God's Purpose for Mankind on Earth, part 3

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God's Purpose for Mankind on Earth, part 3

Chapter 9
In Jeremiah 17: 21-27, Jeremiah talks primarily about keeping the Sabbath; Mt. 11:28-30, Jesus says, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." When we do what we think, instead of what God says, we are not entering into Christ’s rest. In verse 27 of Jeremiah 17, it says, “But if you will not listen unto me to hallow the Sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day; than will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.”
While Jeremiah was talking to his people about their present problem, yet I believe there is an even greater fulfillment in our day. That if we do not find our rest in Jesus Christ; we will be facing the tribulation unprepared, and will be in the fire where all our works (not wrought in Christ) will be burned up.
The Great Tribulation
Rev. 8, this appears to be the start, of the great tribulation. As to whether any of God’s people are going through the tribulation or not; Rev 2:19-25, Jesus told some in the church of Thyatira unless they repent they would be cast into the great tribulation; if they were not Christians they would automatically go into the tribulation, and He would not have had to say anything. In verse 23 He says, He would give to them everyone according to their works. In that verse, He is certainly talking to Christians. If you are fully surrendered to the Lord, and are willing to do what He tells you, all false doctrine will fall away from you one by one. If you are living for your church, people, money, fame, or any other thing, then you will be deceived.
In Ezekiel 20: 33-49, this passage is quite long, but; Israel had become steeped in idolatry. God said, “He was going to bring them into the wilderness of the people.” That He was going to plead with them face to face. He said, “He was going to cause them to pass under the rod.” He was going to purge out of them the rebels. He would accept their offerings only in the mountain of the height of Israel. Then they were going to loath themselves in their own sight for their sins. Anyone who does not judge himself now must be judged in the tribulation time. When they see how bad their sins are, they will loath themselves in their own sight.
That was the first parable. the second parable: was for the son of man to prophesy against the forest of the south field. Dead or alive: every tree was going to be burn from the south to the north. These two parables are one. God is saying the same thing in two different ways.
Keys to understanding these parables:
• Key one: South field and the idol worshippers are one.
• Key two: Tree and each worshipper are one.
• Key three: North and those who worship on the mountain of the height of Israel are one.
• Key four: South is ease, comfort wealth, which usually is idolatry.
• Key five: North is the cross and the will of God.
• Key six: The land is our own bodies.

These two parables show us that many of God’s people will have to face the great tribulation unprepared. The fires of the great tribulation start in the south and burn to the north. The fire starts with those at ease, and go north to those in the high call, who lay down their lives like Jesus did on the cross.
Jesus said, “If we take up our lives we would lose them, but; if we lay them down for His sake we would find them." Add two more verses out of Ezekiel 21:3,4, Thus says the LORD; “Behold I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off the righteous and the wicked. Seeing than that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north.” Here we see a picture of the cross. Jesus went voluntarily to the cross. The first thief was saved so as by fire. The second thief was lost. Everyone in the world is going to the cross. Some of God’s people go now and judge themselves; they will not be judged with the world. Some of God’s people must be saved so as by fire. The world’s people will be lost. Those who judge themselves will still lay down their lives as Jesus did, in the middle of the tribulation. Those who judge themselves now; possess their bodies in glory and honor.
Israelis and Christians they are the same body. In Ro. 11:25, Paul said, “Blindness in part is happened to Israel; until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.” In Eph. 2:16, he says, ‘God made both one body.” A person is a body, a soul, a spirit; just as there are three level of serving God. While the Jew may not be yet born again, He certainly will have to come that way, yet; Paul says, “The gifts and callings of God are without repentance.”
You must remember that even we Christians have more to add to our salvation. I have no doubt that when God talks about Israel; He is talking many times about both physical and spiritual Israel. In the tribulation it will be abundantly evident that they are one.
I should make it clear that we are still in Revelation 8. It appears, that the silence of about a half an hour; may correspond to, Mt. 25:1-13, the parable of the ten virgins; When Christ appears, in a body of his own people, who are ready. Silence may mean; no one further could be added, to the high calling of God, for a short period, of time. The five foolish Virgins, must face the tribulation unprepared. One thing for sure, the prayers of the saints; are a very important part, of this time.
The first angel v.7 in this passage of scripture, brought judgment, on those, still tied to the earth. Revelation 1: 7, “All those still related to the earth, will wail because of Him.”
The second Angel v.8 brought judgment, on the sea, (the lost people); possibly speaking of the part of the church, that got mixed up, with the world, and the various ways, they related to the world.
The next two angels vs. 10,12 bring judgment, to the two sources of life, on the earth; (water and sunshine). This appears to relate, to their spiritual food. The last verse, certainly indicates, that he is talking about those, still tied to the earth. Phil. 3:18-19 Paul says, “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you weeping, that they are enemies, of the cross of Christ: whose end, is destruction, whose god, is their belly, and whose glory, is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” Let us take up our cross, and daily follow the Lord.
Revelation 9, is about the continuation, of the first half, of the great tribulation. It seems at this time, Satan is greatly increasing his efforts to attack God’s people, still tied to the earth ; they were committing covetousness; which is idolatry and all sorts of the works of the flesh. Some Christians seem to have the idea that, they are going to the judgment, without facing any pain. What did Paul mean than in, 11Cor. 5:9-11, when he said, “Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men?” He said, ‘We labor, that, we may be accepted of him, for we must all appear, before the judgment seat of Christ; that, everyone may receive, the things done in the body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men."
In 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 he says, “We have a foundation; which is Jesus Christ: and on that foundation, we build, our house.” We can build with gold, silver, or precious stones; materials that withstand fire; or wood, hay, or stubble; materials that will burn. Our work, will be judged by fire. If we didn’t have to face the day of fire, why do we have to build with materials that will withstand fire?
One of the tricks of Satan is to water down God’s Word; he certainly did that with the fear of the Lord. He says, it does not really mean fear, but reverence, respect, or awe. Use one of those words to replace terror and see if it fits. (Knowing the reverence, respect, or awe of the Lord we persuade men.) He also has Christians thinking they are going to escape the tribulation, the day of fire. What do they think will try their works than? Why are we supposed to build with fire proof materials than?
Jesus said, in John 15: 2,6, “If a branch in Him, does not bear fruit, it is cut off, and if it does not abide in Him, it withers, and is cast into the fire, and is burned.” The writer of Heb. says in 6:8, “That which bears thorns, and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end, is to be burned.” This sure seems to fit facing the day of fire. If your life bears no fruit; it will be cut off and burned. 1 Corinthians 3: 15 says, when your works are burned up, you will be saved so as by fire.
Ezekiel 9, gives, the pattern of judgment. V. 4, says “God first marks those, who sigh and cry, for the abominations committed, in Jerusalem.” Next, v. 6 He tells, “The destroyers, to destroy, all who are not marked, beginning at the sanctuary, and with the elders.” 1 P. 4:17, says, “The time is come, that judgment, must begin, at the house of God.” Therefore judgment, must begin, with us.
1 Corinthians 11: 31, 32 Paul says, “If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world”. 1 Timothy 5: 24,25 says, “Some men’s sins, are opened before hand, going before to judgment; and some they follow after. Likewise also, the good works of some, are manifested before hand; and they that are otherwise, can not be hid”. This indicates, that we must keep all our sins, and works opened and judged, or they will be judged by force later.
A further picture, is seen in Jesus, on the cross: Jesus voluntarily followed the Lord, all the way, to the cross, one thief was saved, so as by fire, and one thief was lost. There we have a picture, of the whole world, everyone goes to the cross, (the judgment).
Revelation 10: 7 says, “In the middle of the tribulation, the mystery of God, will be finished, when the seventh angel begins to sound.”

Chapter 10
Rev. 11 apparently returns to the beginning of the tribulation. For the first half of the tribulation, the Holy city, (which I believe is Gods people), will be trodden under foot of the gentiles, because; They did not measure up to Gods standard. The Temple is measured, to see if it can measure up.
In Zachariah 4, we see two witnesses; they may refer to Joshua the high priest, and Zerubbabel the ruler? But, certainly they speak of a much greater witness in the future. Both sets of witnesses, relate to the temple; the first set of witnesses are building a temple, and the second set are the temple that measures up. Joshua and Zerubbabel were building the temple of their day. The two witnesses of Rev. 11 were the temple of the coming day.
First a word about judgment: At the beginning of the tribulation, those who do not measure up, will be judged; the finale cleansing of the Temple. Those in the outer court, walk in the light of the sun. Those in the Temple, live by the light of the candle, a deeper word.
I believe these two witnesses; are those who have judged themselves, and been renewed in their minds. God’s Name or Nature is in their minds, and they now are becoming a second witness, to the death and the resurrection of Christ when they die; just as Jesus died with out the gates of Jerusalem in His day; so these will give their lives being killed by their brethren the church of that day inspired by the beast from the pit. God says, that spiritually they (the church of that day) are Sodom and Egypt. I believe these two witnesses are also, the 144,000 spoken of in Rev. 7, the true Israel of God.
Revelation 11: 12, they ascended into heaven; the first fruit of the redeemed of the earth, just as in Rev. 14:4. The two witnesses manifested the same manner, power, and purity that Jesus manifested, before, He went to the cross, that God would have His three witnesses, (He requires for judgment), by their death.
If God is to judge the nations, He must have at least two witnesses; they must manifest the same purity, as Jesus manifested, when He was in the earth. Only those who measure up, are qualified. The angel had to measure the temple, the alter of sacrifice, and the worshipers to see if the sacrifice was ready. To measure up you will have to pass every test Jesus passed before He was sacrificed.
In Isaiah 51: 17-52:3, we see a parallel to this passage; there we see that Jerusalem drank, at the hand of the LORD, the cup of His fury; and the dregs of the cup of trembling, and rung them out. (For 42 months- my addition; this I believe is the first half of the tribulation). Verse 22, “Thus says your Lord the LORD, and your God that pleads the cause of His people, behold, I have taken out of your hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; you shall no more drink it again: but I will put it in the hand of them that afflict you; which have said to your soul, bow down, that we may go over: and you have laid your body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over. Awake, awake; put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come in to you the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake yourself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem, loose yourself from the bands of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion. For thus says the LORD, you have sold yourselves for nothing; and you shall be redeemed without money”.
If we sell ourselves for nothing, and trade our inheritance for a piece, of what this world has to offer; we will be judged by force later. Just as the holy city is trodden under foot 42 months, at the beginning of this chapter in Revelation 11; so it says in this passage in Isaiah, Jerusalem laid its body as the street for them to walk over. After Jerusalem has faced the judgment, and shook itself of the dust or the flesh, the judgment will then be transferred to the world, in the second half of the tribulation.
When the two witnesses have finished their ministry they are killed. The religious leaders of that day will not even allow them to be buried. Notice in verse 11, “They arose to their feet and ascended into heaven. They appear to be the first fruits of the redeemed from the earth, of Rev. 14:4.
Rev. 11: 15, to the end the of the chapter; the seventh angel sounded; this world comes up for judgment, and will be judged, during the last half of the tribulation, and the kingdoms of this world, became the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ: and He shall reign forever and ever. God can now judge the world He has all the witness He needs.
Verse 18, seems to quote from, Psalm 2, where he says, the nations were angry, but God would have the pre-eminence. God was ready to judge the dead, give reward to the righteous, and destroy them that destroy the earth; (smash the nations to pieces with a rod of iron); The second half of the tribulation.
Revelation 12, Some think this speaks of Jesus’ first coming. You probably could make that application, but; it does not seem to explain a number of things. The woman clothed with the sun; more likely speaks of the part of the church; that is walking in the Spirit. This woman is clothed with Jesus Christ, and those following the law are under her feet; those walking in the Spirit, as opposed to those only keeping laws. Those keeping the law, only reflect the light of Christ. The twelve stars must be the twelve apostles.
Notice this women appeared in heaven. Old Testament Israel never appeared in heaven nor did Mary.
Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3: 13 “That while He was talking to Nicodemus He was then in heaven.” Paul says in Philippians 3: 20 “He was walking in heaven right then.”
We also know that Satan was cast out of heaven.
Paul said in Galatians 4: 19, “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again till Christ be formed in you.” You can see how Christ will be formed in a company of Christians who are walking in the Spirit. This child can only be born in heaven.
Acts 13:33 says, “That the resurrection was the day Jesus was begotten of the Father.” Revelation 1:5 confirms the same thing. The first fruit the manifested Sons of God are caught up to the throne like Jesus did. They are caught up to rule with the rod of iron.
When Christ is formed in those who only do what God says this is spiritually called giving birth. This is the man-child that will smash the nations to pieces in the second half of the tribulation. This is also what Satan is so desperate to keep from happening; because it means the end of his kingdom.
It seems to me, that he is repeating the same event, as in 11:11 when the two witnesses rose from the dead. The 144,000 are the first fruit of the redeemed from the earth, Revelation. 14:4; the first of those who are begotten of God, spirit, soul, and body. Satan certainly thought he had destroyed the two witnesses; but they rose from the dead. We see like a gem stone many facets of the same event.
It was now time for those who were worthy, to rule all nations with a rod of iron, but; some of God’s people needed, to go to a place prepared of God, for the rest of the tribulation. Satan is finally cast out, and can accuse God’s people before God no more.
It seems that the Bible speaks of to separate times of Satan being cast out of heaven. Apparently the casting out is really the removing various aspects of his being and ability such as: Holiness; ability to praise God or even the desire to; ability to accuse; ability to deceive and etc. Though he was cast out he could appear before God for assignment.
God’s power will be manifested in the second half of the tribulation, as this world has never seen before. Those caught up to the throne of God; received that power; by the blood of the lamb, and the word of their testimony, and they loved not their own lives even to the death.
If by that time you have ascended into heaven, you can rejoice, for you are in charge, but; if you are still tied to earthly things, look out, for Satan is after you. While all of God’s people are saved, you can see by the rest of this chapter, you can be in the wrong place, at this time.
Joseph was one who walked in the Spirit. He was in charge when the tribulation hit Egypt. Those of his brethren who betrayed him; he was now their salvation. Moses and Aaron walked with God. They were in charge in the judgment. The Israelites who did not judge themselves, shared in the first two judgments with Egypt.

Chapter 11
Revelation 13, the dragon of chapter 12, had his crowns, on his heads; probably speaking of his power being in the mind, but; the beast in chapter 13, has his crowns on his horns; probably speaking of government power. This beast comes up out the sea ;probably lost humanity. In Daniel 7, “ Daniel saw four beasts rise out of the sea;” these beasts were almost the same as the beasts spoken of here.
A very interesting verse Ho. 13: 7,8, God said to backslidden Israel. “Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them: I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beasts shall tear them”. This looks to me like God is going to use the heathen, to judge His backsliding people, even in the tribulation.
Daniel 7: 1-7, The four winds, spoken of in verse two; seems to correspond to the four winds, in Revelations 7:1. So these beasts, must be coming in the tribulation. All four of these beasts are present at the judgment, v. 9,10, and even after the beast is given to the burning flame, in v. 11, they continue for a time, and a season in, v. 12, though without power. Many think this is speaking about Babylon, the Medes and Persians, Greeks, and the Romans; while some application can be made for that view, I think the greater fulfillment, will be in the tribulation.
We need to speak about a few things. The politics of today do in some way relate to this beast, though we are not yet, in the tribulation. We see the battle between the republicans and the democrats. The republicans keep pulling to the right, while the democrats are pulling to left. For the republicans this is a losing battle; most republicans are where the democrats were, five or ten years ago. For those of us, who don’t want to see our country, going to the left, this can be very discouraging.
I received a letter from my congresswomen, who I respected; wanting to receive credit for helping to pass drug benefits. Though maybe not the same as the democrats would have passed, nevertheless it is a plan that would have made them proud ten years ago. While this is certainly a good type and shadow; the reality is that, they are really a part of the same beast. As we see our freedoms and values disappearing; it can be very discouraging, but this is nothing to what it will be like, when God withdraws the one that keeps evil, from coming to the full, 11 Thessalonians 2:7.
Philippians 3: 18, 19 says, “Many people walk as enemies of the cross; whose god is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things.” Verse 20 Paul says, “His walk is in heaven, where Jesus is coming from.”
Four realms of people spoken about in the book of Revelation: under the earth, in the sea, on the earth, and in heaven.
Notice, in Revelation 13: 6, “This beast blasphemes the name of God, his tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven;” if you have been caught up to heaven, as the 144,000, you can be blasphemed, but; not touched. In verse 7,8 the saints still on the earth, and all kindreds, tongues, and nations will be under his power. Verse 9, indicates that this word, will be understood, only by those with ears to hear.
In verse 11, an other beast, arises out of the earth. We have seen Christians, through out history; engaging in all sorts of activities, contrary to the will of God; they persecute other Christians, accept various sexual deviations, in their lives and in others, and other works of the flesh. I hear that their is a Quaker in Polk county, Florida, putting in an application, for a permit to build a nudist colony, to teach Christianity and nudism side by side. Imagine teaching a nude Sunday school class. This may be the kind of people that will make up this second beast. It is important, to make a distinction between the people, and the spirits that lead them though.
If you do not judge the flesh now, you will be deceived even like this Quaker is. If you are not willing to change your ways, you will persecute those who have changed their ways. You will find yourself speaking with the voice of the Dragon.
Just as chapter 6: 5, 6, talks about the beginning of commerce, so in chapter 13: 16, 17 says, “Only those who take the name, number of his name, or receive the mark may engage in commerce at this time;” that God may separate His people from it, before He destroys it.
The First Fruits
Revelation 14: 1-5; “John saw a Lamb, Jesus, stand on mount Sion; with Him a 144,000, having the Fathers nature in their minds”, (my interpretation). V. 5 says, “They are the first fruit, of the redeemed of the earth,” indicating that they were first to be resurrected, it must have been before the rapture. In 1 Corinthians 15: 20, “Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept”. Notice, He was not the first fruits of the earth, but; the first fruits of them that slept. Jesus was never of the earth, as He says in, John 3: 13; 8: 23. In Revelation 11: 11,12, we see a resurrection, and an ascension, and in 12:5, we see another ascension; so when we see him say, in 14:4, that the 144,000 are the first fruit, of the redeemed of the earth; we conclude it must be the same people and event. I see this as being in the middle of the tribulation. If the rapture of the church had already occurred, they would have been the first fruit.
Psalm 11: 3 says, “If the foundations be destroyed what can the righteous do”? The fact is that the righteous seem to have many foundations that are not Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3: 11 says, “Other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Whether for our life, or doctrine, or anything; everything must be Jesus Christ. If you look at Revelation as a series of events you will miss Him, guaranteed. Jesus said, in John 5: 39, “Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” No matter how accurate your doctrine, until you find Jesus, there is no life in it. When you find Jesus in a thing, that thing is now on a proper foundation.
Ephesians 4: 11-16, gives you the principle, of what Jesus is doing with His people on the earth. “He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive: but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted, by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love”.
I would like to point out some things spoken here. Paul says, the ministry first must work for the perfecting of the saints, also there is other work to edify the body, but; notice he says, we will all come to the unity of the faith.
This is very important at this place; in Revelation 14 for the everlasting (or perfect) gospel, is going to be preached to all the world at this time. No error in faith or doctrine will be permitted at that point. Since the gospel now being preached has error in it; we now have some excuse, but; when the everlasting gospel is preached, everyone must come to that standard; for the mystery of God will at that time be finished.
Every minister’s number one job is bring their flock to the place where they hear from God, tell Christ be formed in them, even to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Our tendency is to look at ourselves and realize that we can not do it, instead of looking at what God says about it. Jesus said in Matthew 5:48, “Be perfect as the Father;” we look at that passage and say, is that possible? If you look within yourself the answer is no, but; if you look at God, is there anything to hard for Him.
Do you really think God would ask you to do something, and say, you will never able to do it, but try it anyway? I maintain that if God commanded anything, He has made away to do it. The next tendency is to put it far from us; like saying or thinking it just means maturity, or full growth, or as mature as you can; what than is the measure of the stature of the fullness Christ? If there is anything we need to learn; it is that whatever God says, is the way it is; even if everyone who tried it in the past, failed.
Looking at this passage, it indicates there is a people who will go in first that they may reach back and bring the rest in. If you realize you are called of God to be in the first fruit; be sure you do not look down at others, as that may cause God to eject you from that calling. I was teaching on perfection some time ago and a lady got this prophecy from the LORD.
From the Heaven He sent the rain
Now all angels are here to proclaim
For I am the Christ, I am the prophet, you need no man
For I made you disciples, but I am your head
You need no man they’ll make you mislead
Now listen children, open your ears, there’s new direction
Glory shall come, my face shall shine
I will lead you to all perfection
As the first morning rain, now I’ve sent angels to proclaim
All rise to hear and take this message forth
Blessed are those who hear my voice
My sheep do know me, I’ll not lead you astray
For you shall know this is the only way
My kingdom come, my will be done
All hail King Jesus, all glory, power, and praise
My light is your promise from the voice I now raise
It shall shine forth as never before
Not a thing left covered, not a child left to weep
For here is my promise that I will keep
From the north, south, west, east my people will come
They’ll rise as one, bringing all glory, power, and praise

The rain is sent to cause plants to grow. We are God’s plants. God has sent us everything we need to grow. You must nurture it by spending much time with God. 1 John 2:27 says, we have been given an anointing to teach us . We are all being taught by God. Get in touch with the head and do only what the head says. All leaders must get you in touch with the head. The body of Christ is an organism. All instruction must come from the head. Everyone who listens to the head will be in perfect unity with each other.
Listen to what He says. Open your ears. Then you will reflect and be God’s glory. That is the only way to perfection. Even though we have no ability to do it ourselves, God said He would make us perfect, and He will do it.
It is time to take this message forth. If you hear His voice you must be one of His sheep. He will not lead you astray. He is the only one who knows the way. It is God’s kingdom. What glory awaits us; God’s light shall shine as we never have seen it before. Do not cover anything. Bring it all out in the open. What ever is not of God get rid of it. As these things happen, God’s people will be drawn from everywhere on earth. In the end all God’s people will become one.
Before God can judge the world; He must not only have two witnesses, to the death and resurrection of Jesus, but; everyone must hear, the everlasting gospel. V. 6, refers to the everlasting gospel; (the gospel without fault), the gospel we preach today varies with every preacher. God can not condemn the world on an imperfect gospel, so; just before the judgment, He sends the perfect gospel, reaching everyone. This is the last chance for those to be saved who do not want face the wrath of God; however their works can only follow them, as the time for self judgment is past. I hope you, are saved before this, as your works can no more go before, to judgment, they must follow after, 1 Timothy. 5:24.
At this time, those who are worthy will begin to smite the nations with, a rod of iron, Revelation 2: 26, 27. The rest of chapter 14, verses 14-20, speaks of the start of world judgment. Much of this is repeated in greater detail, in chapters 16-19. 11 Corinthians 10: 6 says, “Having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your own obedience is fulfilled”. 1 Corinthians 6: 2, 3 says, “We will judge both the world, and the Angels.” Psalm 149: 6-9 says, “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two edged sword in their hand; to execute vengeance upon the heathen, an punishments upon the people; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute upon them the judgment written: this honor have all His saints, praise you the LORD. Malachi 4: 3 says, “You shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day I shall do this, says the LORD of hosts. These passages of Scripture indicate that; those worthy will certainly judge the world. In Revelation 19: 11, 13 says, “We will be on horses, following Jesus also on a horse, to judge the nations.”

Chapter 12
Revelation 15, the Christians and Jews, who got the victory, just before God poured out all His wrath, on those who still dwell on the earth, and the sea. (This seems to be an expansion of 14:13). V. 8 says, no one could enter the temple, ( be saved ) till all seven judgments were fulfilled. They had heard the perfect gospel, and had rejected it. About Jews and Christians: I want to be very emphatic that as Paul says, in Ephesians 2: 11-22; “God has made both, one in the same body.” We need to welcome the Jews, as our brothers. For those who want to go back into Judaism however; their is a whole book, (Hebrews) devoted to tell us not to do that, neither should we stay where we are, but; go on to the high calling of God.
Revelation 16, The full wrath of God, is poured out on the earth, and the sea. Notice, this is God’s full wrath. In chapters 8, 9, He judged only a third of most things, but; here it is His full, wrath. V.12, apparently the way was opened up, for Satan to bring his army, from the spirit world, to the earth to prepare for Armageddon. Though not indicated here, God also, will bring His army from Heaven to fight Armageddon Revelation 19; 11-16.
Revelation 17 speak of, two of the three aspects of Babylon; religious and political. Babylon has been around in various forms since man fell. Satan built a city in the heavens, which he is continuing to build and improve.
When God gives us a word, Babylon takes this word, and adds a little poison to it, so it kills, instead of giving you life. We must constantly prove all words, and doctrines, we receive; to see if they are of God or not. The most healthy food will kill you, if it contains enough poison.
If we do not watch what we eat, (spiritually) it will tend to lead us to the condition of this woman. Purple, Scarlet, gold, precious stones, and pearls all speak of the precious things of God, but; this woman used it in this case to make an abomination.
Ezekiel 16: 17-20, “You have taken thy fair jewels of My gold and of My silver, which I have given thee, and made to yourself images of men, and did commit whoredom with them, and took your broidered garments, and covered them: and you have set My oil and My incense before them. My meat also which I gave you, fine flour, and oil and honey, wherewith I fed you, you have even set it before them for a sweet savor: and thus it was, says the Lord God. Moreover you have taken your sons and your daughters, whom thou hast born unto Me, and these have you sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of your whoredoms a small matter”?
There we see Israel using the things of God for their own purposes. The things of God must only be used for God’s purposes, never for our own purposes. I will continue to stress that there are spirits, behind all these things. (even in personal battles, we are not battling our brother, but; spirits). V. 14, says, “The Lamb` shall overcome Babylon.” No matter what the battle; Jesus is the victory.
Revelation 18, shows the third aspect of Babylon; commercial Babylon; the black horse, of chapter 6: 5. V.23 and v.24, say, that Babylon deceived all nations, and was involved in the death of all who were killed on the earth. Isaiah 25: 7, says, “He will destroy in this mountain, the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations”. The mystery of God will be finished, Revelation 10: 7.
Revelation 19, v. 1-6, you see praise at the judgment and fall of Babylon, but; the greatest praise I know of in all of the Bible, is made over the fact that the Lord God is now reigning over all the earth.
V. 7-9, A picture of the new Jerusalem of chapters 21 and 22. It is really the people of God both Jew and gentile, who make up the bride of Christ. V. 10, says to understand prophecy, you must understand the testimony of Jesus.
V. 11-16, we see Jesus and His army of faithful warriors going forth again in the middle of the tribulation, to rule the nations with a rod of iron, and to tread the wine press.
V. 17-21, the beast and the false prophet were cast in the lake of fire.
Revelation 20; 1-3, Satan bound can deceive the nations no more for a 1000 years.
V. 4-6, judgment was given to the saints who recognized they could nothing, but what they saw Jesus do; even as Jesus said, “He could do nothing, but what He saw His Father do.” They submitted to no Satanic authority, they reigned with Christ a 1000 years.
It talks about the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus; in John 5: 30; 8: 28, Jesus says, “That He could do nothing, but what He saw His Father do.” Symbolically, Jesus was beheaded for the witness of His Father. When we only do what we see Jesus do, we are also symbolically beheaded for the witness of Jesus.
What all these things that these people will face in the tribulation are I do not know, but; they had to be faithful, if they were to reign in the 1000 years. This is also the time when the manifested sons of God go forth to deliver the creation from the bondage of corruption, in Romans 8: 18-23. Jesus was the first manifested Son of God. John 17: 6 Jesus said, “I have manifested thy name unto the men that you gave me out of the world."
The first resurrection: all the resurrection of saints is accomplished in the resurrection of Jesus; when we were born again, the resurrection took place in our spirits. As we work out the salvation of the soul, the resurrection will take place in our souls. In the future the resurrection of the body, it takes place in our bodies. All three of these things constitute the first resurrection.
While in our experience, we see these things taking place at different times; nevertheless they already took place, when Jesus rose from the dead, this assures us that regardless what we see, it is already done.
When the resurrection takes place in any part of our being, that part is completely transferred from this world to the next world. All the sin, sickness, pain, suffering, or any other limitations of this world are left behind, in the new creation those things do not exist. Those who enter that world, can not sin or even be tempted to sin.
Vs. 7-15, Satan makes one more try before being cast into the lake of fire, before the great white throne judgment. Those not judged before are judged now.
Revelation 21, the new heaven and new earth, in which there were no more lost people. If the sea was literal, then why is the whole creation, waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God for, in Romans 8: 18-23? Is not the sea a part of the creation?
John pictures the bride of Christ, as a great city the holy Jerusalem, made up of both old and New Testament saints. The 12 tribes of Israel are the gates; the 12 apostles are the foundations; v. 12-14. At this time God is dwelling with men, all suffering, pain, crying, tears, and all old things will have passed away.
He makes it plain that the overcomers will inherit all things. We just do not understand the value of doing all that God says. You should understand though at this time, if you are still fearful, unbelieving, and abominable, a murder, a whoremonger, a sorcerer, an idolater, or a liar; you will find yourself in the lake of fire, which is the second death.
There is abundant evidence here this holy city is none other then the bride of Christ; made up of Jews and Christians.
Paul says, in Galatians 4, that those who serve God by law are in bondage, and are represented by the earthly Jerusalem, but; those who are children of promise are of the heavenly Jerusalem.
The writer of the book of Hebrews in chapter 12, says, the keepers of the law are come to mount Sinai, but; we are come to mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, the general assembly and church of the first born, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel. Notice, that the spirits of just men in the new covenant are already made perfect.
Chapter 22, further describes the bride,(and gives a warning against altering anything in this book), and the second coming of Jesus Christ.
I have given you the keys to the kingdom. Use them to open the doors to wisdom and understanding. These are not my words; as near as I can understand, they were taught to me by God. I have listened for God’s instructions on what to write, but; I’m a man, and I make mistakes. Some of myself may have slipped in, if so I reject it right now.
I want to encourage you to fall in love with the truth. Search for her as it says in the Proverbs, “As for hidden treasure.” Set your treasure only on heavenly things. The heavenly things alone will meet your need. Let Jesus Himself be your fulfillment. You will be gaining eternal life. Nothing will be able to defeat you. No circumstance will overcome you.
If however you fall in love with your church doctrines, your ministry, your money and all it can buy, or any other thing; you will never know the truth. You will not be prepared for the deceptive day ahead. I’m sure that a great many more things remain to be said, but; I hope this inspires many who will go before God, and receive many more truths.
Frank Overholt.

Recently I discovered a few visions on the internet that I believe would be helpful in understanding this book:
Escape from Christendom by Robert Burnell; http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/escape.html.
Tommy Hicks’ End-time Vision; http://crash.ihug.co.nz/~revival/hicks.html.
1965 Vision of Coming Deception by Stanley Frodsham; http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~revival/1965.html
Dream: The Harness of the Lord by Bill Britton; http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~revival/harness.html.

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