An End Time Prophetic Timeline Summary

In this post, we’re going to take a look at end time events taking place in the world today and determine where we are on God’s prophetic timeline – what has already taken place and what our future holds. If you believe popular end time Christian beliefs, then you are most likely waiting on a pre-tribulation rapture as the big end time prophetic marker. This will be the event that marks the beginning of the 7 year period of tribulation -while removing true believers from the earth before the antichrist takes over.

You have probably noticed that things definitely seem to be getting worse throughout the world, but you’re confident that the rapture will take you away before things get really bad. As I’ve mentioned before, because so many of us believe in the rapture and that we’ll be removed before a tribulation period, we’re simply not paying attention to what the Bible really tells us about end time events. We’re not studying and praying about these things, because honesty, they don’t concern us – we’ll be gone. Why worry about such horrible things if we’re not here to experience them? This would be acceptable logic – if it were true. We find end time prophecy interesting, but since we won’t be here, we’d rather focus on living our lives – ultimately focusing on the world – which ultimately blinds us from the truth.

The truth of God’s Word tells us something very different. It tells us that we will all be here and expected to endure – just as Christ’s true Church has done since His resurrection. We’re going to see that God has given us very clear prophetic markers to indicate where the world is on His prophetic timeline, we’ve simply ignored them – and remember, it’s His timeline – not ours. In this post, we’re going to summarize what we’ve learned about end time prophecies and what it means for the immediate future.

If you’ve studied popular end time prophecy beliefs and read the posts on this blog, then you know that much of the study of end time prophecy (where we are and where we’re going) centers on an evil world leader (the antichrist) and the physical nation of Israel. We’ve already shown that the Bible never points to one world leader, nor is the physical nation of Israel the center of end time prophecies. I realize that this is difficult to believe – initially. As I’ve said before – it’s not easy to overcome the world. As always - the key to knowing our Father and understanding His knowledge and wisdom - is humility. All of us must acknowledge that we’re sinful, we’ve made mistakes and we need to ask for forgiveness. I believe that events are about to take place that will show us exactly where we are and where we’re going.

Since Daniel chapter 7 is used by many popular end time scholars to justify their belief in a future antichrist, let’s begin with a brief review of the prophecies contained in this chapter.

"After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.
"While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully.” (Daniel 7:7-8)

The fourth beast was the Roman Empire. Few prophecy scholars dispute this. What is disputed is who the ‘little horn’ is. As we’ve discussed in previous posts, many believe the little horn to be a future world leader – the antichrist. They say that this ‘little horn’ is the same person as the ‘beast out of the sea’ of Revelation 13. Again, most are always looking into the future for something that has already taken place. The truth is that this ‘little horn’ is the Roman Catholic Church after the fall of the Roman Empire. After the Roman Empire broke-up into 10 countries in Europe, the Roman Church initially overpowered three of them. So, there is nothing left here to wait for – nothing prophetic here that has any bearing on our future. Yes, there will be a world government that has 10 kings (Revelation 17:12), but we’re told what we need to know about these future kings in Revelation – not Daniel.

'The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time. (Daniel 7:23-25)

This isn’t additional information about a future world leader, we’re again given information about the Roman Church here. The papal system did rise – conquering three of the ten kingdoms after the fall of the Roman Empire. In addition, we’re told this Church will change the Lord’s ‘times and laws’. As we’ve reviewed earlier, these verses reference the changes the Catholic Church made to the Lord’s ten commandments and His Sabbath. These verses also reference the power this Church wields over the Lord’s saints – power which ended in 1798 when Napoleon’s army invaded the Vatican and condemned the Pope to prison. So, we see that all of these things have happened – there’s nothing here that gives us a clue to what is going to happen in our future.

'But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.' (Daniel 7:26-27)

The final verses of Daniel tell us the same ending to this Church as Revelation – destruction. Daniel doesn’t tell us how this happens – this information is provided in Revelation. What is amazing is that Daniel lived hundreds of years before John – yet the message is the same. So, while the prophecies of Daniel 7 give us important information and confirm prophecies written in other books of the Bible, it does not give us specific information about our future from today forward.

Let’s move on and briefly list the events described in Revelation 13, 17 & 18 that take place in the world:

Revelation 13:
• John sees the rise of the Roman Catholic Church – the beast out of the sea(verses 1-2)
• John sees the fall of the Roman Church and sees it rise again in the future (verse 3)
• John sees that people throughout the world are following this Church (verses 3-4)
• John sees this Church blaspheming God and persecuting the Lord’s Saints (verses 5-8)
• John sees another beast rising who is deceptive – the New World Order/Illuminati beast (verse 11)
• This second beast is working with the first beast (Roman Church) and forces the world to worship the first beast (verse 12)
• The New World Order uses ‘miraculous signs’ to deceive the inhabitants of the earth (verse 13)
• The NWO sets up an ‘image’ of the Roman Church and forces everyone to worship this image. Those who refuse to worship the ‘image’ are killed. (verse 14-15)
• The NWO enforces a ‘mark’ on the world – no one can buy or sell without the ‘mark’(verse 16-17)

Revelation 17:
• John describes the woman riding the beast and it becomes clear that this woman represents the Roman Catholic Church (verses 1-7)
• The Angel tells John that this Church will go through 3 stages. It will be a beast (persecuting the Lord’s saints), then there will be a period of time when it’s not a beast, but it will return as a beast at a future time – and the people of the world will be astonished when this beast returns (verse 8)
• The Angel then gives us a sign to look for as an indication when this Church will return as a beast. An eighth king will arise. (verses 10-11)
• We are told that the world will have 10 kings who give their power to the political beast (New World Order) (verse 12)
• These kings will persecute true followers of Jesus Christ (verse 14)
• The beast (New World Order) and the 10 kings will destroy the Roman Church by fire (verse 16)

Revelation 18 then describes the final destruction of the Roman Catholic Church. As we discuss the events told to us in these chapters of Revelation, we’ll be sure to make note of those that have already taken place and those yet to come.

Revelation 13 begins by telling us about the rise of the Catholic Church after the fall of the Roman Empire. This chapter then proceeds to tell us about the Roman Church’s persecution of the Lord’s saints and its wounding in 1798 by the Lord’s Word (The Sword) which causes it to fall from world power. The Church then recovers from its wounds in 1929. After regaining its worldly power, we are then told that the whole world follows the beast. Up to this point in chapter 13, it’s easy to see that all of these things have happened. Verse 10 wraps up the description of the history of this Church by telling the saints to have patience and endurance. Both are required to endure this beast. Saints will be persecuted, imprisoned and killed – those that endure until the end will be given the crown of life.

As we move on in chapter 13 to the second beast, we begin to see where we are on God’s prophetic timeline. Verse 11 begins by telling us about this New World Order. It is a very deceptive beast. Notice that the Bible does not describe the Catholic Church (beast out of the sea) as deceptively coming to power – but the ‘beast out of the earth’ is very different. It represents itself as a lamb – it would appear to the world to be benign, harmless – nothing to worry about. What is the true nature of this beast? It ‘speaks like a dragon’. It is deceptive and deadly. The word ‘speak’ is used here to tell us about this beast’s actions. Its actions are evil. It kills and destroys – and receives these instructions from Satan. So, we see this beast as very deceptive and evil – just like Satan. The world would rise up against an entity that used brute force to form a world government, so we see why such deception is needed in order to be successful. This is where we are today. This beast is currently deceiving the world in order to setup world government. Once the world government is instituted – the world will be placed in bondage under the beast – the New World Order, not an evil world leader. The future 10 kings give their power to the New World Order – not to one future world leader. I’m sure that the leaders of Freemasonry/the Illuminati/Skull & Bones/Bilderbergs, etc. find it very amusing that most of the Christian world is focused on an illusion. The evil rulers of this world currently have more knowledge of what is really happening than do most Christians – but this will change in the near future. The remainder of chapter 13 gives us clues as to how this beast is deceiving the world and its relationship with the Catholic Church.

Verse 12 tells us that these beasts are working together – initially. At some point in the near future, the New World Order will force the world to join the Catholic Church. It appears that the only ‘acceptable’ church will be the Catholic Church. This lines up with what we’re told in chapter 17 regarding the Catholic Church. This church will return as a beast (we’ll discuss this below). So, we see that the Catholic Church will return as a beast and we see the NWO forcing the world to join the Catholic Church.

Verse 13 gives us clues as to how the New World Order is deceiving the world and gaining worldwide control – great and miraculous signs. We’re even given details about these signs – fire from heaven in full view of the world. We’re told these things for one reason – PAY ATTENTION to what is happening in the world. The Lord gives us this information so that we are prepared for what we face. Are we prepared or have we allowed ourselves to be blinded? Again, these ‘miraculous signs’ are happening right now. We see the World Trade Center bombed in 1993. We see the WTC buildings (1,2 & 7) destroyed in 2001. We see ‘terrorist’ events in London, Mumbai and elsewhere and we believe the lies about who orchestrated these events. We allow our government to launch wars in Afghanistan and Iraq under false pretenses. We allow our government to enact legislation that destroys the freedoms our founders fought to give us. We allow domestic wiretapping and spying without warrants. We allow our President to sign executive orders giving himself dictatorship powers in the event of a national ‘emergency’ – an emergency that I have no doubt has been planned for our future (more ‘signs’). All of these things have been done on the pretense that we are threatened by an enemy that has the capability to carry-out the events that took place on September 11, 2001. Our President and many other leaders of our nation are doing this because they have been promised wealth and power once the beast takes absolute control of the world. Satan has offered them the world – and they have accepted. Terrorists did not do this to us – the beast is deceiving us using miraculous signs – just as the Bible tells us he would do. Because we are always looking into the future for end time prophecies – we can’t see them happening right in front of us. We are completely blind.

Let’s finish our review of chapter 13. We see that the NWO forces worship of the Catholic Church at some point in the near future. We don’t know how long this lasts – how long the Catholic Church remains in power – but at some point it will be destroyed. We are given a glimpse of this in chapter 13 verse 14. The NWO sets up an image of the Roman Church. Chapter 13 doesn’t give us the reason or how – this information is provided in chapter 17. Chapter 13 finishes by telling us what happens after the Catholic Church’s judgment. In verses 15-18, we see that the NWO forces worship of this image, it kills those that refuse – and we see the introduction of the mark. So, after the Catholic Church is judged, we will see the formation of an evil church that will force the world to follow its unbiblical doctrine or be killed. At the same time, the NWO introduces a cashless financial system that will require obedience to its evil government. So, in this chapter, we see the government of the world under Satan’s control, we see the world’s financial system under Satan’s control and we see a worldwide church under Satan’s control – and we now see how events taking place in the world today are leading up to all of this. Something of this magnitude does not happen overnight.

Think about it for a moment. Could something as big as taking control of the world’s government, financial system and religion be done quickly – as depicted in the Left Behind novels? Or would it take generations? If we step back and really think about it, the truth starts to become clear. Again, this is not fantasy – this is the truth and it’s happening now.

So, let’s summarize what we should expect to see in the near future based on information we’re given from chapter 13:
• We’re going to see more ‘miraculous signs’ as the NWO continues to increase fear and tighten its grip on the world. Looking at the world today – it appears that this will be done through the ‘war on terror’. More ‘terrorist’ events will strike fear in the world’s population.
• We’re going to see governments of the world (U.S. included) remove more freedoms under the guise of ‘protection’. They will tell us that this will provide more security – but the real reason is told to us in chapter 13 – worldwide control.
• We will see the Catholic Church return as a ‘beast’ once again – supported for a short time by the NWO (also see discussion below on chapter 17)
• At some point, we will see the Lord’s judgment upon the Catholic Church. Chapters 17 & 18 give us the reasons and details of this judgment. The Lord will use the NWO for this judgment - bringing fire upon Rome.
• The NWO will then create an evil image of the Catholic Church.
• The NWO will kill those that oppose this ‘image’ and refuse to worship the ‘image’ – or refuse to join this false ‘religion’. These will be the Lord’s saints – those that remain faithful to Him regardless of how they are persecuted.
• The NWO will institute the mark. Complete worldwide financial control. Humanity will be tracked and massive databases will keep records of everything. In order to be apart of the world system (ability to buy and sell), people will be required to swear allegiance to the beast (NWO) – thereby gaining access to the world system – and rejecting the Lord. Many will not realize the magnitude of this decision – and bring the Lord’s wrath upon them.

Obviously, this is not a pretty picture. This is why I have been given this message. It’s time to shift our focus from the world (and deception) to the Lord (and truth). We all need the faith required to do what is asked of us. Before we review chapters 17 & 18, let’s briefly discuss the three angels of Revelation chapter 14. These angels confirm the order of events of chapter 13.

Pay close attention to the order of events described by these angels:

Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."
A second angel followed and said, "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great, which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries."
A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name." This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on."

"Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." (Revelation 14:6-13)

Notice carefully what is mentioned by the first angel – fear God and give him glory. Why? Because worshiping the Lord and drawing close to Him is essential to overcoming what is next. Based on what we’re told here, we would expect to see the judgments of Revelation entering the world first – before the Roman Church’s judgment, the ‘image’ and the ‘mark’. And if we look at the world today – we see that many of the Lord’s judgments are present in the world (previous posts). What’s next? The things we just discussed in chapter 13.

What does the second angel proclaim? The judgment of the Catholic Church. After we see many of the Lord’s judgments in the world (which we see today), we should then expect to see the judgment of the Catholic Church at some point. Chapter 18 uses these exact words - ‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great’ - to describe this judgment in more detail. So, we see in chapter 13 that as soon as the ‘image’ is mentioned, the ‘beast out of the sea’ is no longer referenced. In chapter 14, we see that the 2nd angel also mentions that ‘Babylon the Great’ has fallen. In chapter 17, we are going to see how and why ‘Babylon the Great’ falls.

What follows after the fall of the Catholic Church? The same things that are described in chapter 13 are described by the third angel in chapter 14 – the New World Order, its image and the mark. The third angel also gives us a very clear warning – if anyone worships the beast, his image or receives his mark in order to buy or sell – he will incur the wrath of God. Crystal clear. Who will reject the NWO, its image and its mark? Those who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. What will be required? Patient endurance. Those that die by remaining faithful to Jesus will inherit life – those that worship the beast and his image will incur the Lord’s wrath and eternal punishment.

If you read my previous posts on this subject, then you know that when I first started studying chapter 13, I found it interesting that the ‘beast out of the sea’ was not mentioned after the ‘image’ is mentioned. I felt very strongly that this was an indication that this ‘beast’ was replaced by the ‘image’. It didn’t take long to confirm this – I only had to read and study chapter 14. The second angel fills in the missing piece of the puzzle – there’s no need to guess. For something this important, the Lord makes it clear. Chapter 14 gives us the exact same sequence of events – with the added information that ‘Babylon’ has fallen before the ‘image’ is introduced.

As we continue our review of prophecies that will take place in our immediate future, chapter 17 answers many of our remaining questions. Is there a sign to look for that will tell us when to expect the return of the Catholic ‘beast’? Why does the Catholic Church incur the Lord’s wrath? How does the Lord judge the Catholic church?

In verse 3 we see, once again, that the Catholic Church and the NWO are conspiring together. In chapter 13, we’re told that the NWO is performing signs on behalf of the Catholic Church. In chapter 17, verse 3 we see the Catholic Church riding on the NWO – a symbolic representation that the NWO brings the Catholic Church back to worldwide power. I believe we’re also given a very interesting clue in verse 3 regarding the NWO. This beast is covered with ‘blasphemous names’. What are these ‘blasphemous names’? If we look at this symbolism with a prophetic eye and apply what we know about the world today to this prophecy, what do we see? We see the New World Order composed of many ‘orders’ and organizations – Freemasonry, Illuminati, The Order of Skull & Bones, The Council on Foreign Relations, the Trilateral Commission, the Bilderbergs – and there are many other ‘orders’ and ‘elite’ organizations that compose this new order that gains worldwide control. If you have studied these orders and secret societies, then you know that there is definitely something associated with all of them that the Lord would consider ‘blasphemy’. Not only are they focused solely on the world, but many of them seem to be associated with the occult and/or Satanism. We see, once again, that nothing is hidden from God. He knew of this since the creation of the world and told it to us 2,000 years ago. This worldwide political beast would be composed of many blasphemous names – worldly organizations and orders. Remember - there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed.

Verses 4 and 5 tell us many reasons why the Catholic Church will be judged – her teachings are abominations. She has committed spiritual adultery against the Lord. There is an underlying message here that should be clear to us. While we are warned in many verses throughout the Bible (both Old and New Testaments) about idolatry and false religions, you will not see full chapters in Revelation dedicated to exposing Hinduism, Buddhism, Scientology, Mormonism, Islam, etc. We do, however, see a significant portion of Revelation dedicated to the judgment of the Catholic Church and why this church faces such destruction. Why? This church represents itself as following the Lord, but it has nothing to do with Him. It very deceptively leads people astray – and not just a few people – the world. This church tells us that it is the way of salvation through many unbiblical doctrines. The truth is that the leaders of this church are focused on the world (wealth & power) and have nothing to do with God. They have killed His saints and it appears that they will do so again. This church also says that it does this in God’s name. It does not teach the truth of the Lord’s Word, but has allowed our enemy to infiltrate and corrupt the truth – passing this off as the way of salvation, when in reality, it leads people to eternal destruction.

Knowing that this is not a popular message and will be opposed by many, I have prayed over this and asked the Lord to confirm this message. Each time the message has been the same – this church is an ABOMINATION. So clear that I felt like covering my ears. The message is clear – if you represent yourself as My church – stay true to My Word. Stay close to Me and My teaching. Do not stray from the Truth. Do not lead people astray. Do not lead people astray and then tell the world you speak for Me. I’ve mentioned it before and I’ll say it again here – would you want to explain to God on the day of your judgment why you created your own version of Christianity – a version contradicting the Lord’s Word - and then told the world that it was the truth? I assure you - there will be no excuses on that day.


“Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain.” (Ezekiel 22:26-27)

Let’s continue reviewing chapter 17 and the clues we are given for our future. The Lord tells us in this chapter that this Church is going to go through 3 stages (verse 8). It will initially be a beast – persecuting and killing the Lord’s saints. This was the period of time during the middle ages – roughly 586 A.D. to 1798 A.D. We are then told that it will not be a beast - for a period of time. This has been the period of time from 1798 A.D. until now. What is the final stage? It returns as a beast – astonishing non-believers with its power, corruption and wickedness. The underlying message here is that those close to the Lord will not be surprised by any of this.

The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because he once was, now is not, and yet will come. (Revelation 17:8)

Since I believe we are nearing the time when the Roman Church will return as a beast - the obvious question is – when does this happen? Are we given a prophetic marker for this transformation? I believe the answer is yes.

Notice carefully what we’re told in verses 9-11:

This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for a little while. The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction. (Revelation 17:9-11)

I have heard some prophecy scholars say that the mention of a return of one of the beasts (verse 8) and the mention of 8 kings (verses 10-11) somehow refers to the political beast. This is why some believe that this is referencing a return of the Roman Empire. Since the beast mentioned at the beginning of chapter 17 does refer to the political beast, it would be easy to make the mistake that all subsequent references to a beast also refer to the political beast. I don’t believe this is correct. At this point in Revelation, John has been given visions of 2 beasts throughout a previous chapter (13). So, when John is told in verse 8 that a beast – ‘which you saw’ once was, now is not, and yet will come – it is not necessarily a reference to the political beast. Besides, we see the Lord use imagery of the beast described in chapter 17 to describe the characteristics of both beasts. The beast in this chapter is used to describe the political beast restoring the Catholic Church to power (the woman is riding the beast). We then see the seven heads of the beast are used to represent the seven hills on which the woman sits (verse 9). The ten horns of the beast represent 10 future kings who give their power to the political beast – or New World Order. So, you can see why it takes spiritual discernment to understand which clues relate to which beast.

In order to correctly interpret verses 9-11, it becomes necessary to understand current events taking place in the world, some history and how these things relate to Bible prophecy. It is clear to me that the New World Order is the political beast of Revelation. They have never ruled the world – and have not gone through 3 stages in their transformation into a beast. No, this political beast deceptively rises to power one time – there is no rise, then fall, then another rise. Only one of the beasts has risen, then fallen – and will rise again and remains in the world today – the religious beast. I believe we’re also given this clue in verse 9. Verse 9 gives us a clue as to the location of the woman who rides the beast. One city is known as the ‘city on seven hills’ – Rome. Immediately following this clue, verses 10 & 11 reference the 8 kings. Have previous prophecies used the term ‘king’ to reference Popes? Absolutely.

After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time. (Daniel 7:24-25)

So, after much prayer and study, I believe that this reference to 8 kings is a prophetic marker so that we will know when to expect the Roman Church to return as a beast. I believe that these 8 kings represent the 8 Papal names since the fall of the Roman Church in 1798 A.D. John is seeing this ‘in the spirit’, so he sees this progression of kings during the reign of the 6th king – Pope Paul. Where are we today? As I mentioned in a previous post, there have now been 7 Papal names since 1798 A.D. I believe that the Roman Church will return as a beast – enforcing unbiblical doctrine on the world – when a Pope with a name different from these seven is elected – Pius, Leo, Gregory, Benedict, John, Paul & John Paul.

I also believe that this 8th king will also be the prophetic marker that the end of the Catholic church is near.

Notice carefully what we’re told in verse 8:

The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. (Revelation 17:8)

Once this beast returns – it does what? It goes to its destruction. A destruction that is described for us in chapter 18. This beast returns – forcing unbiblical doctrine on the world and persecuting the Lord’s saints – then is cut off by the Lord’s judgment.

Now, notice carefully what we’re told about this eighth king:

The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction. (Revelation 17:11)

We see the Lord equate this eighth king with the return of the beast. This eighth king also ‘belongs’ to the other seven – in other words, he is the eighth ruler in a series of rulers. Where does he go? He goes to the same place as the beast – destruction. There are no more kings – the Catholic Church’s reign on earth ends with this Pope. So, what at first seems difficult to interpret and mysterious becomes clear when viewed through a prophetic lens provided by our Lord. What becomes clear is that this new Pope marks the beginning of a new phase on earth – a new phase of the Lord’s judgment. When this eighth Pope is elected – expect to see significant changes within Catholic Church doctrine – enforced by the New World Order. This eighth Pope also starts the prophetic countdown to the destruction of the Catholic Church.

But chapter 17 doesn’t stop there. Verse 11 ends with the destruction of the Catholic Church. Verse 12 shifts our focus back to the political beast – the New World Order.

"The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. (Revelation 17:12-13)

We see 10 earthly political kings giving their power to the New World Order. Although we are studying a very difficult future – I see a clue here that gives us an indication of the length of rule of these kings and the NWO. We are told that they only receive authority for ‘one hour’. We can’t determine how long this actually is, but I believe we’re given this time reference so that we will know that this is not a long time. Probably years, but not decades.

We see that these kings declare war on the true followers of Jesus Christ:

They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." (Revelation 17:14)

As we discussed in a previous post, we see here that Satan is making a final assault on Christ’s true followers. Will he succeed? No! The Lamb will overcome Satan and his followers – end of story. Always remember this – we are already victorious. We must follow the Lord and His will for us. We must endure what our enemy throws at us – and we will inherit eternal life with Jesus. This is why it is so important to prepare ourselves spiritually - now.

Revelation chapter 17 ends with an answer to a question we asked earlier in this post. How is the Catholic Church destroyed?

The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God's words are fulfilled. (Revelation 17:16-17)

It’s clear. At some point after the Catholic Church returns as a beast – the NWO will destroy her – carrying out God’s purpose. We also see the method of judgment – fire. Based on what we see here and what we are told in chapter 18 – I believe we are seeing the Lord describe the use of nuclear weapons. These are the only weapons on earth that could quickly destroy a city.

In the next post we’ll summarize the Lord’s judgments that are described in the book of Revelation. We’ll examine those judgments that are currently present in the world and those that we can expect to see in our future.

The Millennium

Let’s spend some time discussing the ‘Millennium’ and how it relates to the return of Jesus Christ. I briefly touched on the Millennium during our discussion of Revelation chapter 20 - but I feel we need to spend some additional time on this subject of Bible prophecy - because the Millennium answers a very big question for us.

When we reviewed the prophecies concerning the ‘rapture’, you will remember that although many Bible scholars today believe in a ‘secret’ rapture that will precede a ‘seven year tribulation’ period - we were able to show that the Bible does not support this interpretation of prophecy. The Lord definitely tells us that He will return at the end of this evil age - but His return will be visible to all.

The question that I mentioned above relates to Matthew chapter 24 verses 40 and 41. These verses in Matthew are giving us information regarding the return of Jesus. These verses make it clear that the return of Jesus will be a surprise to many worldly people - similar to what happened when Noah entered the ark. The question that I could not answer until now is this - what happens to the people who are left? It is clear that Jesus returns and takes his true followers with him at the end of this age - but what about the people who are not taken? Where do they go? As we’ve discussed, there is no seven year tribulation period - and we’ve also seen that these people who remain after the Lord returns are not given another chance at redemption (as many believe). Let’s take a look again at these verses.

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.” (Matthew 24:36-41)

I believe that the reference to Noah isn’t just a simple analogy. There is a serious warning for us here. Most Bible scholars believe that it took Noah around 100 to 120 years to build the ark. During this time - he most likely endured all types of insults and slander - for building the ark and for preaching repentance. This evil generation laughed at Noah and rejected God’s Word - for a very long time. To them - God’s prophecy was foolish and Noah was foolish for believing it. They refused to humble themselves and seek the truth - and doomed themselves.

Disregarding the evil world around him and focusing on God - Noah patiently built the ark while enduring ridicule from everyone outside his family. Imagine if you were Noah after finishing the ark. He most likely took one last look out of the ark, said a quiet prayer - and closed the door.

Now imagine that you are the wicked people outside the ark. You have ridiculed this guy Noah for a very long time. You have rejected his call for repentance and you continue to embrace your wicked life in this evil world. As Noah finishes the ark and closes the door - maybe you even say a toast to the crazy old man who built this huge boat - when the sun has been shining the entire time. Who builds a boat in his backyard? You and your friends laugh and revel in your worldly intelligence. You have ridiculed this man who seemed to lose his mind. There’s not a cloud in the sky - where’s this God you talk so much about? You laugh and continue with your wicked lives - and then it starts raining.

I imagine that things got very uncomfortable when the rain started. It must be a coincidence - no one can predict the future - right? When the waters continued to rise - did these wicked people flock to the ark? Did they beat on the door? When they realized the catastrophic error of their ways - what do you think was going through their minds? God gave them every chance to repent - but they refused - and were condemned.

In the verses above the Lord is telling us that the same scenario will take place at the end of this evil age. The Lord will have preached repentance to the world through His teachers and prophets for a very long time. Unfortunately, many will reject His call. Once Jesus returns for the 2nd and final time - the door will close. Those who remain on earth will face a similar situation as those during Noah’s time.

Does Jesus ever refer to the ‘door closing’? Absolutely. The parable of the ten virgins is described in Matthew chapter 25 verses 1-13.

"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'

" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'

"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'

"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:1-13; emphasis added)

The message here is to repent now – and start following the Lord. When the door closes – you can knock on the door all you want – you will remain outside. We do not know the time – so prepare yourself and be ready. Also remember – who was affected by the flood? The entire world. The entire world will also be affected at the second coming of Jesus Christ.

The ‘Millennium’ is the answer to the puzzle of what happens to those who remain on earth - it gives us clues to what people will face on Earth after Jesus returns.

Once again - we go to the teachings of Steve Wohlberg for an accurate interpretation of Bible Prophecy. Steve has published a booklet entitled “The Millennium: Shocking Facts About a Misunderstood Prophecy and Your Eternal Destiny” - the following are excerpts from his book.
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A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth puts on its shoes. - Mark Twain (1835-1910)

Massive confusion exists within Christian churches about the ‘millennium’, a unique thousand year period depicted in the book of Revelation. Some teach that this period is entirely symbolic and not worth fretting over. Others say we’re in the millennium now, and that it began when Jesus Christ defeated Satan by His death and resurrection. Most prophecy teachers contend that this apocalyptic period is still future, that it will immediately follow the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and will be a time of universal peace on earth as Jesus Christ governs all nations from Jerusalem.

What is the truth about the 1,000 years? Ton discover the answer, we must carefully examine the only authoritative source where it’s taught, the Bible, especially the book of Revelation, chapter 20. Let’s see what Revelation 20 specifically says, and doesn’t say.

Here’s Revelation 20 in its entirety:

1And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
4I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

7When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison 8and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. 9They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 10And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

11Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Let’s look at a brief summary of each verse:

1. An angel descends from heaven with a key and a chain.
2. Satan is bound for 1,000 years.
3. During the 1,000 years Satan can no longer deceive the nations.
4. Martyrs are resurrected to reign with Jesus Christ for 1,000 years.
5. The rest of the dead will be raised at the end of the 1,000 years.
6. Those in the first resurrection will reign with Jesus for 1,000 years.
7. Satan will be released at the end of the 1,000 years.
8. After the rest of the dead are raised, Satan deceives them again. There will be billions of them, like the sand of the sea. They are called Gog and Magog, and Satan gathers them for a final battle.
9. Satan and his host surround God’s City. Fire descends and devours them.
10. Satan, the Beast and the False Prophet are cast into the lake of fire.
11. Before this fire falls, a final judgment occurs.
12. All the resurrected lost are judged.
13. Another description of the resurrected lost being judged.
14. Death and Hell are cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.
15. All the lost are cast into the lake of fire.

Here is an even shorter summary of the entire chapter: there is a good resurrection (called “the first resurrection”) at the start of the 1,000 years (verses 4-6), whereas “the rest of the dead” are resurrected at the end of the 1,000 years (verse 5). Satan is bound during the entire 1,000 year period (verse 3), but is loosed “when the thousand years are expired” and “the rest of the dead” are raised (compare verses 5 & 7). Satan gathers the lost for a final battle against God’s City (verse 8). A final judgment occurs, and then the lost are punished in the lake of fire (verses 9, 14 & 15). Then the old earth passes, and the new earth comes (21:1).

The above points are undeniable, for this is exactly what Revelation 20 says. Two significant facts should be noted:

1. Revelation 20 doesn’t say there will be peace on earth during the millennium.
2. Revelation 20 doesn’t say Jesus Christ will rule during the millennium from the present city of Jerusalem.

Although these common doctrines (points 1 & 2) are being taught worldwide, they are absent from Revelation 20, the only place in God’s Book that specifically mentions the 1,000 year period. Now let’s go deeper.

The Two Resurrections

Two defining bookends mark the beginning and the end of the thousand years – the two resurrections (verses 4-6). Let’s take a closer look at them.

Jesus Christ declared, “Marvel not at this, for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29, KJV). Paul agreed when he wrote, “There will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust” (Acts 24:15). Thus both Jesus Christ and Paul taught two resurrections, the first being “the resurrection of life” for the saved, the second being “the resurrection of damnation” for the lost.

Revelation 20 revolves around these two resurrections. As we’ve already seen, verses 4-6 reveal that one takes place at the beginning of the 1,000 years, the other at the end. The Word says, “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years” (verse 6). This is the good, or “first resurrection”, at the start of the 1,000 years. Those in it need not fear the second death. “But the rest of the dead did not live again until the 1,000 years were finished” (verse 5). This is the bad or second resurrection, at the conclusion of the 1,000 years. Jesus Christ called it “the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29).

Thus it is plain that there are two resurrections – one at the beginning of the millennium, in which true believers in Christ are raised to eternal life; and one at the opposite end of the millennium, in which the “unjust” awake to something else entirely.

The Second Coming

If the 1,000 year period begins with the resurrection of the saved, the question is, when does this good resurrection take place? When we find the answer, we’ll understand what initiates the 1,000 years.

Scripture teaches that the return of Jesus Christ results in the resurrection of His saints. In 1 Corinthians 15:23, 51, 52, Paul tells us plainly that it is at “His Coming”, when “the trumpet will sound”, and when “the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” Paul also wrote, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17).

According to Paul, “the dead in Christ will rise first.” This is “the first resurrection” depicted in Revelation 20:6.

In summary, Revelation 20:4-6 begins the 1,000 years with the resurrection of the saints. 1 Corinthians 15:51-55and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 teach that the resurrection of the saints, who are called “the dead in Christ”, occurs when Jesus Christ returns. Thus, it is the return of Jesus Christ, when His saints are resurrected, that marks the beginning of the millennium.

Left Behind

Jesus returns, the righteous dead are raised, and along with the righteous living, they are all “caught up” to meet the savior in the air. This is great news for true believers!

But what about those who are not “caught up”, those who are left behind? Popular teaching says they will have a second chance during a seven year tribulation period, and idea heavily promoted in the wildly popular Left Behind novels by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. Although those books have sold by the millions, the important concern for us should be whether or not this theology is truly biblical.

Immediately after Paul describes the righteous being “caught up”, he declares, “The day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them….And they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3). Thus, according to Paul, those who are not “caught up” will reap “sudden destruction” and “not escape”.

Does this sound like the “second chance” so graphically depicted in the Left Behind novels and films? Hardly.

It gets worse. How widespread is this “sudden destruction”? Jesus Himself explained it: “And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed” (Luke 17: 26-30, emphasis added).

In Noah’s day, all who refused to enter the ark were left behind, destroyed in the deluge. In Lot’s day, everyone except Lot and his family were consumed by falling fire. Jesus Christ said, “Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.”

Other texts make it clear that when Jesus returns, those left behind will be destroyed, not given another chance during some hypothetical “seven year Tribulation” (which, by the way, is nowhere specifically referred to in the Bible). Here are just a few texts describing the global desolation that follows Christ’s return.

· 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9. When Jesus returns in flaming fire, the lost will be destroyed.
· Revelation 16:16-19. At Armageddon, cities crumble around the world.
· Revelation 6:14, 16:20. Every island sinks, and all the mountains disappear.
· Jeremiah 4:23-26. Planet Earth is totally devastated, with ‘no man’ left alive.
· Jeremiah 25:30-33. Those slain by God lie dead, unburied, all around the world.
· Revelation 19:17, 18, 21. Birds eat the flesh of every lost human being worldwide.

These verses teach that those not “caught up” when Christ returns will be destroyed, and the destruction will encompass the earth, as it did during Noah’s flood. Jesus Himself taught this. “The flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:39).

The Rest of the Dead

The last sentence in Revelation 19 describes birds feasting upon the flesh of all people (verse 21, compare with verse 18). Immediately following is Revelation 20, which depicts the binding of Satan “so that he should deceive the nations no more” during the 1,000 years (20:1-3). Why not? The answer’s easy – there’s nobody left alive on earth to deceive! Those in the first resurrection were ‘caught up’ to be with Jesus, and the rest, those left behind, were slain.

This helps explain what follows (read carefully): “that he [Satan] should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished” (20:3). Notice these three little words “no more till”. What do they tell us? They teach that those “nations” are entirely Satan’s nations. Satan is deceiving them now, but can’t continue deceiving them during the millennium, “til” a certain time.

What time is that? When the 1,000 years are over, obviously. Now put two and two together. At the end of the millennium, “the rest of the dead” (those who missed “the first resurrection”) are raised back to life. Then Satan deceives them once more. Look again at God’s Word, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise:

· Verse 5 – “But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.”
· Verse 7 – “When the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison.”

At the end of the 1,000 years, “the rest of the dead” are raised, and Satan is “released”. Therefore, the raising of the “rest of the dead” is what “releases” the devil. Satan then swoops into these resurrected nations (now alive in the four corners of the earth), deceives them again, and then gathers them for the grand finale (verses 8, 9).

What does all of this mean? The answer will come shortly after we examine a few more crucial points. What should be clear so far, however, is that popular teachings about the millennium leave much to be desired. In fact, most are completely bogus.

The Bottomless Pit

Crucial to understanding the millennium are the first texts of Revelation 20, verses 1 and 2. According to these verses, Satan is bound with “a great chain” and confined to “the bottomless pit” for 1,000 years. The expression, “a great chain,” doesn’t mean a literal chain. Even today all of “the angels that sinned” with Lucifer are described as being in “chains of darkness” (2 Peter 2:4). These words do not refer to actual clinking and clanging metal, but to circumstances of darkness that these angels find themselves in after having been booted out of heaven.

During the 1,000 years, Satan is represented as being bound with a chain because his new circumstances prevent him from deceiving the nations during the millennium (Revelation 20:2). Again, what are those circumstances? Everyone left on earth is dead.

What is the “bottomless pit”? In the Old Testament, the word “pit” often refers to a grave, a cemetery, or to the place of the dead.

· Psalm 55:23 – Evil men will go “down to the pit of destruction”.
· Numbers 16:32, 33 – “the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up…into the pit.”
· Ezekiel 32:23 – “Her graves are set in the recesses of the Pit….all of them slain.”
· Psalm 28:1 – David prayed not to “become like those who go down to the pit.”
· Psalm 69:15 – “Let not the pit shut its mouth on me.”

Isaiah 14 contains one of the Old Testament’s clearest prophecies about Lucifer. He was kicked out of heaven (verse 12) for exalting himself (verse 13) and will eventually be brought down “to the lowest depths of the Pit” (verse 15). Isaiah 14:18-20 parallels the prophecy in Revelation 20:1-3. “All the kings of the nations, all of them, sleep in glory [kings are given an honorable burial]. Everyone in his own house [the grave]; But you are cast out of your grave like an abominable branch. Like the garment of those who are slain, thrust through with a sword, who do down to the stones of the pit, like a corpse trodden underfoot. You will not be joined with them in burial [at the Second Coming]” (Isaiah 14:18-20).

These verses predict a time when the kings of the earth lie silently in their graves, yet Satan “will not be joined with them in burial”. Instead, the prince of darkness will be left to wander among earth’s ruins. Notice carefully: “Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, thou inhabitant of the earth…..The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be moved like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it, and it shall fall and not rise again. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in prison, and after many days shall they be visited” (Isaiah 24: 17-22, KJV, emphasis added).

This is a prediction of a destroyed and devastated earth. Its inhabitants are gathered as prisoners in the pit [the grave]. When Revelation 20:1-3 describes Satan as bound with a chain for 1,000 years, this means that a chain of circumstances will prevent him from deceiving the nations. The major circumstance is the return of Jesus Christ in “flaming fire” (2 Thessalonians 1:8), the “sudden destruction” of sinners (1 Thessalonians 5:3), the largest earthquake in history (Revelation 16:18), the crumbling of cities worldwide (Revelation 16:19), the disappearing of mountains and islands (Revelation 16:20), and the total depopulation of Planet Earth just like “it was in the days of Noah” (Matthew 24:37-39). This “day of the Lord” will come “as destruction from the Almighty” (Joel 1:15). “And at that the slain of the Lord shall be from one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth. They shall not be lamented, or gathered, or buried [those slain at the Second Coming]; they shall become refuse on the ground” (Jeremiah 25:33).

Earth will then be like one gigantic bottomless pit, a huge cemetery. Jeremiah predicted: “I beheld the earth, and indeed it was without form, and void; and the heavens, they had no light. I beheld the mountains, and indeed they trembled, and the hills moved back and forth. I beheld, and indeed there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens had fled. I beheld, and indeed the fruitful land was a wilderness, and all its cities were broken down at the presence of the Lord, by His fierce anger” (Jeremiah 4:23-26, emphasis added). As Satan and his angels behold their kingdom in ruins, they can only wander about, counsel together, and contemplate with trembling the final events to occur at the end of the 1,000 years.

Yet it doesn’t end here. We must not forget the last section of Isaiah 24:17-22, which predicts that those who lie dead in their graves will “be visited” (Isaiah 24:22, KJV). What could that possibly mean other than what we’ve seen in Revelation 20:5? “But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.” It’s what Jesus was talking about when He warned about the “resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29). This occurs at the end of the millennium.

Therefore, instead of being a time of pristine earthly glory when Jesus reigns from the present city of Jerusalem, the millennium is a time when earth lays waste, in desolate ruins, a prison house for Satan and his demons.

The Saints of Heaven

If discovering earth’s true state during the millennium doesn’t sound inviting, it’s because it isn’t supposed to be inviting. It’s a time of chaos, desolation, and ruin, when sin takes another step toward its horrific end. The millennium is not some idyllic era of peace and goodness upon this old earth, with Jesus ruling from Jerusalem, but a time of utter devastation and judgment.

What about God’s people? What about those who participated in “the first resurrection”, who were “caught up” to Jesus as opposed to being left behind? What happens to them during the millennium?

Near the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus told His followers that He was going to heaven, where He would be preparing mansions for His children (John 114:1, 2). When He returns, He will take us to Himself. “that where I am, there you may be also” (verse 3). When He comes, Jesus will take us to the place where He is now, the New Jerusalem (see Revelation 3:12; 21:10). As we saw earlier, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 tells us that at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ we shall be “caught up”. Thus we are going up to glory. In perfect agreement with this is Revelation 19:1-2 which teaches that immediately after Mystery Babylon’s destruction (Revelation 18:8-24), John beheld God’s saints in heaven. “After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her’” (Revelation 19:1-2).

According to Revelation 20:4, 6, the saints will reign with Jesus for 1,000 years. Contrary to popular opinion, Revelation 20 does not say they will reign on earth during that time. Why would Jesus and His people rule over a devastated world anyway? The Bible says we will ascend when Christ returns (1 Thessalonians 4:17), that He will take us to the New Jerusalem (John 14:1-3), and that we will then be in heaven praising God (Revelation 19:1-2).

Some might wonder how we can reign for 1,000 years if we’re in heaven. Don’t we have to be on earth to reign over others during this time? Not necessarily. The Bible also says the saints will “reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5). This implies that we will be in some position of authority, just as Adam originally exercised dominion over the earth, that’s all.

Now, if Planet Earth is depopulated, with no survivors (except Satan and his angels), and the saints are in heaven, then what is the purpose of the 1,000 years?

A few possibilities exist:

1. It gives the loyal universe an opportunity to behold the terrible results of Satan’s rule.
2. It gives the saints in heaven an opportunity to go through heaven’s records and to have all of their questions answered about why some of their loved ones are there and some are not.
3. It provides a period of time when Jesus and the saints together can make decisions about the just punishments to be carried out upon the lost at the end of the 1,000 years (see 1 Corinthians 6:2-3).
4. It also gives the saints a period of time to prepare mentally for the events at the end of the millennium, at which time many of their loved ones will resurrected, judged and sentenced to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:5, 11-15).
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Steve concludes his review of the millennium with a discussion on Satan’s final assault on Jesus and His followers at the end of the 1,000 years. While I agree with Steve up to the end of the millennium, I’m not sure that his interpretation of the final battle (Gog and Magog) is accurate. At this time – I don’t have an alternative view – but I’m not sure I agree that Satan and the resurrected lost will somehow be able to make a physical assault on the “new Jerusalem”. I guess I’m not sure why God would allow this – God always has a plan (a reason) for the things He does. So, if Satan and the lost are allowed to assault God’s saints one last time – what is the reason for this?

The battle of Gog and Magog may be a representation of the anger and resentment of the lost – who are most likely aware of their fate. I will continue to pray and research this final battle.

Regardless, we know everything we need to know at this point on God’s prophetic timeline to make correct, Godly decisions. We now know the beasts of Revelation 13 – who they are, what they are currently doing and what they will do in the future. We now know the real reasons behind the earth’s climate change and what it means for our future. Most importantly, we have learned what it takes to know God and His Son Jesus Christ. To those with true faith, the end is not fearful – we are simply moving towards the time when this fallen world will end – and our eternal lives in the kingdom of Heaven will begin. We have much to do before we leave this world – but our faith and our hope remain focused on the Lord’s kingdom - always.

The question you must ask yourself is this – when the Lord closes the door for the final time in the near future – will you be inside with Him? Contrary to popular beliefs, we have learned that once He returns – there will be no more chances for any of us. Do you have the faith required to stand against our enemy and his forces in this world? Do you truly know Him or are you deceiving yourself?

As I’ve said before – the weapons of this world are of no use against our true enemy. Allow God to arm you with spiritual weapons and you will no longer fear this world or the things in it. If you want to become His warrior – there is only one way – and it begins with humility and repentance.

jg