Armageddon--Literal and
Spiritual With Actual War Among the Nations
Click to go to our Home PageDear Reader, There is a great dispute among Seventh-day
Adventists as to whether or not there will be actual war at the battle of
Armageddon. I know that it sounds like
a contradiction to have a battle without the firing of guns and other war
implements, but that is what is being taught on the Internet by professing SDAs. Of course,
they base their teaching on the notion that the battle is spiritual only. The SDA Bible Commentary presents an either/or
version of an explanation for Armageddon.
Also, there are confusing views among professing Seventh-day
Adventists as to how the battle of Armageddon relates to the end-time plagues
and trumpets. Some do not believe
those woes are any part of Armageddon and the Great Day of God Almighty, Rev.
16:14, when He will silence the ammunitions of man lest he destroy himself. Here is a post from Karl Wagner on the issue: ----- Original Message ----- From: Karl Wagner To:
SDAIssues Sent:
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 6:55 AM Subject: [SDAIssues] RE:
Armageddon--Literal or Spiritual
Karl, The "larger
context" does not preclude an actual battle. Take no offense,
I just believe Ellen White and Scripture rather than your personal opinion: Chap. 288
- God Intervenes in Armageddon
The mark of deliverance has been set upon those "that sigh and that cry
for all the abominations that be done." Now the angel of death goes
forth, represented in Ezekiel's vision by the men with the slaughtering
weapons, to whom the command is given: "Slay utterly old and young, both
maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is
the mark; and begin at my sanctuary." Says the prophet: "They began
at the ancient men which were before the house." Ezekiel 9:1-6. The work
of destruction begins among those who have professed to be the spiritual
guardians of the people. The false watchmen are the first to fall. There are
none to pity or to spare. Men, women, maidens, and little children perish
together. {Mar 296.2}
"The Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth
for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no
more cover her slain." Isaiah 26:21. . . . In the mad strife of their
own fierce passions, and by the awful outpouring of God's unmingled wrath,
fall the wicked inhabitants of the earth--priests, rulers, and people, rich
and poor, high and low. "And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day
from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall
not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried." Jeremiah 25:33. {Mar
296.3} Ron Ron speaking
again: It seems that indeed the SDA Bible Commentary and Ellen White,
implicate Armageddon with the outpouring of God’s unmingled wrath in the
trumpets and plagues. God has shown me that there is a combination of the
forces mentioned in the SDA Bible
Commentary, rather than an either/or scenario. Let’s review the account in the SDA Bible
Commentary: Below each verse in the chapter of Revelation 16,
below, I am going to give the SDA Commentary explanation (in this color), and some views that I have been shown in this color. Revelation 16
1. I
heard. See on ch. 1:2, 10. A
great voice. Compare ch. 1:10. Out
of the temple. In view
of the fact that the seven plague-bearing angels had already departed from
the temple (ch. 15:6), and that “no man [literally,
“no one”] was able to enter into the temple” (see on v. 8), this would seem
to be the voice of God Himself. Seven
angels. For the
significance of the number “seven” in the Revelation see on ch. 1:11. Go. Although John does not specify the
moment for the giving of this fearful command, the context makes evident that
it will be issued soon after the close of probationay
time but prior to the coming of Christ (cf. on ch.
15:8). Obviously, the unprecedented
series of calamities here foretold (see below on “pour out the vials”) is yet
future. Ron’s Commentary: So, indeed, the seven plague-bearing angels
had already departed from the The fact that the first plague is
poured out upon men who have received the mark of the beast and who worship
its image of the beast and who worship its image (ch.
16:2) places the plagues after the setting up of the image and the affixing
of the mark (see on ch. 13:14-17), and also after
the proclamation of the third angel, which warns against the beast and its
mark (see on ch. 14:9-11). Furthermore, the fact
that the seven last plagues constitute the fullness of divine wrath
untempered by mercy (chs. 14:10; 15:1; 16:1)
clearly implies that the probation of those upon whom they fall has closed
(see on ch. 22:11). The fact that at the time of
the fifth plague men are still suffering from the sores of the first plague (ch. 16:11) clearly implies that the plagues are poured
out successively and within a comparatively short period of time (see on v.
2). It appears also that the judgment of mystical Pour
out the vials. That is, afflict the earth with the
calamities figuratively represented by the seven bowls (see ch. 15:7). In certain respects the seven last plagues are
similar to the ten plagues upon Egyp5 (Ex. 5:1 to 12:30). Both testify to the superior authority and
power of God. Bot
result in the decisive defeat of men who had chosen to defy God, and thus in
the deliverance of His chosen people from a situation that would otherwise be
without remedy. Both demonstrate the
justice of God and bring honor and glory to His name. Each of the ten plagues upon Wrath
of God. See on 2 Kings 13:3; Rev. 14:10. It may be asked why God would torment men
in the fearful manner described in ch. 16 after the close of human probation,
when there will be no opportunity for repentance. Why does Christ not come and terminate the
reign of sin immediately? In OT times
various calamities, such as invasion, famine, pestilence, earthquake, and
other natural disasters, were often permitted by God as remedial,
disciplinary agencies to bring men to repentance. (see Isa. 1:5-9; 9:13;
10:5, 6; 26:9; Jer. 2:30; 5:3; Hosea 7:10; Joel 1:4; 2:12-14; Amos 4:6-11;
Haggai 1:5-11; see on 1 Sam. 16:14; 2 Chron. 18:18). Quite obviously the
seven last plagues can serve no such beneficent purpose (see above on
“go”). However, there can be no doubt
that the plagues do serve a necessary function in the outworking of the plan
of Heaven. It may be observed that the first four
or five plagues are, in a sense, of a preliminary nature and lead men to
realize that they have been fighting against God (see GC 640). But instead of repenting they curse Him
more bitterly than ever and become even more resolute in their opposition
(see Rev. 16:9, 11, 21). The plagues
thus serve to reveal the spirit of rebellion which fully controls their
hearts. The tares, as it were, are
proved to be tares (cf. Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43), and God’s justice in
destroying them is made evident (cf. GC 670). Conversely, the trials of the
great time of trouble attending the plagues perfects the characters of the
saints, and leads them to trust more confidently in God. Compare on Rev. 7:4. As willingness to die for another is
the supreme manifestation of love (John 15:13), so the intent to take
another’s life marks the ultimate degree of hatred. During the last tow plagues a situation
develops that makes this distinction fully apparent, even to the participants
themselves, and the justice of God in terminating human history is thus made
evident to men as well as angels (see Rom. 14:11; Phil. 2:10; GC 638-640; cf.
PP. 260; cf. on Rev. 16:13, 14, 16, 17).
It will then be demonstrated before the universe that, to a man, the
remnant people would rather die than disobey God, and that those who have
chosen the service of Satan would, if permitted, slay all who stand in the
way of their purpose to control the earth.
Caught in the very act of attempting to execute the death decree, they
stand without excuse before God. See on ch. 16:17. The line is thus clearly drawn between
those who serve God and those who serve Him not, and through the unconverted
the devil is permitted to demonstrate what the universe would be like should
he be allowed to control it (see GC 37). Compare on ch.
7:1. Upon
the earth. That is,
upon the inhabitants of earth. 2. The
first. The numerical designation of each angel implies that the plagues are
successive (see on vs. 1, 11). Noisome
and grievous. Or,
“painful and severe,” or “troublesome and annoying.” Sore.
Gr. helkos, “ulcer,” “sore,” “suppurating wound.”
In the LXX helkos is used of the boils
that befell the Egyptians (Ex. 9:9, 10), of a “botch” that could not be
healed (Deut. 28:27), and of the boils that came upon Job (Job 2:7). Against
this “sore” the vaunted miracle-working power of the spirits now cooperating
with apostate Christianity (Rev. 13:13, 14; 18:2; 19:20) APPARENTLY PROVES
UNAVAILING (SEE ON CH. 16:14. The falsity
of the claims that men have based on miracle-working power is demonstrated in
a way that they cannot deny (cf. Ex. 8:19). The
men. This first installment of “the wrath of
God” (v. 1) falls upon those who have failed to heed either the third angel’s
message, which warned them against worshiping “the beast and his image” (ch. 14:9), or God’s final call to come out of mystic
Babylon (ch. 18:1-4). This plague will not be
universal (see GC 628). Mark of the beast. See on ch. 13:16. Which
worshipped his image. See on ch. 13:14, 15. 3. Upon the sea. Under the third plague the “rivers and fountains of waters” are
similarly affected (v. 4). The sea is useful primarily as a highway for
international commerce and travel. It
has been suggested that, by the obstruction of international travel and trade
(see chs. 13:13-17; 16:13, 14; 17:3, 12), this plague is designed to
demonstrate in a signal way God’s displeasure with respect to Satan’s plan to
bind the nations of earth together under his control. Compare Balaam’s experience (Num.
22:21-35). Like the first plague, the second is not universal (see on Rev.
16:2; see GC 628). Blood.
Doubtless in
consistency, odor, and color, but not necessarily in composition. Of a dead man. Nothing more offensive can be imagined
than the coagulated blood of a dead man. Every living Soul. Or, “every living thing” (RSV). The word for “soul” (psuche\) is used of animal life as well as of human life
(see on Matt. 10:28: cf. on ps. 16:10). In Rev. 8:9 psuche\
is translated “creatures,” obviously referring to marine life. In Gen. 8:1 the Hebrew equivalent (nephesh, “living thing”) is similarly used of animals
(cf. Job 12:10). 4. Rivers and
fountains of waters. In Bible times “rivers and fountains of waters: were
primarily useful for such everyday requirements as drinking, bathin, and irrigation.
Whereas the second plague would doubtless result in great
inconvenience and perhaps interruption of travel (see on v. 3) the effects of
the third would be immediate and serious.
Compare the first plague on the 5. I heard. See on ch. 1:2,
10. Angel of waters. That is, one having jurisdiction over
the waters. Compare the angels of chs.
7:1 and 14:18, which have power ver the “winds” and
over “fire” respectively., Reference
hare may well be to the angel assigned to pour out the third plague upon the
“rivers and fountains of waters.” Thou art righteous. The terrible nature of the third plague apparently calls forth
a statement in defense of God for authorizing it. He is altogether just in this demonstration
of His “wrath” (see on chs. 15:3, 4; 16:1). Lord. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the omission of
this word. Art, and wast. See on ch.
1:4. Shalt be. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) reading “O Holy One,” or
“the Holy One.” This expression occurs in every ancient Greek manuscript
except one now known and in the Textus Receptus, on which the KJV was largely based. The reason for the reading of the KJV is
not apparent. The changelessness of
God stands forth in striking contrast with the devastating changes now taking
place on earth. Thus. Lieterally, “these [things],”
that is, that have not yet fallen. 6. They have shed. Literally, “they have poured out,.” This doubtless includes the
unshed blood of the living saints, who have been marked out for martyrdom
(see on chs. 17:6; 18:20). By condemning the people of God to death the
wicked have as truly incurred guilt for their blood as if it had already been
shed (GC 628; cf. Matt. 23:35). Saints and prophets. See on Acts 9:13; Thou hast given them.
The plague is stated to be a direct act on the part of God (see on v.
1; cf. GC 36, 37). They are worthy. The punishment is precisely
appropriate to the crime. The wicked
deserve the punishment now meted out to them; it is in no sense an arbitrary
act on the part of God (see on v. 1). 7. I heard. See on ch. 1:2,
10. Another. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10)
the omission of this word. The
preferred reading, literally, is, “I heard the altar say,” probably meaning,
however, not the altar but the angel who had been serving at it or standing
by it (cf. ch. 14:18). The altar is doubtless not
personified. The altar. That is, the altar of incense. No mention is made of an altar of burnt
offering in heaven (cf. chs. 8:3; 9:13; 14:18). For the function of the altar
of incense in the ancient tabernacle service see on Ex. 30:1, 6. Even so. Literally, “yes.” True and righteous. Or, “true and just” (see chs 1:5; 3:7; 6:10; 15:3). In visiting
these terrible judgments upon those who have rejected divine mercy, God is
“true” in the sense that He is true to His word—He is carrying out what He
had promised to do (ch. 14:9-11; etc.). He is
“righteous,” or “just,” in the sense that justice demands the meting out of
punishment to those who have defied Heaven. See on ch.
16:1. Judgments. That is, “acts of judgment,” meaning
the plagues. 8. Upon the sun. According to the Greek the first three
plagues are poured out “into” (eis) the earth, the sea, and the fountains and
rivers of waters, respectively. The
next three are poured out “upon” (epi) the sun, the beast’s throne, and the river Scorch men with fire. Or, “burn men with fire.” Normally, the sun warms and cheers
men, and controls plant growth, climate, and many other natural processes
necessary to the maintenance of life upon the earth. Now, it sends forth an excess of warmth and
energy that tends to torment men and to destroy life. Though men doubtless suffer directly from
this intense heat, its worst results are doubtless the most severe drought
and famine the world has ever known (see GC 628). But the literal plague is accompanied by a
famine for God’s Word (cf. Amos 8:11, 12). Throughout the
land there is a feverish but vain quest for a means of alleviating the
suffering and want occasioned by the first four plagues and of averting
further calamities (GC 629). It is not motivated by godly sorrow, but by
sorrow of the world (see on 2 Cor. 7:9-11). The objective is to escape the
misery occasioned by the plagues, not to enter into a genuine state of
reconciliation with God. Accordingly,
Satan convinces the inhabitants of the earth, not that they are sinners, but
that they have erred in tolerating God’s chosen people (see EW 34; see on
Rev. 16:14). Like the three preceding plagues, this one is not universal (GC
628). 9. Blasphemed. Gr. blasphemeo\
(see on ch. 13:1). Here, to blaspheme God is to
speak of Him in a derogatory fashion. Under the fourth plague men begin to
blame Him for their misery and to realize, at last, that they are fighting
against Him (see on ch. 16:1). Name of God. That is, God Himself. The name stands
for the person who bears it (see on Matt. 6:9; Acts 3:16). Power over these plagues.
They view the plagues as a demonstration of divine power ()see on v.
1). Repented not. Instead of acknowledging their guilt
they proceed to lay the blame for their miserable plight upon those who have
remained true and loyal to God (see EW 34; GC 624)(. In utter perversity they
refuse to yield to His will, and demonstrate themselves to be what they
really are—devoted servants of Satan (see on v. 1). The refusal to repent proves
them to be altogether and unalterably opposed to God. Give him glory.
That is, acknowledge Him to be “true and righteous” (see on v. 7).
Those suffering from the plagues refuse to admit themselves in the wrong and
God in the right, even in the face of severe judgments that would lead
honest, contrite men to amend their ways (cf. Isa. 26:9, 10). Their hearts
prove to be utterly hardened and unsusceptible to either divine mercy or
severity (see on E.. 4:21; Eph. 4:30; Rev. 16:1). 10. Seat. Gr. thronos,
“throne” (see on ch. 13:2). “The seat of the beast” is apparently his
headquarters. “The beast” here represents primarily the papacy in its revived
state, not so much in its religious aspect as in its assumed role of a world
power dominant over other world powers (see on chs. 13:1, 2, 10; 17:3, 8, 9,
11). His Kingdom. Or, “its kingdom.” Except for the
small remnant that still resists his supremacy Satan numbers the world as his
subjects, and it is through the revived papacy in particular that he seeks to
secure undisputed control over the entire human race (see GC 571, 580, 656;
5T 472; 7T 182; see on chs. 16:13, 14; 17:8, 12; cf. ch.
19:19). It would therefore appear that for the duration of this plague the
entire world is enveloped in a pall of darkness. Thus, while men grope unrepentantly for
light in a spiritually dark world (see ch. 16:8,
9). God sends upon them literal darkness, symbolic of the deeper spiritual
night that is yet to enshroud the earth (see on vs. 13, 14). Darkness.
The entire clause reads literally, ‘his kingdom became darkened,’ the
Greek implying that it remained so for a period of time. This is literal darkness (see on v. 1),
with its attendant cold and misery.
The absence of light and heat would be all the more impressive and painful
after the intense heat experienced under the fourth plague. Gnawed their tongues for pain. Or, “kept biting their tongues out of
pain,” that is, because of pain.
Possibly an intense cold accompanied the prolonged darkness. 11.
Blasphemed. Men confirm their perverse
hatred of God. Their attitude under the fourth plague (see on v. 9) persists
unabated. God of heaven.
See on ch. 11:18. Their
pains. That is, the effects of the
plagues (v. 10). Their
sores. That is, the effects of the first
plague (v. 1). Apparently the sores of the first plague are not immediately
fatal, at least not in all cases.,
Apparently, also, the plagues fall successively rather than
simultaneously, and their effects persist (see on v. 2). Repented
not. See on v. 9. Now the going gets very important and
very interesting! 12. The sixth
angel. Generally speaking, Adventist
expositors set forth one or the other of two interpretations of vs.
12-16. According to the first
interpretation “the great river Euphrates” represents the Ottoman Empire; the
drying up of is waters, the gradual dissolution of that empire; the “kings of
the east,” the nations of the Orient; and Armageddon, the literal According to
the second interpretation the Euphrates represents the people over whom mystical Babylon holds sway: the
drying up of its waters, the withdrawal of their support from Babylon; the
“kings of the east,” Christ and those accompanying Him; and Armageddon, the
last battle of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, fought out on
the battlefield of this earth. Thus,
the withdrawal of human support from mystical According to
the first view the battle of Armageddon begins as essentially a political conflict and comes
to a climax with the appearance of Christ and the armies of heaven. According to the second view the battle of
Armageddon begins when the united religious and political powers of earth
open their final attack on God’s remnant people. Ron’s
Commentary: It is not a matter of
either/or in regard to the first and second view. Both will play a part in the final
events. There will be political
elements as well as the political-religio action of
Satan’s forces to rid the earth of God’s people. Though these
two views appear to be mutually exclusive, they actually have much in
common. Proponents of
both views on Armageddon are generally agreed on the following points: 1. That it is the last great battle of
earth’s history and that it is still future. 2. That it is “the battle of that great
day of God” (v. 14). 3. That ‘”he great river 4. That the three “unclean spirits” (v.
13) represent the papacy, apostate Protestantism, and spiritism (or
paganism). 5. That these three “spirits” constitute the
agencies that will summon the nations to battle. 6. That the gathering agencies—“three
unclean spirits”—are religious in nature and that the forces gathered are
political and military. 7. That preparations for the battle take
place under the sixth plague, but that the battle itself is fought under the
seventh plague. 8. That in one phase it will be a real
battle between real people employing real weapons. 9. That there will be bloodshed on an
unprecedented scale. 10.
That
all the nations of earth will be involved. 11.
That
eventually Christ and the armies of heaven intervene and bring the battle to a close. 12.
That
the living saints witness the battle, but not as direct participants. The
fundamental difference between the two views consists in whether the three
terms, The Lord has
shown me in no uncertain terms that though there are figurative
representations, these representations are a symbol of real battles killing
real people. As might be
expected, variations and modifications of these two major views are held by some
Adventist expositors. However, space
limits prevent exploring these. For an
earlier discussion of the view that the battle of Armageddon is the battle
between Christ and the wicked nations at the second advent, see James White
in The Review and Herald, Jan. 21, 1862, p. 61. For a formal presentation of the view that
the battle of Armageddon involves also a political and military gathering of
the nations of earth in Water in
Scripture represents people, and the great river Euphrates” represents the
drying up of the empires of the Arabic peoples due to war with the Western
He-goat—the Now I want to
call your attention to the SDA Bible Commentary on the word Again, here is
the verse: Rev 9:14 Saying to the
sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in
the great river Here is the
commentary for the word Still others connect the Euphrates with
mystical Both views are
correct because all heathen nations
including Russia (as an atheistic power) are part of Mystic Babylon,
the city that represents (is symbolic of) Satan’s throne, just as Even though “…Ahmet Necdet Sezer, president of Turkey, has invited His Holiness
Benedict XVI to make an official visit to that country from November 28 to
30, 2006," the Vatican announced in a mid-day statement. "The Holy
Father has accepted the invitation.”
See full story at the following link: http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?idCategory=33&idsub=128&id=2561 The real King of
the North is a confederacy of Russia, the Arabic nations such as Turkey, and
I say Turkey because she controls the sacred spot on which the Jewish Temple
was built. Thirteen-hundred years ago,
she placed her tabernacles in https://members.tripod.com/omega77/kingofnorthliv1.htm After breaking
the horns (powers) of 1854 Review and Herald Editorial Quoted By James White We do not believe that Russia is “the
king of the north.” It is our opinion that any power that reigns over Syria is
-for the time being - “the king of the north,” spoken of Daniel xi; hence
that the Turkish Dynasty is now [1854] that power. If Russia, Austria, England, or France should become possessed of
supreme power over Syria, then it - which ever it
might be - would become the king of the north.” Till then none but the
Turkish Dynasty occupies that position, in our opinion. Our views of Russia,
Turkey, and France are known to our readers. No arguments, nor ridicule, that
has yet appeared, has in the least shaken our mind; yet we do not affirm that
we are right; events may convince us that we are wrong in this matter. We
have no theory at stake, and shall feel, we think, no mortification to find
we are - just what we believe all others to be fallible.” (“Discordant
Opinions,” Quoted by James White, Chief Editor, Review and Herald, December 12, 1854; Adventist Pioneer Library
CD-ROM Code Number, JW, 6R&H17,
page 0134, paragraphs 18- 22, emphasis supplied). Notice that in 1854 James White quoted an
article titled “Discordant Opinions,” in which it was stated, “It is our
opinion that any power that reigns over Syria is - for the time being - `the
king of the north,’ spoken of Daniel xi; hence that the Turkish Dynasty is
now that power.” Further, it was stated, “Till then none but the Turkish
Dynasty occupies that position, in our opinion.” Tell me friend,
what will Dan 11:44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north
shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to
destroy, and utterly to make away many. The king of the East, Rev 9:14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose
the four angels which are bound in the great river Rev 9:15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for
an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of
men. Rev 9:16 And the number of the army of the horsemen [were] two
hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number
of them. The only nation that can amass an army of two hundred-million men
is Can you begin to see the folly and peace and safety implications
of those who are teaching that not one shot will be fired in the Armageddon
conflict? Can you see how Satan’s
purpose is served by teaching now that there will be no such thing! 2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the
earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the
mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. 3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea;
and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the
sea. 4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers
and fountains of waters; and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art
righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt
be, because thou hast judged thus. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and
thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. 7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord
God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments. 8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun;
and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed
the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not
to give him glory. 10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of
the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their
tongues for pain, 11 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains
and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. 12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great
river Great
river According to the second view the
significance of the term Euphrates is to be ascertained from the context
which reveals that the term Ron’s Commentary: As all the concepts of Scripture have
deeper and varied meanings, there is no reason for making the term Water.
See on ch. 17:1, 15. Dried
up. The form of the
verb in the Greek denotes as an accomplished fact the act of drying up. According to the first view the drying up
of the river Euphrates here referred to began to meet its fulfillment in the
gradual shrinking of the According to the second view the drying
up of the waters of the Euphrates refers to the withdrawal of human support
from mystical Ron’s Commentary: Here again, there is no need for either/or
limited thinking when both are applicable. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of
the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the
mouth of the false prophet. ·
The
papacy ·
Apostate
Protestantism ·
Spiritism
(Paganism and the paganistic religions) inclusive
of atheism which is a religion whether its adherents realize it or not. Its adherents worship its author, Satan. ·
The
papacy is a religio-political power of itself. ·
The
papacy and its protestant daughters will enlist government support. ·
The
New Agers figure into the mix as
haters of Christians. ·
New
Agers are very politically oriented. ·
The
Islamic nations figure into the fray as haters of Christians. ·
Consider
that George Washington was a Mason and the Masons are tied to the
Illuminati. These are spiritists of the ancient Babylonian types. They are also very politically active and
oriented. Way. Gr. hodos, “road,” “highway.” In the setting of vs. 12-16 this is the “way” by which the
“kings” and their armies pass through the Ron’s Commentary: My God has a big mind! He means it to be both literal and
figurative! Kings
of the east. Literally, “kings from the [sun]
rising” (see on ch. 7:2). In harmony with the geographical
significance that they attribute to “the great river According to the second view “the kings
of the east” represent Christ and those accompanying Him. This view bases the term “kings of the
east,” like the other symbolic expressions of Rev. 16:12, on the historical
incident of Cyrus conquering Babylon and later releasing God’s people, the
Jews, to return to their native land. Prepared.
According to the first
view the “way of the kings of the east” began to be prepared by the shrinking
of the Ron’s Commentary: And according to a third view, IT IS ALL OF
THE ABOVE. 13.
I saw. See on ch. 1:1. Three
unclean spirits. Proponents
of both views agree on identifying the “dragon,” the “beast,” and the “false
prophet” as modern spiritism (GC 588), or paganism, the papacy, and apostate
Protestantism (cf. chs. 13:4, 14, 15; 19:20; 20:10). The “three unclean
spirits” apparentlyh either symbolize or represent
this evil trio or religious powers, which together constitute latter-day
“great Like
frogs. Perhaps no
significance should be attached to this comparison, which probably is
intended only to highlight the repulsiveness of the “three unclean spirits”
in the sight of God. Ron’s Commentary: Frog’s deceive their prey and consume them
before they know they are had. They
have a mesmerizing effect on their prey.
Satan works like this. Out
of the mouth. The mouth is the instrument of speech. Coming
forth from the mouth of the “dragon,” of the “beast,” and of the “false
prophet,” these three “unclean spirits” represent the policy that this
threefold religious union proclaims to the world, spoken of in ch. 17:2 as the4 “wine’ of Babylon (see on chs. 16:14;
17:1, 6). Dragon.
See on chs. 12:3;
13:1. The first member of this threefold religious union is generally
identified either as spiritism or as paganism. The latter centers chiefly in the worship
of evil spirits, and thus at heart resembles modern spiritism as practiced in
Christian lands. Beast. See on chs. 13:1; 17:3, 8. False
prophet. Apparently to
be identified with the second beast of ch. 13:11:17
(see on v. 11), which sponsors the first beast of vs. 1-10, and by the
miracles he has power to do in the presence of the beast (vs. 12-14),
deceives men into making an “image” to it.
Compare chs. 19:20; 20:10. Spirits
of devils. Literally, “spirits of demons,” or “demonic
spirits.” In the Gospels the term “unclean spirit” is used interchangeably
with “devil” (see Mark 1:27, 34; 3:11, 15; 6,:7; etc.). See Rev. 18:2; cf. 5T
472, 473. Working
miracles. Or,
“performing signs [semeia],” that is, miracles from
the viewpoint of their value as authenticating the claims, or attesting the
power and authority, of the person performing them (see Vol. V, p. 208).
These miracles are also referred to in chs. 13:13, 14; 19:20. Supernatural
manifestations of various kinds constitute the means by which Satan, working
through various human agencies, succeeds in uniting the world behind his
purpose to obliterate those who constitute the only barrier to his
unchallenged dominion over mankind. Kings
of the earth. Textual
evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the omission of the words “of the earth and.”
The “kings” are the political powers of earth, in contrast with the threefold
religious union of v. 13 (see comment there), which summon the nations of
earth to unite in a crusade to destroy God’s people (9T 16; GC 562, 624).
This universal religio-political combine (see on ch. 17:3) aspires to rule the world. According to the first view these “kings”
represent the nations of the West, in contrast with the “kings of the east” (ch. 16:12), the nations of the Orient. According to the second view the expression
“kings of the earth and the whole world” includes the nations of both East
and West (see on v. 12). For further
information concerning the identity of the “kings of the earth” and the
temporary success of their plot see ch. 17:2, 12,
14; see on v. 12; cf. 7T 182. To
gather. According to the first view this
gathering consists of political and military preparations on the part of “the
kings of the earth and of the whole world.”
According to the second view it refers to efforts put forth by the
three fold religious union to secure united action on the part of the
political powers of earth for the purpose of waging war on the remnant of
God’s people. Ron’s Commentary: Once again, both are involved—military
preparations for war and religious union for united action on the part of the
political powers of earth for ridding the earth of God’s remnant people. The plagues are blamed on God’s people, but
the plagues begin before the death decree.
The military preparations for war are engaged before the death decree
on God’s people. The
battle. Proponents of
both views agree that different aspects of the same battle are described in
chs. 14:14-20; 16:12-19; 17:14-17; 19:11-21; cf. 6T 406. According to the first view this is primarily
a politico-military battle to be fought in the literal That
great day. That is,
the day of God’s wrath (see on v. 1). Important textual evidence mayh be cited (cf. p. 10) for the reading “the great
day.” See on Isa. 2:12. God Almighty. See on ch. 1:8. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles,
which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather
them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth,
and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Behold. Or, “See!” I
come as a thief. That
is, to the ungodly (see on 1 Thess. 5:2, 4; 2 Peter 3:10; cf. Matt. 24:43;
Luke 21:35). Blessed.
Or, “happy” (see on
Matt. 5:3). He
that watcheth. See on Matt.
24:42. The saints are to be alert and vigilant, lest they be deceived (see
above on “I come as a thief”). Keepeth
his garments. That is,
remains steadfast in faith and character and wholly loyal to God. See on
Matt. 22:11. Lest
he walk naked. That is, lose his garment of character as a
result of yielding his faith. Compare ch. 17:16. They.
Probably meaning people generally., See
his shame. That is,
see that he has surrendered his faith.
Even though destiny has been fixed at the close of probation (see on ch. 22:11), God’s people must not relax their
vigilance. Rather, they must become
increasingly alert as Satan intensifies his deceptions. 16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the
Hebrew tongue Armageddon. 16. He gathered. Or, “they gathered.” The Greek may be translated
either way. The pronoun “they” would
refer to the three unclean spirits of vs. 13, 14, and “he” to the angel ov v. 12. The
context favors the translation “they.” For the gathering process see on v.
14. Proponents of both views agree that the
gathering takes place under the sixth plague, but that the battle itself is
fought under the seventh (see Smith, op. cit., p. 702; see on Rev. 16:12,
17). Them.
That is, the kings of
the earth of v. 14. Together.
According to the first view the military
forces of earth are gathered together in the literal Place. Gr. topos, “place,” which is used variously of
a geographical location, a “place” in a book, status, or, figuratively,
“condition,” or “situation,” as in Acts 25:16 (“licence”) and Heb. 12:17.
According to the first view, which stresses geographical implications, this
would refer to the In
the Hebrew tongue. Perhaps by this John intended to direct his
readers to study of Armageddon as a
“Hebrew: term and to a review of Hebrew history, that the cryptic name might
be understood. Armageddon. Gr. Harmageddon, a translation from the Hebrew, as
John explains. Testual
evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading Harmagedon, but may also be cited for the
readings Armegedon, Armagedo, Mageddon, and others. In view of the fact that no
geographical location ever bore this name, so far as is known, the
significance of the term is not readily apparent. Also, opinions differ as to what Hebrew
word or words the Greek transliteration represents. The reading Harmageddon is from two Hebrew
words, the first of which may have been ‘ir,
“city,” though more probably har, “mountain.” As noted, however, some ancient manuscripts
omit the first syllable ar- or har-
altogether. For the second part of the name, -mageddon, two different derivations have been suggested:
(1) That –mageddon
is from the Heb. Megiddo or megiddon (1 Kings 9:15; Zech 12:11), the ancient city
of Megiddo, which gave its name to the important pass through the mountains
to the southwest, to the vally of Jezreel to the north and northeast (2 Chron. 35:22), and
to the Kishon (Judges 4:7, 13; 5:19, 21), 2hich flows throiugh the
valley. (2) That –mageddon
is from mo’ed, the Hebrew word commonly used
throughout the OT for “congregation” (ex. 27:21; 28:43; 29:4, 10, 11, 30, 32;
etc.), for an appointed “feast” (see on Lev. 23:2), and for an “assembly” and
the “places of the assembly” (Lam. 1:15; 2:6). The first derivation links the
composite name Armageddon with the geographical and historical environment of
ancient In Isa. 14:13, where ha-rmo’ed is
translated “mount of the congregation,” or “mount of assembly,” and
designates the mountain on which Solomon’s Proponents of the first view of
Armageddon consider the derivation to be from the Heb har-megiddo, “ 17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air;
and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne,
saying, It is done. 17.
Seventh angel. Concerning
the significance of the number seven in the Revelation see on ch. 1:11. Into
the air. Textual
evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “upon the air” (see on v. 8). The
effect of this plague appears to be universal. A
great voice. Evidently, the voice of God. Compare ch. 1:10. See GC 635, 636; 1T 353, 354. From
the throne. In other
words, the statement constitutes an official proclamation from the Sovereign
of the universe (see on ch. 4:2-5). It
is done. The same words are to be uttered a second
time, at the re-creation of the new earth (ch.
21:6). Similar words—“It is finished”—were spoken by our Lord uponthe cross (John 19:30) as He brought His ministry of
sacrifice to a close, thereby assuring the success of the plan of
redemption. In the context of Rev. 16:17
the dramatic announcement marks the moment when the revelation of the myhstery of iniquity is complete, when the true character
of the universal religio-political union of vs. 13,
14, 19, is unmasked (see comment there and on v. 1). God permits the forces of evil to
advance to the point of apparent success in their sinister design to
eradicate the people of God. As the
moment appointed in the death decree arrives (see on v. 14) and the wicked
rush forward with shouts of triumph to annihilate the saints (GC 631, 635; EW
283, 285), the voice of God is heard declaring, “It is done.” This
declaration terminates the time of Jacob’s trouble (cf. on v. 15), delivers
the saints, and ushers in the seventh plague (EW 36, 37, 282-285; GC 635,
636; 1T 353, 354. 18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was
not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. Voices.
Or “sounds,” “noises.”
Compare chs. 4:5; 8:5; 11:19. What the “voices” utter may be similar to the
declaration of ch. 11:15 (cf. GC 640). Thunders.
Or, “peals of
thunder.” Lightnings. Or, “flashes of lightning.” Textual
evidence attests (cf. p. 10) that this word precedes “voices, and thunders.” A
great earthquake. A literal earthquake, as the remainder
of v. 18 implies (see on v. 1; cf. vs. 20, 21), but accompanied by a
figurative earthquake, which shatters mystical Such
as was not. Both
literally and figuratively. 19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the
cities of the nations fell: and great 19.
The great city. That
is, mystical Divided
into three parts. Mystical
Cities
of the nations. Continuing
the figure of an earthquake shattering a literal city, John now refers to the
political organization of earth—represented in vs. 13, 14 as “the kings of
the earth”—by a similar figure. For the
appropriateness of a “city” to represent the apostate religious organizations
of earth, and “cities” their political allies, see on chs. 11:8; 17:18. Fell.
The political forces of earth also lose the
state of unity of purpose to which they were gathered under the sixth plague
(see on vs. 14, 16; ch. 17:13, 17). There is a terrible awakening among them as
God’s voice delivers His waiting people from their foes (see GC 636, 637,
654). Now, the earstwhile
components of the universal religio-political combine
of ch. 16:13, 13 begin to fight among themselves,
and the “ten kings” of ch. 17:12-16 take revenge
upon mystical When Christ appears, the clash of arms
and the tumult of earthly battle are stilled as the armies of heaven descend.
“In the mad strife of the4ir own fierce passions, and by the awful outpouring
of God’s unmingled wrath, fall the inhabitants of the earth,--priests,
rulers, and people, rich and poor, high and low” (GC 657). For a more
complete account of this battle see on chs. 17:14; 19:11-21; cf. EW 282, 290;
GC 656, 657. Compare the remarkably similar descriptions in Joshua 10:7-14;
Judges 7:19-23; 1 Sam 14:19, 20; 2 Chron. 20:22-24Isa. 19:2; 34:8-10;
51:21-23; 63:1-6; Jer. 25:12-15, 29-38; Eze. 38:14-23;
Haggi 2:11; Zech. 14:13. Great
Came
in remembrance. See on
ch. 18:5. This is a common Biblical expression
denoting the arrival of the hour when divine judgment is to be meted out (Ps.
109:14; Eze. 21:23, 24; cf. Jer. 31:34). To
give unto her. Compare the words of the prophets
concerning the literal city of The
cup. A common Biblical expression denoting
suffering and judgments meted out (see Ps. 11:6; 75:8; Isa 51:17, 22, 23;
Jer. 25:15-17, 28; 49:12; Matt. 26:39). For the nature of the cup now given
mystical Wine.
See on ch. 14:10; cf. ch. 17:2. Fierceness. Or, “fury” (see on v. 1). His
wrath. See on chs.
14:10; 16:1. 20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not
found. Every
island. The convulsions of earth here described
result from the earthquake of v. 18. Compare ch.
6:14. The
mountains. Compare ch. 6:14. 21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven,
every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of
the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great. 21.
Great hail. Or, “great hailstones.” For comment on
the plague of hail on the A talent. Probably about 66 pounds in weight (see Vol. I p. 164). Blasphemed God. For the third time those
upon whom the plagues fall curse God, thus revealing their utter contempt for
Him, even in the midst of His most grievous judgments (see on vs. 1, 9, 11). Conclusions: The context of the following E.G. White
statement is the time God intervenes in Armageddon. We are going to take it slow and steady,
point by point and see if there is death and destruction going on when God INTERVENES
IN ARMAGEDDON. Remember, there are
many peace and safety professing Seventh-day Adventists teaching that
Armageddon is ALL and ONLY a Spiritual battle and that not a shot will be
fired and no actual war will occur.
Let’s see if that is true! Chap. 288 - God Intervenes in
Armageddon
Ron’s
Commentary: The sword means war and
death.
Ron’s
Commentary: Again, the wicked are
slain by the sword. Not all the wicked
are thus slain, because many of them are slain by the brightness of His coming. 2Th 2:8 And
then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the
spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his
coming:
The mark of deliverance has been
set upon those "that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be
done." Now the angel
of death goes forth, represented in Ezekiel's vision by the men with the
slaughtering weapons, to whom the command is given: "Slay utterly old
and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any
man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary." Says the
prophet: "They began at the
ancient men which were before the house." Ezekiel 9:1-6. The
work of destruction begins among those who have professed to be the spiritual
guardians of the people. The false watchmen are the first to fall. There are
none to pity or to spare. Men, women, maidens, and little children perish
together. {Mar 296.2} Ron’s
Commentary: Remember, in context this
is AT THE TIME OF ARMAGEDDON in the context of Ellen White’s statement,
but before God intervenes because there is no killing AFTER HE
INTERVENES. Ellen White said that
Ezekiel 9 would be LITERALLY FULFILLED.
That means a literal battle and killing. She said that the Ezekiel 9 destruction of “2. Six men. These executioners of vengeance are pictured
as human in form. In primary application they represent the Babylonians, who
were to execute the divine sentence upon the city. In secondary application they portend the
agencies of judgments which, at the close of time, will execute sentence,
first upon those who have professed to be the spiritual guardians of the
people, and later upon the wicked in general.” SDA Bible
Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 605. "Study the 9th chapter of Ezekiel. These words will be literally fulfilled yet the time
is passing, and the people are asleep. They refuse to humble their souls and
to be converted. Not a great while longer will the Lord bear with the people
who have such great and important truths revealed to them, but who refuse to
bring these truths into their individual experience. The time is short. God
is calling will YOU hear? Will YOU receive His message? Will YOU be converted
before it is too late? Soon, very soon, every case will be decided for
eternity. Letter 106, 1909, pp. 2, 3, 5, 7. (To "The churches in Oakland
and Berkeley, September 26, 1909.)" E. G. White Manuscript Releases
Volume One, p. 260. In The Great Controversy, p. 25, 1911 edition, Ellen White says
that the A.D. 70 destruction of
"The Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the
earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall
no more cover her slain." Isaiah 26:21. . . . In the mad strife
of their own fierce passions, and by the awful outpouring of God's unmingled
wrath, fall the wicked inhabitants of the earth--priests, rulers, and people, rich and poor, high and low.
"And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the
earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented,
neither gathered, nor buried." Jeremiah 25:33. {Mar 296.3} 1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and
safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail
upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. Consider this friend, only the 144,000
are translated without seeing death. That means there will be many martyrs,
but they will be saved if faithful.
The fact that there are martyrs in the last days is another distinction
between the 144,000 and the guests at the wedding. They shall put you out of the synagogues:
yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God
service. John 16:2. Every individual in our world will be
arrayed under one of two banners. {Mar 199.1} The
two armies will stand distinct and separate, and this
distinction will be so marked that many who shall be convinced of truth will
come on the side of God's commandment-keeping people. When this grand work is
to take place in the battle, prior to the last closing conflict, many will be
imprisoned, many will flee for their lives from cities and towns, and many will be martyrs for Christ's sake in standing in defense of
the truth. {Mar 199.2} By the decree enforcing the institution
of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation [the
As the approach of the Roman armies was a sign to the disciples of the
impending destruction of Jerusalem, so may this apostasy be a sign to us that
the limit of God's forbearance is reached, that the measure of our nation's
iniquity is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight,
never to return. The people of God
will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress
which prophets have described as the time of Jacob's trouble. The cries
of the faithful, persecuted ones ascend to heaven. And as the blood of Abel cried
from the ground, there are voices also crying to God from martyrs' graves,
from the sepulchers of the sea, from mountain
caverns, from convents vaults: "How long, O Lord, holy and true,
dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
{Mar 199.4}
When the fifth seal was opened, John the Revelator in vision saw
beneath the altar the company that were slain for the Word of God and the
testimony of Jesus Christ. After this came the scenes described in the eighteenth
of Revelation, when those who are faithful and true are called out from
Christ will restore the life taken; for He is the Life-giver: He will
beautify the righteous with immortal life. {Mar 199.6} Some
Martyrs Before the National Death Decree “In some cases, BEFORE the time
specified in the decree, enemies will rush upon the waiting ones to
put them to death.” E.G. White, The
1884 edition of The Great Controversy,
p. 447. ·
Martyrs
do not accrue without a battle. ·
“They
shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever
killeth you will think that he doeth God service. John 16:2.” ·
Ellen
White said that there will be no more martyrs after the close of probation.
So there many of God’s people will be martyred BEFORE the close of
probation. Thus, there will be death
and destruction. ·
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and
safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail
upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. ·
Ellen
White includes the Ezekiel 9 destruction in the time frame of
Armageddon. That involves killing of
men, maidens and little children.
According to the PREFIGURE of A.D. 70, it also involves the eating of
their children as the Jews ate theirs in the TYPE. ·
The
death decree is after the plagues begin to fall and they are blamed on God’s
saints. ·
There
are deaths before the death decree. ·
There
are no martyrs after the death decree.
·
The
fact that there are martyrs before the death decree and the death decree is
after the plagues begin to fall, proves that the Armageddon test of God’s
people comes before the plagues begin.
·
Those
who hold that Armageddon is just a spiritual test of God’s people and that it
does not involve killing and battlement, are thus proved errant by the fact
that there are martyrs before the death decree, and no martyrs after the
death decree. ·
The
view of those who believe that Armageddon is a spiritual even ONLY, say that
it involves God’s people ·
There
are no martyrs after the close of probation. ·
A
third of the population dies. ·
A
third of men are not destroyed without a literal war. ·
There
are no martyrs after the close of probation, so there is war, killing and
martyrdom before the close of probation. ·
The
plagues do not begin until after the close of probation. “The Last Plagues and the Judgment-- At the general conference of
believers in the present truth, held at
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