Note: Most will not be able to skim through this and understand all that I have written. Don’t bother reading it if you are not willing to look up the passages and meditate on them.
In the book of Daniel King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that was a picture of Satan’s kingdom. This is fitting because Nebuchadnezzar was an earthly image of Satan (Isaiah 14:4-17). First let us read again this dream.
“Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. This image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.” (Daniel 2:31-35)
Now we need to compare this to Ezekiel 28 to understand this more fully.
“Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” (Ezekiel 28:13-15)
Satan’s kingdom started out as very beautiful just as the head of gold in the image. However sin was found in Satan and as a result his kingdom has been losing its beauty and being reduce to a iron kingdom. This metal has no beauty, but is very effective for war. Just as Nebuchadnezzar took God’s people into captivity so has Satan taken all of us into captivity through sin. However just as God free Israel so will He free His people from this captivity.
“Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” (Romans 8:21-22)
At the end of Satan’s kingdom it becomes a kingdom mixed with clay. Man is referred to as clay many times in the scriptures. So we see at the end of Satan’s kingdom it becomes mix with men. This clarifies a very strange verse.
“And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.” (Daniel 2:41-43)
What we see here is the fall of Babylon, where it is cast to the earth from heaven to be destroyed. When it is cast to earth it becomes mixed with men (clay). We can compare few verse here to see the fall of Babylon.
“And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD. Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.” (Jeremiah 51:24-25)
“And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;” (Revelation 8:8)
“And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.” (Revelation 18:21)
When does this happen? It happens during the tribulation. This starts in Revelation chapter 8 through 9 with the outline of the fall of Babylon, and it is not speaking of any earthly kingdom (See introduction). There are more details in chapters 10 through 12.
“And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child” (Revelation 12:13-14)
I quote this verse because many think Satan was cast out of Heaven long ago, but here it shows that Satan is cast out after the woman brought for the man, who is Jesus the Christ. Israel is the woman and she brought forth the child, but here she is having birth pains in bring the Messiah as King to rule the earth. Satan is cast to earth with his angles and it brings a great Wow to its inhabitants. Not only is Satan and his angles of darkness cast out, but Satan is given a key to loose angles that have been change up for this moment (2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6). These angels are let loose on the earth and the leader is the beast (Revelation 9:11, 11:7). Notice one of the attributes about these angles—they have breast plates of iron.
“And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle” (Revelation 9:9)
This brings us back to the image. At the end of Satan’s kingdom the iron toes are mixed with clay and a great mountain (kingdom) called Zion will crush it and grind it in to chaff. So that it will never exist again.
Babylon will be so destroyed that it will never be inhabited again (Isaiah 51, Revelations 18). There will no longer be a place where the rulers of darkness can dwell.
“And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.” (Revelation 18:21)
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Monday, November 24, 2008
The Temple of Revelations.
A careful look at scripture reveals a very different picture of the Temple than is commonly thought of. There are thirteen references to a temple in the book of Revelations and not one is a reference to an earthly temple. One of the verses that is often used to refer to a temple in Jerusalem is Revelation eleven.
1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. Revelation 11:1-2
However let us consider somethings about this passage. First we must put this in the context of the other reference to the temple. Prior to this passage we already learn that there are a people in God's temple before His throne.
2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. Revelation 4:2-3
Since John was called up to be in the temple before the throne we could understand this to be the church being called up. Also there are the twenty four elders worshipping God. So we know that the Temple is in Heaven where the Throne of God is and there are worshippers in that temple.
There are several passages that specifically speak of a temple in Heaven. (Revelation 11:19,14:17,15:5, 16:17)
With this in mind we will go back to chapter eleven. In this passage we find worshippers in the temple worshipping for the forty and two months, while outside the temple is being trampled over by the heathen. If this was an earthly temple it would be highly unlikely that the antichrist would allow worshipper to remain inside for this time. Plus most state the the antichrist will enter the temple and declare himself God.
The picture which we must see here is the that of the temple of God in the third heaven being shut up with the worshippers of God in it, while the rest of creation outside in being judge. This picture can be seen in Noah's ark. While Noah and his family were safe inside God was judging the world. Here however it is more than just the earth that is being judge it is the second heaven also, where Satan and his fallen angels dwell.
As we develop this more in later articles that what is happening in the book, the bigger picture of what is happening will be come very apparent. I am not stating that there will be no earthly temple in Jerusalem, whoever an earthly temple can not play a roll that the Heavenly Temple does.
1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. Revelation 11:1-2
However let us consider somethings about this passage. First we must put this in the context of the other reference to the temple. Prior to this passage we already learn that there are a people in God's temple before His throne.
2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. Revelation 4:2-3
Since John was called up to be in the temple before the throne we could understand this to be the church being called up. Also there are the twenty four elders worshipping God. So we know that the Temple is in Heaven where the Throne of God is and there are worshippers in that temple.
There are several passages that specifically speak of a temple in Heaven. (Revelation 11:19,14:17,15:5, 16:17)
With this in mind we will go back to chapter eleven. In this passage we find worshippers in the temple worshipping for the forty and two months, while outside the temple is being trampled over by the heathen. If this was an earthly temple it would be highly unlikely that the antichrist would allow worshipper to remain inside for this time. Plus most state the the antichrist will enter the temple and declare himself God.
The picture which we must see here is the that of the temple of God in the third heaven being shut up with the worshippers of God in it, while the rest of creation outside in being judge. This picture can be seen in Noah's ark. While Noah and his family were safe inside God was judging the world. Here however it is more than just the earth that is being judge it is the second heaven also, where Satan and his fallen angels dwell.
As we develop this more in later articles that what is happening in the book, the bigger picture of what is happening will be come very apparent. I am not stating that there will be no earthly temple in Jerusalem, whoever an earthly temple can not play a roll that the Heavenly Temple does.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Angels of the Revelations
To understand Revelations more clearly one must understand angels. Angels are men, pretty much like we are with a few exceptions, one is they can exist in the spiritual realm. I say this because of many reasons and here are some.
“And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,” (Genesis 18:2 KJVS)
“Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name:” (Judges 13:6 KJVS)
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2 KJVS)
We will see that in Revelations that the fallen angels are going to dwell on the earth as men and unless on understands that angels are referred to as men this will be confusing.
- They are called the Sons of God, just like man is. (Angel: Job 1:6, Men: Phil 2:15)
- Angels are called men when on earth. (Gen 18:2) This seems consistent throughout scripture.
- They are compared with men and Christ. (Heb 1-2)
- We are told we will be like the angels in heaven (Matt 22:30)
- Just because angels are called ministering spirits does not mean they have no form. Before and after the resurrection Jesus is seen as a man yet He is called a spirit in as much sense the Angels are. (I Cor 15:45).
“And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,” (Genesis 18:2 KJVS)
“Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name:” (Judges 13:6 KJVS)
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2 KJVS)
We will see that in Revelations that the fallen angels are going to dwell on the earth as men and unless on understands that angels are referred to as men this will be confusing.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Introduction
The first thing I would like to bring to your attention is about a certain place. Let’s look at two verses.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12 KJVS)
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” (Colossians 1:16 KJVS)
Have you ever considered where Satan lives? Does he and his angels float around in some empty void or do they have a place to dwell. In the above verses I think we can see that there is a place that Satan dwells. Not only that, I believe we can know the name of His kingdom. It is called Babylon. Why do I say this. Look at a few more verses.
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33; James 3:16 KJVS)
“The city of confusion is broken down: every house is shut up, that no man may come in.” (Isaiah 24:10 KJVS)
The name Babylon comes from the word Babel which means confusion. What a perfect name for Satan’s kingdom. We know that he is the ruler of Babylon, because while Isaiah speaks about Nebuchadrezzar as the King of Babylon he reveals a greater hidden kingdom of which the earthly Babylon in under control
“That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon… How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” (Isaiah 14:4a,13-15 KJVS)
Just as God’s kingdom is called Zion, Satan’s kingdom is called Babylon and these two kingdoms are at war with each other. If you are a careful reader of the prophet you will see the little glimpse into Babylon through the nations it controls.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12 KJVS)
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” (Colossians 1:16 KJVS)
Have you ever considered where Satan lives? Does he and his angels float around in some empty void or do they have a place to dwell. In the above verses I think we can see that there is a place that Satan dwells. Not only that, I believe we can know the name of His kingdom. It is called Babylon. Why do I say this. Look at a few more verses.
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33; James 3:16 KJVS)
“The city of confusion is broken down: every house is shut up, that no man may come in.” (Isaiah 24:10 KJVS)
The name Babylon comes from the word Babel which means confusion. What a perfect name for Satan’s kingdom. We know that he is the ruler of Babylon, because while Isaiah speaks about Nebuchadrezzar as the King of Babylon he reveals a greater hidden kingdom of which the earthly Babylon in under control
“That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon… How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” (Isaiah 14:4a,13-15 KJVS)
Just as God’s kingdom is called Zion, Satan’s kingdom is called Babylon and these two kingdoms are at war with each other. If you are a careful reader of the prophet you will see the little glimpse into Babylon through the nations it controls.
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