov. 5, 1984, p. 73.  
  
     38.            Hunt & McMahon  
                    THE SEDUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY  
                    Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 1985.  
  
     39.            Cumby, Constance  
                    HIDDEN DANGERS OF THE RAINBOW  
                    Lafayette LA: Huntington House Inc. 1983.  
  
          FALSE RELIGION, Secular Humanism, (man as god)  
  
     40.       "Ted Turner--flat out, no bones about it--wants to save  
               the planet."  
                    Lanham, Julie  
                    THE HUMANIST  V. 49, N. 6, Nov/Dec. 1989, p. 5.  
               Please note: The question "Will his TV Humanism save the  
               world?" acknowledges it needs to be saved and he cannot do  
               it. If he could save the world, why the question?  
  
     41.       See Buddhism, Hinduism, Mormonism, Muhammadism, Christian  
               Science, Scientology, Spiritualism, Taoism, etc.  
  
                    F. S. Mead  
                    HANDBOOK OF DENOMINATIONS IN THE UNITED States  
                    Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1985.  
  
     42.            WORLD RELIGIONS FROM ANCIENT HISTORY TO THE PRESENT  
                    ed: Parrinder, Geoffrey  
                    New York: Facts on File Publications, 1984.  
  
                    Gremal, Pierre op. cit.  
  
     43.            Teen Gives Birth to New Jesus Christ  
                    Clifton, L.  
                    EXAMINER,  3 APRIL, 1984, p. 35.  
  
B.   THE SECOND SEAL  
          THE GREAT SWORD  
               Nuclear Weapons  
  
     44.            Nuclear Weapons  
                    Collier's Encyclopedia  
                    New York: Macmillan Educational Co., 1985  
                    V. 17, p. 713-714.  
  
                    Hiroshima and Nagasaki, The Physical, Medical, and  
                    Social Effects of the Atomic Bombing  
                    New York: Basic Books, 1981.  
  
     45.       "The destructive effects of Nuclear War would certainly  
               lead to the disappearance of human beings."  
                    Pavlov, Alexander S., Director  
                    Moscow Scientific Institute  
                    (Ref's lost.)  
  
     46.            THE EFFECTS OF NUCLEAR WAR  
                    U.S. Office of Technology Assessments, Washington  
                    D.C.  
  
     47.       "Nuclear war would probably destroy human life on earth."  
                    U.S.A. TODAY,  9 Dec., 1983, p. A-4.  
  
     48.            THE COLD AND THE DARK: THE WORLD AFTER NUCLEAR WAR  
                    The Conference on the Long Term Biological  
                    Consequences of Nuclear War  
                    Carl Sagen, Paul Ehrlich, et. al.  
                    New York: Norton, 1984.  
  
C.   THE THIRD SEAL  
          FAMINE  
               "Green house effect"  
  
     49.       "...A famine of Biblical proportions..."  
                    Wilde, James,  et. al.  
                    "Ethiopia: The Land Of The Dead"  
                    TIME, V. 124, N. 22, p. 65.  
  
     50.            Shephard, Jack  
                    "Africa--Drought of the Century"  
                    THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY  
                    April 1984,  p. 36.  
  
     51.            McDowell, Edwin  
                    "Famine in the Backlands"  
                    THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY  
                    March 1984. p. 22.  
  
     52.       "They tell story of struggle for daily bread."  
                    Kalette, Denise  
                    "The Foe Is Hunger"  
                    U.S.A. TODAY, 30 March, 1983, p. A-8.  
  
     53.            Brown, J. Larry  
                    "Hunger in the U.S."  
                    SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, V. 256, N. 2, Feb. 1987, p. 36.  
  
     54.            Gribbin, John R.  
                    FUTURE WEATHER AND THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT  
                    New York: Delacorte Press, 1982.  
  
     55.            "Earthly Belches Perturb the Weather"  
                    U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT, Dec. 7, 1987.  
  
     56.            McCuen, Gary E.  
                    OUR ENDANGERED ATMOSPHERE  
                    Hudson, WI: GEM Pub.  1987.  
  
     57.       "Studies released by the E.P.A. and National Academy of  
               Science..."  
                    Golden, Fredric, and Branegan, Jay, et. al.  
                    "Hot Time For The Old Orb"  
                    TIME, 31 Oct. 1983, p. 84.  
  
     58.            "Volcanic Winter"  
                    SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN  
                    V. 256, Feb. 1987, p. 83.  
  
     59.            Accord Sought to Limit Earth's Warming Trend  
                    Gettlin, R. (AP)  
                    THE PORTLAND OREGONIAN  
                    Jan. 29, 1987. p. A-10.  
  
D.   SIGNS OF THE COMING VIALS AND TRUMPETS  
          POLLUTION  
               Chemical  
  
     60.       "...Are our rivers and ecosystems poisoned? The Duwamish  
               River, Washington, Buffalo River, Ohio, Torch Lake,  
               Michigan... from 30 to 80% of the Catfish have detectable  
               to grossly visible cancers."  
                    "Fish Cancer: An Alarming Signal"  
                    SCIENCE DIGEST,  April 1984. p. 30.  
  
     61.            "The Poisoning of America '85"  
                    TIME,  14 Oct. 1985, p. 76.  
  
     62.            "Love Canal: The Truth Seeps Out"  
                    REASON,  Feb. 1981.  
  
     63.       "...Trees from Main to Alabama are showing a decline in  
               growth."  
                    "Puzzling Holes In The Forest"  
                    TIME,  17 Mar. 1984, p. 68.  
  
     64.            "Decline of Eastern Forests Alarms Scientists"  
                    Shabcof, Phillip  
                    THE PORTLAND OREGONIAN, 9 Mar. 1984, p. A-2.  
  
     65.            "The Creeping Poison Underground"  
                    Maranto, Gina  
                    DISCOVER, Feb. 1985, p. 75.  
  
     66.            "Are We close To The Road's End?"  
                    Maranto, Gina  
                    ibid, Jan. 1986.  p. 29.  
  
          POLLUTION  
               Nuclear  
  
     67.            "The Lessons of Chernobyl"  
                    Marshal, Elliot  
                    SCIENCE, V. 233, 26 SEPT., 1986, p. 1375  
  
                    See Three Mile Island, etc.  
  
E.        PLAGUES  
               Cancer, Polio, A.I.D.S. etc.  
  
     68.            Beveridge, W. I. B.  
                    INFLUENZA: THE LAST GREAT PLAGUE  
                    New York: Prodist, 1977.  
  
     69.            "Poliomyelitis"  
                    ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA MICROPAEDIA, op. cit.  
                    V. VIII, p. 81.  
  
     70.            Cancer, A.I.D.S., et. al., See the READERS GUIDE TO  
                    PERIODICALS, MAGAZINE INDEX or Vertical File in your  
                    public Library.  
  
  
F.        BEASTS FROM THE SEA  
               Babylon, The United States of America  
  
     71.            Beckman, Martin "Red"  
                    TO SEDUCE A NATION  
                    [n.p.]  
  
     72.            Hunt & McMahon, op cit.  
  
               The Bear, Russia  
  
     73.       "Gorbachev, the man with Iron Teeth..."  
                    See: TIME or U. S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT  
                    (Ref's lost.)  
  
     74.            Olsen, Richard E.  
                    KARL MARX  
                    Boston: Twane Pub., 1978.  
  
     75.            "Scandinavia: Newest Soviet Target?"  
                    Harris, J. A.  
                    READERS DIGEST, April 1984, p. 94.  
  
               The Beast  
               Rome reborn, The "United States" of Europe  
  
     76.            "A Plan To Reshape Nato"  
                    Kissinger, Henry  
                    TIME,  5 MAR., 1984.  
  
     77.            INSIGHT,  V. 4, N. 25, 20 JUNE 1988.  
  
     78.       "Putting Europe back together again... a European  
               Confederation..."  
                    Konrad, George  (Author of ANTIPOLITICS)  
                    "A Path Towards Peace"  
                    ATLANTIC MONTHLY, Mar., 1984, p. 71.  
  
               Mark of the Beast  
  
     79.            For Top Level Security, The Eyes Have It  
                    Olmos, R.  
                    THE PORTLAND OREGONIAN, 1 Sept. 1986, p. B-4.  
  
     China and The King of the south: watch current events in Asia  
          and Africa.  
  
  
G.   THE WITNESSES  
          Israel: The Olive Tree (God's People--The Church)  
  
     80.       Israel: The Olive Tree (domesticated): Judah  
                    See: Religious, Political and Social changes in  
                    Israel, 1947-67.  
  
     81.       Israel: The Olive Tree (wild, grafted in): The Adopted  
               Tribes  
               "In '78 only 27% of teenagers were interested in studying  
               the Bible, in '81 that figure jumped to 41%..."  
                    Schumer, Fran  
                     "Religious Revival Appearing On College Campuses"  
                    THE PORTLAND OREGONIAN, 15 April, 1984, p. B-1.  
  
     82.       "Those who went to Church regularly increased from 29% in  
               '74 to 64% in 83..."  
                    "Religion: Youths Fall More In Line With Parents"  
                    U.S.A. TODAY, 28 MARCH, 1984. P. A-1.  
  
     83.       "Survey Finds Clear Indications Of Revival Of Religion"  
                    James Kilpatric  
                    THE PORTLAND OREGONIAN, 29 Oct. 1983. p. B-7.  
  
G.        THE BURNING OF BABYLON  
               Shadows of the coming event.  
  
     84.            "Launch Under Attack"  
                    Steinbruner, John  
                    SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, V. 250, N. 1, Jan. 1984, p. 37.  
  
     85.       "The world will be engulfed by a nuclear holocaust..."  
                    John Galtung  
                    THE PORTLAND OREGONIAN, 21 Oct. 1983.  
  
     86.            Armageddon And The End Times  
                    TIME,  5 NOV. 1984, P. 73.  
  
     87.            Reagan Foes Brandish End of World  
                    Mike Feinsilber, (AP)  
                    THE PORTLAND OREGONIAN, 24 Oct. 1984, p. A-13.  
  
     88.            U.S. Soviets Agree on N-War Doom  
                    Phillip Shabcoff, (AP)  
                    THE PORTLAND OREGONIAN, 9 Dec. 1983, p. A-20.  
  
     89.            "Nuclear Winter and National Security: Implications  
                    for Future Policy."  
                    Drew, D. M., Lt. Col.  
                    Air Power Research Institute  
                    Air University Press, 1986.  
  
  
A.   SIGNS IN THE HEAVENS  
          SUN  
  
                    "Missing Solar Neutrinos," or "Solar Neutrino Problem"  
  
     90.            I. Peterson  
                    "Making Sunshine"  
                    SCIENCE NEWS, V. 136, 28 OCT. 1989.  
  
     91.            "Long Term Downward Trend In Total Solar Irradiance"  
                    Willson, R. C., et. al.  
                    SCIENCE  V. 234, 28 Nov. 1986, p. 1114.  
  
     92.            "The Shrinking Sun: A Creationist's Prediction, Its  
                    Verification, And The Resulting Implications For  
                    Theories Of Origins"  
                    Hinderliter, H., Ph. D.  
                    CREATION RESEARCH SOCIETY QUARTERLY, V. 17, N. 1, June  
                    1980.  
  
     93.            "The Inconsistent Sun: How Has It Been Behaving, And  
                    What Might It Do Next?"  
                    ibid, V. 17, N. 3, Dec. 1980  
  
          STARS  
  
     94.       "The Milky Way is falling..."  
                    "The Great Attractor"  
                    News Notes  
                    SKY AND TELESCOPE, Aug. 1987. p. 119-20.  
  
     95.       Quasars (falling stars), Universal Black Hole, Exploding  
               Galaxies... etc.  
                    Watch the Heavens for the latest signs.