Heaven is our Home Part 2. Being rewritten, working on now

Things already completed in Heaven – Where we are now – What we are awaiting

 

Part 1 was about how Jesus would take all believers’ spiritual beings (soul-spirits-hearts) to Heaven, if they physically die (body-mind-conscience) before Jesus returns in the clouds over earth.

 

Part 3 to be written soon will continue: 7 years 75 days – Christ’s 1,000 year Kingdom – God’s New Heaven and Earth

 

1. Understanding God’s Temple and Court; administered by angelic beings

2. Things which will soon take place

3. Things John had seen; which are, have already taken place; which will take place

3a. Things which are, have already taken place

3b. The 24 elders

3c. What will take place in the future; now in the first 5 seals Rev 6:1-8

4. What major event will take place next; the 6th seal

 

1. Understanding God’s Temple and Court; administered by angelic beings

 

Terms used: Faithful; before Christ’s death on cross; Believers: after Christ’s death on cross; Saints: means holy ones; those whose spiritual beings have been made holy by faith in the atoning grace of Jesus. Saint refers to our eternal holy spiritual being; whether it resides in our sinful physical body, or when they are separated from our body at death and by themselves come into Heaven. Whether our spiritual being is in our body on earth, or in Heaven separated from our body; they are the same spiritual being. They are pure and holy; have only pure, holy thoughts and memories.

*To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: 1Co 1:2 ESV+ Saints who are living on earth

*so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1Thess 3:13 ESV+ Saints spiritual beings coming down from Heaven to be resurrected, and receive glorified bodies

 

God’s Throne and His Temple are in His holy Kingdom of Heaven, which is in the Heaven of Heavens; above the heaven over the earth. God created angelic beings to praise Him night and day before His Throne; some are His priests and servants in His Temple.

*But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built! 1Kg 8:27
*The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over allPraise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his wordPraise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Ps 103:19-21 NIV+

 

God’s angels guarded over all the faithful, continue to guard believers, guard little children, and also are ministering spirits to all who will inherit salvation.

*For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; Ps 91:11 NIV+

*"Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. Matt 18:10 NKJV+

*Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? Heb 1:14 NKJV+

 

God’s Court is in the highest part of the heaven over earth, not in His holy Kingdom in the heavens of Heaven; because nothing unholy can come into His Heavenly Kingdom, including any unholy, sinful spiritual beings. Any angelic beings who disobey God and sin (become demons) will always be evil, unholy spiritual demons; because God will never forgive their sins. God will throw them out of His Kingdom like lightning; just as He threw satan from His Heavenly Kingdom. 

Saints’ spiritual beings also must be perfectly holy before they can come into the Kingdom of God; this happens when we have faith in Jesus, and our Father forgives our sins, remembers them no more, through Christ’s atoning grace on the cross.

*Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. Dt 10:14 ESV+

*And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Lk 10:18 NKJV+

 

satan/devil became the prince over the world, the heaven (air) over the earth, when Adam sinned; now satan walks around his kingdom, trying to entice all people to follow him as god, tempting us with the pleasures of this world, or making us suffer so we will reject our God. satan continually comes up to God’s court which is not in His Kingdom of Heaven, but in the heavens over earth, where satan is prince. There satan accuses believers of being evil sinners, trying to keep God from forgiving our sins; so our spiritual being will no longer be holy, and we will no longer be children of God, but remain children of satan living in his earthly realm on earth.

*We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 1Jn 5:19 NIV+

*in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, Eph 2:2 NKJV+

*Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1Pe 5:8-9 NIV+

 

All believers when we physically die, will have our holy spiritual beings taken to God’s Kingdom in Heaven; we will also come into God’s Kingdom in Heaven with a holy glorified body over our spiritual being, when Jesus returns in the clouds and gives them to us. Yet the flesh or blood of our unholy bodies and minds, any sinful unholy human spiritual being, will never come into God’s Kingdom in Heaven. Any and all unholy angelic beings; satan, all demons, all authorities, or spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms over earth, will never come into God’s Kingdom in heaven. God’s Heaven is going to be a glorious, beautiful, peaceful and joyous place to be.  

*For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Eph 6:12 NIV+

*Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 1Co 15:5 NKJV+

 

Until Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross could make the faithful and believers’ spiritual beings perfectly holy; no one could come into God’s Kingdom in Heaven. When the faithful before Christ’s grace physically died, their spiritual beings went to God’s rest, a beautiful waiting place later called Abraham’s Bosom; which was still in the earthly Heaven. They had to wait until Christ died as a ransom to set them free from their sins, before they could come into God’s Heavenly Kingdom.

*No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. Jn 3:13 ESV+

*For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. Heb 9:15 NIV+

 

When the faithful before Christ’s atoning death on the cross died, their spiritual being was judged by God the Father in His court; the angel of the Lord was the faithful’s advocate and satan was their accuser. An example was when Joshua was accused by satan, the angel of the Lord became Joshua’s advocate; the Lord judged Joshua, rebuked satan, and forgave Joshua’s his sins. The angel of the Lord took away Joshua’s sins (erased them from being recorded against him), gave him festal robes for his faithfulness, and took him to God’s Rest/Abraham’s Bosom to await Jesus redeeming grace on the cross.

*Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, "The Lord rebuke you, Satan! Indeed, the Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?" Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and standing before the angelHe spoke and said to those who were standing before him, saying, "Remove the filthy garments from him." Again he said to him, "See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes. Zech 3:1-4 NASB+

 

God will continue to rule in His court with His angels who sit on thrones; until Jesus will establish and rule over His 1,000 year Kingdom on earth from the Temple in Jerusalem; with saints who have been given glorified bodies. This will happen after the antichrist/man of sin/beast comes, and God’s court takes away his 3½ year dominion over the world; they rule for Jesus to destroy the antichrist/man of sin/beast, have him consumed forever in the Lake of Fire.

*“As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. Da 7:9-10 ESV+

*He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time. 'But the court shall be seated, And they shall take away his dominion, To consume and destroy it forever. Then the kingdom and dominion, And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. Da 7:25-27 NKJV+

 

After Jesus human body died on the cross, His spiritual being deposited all the sins of those who will be saved into the Abyss; then His spiritual being ascended into God’s Kingdom of Heaven, as the first fruits of all human spiritual beings who will enter God’s Heavenly Kingdom. Jesus had opened the door to God’s Heaven for all the spiritual beings in God’s Rest/Abraham’s Bosom who were following Him up to God’s Heavenly Kingdom. Who already had their sins forgiven at God’s court; now Jesus’ death on the cross made them completely holy.

*For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit ; in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, 1Pe 3:18-19 NASB+

*But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down)
or “Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).
Ro 10:6-7 ESV+

*This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."  (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regionsHe who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) Eph 4:8-10 NIV+

 

Jesus became the Advocate for all believers in His Father’s Court, when He ascended into Heaven and sat at the right hand of God; replacing the angel of the Lord. God will always rule in Jesus favor for those who love Him above all things, because Jesus can forgive our sins; thus defeating satan who constantly accuses believers in God’s Court.    

*My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. 1Jn 2:1-2 NASB+

*Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Ro 8:34 NKJV+

 

In God’s court when we are willing to give up our will, Jesus as our advocate will say His atoning grace has covered all of our sins; the Heavenly Father who is judge will then rules our sins are forgiven, He will remember them no more, which makes our spiritual being perfectly holy. So the Holy Spirit can dwell within our spiritual being, give us the love and faith to call Jesus our Lord; so Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith.

*And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.Heb 10:15-17 ESV+

*Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 1Co 12:3 NKJV+

*that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, Eph 3:16-17 ESV+

 

When the Holy Spirit lives in our hearts and guides our ways, our spiritual being is in the Kingdom of God; we have the righteousness, peace, and joy of God’s Kingdom of Heaven in our hearts. For the Holy Spirit continually sanctifies us, forgives the sins we will continue to commit as we live on this earth; as long as we strive not to do them, are sorry for doing them, and love our God above all things. So our spiritual being can remain holy, and in the Kingdom of God; while we live on earth, if we should die and our spiritual being comes to God’s Kingdom in Heaven.

*nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." Lk 17:21 NKJV+

*for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Ro 14:17 NKJV+

*to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Ro 15:16 NIV+

 

When Jesus dwells in our hearts (moral compass of our spirit) our spiritual being is one with Jesus; comes up with Jesus to Heaven and sits with Him on the Throne of God. Though our physical mind and body is sinful, cannot come into God’s Kingdom, is not aware of what happens there.

*and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Eph 2:6 NASB+

*But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 1Co 6:17 NKJV+

 

When believers physically die, we come directly to God’s Kingdom in Heaven. For our spiritual being is already holy, has already been up to Heaven with Jesus. We never have to come back to God’s court again, for by one sacrifice Jesus has made perfect forever those who are being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Have our sins continually forgiven as we commit them when the Holy Spirit lives in our hearts; by our faith, according to the will of our Heavenly Father.

*because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Heb 10:14 NIV+

*But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 2Thess 2:13 NASB+

 

2. Things which will soon take place

 

Rev chaps 2-3 + Rev 22:16; things which will soon take place at 7 assemblies/churches present at John’s time; now only symbolic to us

 

In Revelation Jesus told John some events which would soon take place; to write them down and send them to the leaders of 7 predominantly Jewish Christian assemblies/churches in Asia Minor, which also had some Gentile believers in them. Jesus was going to test believers in these assemblies/churches with tribulations, even great tribulations, for they would face death if they did not obey Jesus.  

*The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, Rev 1:1 ESV

*I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev 1:9 NKJV+

*'I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality. 'Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. 'And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. Rev 2:21-23 NASB+                                                                                                                                                                       

 

The Greek word for assemblies/churches/congregations is ekklesia”; and we believe these 7 earthly Jewish Christian assemblies/churches in Rev Chapters 2 and 3 were Jewish, because the words Jesus used related to Israel. This included terms like “not real Jews but a synagogue of satan” (Rev 2:9, 3:9), “Jezebel, symbolic evil wicked queen of Israel (Rev 2:20), “Key of David” (Rev 3:20), “refined as gold” as Israel was to be refined by God” (Rev 3:18), and an emphasis on deeds for each assembly/church, not grace as preached by Paul.    

 

Strong's Greek Lexicon Search Results: 1577. ekklesia ek-klay-see'-ah from a compound of 1537 and a derivative of 2564; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both):--assembly, church. http://www.eliyah.com/cgi-bin/strongs.cgi?file=greeklexicon&isindex=1577

 

These assemblies/churches are referred to 19 times in the 2nd and 3rd chapters of Revelation; and once in Rev 22:16. They are earthly assemblies/churches and are not the body of Christ, His one holy spiritual church; for Jesus tells us many of these members were not spiritually holy, were not members of His one holy spiritual church, may not change and come into the Kingdom of God. 

No earthly church/congregations will ever be seen in God’s Kingdom of Heaven; are never shown in Rev. after John writes letters to these churches warning them to change, symbolically warning us to change also. In Rev, only saints are shown in God’s Kingdom of Heaven, those whose spiritual being has been made holy; despite what church/assembly/congregation they belong to, or without being a member of any congregation. They make up Christ’s one holy invisible spiritual church, the only church which will come into Heaven. Saints are referred 13 times in Rev as coming to Heaven or being in Heaven; after the messages John was to give these present day earthly assemblies/churches was completed.

 

You do not have to be members of any earthly assembly church or congregation to be one with Jesus, be part of His Body, His one holy spiritual church. For even leaders of assemblies, churches, or congregations who have healed in Jesus’ name will not come into Heaven; while the thief on the cross who belonged to no earthly church was saved.

* "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heavenMany will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' Matt 7:21-23 NKJV+

*"And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." Lk 23:41-43 NASB+

 

3. Things John had seen; which are, have already taken place; which will take place

 

After Jesus told John what would soon take place with the 7 assemblies/churches in Asia Minor; He told John to write down the things which John had seen when Jesus appeared to him; then the things Jesus would show him which are (had already happened), and finally what will take place, until we will come into our Father’s new heaven and earth in glorified bodies. 

*"Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things. Rev

 

John was worshipping on the Lord’s Day and was surprised when Jesus the Son of Man visited Him. Jesus wanted John to send to 7 assemblies/churches in Asia Minor what he saw when Jesus came to him; so they would know it was from the son of man; Jesus.

*I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea." Rev 1:10-11 NKJV+ 

*I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. Rev 1:12-13 NIV+

*His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fireHis feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many watersIn His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength. Rev 1:14-16 NASB+

 

Jesus also wanted John to write about the things that are, what would be shown him that already happened, and then the things which would take place after this, in the future.

*When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last,
 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.
Rev 1:17-19 ESV+

 

3a. Things which are, have already taken place

 

Rev chap 4: God’s Kingdom in Heaven before Christ’s atoning death on the cross  

 

Jesus’ human spiritual being was the first fruits, of all the faithful’s and believers’ spiritual beings who would come into Heaven; when their physical beings died. Jesus opened the door to Heaven after He physically died on the cross; took John’s spiritual being through this door into God’s Kingdom in Heaven.

*After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” Rev 4:1 ESV+ What must happen after door to Heaven was opened

 

John was first shown One sitting on the Throne in Heaven; which was God, our Almighty Heavenly Father. Jesus did not come to sit at the right hand of His Father’s Throne in Heaven, until He ascended into Heaven after He gave His human life on the cross.

*Immediately I was in [Or in spirit] the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne. Rev 4:2 NASB+

*So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. Mk 16:19 NKJV+

 

There were 24 angels who were both chief priests and elders around God’s Throne, since at this time there were only angelic spiritual beings in Heaven. For Jesus had not died on the cross, and ascended into Heaven; none of the faithful spiritual beings in Abraham’s Bosom or believers spiritual beings after they physically died, could be made holy, could come into God’s Kingdom of Heaven (1. above 6 paragraph down). The elders were sitting on thrones, clothed in white garments and had golden crowns on their heads (see 3b. below). Around and in midst of the Throne were 4 angelic beings, who were seraphim and cherubim (See Part 1 3.).

*Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. Rev 4:4 ESV+

*Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. Rev 4:6 NKJV+

 

We know these 24 elders/chief priests who were around God’s Throne were angels; for they had been praising God Almighty for “creating all things” including them as holy, eternal beings from the beginning of the world. They were here praising God at His Temple before they knew anything about Jesus; they did not give any praise to Jesus, because Jesus had not yet ascended into Heaven after His atoning death on the cross. 

The elders could not be spiritual beings from Abraham’s Bosom, nor believers’ spiritual beings; because Jesus was not shown on the Throne of God; had not yet given His life on the cross to make the faithful’s, believer’s spiritual beings holy so they could come into Heaven. If Jesus was in Heaven at the right hand of God; the angelic beings, the faithful and believers’ spiritual beings would have been praising our Savior as well; as they will in Rev 5 when Jesus comes to Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Throne of God.

*And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”  Rev 4:8 ESV+.

*the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created." Rev 4:10-11 NASB+

 

The angelic beings did all the work of God’s Temple in Heaven for approximately 4,000 earth years; before Jesus died on the cross to redeem the spiritual beings in God’s Rest/Abraham’s Bosom and believers. They became priests to God under the angels who were chief priests in Heaven in 3b. below.  

 

Rev chap 5: After Jesus ascended to God’s Kingdom in Heaven after He arose from the dead

 

Then John was shown Jesus coming into His glory in Heaven as the Lamb of God, after He had shed His blood on the cross; either His human spiritual being after His Death on the cross, or His glorified body after His resurrection, or 40 days after His Resurrection when He ascended into Heaven. Jesus was the only one worthy enough after He had made atonement for our sins on the cross; to take the scroll/book out of His Father’s right hand (who was sitting on the Throne by Himself). His Father would send out the Holy Spirit (7 Spirits of God) [or the sevenfold Spirit] into all of the earth; give believers the indwelling of the Spirit after Jesus opened the first seal see 3b. below.

*And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Rev 5:1 NKJV+

* Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits [or the sevenfold Spirit] of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. Rev 5:6-7 NIV+

 

We know the “7 Spirits [or the sevenfold Spirit] of God is the Holy Spirit from the doxology (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) of Rev 1:4-5, “From Him who is God the Father; the 7 Spirits before His Throne; and Jesus Christ.” Peter tells us Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (50 days after His resurrection); after He had ascended into Heaven 10 days earlier. 

*John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. Rev 1:4-5 NKJV+

*This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves therefore are seeing and hearing. Ac 2:32-33 ESV+

 

Then all the angelic spiritual beings around God’s Throne including the 24 elders/high priests are shown with a harp, and they sang a new song; for the change which had been made in Heaven. Jesus’ atoning grace on the cross had now allowed the spiritual beings of all saints (all the faithful, all believers); to enter God’s Kingdom of Heaven.

*And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. Rev 5:8 ESV+

*And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. Rev 5:9 NASB+

 

It is the angels of God who bring the prayers of the saints to God; for they are the messengers of God. The spiritual beings of saints who are in Heaven will not be saddened by the problems which come up to God from struggling saints on the earth.                                                            

 

Greek NASB Number: 32a Greek Word: γγελος Transliterated Word aggelos

Root: a prim. word; Definition: a messenger, angel:-- —NASB Greek-Hebrew Dictionary

 

NASB+, ASV, ESV+, NIV+; refer to the elders as angels, for they refer to those Jesus saved as men from every tribe, tongue, people and nation; they do not refer to themselves for angelic beings were not saved by Jesus. We believe these translations are correct because the angels previously were the elders/chief priests who were praising God the Father who was the only one on the Throne; for before Christ’s atoning grace on the cross, no human spiritual being could be made holy and come into God’s Kingdom, neither the faithful whose spiritual beings were in Abraham’s Bosom, or believers of Jesus on earth. See Rev Chap 5: - 2 paragraphs above.

 

KJV, NKJV+ refer to the elders as saints spiritual beings; for in this translation the elders say they have been redeemed by Christ’s blood.

*And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, Rev 5:9 NKJV+

 

3b. The 24 elders

 

Moses made an exact copy of God’s Heavenly Temple in the Tabernacle (around 1445 BC), which would later be copied to make the Temple in Jerusalem. This included 24 chief men who would be officers of the sanctuary (chief priests of the Temple), and officers of God who made decisions (elders). 16 and 8 chief men below = 24 chief men.

Since Moses copied God’s holy Temple in His Heavenly Kingdom which was created around 4500 earthly years (6000 BC – 1445 BC = 4555) before the Tabernacle Moses copied; God Temple would have 24 chief angels who would be officers at His Temple (chief priests of the Temple) and officers of God who made decisions (elders). 

*They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." Heb 8:5 NIV+

*Since more chief men were found from the descendants of Eleazar than the descendants of Ithamar, they divided them thus: there were sixteen heads of fathers' households of the descendants of Eleazar and eight of the descendants of Ithamar, according to their fathers' households. Thus they were divided by lot, the one as the other; for they were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God, both from the descendants of Eleazar and the descendants of Ithamar. 1Chr 24:4-5 NASB+

 

Officers:

Strong's Greek Lexicon Search Results: 8269 sar sar from 8323; a head person (of any rank or class):--captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord, (-task- master), prince(-ipal), ruler, steward.  http://www.eliyah.com/cgi-bin/strongs.cgi?file=hebrewlexicon&isindex=8269

 

We believe the chief priests and elders who plotted and accused Jesus so He was crucified; were a copy of God’s 24 holy angels who attended His holy Temple, and were like the chief priests and elders voting on God’s holy Court, see 1 above.

*When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. Matt 27:1 NKJV+

*And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer. Matt 27:12 NASB+

 

These 24 angels are the elders/chief priests who wear white as it symbolizes holiness; and all angels in God’s Kingdom in Heaven are perfectly holy. They will sit on thrones in the Heavenly Temple; and maybe these thrones are moved and set up in God’s Court for them to sit on also; the same way it seems like God’s Throne which can move was taken to His Court in the Heaven over earth.

*“As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. Da 7:9 ESV+

*'But the court shall be seated, And they shall take away his dominion, To consume and destroy it forever. Da 7:26 NKJV+

 

These 24 angels would have been wearing their gold (Greek chruseos ) crowns (Greek stephanos ) to distinguish them as the chief priests over the angels worshipping God and attending the needs of God’s Heavenly Temple. The angels cast down their golden crowns to show God is all powerful and they are just servants doing the work of their God.

*Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. Rev 4:4 ESV+

 

Strong's Greek Lexicon Search Results: The Greek words for golden crown 

5552. chruseos khroo'-seh-os from 5557; made of gold:--of gold, golden. http://www.eliyah.com/cgi-bin/strongs.cgi?file=greeklexicon&isindex=5552

 

4735. stephanos stef'-an-os from an apparently primary stepho (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, 1238), literally or figuratively:--crown.

http://www.eliyah.com/cgi-bin/strongs.cgi?file=greeklexicon&isindex=4735

 

We can find nowhere in the New Testament where any believer will wear a golden crown (Greek stephanos); we will only be given a crown (stephanos) which has been twined or weaved together, which will show we have won the battle to become eternal children of God. The only other person in the New Testament who will wear a golden crown (Greek stephanos) is the Son of Man; Jesus when He comes to gather us up to Heaven to be with Him.

*Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." Rev 14:14-15 NKJV+

 

The only ones in the Old Testament who wore a holy woven golden crown where the High Priests; remembering Jesus is our High Priest in the New Covenant. 

*Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, Heb 8:1 ESV+

*They also made the coats, woven of fine linen, for Aaron and his sons, and the turban of fine linen, and the caps of fine linen, and the linen undergarments of fine twined linen, and the sash of fine twined linen and of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, embroidered with needlework, as the Lord had commanded Moses. They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription, like the engraving of a signet, “Holy to the Lord.” Ex 39:27-31 ESV+

 

The crowns of the rulers over kingdoms on earth can be gold metal; but in Greek these crowns are called diadems. Same translations do not make a distinction between diadems and a crowns (stephanos); NASB+ and ESV+ are 2 who make the correct distinction 3 times.

And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. Rev 19:11-12 NASB+

 

The demons who come out of the Abyss in the 5th trumpet will be wearing fake golden crowns (stephanos) which only look like golden wreaths with gold; trying to fool others they are Jesus, maybe one of the 24 angels who are elders/high priests around God’s Throne.

*And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. Rev 9:2-3 NKJV+

*In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, Rev 9:7 ESV+

 

Jesus confirms in Rev what He told us while He was on the earth; that the tribulations of the end days would be cut short or no human being would be saved. This will happen when the 7 peals of thunder are canceled making the tribulation shorter, just after the demons from the Abyss are turned lose in the 5th trumpet with fake golden crowns; with power to perform signs and wonders to try and lead all people astray, except those who are one with Jesus. Then the beast/antichrist/man of sin will come in the 6th trumpet followed by Jesus return in the 7th trumpet to give us glorified bodies, covered in Part 3. 

*And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you, Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. Mk 13:21-22 ESV+

*When the seven peals of thunder had spoken, I was about to write; and I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoken and do not write them." Rev 10:4 NASB+

*Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, "There will be no more delay! But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets." Rev 10:5-7 NIV+

 

All saints’ spiritual beings in Heaven will be priests to God; under the 24 angels who are chief priests/elders and sit before God’s Throne. We will worship the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit at the Throne. Yet we will also have personal time to be with our Father, with Jesus, and to learn from the Holy Spirit; as well as time with all of our other brothers and sisters, in serene glory, majesty, peace, and beauty.

*You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." Rev 5:10 NIV+

 

Some saints will rule with Jesus when He establishes His Kingdom on earth; some saints will help Jesus judge His Kingdom on earth, and some saints will help Him judge both people and angels at the White Throne Judgment. We will be covering these events in Part 3.

*You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." Rev 5:10 NIV+

 

3c. What will take place in the future; now in the first 5 seals Rev 6:1-8

 

We are presently still in the first 5 seals of Revelation, which Jesus opened when He came to Heaven to sit at the right hand of His Father. The 1st seal has a rider on a white horse which symbolizes holiness; we believe the rider was the Holy Spirit. For Peter tells us the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, beginning the last days; and the Spirit will continue to be poured out until Jesus comes in His power on that great and magnificent day. 

*Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, "Come and see." And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. Rev 6:1-2 NKJV+

*For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; Ac 2:15-17 ESV+

*And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. Ac 2:19-20 ESV+

 

See 3. - Rev Chap 5 above; where the Holy Spirit was sent out when Jesus came and sat at the right hand of God.

Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. Ac 2:33 NKJV+

 

The Spirit like the wind rode out, so through Christ's grace believers could conquer satan and death; be given the crown of righteousness by Jesus when He comes in the clouds over earth to gather us up in Part 3. coming soon 

*You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." Jn 3:8 NIV+

*I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2Ti 4:7-8 NIV+

 

The Holy Spirit is wearing a spiritual crown (stephanos; see 3b. 4th paragraph); this is the same crown which is given to all believers after Christ has given us glorified bodies. The stephanos can be called the crown; which lasts forever (1Co 9:25); of righteousness (2Ti 4:8); of life; (Ja 1:12); of glory (1Pe 5:4). No one can wear this crown unless they are perfectly holy and the beast/antichrist/man of sin is an evil unholy demonic being; how could he possibly wear the crown which lasts forever. Also white symbolizes holiness in Revelation, something the Holy Spirit is, and the antichrist is not.

The diadem crown is a worldly crown, which is worn by an earthly ruler, and the beast/antichrist/man of sin will wear 10 of these diadems as earthly ruler over these nations for 3½ years. Some Bibles call both diadems and stephanos crowns, some differentiate between them; including the ESV+ and NASB+ which have the 3 diadems correct.  

 

John tells us He was in the tribulation, which began after Christ’s atoning grace on the cross. There is no special 7 years of tribulation; tribulation for believers began when Jesus died on the cross; the way Christians were killed by the Romans during John’s lifetime was as inhumane and brutal as it comes.

*I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev 1:9 NKJV+

*These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Jn 16:33 NKJV+

 

This tribulation was turned loosed on the world by the next 3 seals, is still in the world today. In the 2nd seal a rider on a red horse brings war, and in the 3rd seal a rider on a black horse brings starvation. And in the 4th seal a rider on a pale horse together with the 2 previous riders, will kill over 25% of the earth by sword, famine, plagues and wild beasts; with Hades following behind to grab the spiritual beings of those who are killed who are not children of God. See Rev 6:1-8

*And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword. Rev 6:4 ESV+ - 2nd seal

*When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and see." So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. Rev 6:5 NKJV+ - Famine killed people; food cost so much per pound people could not afford it.

*I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth. Rev 6:8 NIV+

 

These riders took away any chance of peace on the earth, will continue to cause physical death by war, murder, including abortion; cause famine, disease, plagues, pestilence and animals to kill people. These riders will continue to kill many more people as the population grows for they will kill 25% on those who are living the earth; until Jesus returns in power and destroys them in the winepress of God’s wrath in Part 3.

All saints in Heaven will be unaware of this continual carnage, while all on earth will be in it. Yet when believers die, we will have our spiritual beings taken out of this evil world into the glory of Heaven; will never remember any parts of these events we were in; for our physical mind cannot come into Heaven, and our holy spiritual being will only have holy God pleasing thoughts in them.

 

The 5th seal shows the souls of those who were killed, martyred because they loved Jesus more than their physical lives; they are under the altar at God’s Temple in Heaven. The souls, the outer exterior of human spiritual beings show the scars of how they were killed as a badge of honor; this is how John knew they had been slain.

*When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. Rev 6:9 NKJV+

 

These spiritual beings anxiously desire Jesus to return in power and defeat those who are evil and dwell on the earth; avenging their physical deaths. Since their spirit has replaced their minds as their thought process when they physically died, and came to Heaven; their spiritual being no longer remember any of the horrors from living on earth, including those who killed them. They only remember loving God enough to die for Him, and want the evil which dwells on this earth removed; satan, his demons, and those in the world who follow them. So they can finally come under the righteous rule of Jesus, and come into His 1,000 year Kingdom on earth with glorified bodies.   

*They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Rev 6:10 ESV+

*For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Ro 8:22-23 ESV+

 

They were each given a white robe, told to wait a little while longer, until the correct number of believers were killed, martyred for loving Jesus; then God would avenge them by casting satan along with his demons who created the evil in this world, down from the earthly heavens to the earth.   

*Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed. Rev 6:11 NIV+

*And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole worldhe was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Rev 12:9 ESV+

 

Salvation, power, the Kingdom of our God and the authority of Christ will come to this world; when satan is conquered by Christ’s atoning blood, by the word of their testimony, and the correct number were willing to die for Jesus. God will throw satan to earth, he will no longer be the prince over the earthly heaven, will not be able to accuse believers night and day in God’s Court there. satan will know his time will be short on the earth; until Jesus will chain him up in the Abyss, after the Court in Heaven authorizes Jesus to destroy his demonic accomplice beast/man of sin/antichrist, after their 3½ year reign over the earth is over in Part 3.  

*And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Rev 12:10-11 ESV+

*Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” Rev 12:12 ESV+

 

Those who have, along with those who will continue to come out of great tribulation and are martyred for loving God, for loving Jesus; will have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of Jesus. They are now before the Throne of God in His Kingdom of Heaven and serve Him day and night in His Temple; and God will shelter them with His presence. 

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

 

We believe the King James translation above is correct using the Greek words great 3173 and tribulation 2347; meaning they were martyrs who faced great tribulation in giving their lives for their Lord; “the” should not be added to make it an event during a certain period as other translations do.

*And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Rev 7:14 NKJV+

 

1. They were each given specifically a white robe which to wear. No one except those seen under the altar are given a robe in Rev, much less a white robe to wear in Rev; some are given white linen (garments) which are different than a robe. Even those coming out of great tribulation during the antichrist’s reign are not given a robe, but the right to judge in Christ’s 1,000 year Kingdom; we will see these are 2 different groups in Part 3. which will be completed soon.

*Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed. Rev 6:11 NIV+

 

2. Those who have been martyred under the altar are avenged when satan is thrown down to earth (5th verse above); satan is thrown down to earth before the antichrist/man of sin/beast comes to rule over the earth. So the souls under the altar cannot be killed by the antichrist when he puts all believers under great tribulation. We forget how many prophets, people were martyred for God before Christ atoning grace on the cross; how many were martyred for Jesus after His atoning grace on the cross, are still being martyred today. 

 

Great tribulation when used in God’s Word; refers to persecution, tribulation which causes believers to get killed for loving our God, Jesus, above all things.

 

Strong's Greek Lexicon Search Results for great:

3173. megas meg'-as (including the prolonged forms, feminine megale, plural megaloi, etc.; compare also 3176, 3187); big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application):--(+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years. http://www.eliyah.com/cgi-bin/strongs.cgi?file=greeklexicon&isindex=3173

 

Strong's Greek Lexicon Search Results for tribulation:

2347. thlipsis thlip'-sis from 2346; pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.

http://www.eliyah.com/cgi-bin/strongs.cgi?file=greeklexicon&isindex=2347

 

Great tribulation is used together in 2 other verses; as a extreme threat of getting martyred for loving our God and His Son Jesus above all things, without adding a preposition to make it a specific time period.

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

ESV+, NIV+, NKJV+, ASV also do not use “a” as a preposition here, making it refer to a specific event.

 

*'Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her [one early ms reads their] deeds. Rev 2:22 NASB+ also ESV+, NIV+, NKJV+, ASV, KJV None of these use a preposition before great tribulation.

 

Those who have died for God, for Jesus will come before the Throne of Almighty God, will become God’s servants in His Heavenly Temple, for they are worthy to be trusted. These martyrs will serve God day and night; and God will shelter them so they will live in perfect joy and comfort (symbolic language for not being hungry, thirsty, sun will not strike them or make them hot). Jesus, the Lamb in the midst of the Throne of God, will guide them to the springs of living water (give them eternal glorified bodies when He returns in the clouds), and God will wipe away every tear from their (always be joyful).

*Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. Rev 7:15 ESV+

*They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Rev 7:16-17 ESV+

 

4. What major event will take place next; the 6th seal

 

The next major event in end times will be the 6th seal, which is the War of Gog (Eze 38-39 compare verses below); though there will be events in Israel which will lead us into this. All on earth will be exposed to this war, events which cause it; but unless God calls down the fire and brimstone from His Kingdom in Heaven which the saints’ spiritual beings will see; they will be unaware of what is happening on earth.

*And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Eze 38:22 NKJV+

 

The wrath of God, the wrath of the Lamb in the War of Gog will be poured out on those who come against Israel; Russian and Moslem countries who have persecuted Israel in the past. No saints living on earth will be under this wrath of God and the Lamb in the War of Gog.

*and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! Rev 6:16 NKJV+

*Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! Ro 5:9 NIV+

*and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come. 1Thess 1:10 NASB+

 

Nations of the War of Gog: may include Russia, Iran, Turkey, Libya, Sudan, Afghanistan, Algeria, Ethiopia, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, Tunisia

*"Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, Eze 38:2 NKJV+

*Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops--the many nations with you. Eze 38:5-6 NIV+

*Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army.  Eze 38:15-16 NKJV+

 

Notice similarity in War of Gog

*This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign Lord. In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.  The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. Eze 38:18-20 NIV+

 

To the 6th seal

*I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to tharth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!  Rev 6:12-16 NKJV

 

The 6th seal has to happen before the 7th bowl, because after the 7th bowl there are no mountains in Israel. And Jesus does not return in power and then fight the war in Armageddon until after the 7th bowl; the war of Gog and the war of Armageddon are 2 separate different wars.

 

6th seal - mountains

*Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, Rev 6:15-16 ESV+

 

War of Gog – mountains

*"I will call for a sword against him on all My mountains," declares the Lord God. "Every man's sword will be against his brother." With pestilence and with blood I will enter into judgment with him; and I will rain on him and on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, a torrential rain, with hailstones, fire and brimstone. Eze 38:21-22 NASB+

 

7th cup of wrath of God no more mountains; no more caves for men to hide in and the 100 pound hailstones fell upon the people

*Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible. Rev 16:20-21

 

Then Jesus comes to defeat the armies of the beast/man of sin/antichrist and establish His Kingdom on earth

*Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. Rev 19:11 ESV+

*From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. Rev 19:15 ESV+

 

The War of Gog also fits within the context of the 6th seal in Rev; for Israel will use the weapons of this war as fuel to make fires for 7 years before Jesus will come in power and establish His 1,000 year Kingdom on a regenerated, cleansed earth. This means this war will take place before the 3½ yrs. of 2 prophets/witnesses and then the 3½ yrs. of the beast/man of sin/antichrist’s reign; which together make 7 years. How many years we do not know; maybe 1 to 3 (8-10 years before Jesus comes) so the Temple in Jerusalem will be started for the 2 prophets/witnesses to bring Israel back to God there.

*"Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out and set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and bucklers, the bows and arrows, the javelins and spears; and they will make fires with them for seven years. Eze 39:9 NKJV+

 

Part 3 will be done soon; will start with the 2 prophets/witnesses; end with God’s New Heaven and Earth.

 

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Copyright 2018 by Ron Borkey

+ ESV “Scripture quotations marked [ESV] are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version,” copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good New Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

+ NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE (1995 Update) Copyright © 1981, 1998 The Lockman Foundation, A Corporation Not for Profit, La Habra, California. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

+ NIV Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

+ NKJV "Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Some words in the verses from these Bibles may be emphasized with bold letters.