Cast into Outer Darkness - Part 39 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

Montana

The last time we were together we learned that the one talent Christian in the Parable of the Talents and the Christian man in the Parable of the Wedding Feast, who was in the Wedding Hall without a Wedding garment, were cast into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Sounds pretty horrific to me, so long ago I set out to find out where is this place.

 

Each of God's kids receives an assignment, a talent, in order to prosper the Kingdom of Heaven. Each is an Ambassador for Christ - representing the Kingdom of Heaven to those living on the earth. The "work" the Lord gives to each believer is an opportunity to develop the character of Christ - heavenly treasures - which are threads to weave his Wedding Garment.

 

The "work" each believer is assigned encounters trials and tribulations...that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ...I Peter 1:7.

 

The word fire in this reference means:  lightning. Lightning symbolizes the glory of God. The "works" we do for the Lord on the earth will be tried - revealed - whether or not they honor Him alone - or bring credit, exaltation, honor, and glory to us.

 

God allows fiery trials in our lives for our own good, so that the house - temple - we build on the earth will not burn up at the Great White Throne Judgment. The Apostle Paul stressed to believers...seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God...set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth...Col. 3:1-2.

 

The motives of our heart are revealed by how we endure persecution for our faith, how we endure injustice and false accusations against our character, and how we pray first for our enemy so they will find Jesus Christ as their Savior. It is all about developing the character of Christ.

 

Have you ever seen a hearse with a U-Haul attached? When we stand before the Lord on that Day, will we bring with us pride in the Bible school we built; the mega-church we built; the scientific break-through we achieved; the great denomination we started; the great charitable organization we built; the television or radio network we built, etc., etc. etc? Of course not - when Jesus returns...both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up...II Peter 3:10. Humility, while living on the earth, will be recognized by Jesus Christ on that Day.

 

When the unprofitable servant and the man without a Wedding Garment appeared before the Great White throne Judgment, the house - temple - they built burned down to the foundation of salvation.  Because they are wearing the Garment of Salvation they are allowed to enter into Heaven, but they are not allowed to participate in the Wedding of the Lamb. Instead they were sent to "outer darkness."

 

All three references to "outer darkness" are found in the gospel of Matthew:  8:12; 22:13; 25:30. Every Bible teacher I studied under said this means Hell - but does it?

 

In the original Greek language the word outer is:  exoteros or exterior. The word darkness is:  skotos. It means obscurity; shadiness - darkness of error; adumbration (outline/sketch). The translation does not describe Hell or the Lake of Fire.

 

Outer darkness is a place on the exterior of Heaven - obscurity - where believers will dwell, whose defiled house - unrighteous works - burned up at the Great White Throne Judgment. These believers did not build their temple on the earth with righteous works, so there were no threads - treasures in Heaven - with which to weave a Wedding Garment for them to attend the Wedding of the Lamb.

 

The reward Jesus brings with Him is a garment made of fine linen which is woven from...the righteous acts of the saints...Rev. 19:8.

 

Even though the prophetic parables of Jesus are future, His description of certain events are unambiguous, if we pay attention. This is because He wants us to be prepared for victory on Judgment Day - not to experience weeping and gnashing of teeth.

 

Remember when the Apostle Paul said...each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is...if anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward...if anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (I Cor. 3:13-15)?

 

What loss will this believer experience on Judgment Day that would cause weeping and gnashing of teeth - sobbing and wailing. while grating their teeth from pain and rage? Don't you want to have the answer now, while still alive, so you will not experience weeping and gnashing of teeth on that Day? Stay tuned...

 

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...

 

 

 

 



Works That Defile Men - Part 38 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

Star Shower

When we were last together I asked, "Aren't you a tiny bit curious to know what "works" you are doing on the earth right now, that may burn up at the Great White throne Judgment - with weeping and gnashing of teeth?"

God endows each of His children with talents which they will use on the earth to glorify the Kingdom of Heaven. "Works" by a believer that only glorify His Kingdom are symbolized by gold, silver, and precious stones as building materials for the house built by him - treasures in Heaven that are not corrupt. These incorruptible "works" will provide the threads that will design our Wedding Garment - righteous acts of the saints...Rev. 19:8. This house will not burn up at the Great White Throne Judgment.

Remember when the Prophet Samuel said to King Saul, behold, to obey is better than sacrifice...I Sam. 15:22? Obedience to God's call on our life is another thread in our Wedding Garment. The cry of our heart must be to always honor and glorify Him who has bought us with the price of the blood of Jesus Christ - we are no longer our own.

Often though, a new believer begins the "work" that God has called him to do, but then along the way he becomes prideful in his accomplishment, accepting praise and honor for the great work "he" has built. While "his" work may be very noble, continuing to grow exponentially on the earth, but receives adulation and glory from the masses, the house he built will burn up at the Great White Throne Judgment, because this believer took the glory that belongs only to God.

The Apostle Paul described incorruptible threads for the Wedding Garment, when he told his disciple Timothy...pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness...I Tim. 6:11. Notice that he said to pursue these attributes of Christ. Paul told believers in Galatia...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...against such there is no law...Gal. 5:22-23. These "works" are the incorruptible threads - against such there is no law - that will produce our Wedding Garment.

Each believer is responsible for his own house - God gives him the freedom to choose the materials with which he builds his house - the Word is very clear. But, we must understand the consequences for building our house from wood, hay, and stubble - it will burn down to the foundation of salvation when standing before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on that Day. While we will be allowed in Heaven, we will not receive the reward Jesus brings with Him - the Wedding Garment.

I must ask the Lord to exam my heart daily to see if there be any wicked way in it, so I can make the corrections needed while I still live on the earth. So I asked the Lord to show me if any of my endeavors for Him seek glory or exaltation for myself, if so, I must immediately repent and get back on His path of humility - putting others before myself - glorifying Him only!

What are the motives of my heart; is there any jealousy in me; am I envious of the "works" of other believers; am I easily angered, impatient with others; am I resentful and hold grudges; do I curse unbelievers to Hell for their works; am I dishonest; do I lie (even white lies); do I have selfish ambitions; do I have revenge in my heart; do I bear false witness, etc.? If any of these materials produce the house I build on the earth - wood, hay, stubble - my house will burn up when I see Jesus face-to-face. Then there will be great loss with weeping and gnashing of teeth.

If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire...I Cor. 3:15. This short statement by the Apostle Paul should prompt an immediate question - what loss? The believer who built his sheep house out of wood, hay, stubble has nothing written in his heavenly book to warrant a reward from Jesus Christ when He returns, so his house will not only burn up, but he will suffer loss with weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The word loss in the original Greek language is zemioo meaning:  to injure; to experience detriment. Since this believer defiled his house, by becoming entrenched in the materialism of the world, honoring himself or spiritual leaders of the world, there were no treasures in Heaven to weave his Wedding Garment.

In the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:20-30), Jesus said regarding the one talent believer...cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth...verse 30.  Remember in the Parable of the Wedding Feast when God threw a man out of the Wedding Hall, and he was cast into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth? 

So the unprofitable servant and the man without a Wedding garment are cast into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Hmmm...begs the question - Where is outer darkness?  Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question







Threads of Wedding Garment - Part 37 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

When were last together we found out that Jesus asked the question,...when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth...Matt. 18:8. When Jesus asks a question I search the scriptures for the answer...don't you? I found out...faith which worketh by love...Gal. 5:6. The word worketh or works in the original Greek language is energo meaning:  to be active. The faith that you received from Jesus Christ is activated by love.

Jesus gave a commandment:  that we love one another...John 15:12. He also said...if you keep My commandments you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love...John 15:10. The yardstick to measure our own love is how Jesus kept His Father's commandment by abiding in God's love. Jesus is saying that our faith will only be activated if we abide in His love.

So far we have two treasures that can be stored in Heaven that are incorruptible -- faith and love. Faith and love are threads that will weave our wedding garment (robe of righteousness), which we must be wearing in order to enter the Wedding Hall where the marriage to the Lamb takes place. Many are called to participate in the Wedding, but few are chosen to go into the Wedding Hall...Matt. 22:14. The word called in this text means invited.

Let's jump to the end of Revelation where Jesus returns and gives His reward to His Bride - her wedding garment (robe of righteousness) -  Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready...and to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints...Rev. 19:7-8.

It is very clear in this text the wife (bride) of Jesus Christ "made herself ready" for the marriage of the Lamb.  Each believer in Jesus Christ is invited to the marriage of the Lamb - but will that believer be "ready" when Jesus returns? Jesus Christ provided the Garment of Salvation for a new believer - passage into Heaven. The house a believer builds on the foundation of salvation, while he lives on the earth, will determine if he is "ready" to participate in the marriage of the Lamb.

This scripture clearly tells us how the Wedding Garment (robe of righteousness) is woven - the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.  We enter Heaven by wearing the Garment of Salvation, but we can only enter the Wedding Hall for the Marriage of the Lamb wearing the Wedding Garment...Matt. 22:11-12 The fine linen Wedding Garment is woven by "righteous acts of the saints" while they live on the earth - house they build on the foundation of salvation.

Remember when the Apostle Paul said...if anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward...I Cor. 3:14. Weren't you even a little bit curious to find out about a reward that can only be given to you if your "righteous acts - works - endure" when you are standing face-to-face with Jesus Christ at the Great White Throne Judgment?

Especially, when Paul went on to say in the next sentence...if anyone's work is burned, he will suffer great loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire...I Cor. 3:15. If the Wedding Garment given by Jesus at His coming is woven by threads of righteous acts - house we build on the earth - would it not behoove us to find out how to prevent our house from burning up on Judgment Day?

If the house we build on the earth is burned up when we see Jesus face-to-face, this means that the "works" we accomplished on the earth were not treasures stored in Heaven, because they were corrupt. Only incorruptible works can be defined as "righteous acts" on Judgment Day. Righteous acts weave the Wedding Garment that must be worn in the Wedding Hall for the marriage of the Lamb.

Paul said...if anyone's work is burned, he will suffer great loss. If a believer builds his house on the foundation of salvation with wood, hay and stubble (I Cor. 3:12), these symbolize unrighteous acts - works - so his house will burn down to the foundation of salvation, when he stands at the Great White Throne Judgment - "great loss" is not being allowed to participate in the marriage of the Lamb! Because he is wearing the Garment of Salvation he is allowed to enter Heaven.

If this believer has no righteous acts to weave his Wedding Garment, how will Jesus give to him/her a garment that is woven only from the righteous acts of the saints? Many are invited to the marriage of the Lamb, but few are chosen to go into the Wedding Hall - great loss.

I took this revelation so seriously, I have asked the Lord to evaluate my "works" so that I can make the necessary changes now, so I will have enough treasures in Heaven - threads to weave my Wedding Garment.

We will reveal more linen threads for a Wedding Garment that are incorruptible, but aren't you a tiny bit curious to know what "works" you are doing on the earth right now, that may burn up at the Great White Throne Judgment - with weeping and gnashing of teeth? Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...




 

Reward Jesus Brings (Wedding Garment) - Part 36 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

When we last together we began to discuss what loss a believer will suffer if the house - works - he builds on the foundation of salvation, while he was on the earth, burns up when he stands at the Great White Throne Judgment. The materials he uses to build his house will determine whether or not his house burns up, or if he will receive the reward Jesus brings with Him - Wedding Garment.

On Judgment Day it will be evident what building materials were used to build each believer's house...each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is...I Cor. 3:13. This reference reveals the significance of our works - labor/service - that are accomplished by us, while we live on the earth.

Gold, silver, and precious stones are considered valuable assets by human beings. So the Apostle Paul used them metaphorically to describe a house that will not burn up, when he told believer's...if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones...he will receive a reward...I Cor. 3:12-14.

In my research of the Bible regarding the Wedding Garment, I found many scriptures that were pieces to the puzzle. When I put all the pieces together, the answer was clearly revealed.  We already learned in the last blog that we must...lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys...Matt. 6:20. Treasures stored in Heaven must be incorruptible, otherwise they could not be stored there.

So I asked myself, "What do I now do on the earth that is incorruptible?"  Incorruptible means:  is not decayed - cannot be destroyed.

Do you remember when the Apostle Paul was speaking in the Areopagus he said, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising...Acts 17:29.  Now I understand, that what I  may consider valuable works or service to the Lord on the earth, may be of my own devising bringing glory to myself - having nothing in common with His Divine Nature.

In I Peter 1:1-12 the apostle describes how the obedience of Christ has reserved in Heaven an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance which will be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials...that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious that gold than perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ...verses 6-7.

So far we can see that one of our "treasures in Heaven" is our faith. For by grace we have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God....Eph. 2:8. Our first act of faith was to receive Jesus Christ and His promise of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. We didn't see the promised Kingdom, but we believed...Heb. 11:1.

The Apostle Peter said that the genuineness of our faith will be tested by fire - meaning believer's must overcome the fiery trials and tribulations that dog our steps, during our earth journey of building our spiritual house, so the house we build will not burn up at the Great White Throne Judgment.

I understand how my faith is a "treasure in Heaven" because in order to be stored there, it had to overcome fiery trials on the earth, victoriously.

Jesus said regarding Satan...the thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy...John 10:10. Satan works relentlessly to rob us of our faith, because he knows that without faith it is impossible to please God...Heb. 11:6. The promises of God regarding His eternal Kingdom of Heaven - the invisible realm - can only be received by faith, so this is why Paul said...fight the good fight of faith...I Tim. 6:12. 

One of the threads that will weave our Wedding Garment is faith that has been tested by fire and overcome victoriously - treasure in Heaven. I believe we are beginning to get the idea of how the Bible defines "virtuous works" on the earth, which are stored in Heaven as treasures. Virtuous works will only glorify God. If a believers' works glorify him at all, they are corrupt, so cannot be stored in Heaven as incorruptible treasures.

Why did Jesus ask the question...when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?...Matt. 18:8. Did His question ever cause you concern - it did me? Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple will follow without question...

Treasures in Heaven - Part 35 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

When we were last together I asked, "How do you receive a wedding garment?" Since I have interacted with many denominations for over forty years I have never heard this subject discussed. Those who follow my blog know that I ask a lot of questions about the doctrines of men, which causes me to delve into the scriptures for my answers - not a bad idea for everyone.

One day during my study of Isaiah I came to a sentence that peaked my curiosity...for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness...Is. 61:10. Wow...two garments...hmmm. Verse 10 goes on to say...as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.  I know Jesus is the Groom and His Church is the Bride - but - two garments?

My research began that day. It was with a new perspective that I began a fresh look at the prophetic parables of Jesus Christ - trying to erase what I had been told they say - reading what they really say.

Let me give you an example - but when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment...so he said to him...friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment? And he was speechless...Matt. 22:11-12. This man was in the wedding hall - so he was in Heaven - but he didn't have on a wedding garment, so he was kicked out...verse 13.

Before we get to the rest of this prophetic parable, we must lay the scriptural groundwork that brings understanding as to why this man is kicked out of the Wedding Hall - but he is not kicked out of Heaven.

Last week we explained that the reward that Jesus brings with Him when He returns is - Pay for Service. This means that the works, labor, or fruits of labor done by a believer while he lived on the earth will receive Jesus' reward - Pay for Service.

The Apostle Paul said...for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad...II Cor. 5:10. Paul is explaining to these believers that all the works done by them, while they live on the earth, will be exposed at the Great White Throne Judgment. - deeds of righteousness that glorified the kingdom of Heaven - or - deeds of unrighteousness that glorified the kingdom of men on the earth.

How are deeds of righteousness evaluated? The Apostle Paul explains...may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints...I Thes. 3:12-13. All deeds of righteousness done by a believer while he lives on the earth have one common denominator - LOVE.

In this text, the word love in the original Greek language is agape - the God kind of love - unconditional  - 70 x 7 kind of love...Matt. 18:21-22. In order to be blameless in holiness when we stand before Jesus Christ on Judgment Day, we must evaluate everything we think, say, or do on the earth according to the yardstick of LOVE. If we are deemed blameless on that Day - we will receive the reward that Jesus brings with Him.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal...for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also...Matt. 6:19-21.

Early in my Christian walk I asked pastors 'what are treasures that can be stored in Heaven?" I was told that my good works were treasures - serving the institutional church, teaching the Bible, helping the poor, volunteering where needed in the church, mission society or any position in the church the pastor deems necessary. I worked myself to the bone serving the church before I realized that my personal relationship - intimacy with God - went begging. My research threw brilliant light on the true meaning of "treasures in Heaven."

If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so through fire...I Cor. 3:15. After reading this scripture I was really perplexed, because it produced more questions like, "Can the works that I have been doing be burned up when I face Jesus on Judgment Day?  Horrors! What loss will be suffered if my works are burned up? I must find out while I am still on the earth!

The Apostle Paul explains...if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is...if anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward...I Cor. 3:12-14.

What happens to the house built from gold, silver, and precious stones on Judgment Day? What happens to the house built from wood, hay, and straw on Judgment Day? How does this have anything to do with treasures in Heaven? Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...



Wedding Garment - Part 34 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

When we were last together I asked you, "So what is next?" I had plans to begin an extensive study of historical documentation that will prove that Daniel's seventy-week vision has been completely fulfilled, or maybe define the symbolism of the 144,000 which will reveal the true message locked up in the numbers, but in the night I was shown that I must define the symbolism at the end of Revelation regarding the wedding garment. Why?

I helped with the petitions years ago that put on the ballot a constitutional amendment recognizing God's plan - marriage is between a man and a woman. I was outraged to hear this week how a single judge in my state overturned this referendum from the people which was voted into law by 67% of our voters.  We are no longer a government of the people, by the people, and for the people - we are ruled by the whims of one godless judge.

Many pastors, priests, bishops, and Bible teachers of mainline denominations are in agreement with this judges' power grab from the desires of the people. Many of them also question the veracity of the Bible, the virgin birth, and the divinity of Christ, and they are teaching the body of Christ their doubts and unbelief.

In my forty-plus years attending mainline churches I never heard one sermon about the wedding garment - have you? So what does the wedding garment have to do with marriage between a man and a woman?  It doesn't per se. If these religious leaders won't stand up and teach the truth that marriage is between a man and a woman, what other truth in God's word aren't they teaching?

I already know that you have not heard a thing about the very essential wedding garment, which is required attire for attending the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Why would I think this subject is so important at this time? There is so much false teaching in the church, especially regarding end-time doctrines, I am concerned that the body of Christ will not be ready when Jesus comes to get them.

While all blood-bought believers in Jesus Christ will enter Heaven, not all will be allowed to attend the wedding of the Bride and Groom. The prophetic parables of Jesus Christ explain this very clearly, but the religious leaders of all denominations are not preparing the Bride to enter the Wedding Hall.

Remember when Jesus said, behold, I am come quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work...Rev. 22:12. What is His reward that He brings with him that is inextricably connected to the work(s) of men?

In the next few blogs we will find out what is the reward and its significance, so that we will be ready to receive it when we stand before Jesus Christ at the Great White throne Judgment.

The word reward in this text in the original Greek language is misthos meaning:  pay for service. Why would Jesus pay human beings for anything? Pay for service means that Jesus will reward His Church for the works they did that glorified Him while they lived on the earth. The work(s), labor, or fruits of labor produced by a believer in Jesus Christ while he lived on the earth, will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?...If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which you are...I Cor. 3:16-17.  The Apostle Paul explains clearly to the Corinthians that a believer in Christ becomes the temple - house - of God, where the Holy Spirit resides.

The word defiles in this text in the original Greek language is phthio meaning:  to pine, languish, or waste. God sent the Holy Spirit to reside within the spirit of a born-again human being to help him walk in holiness, on his earthly journey. But He put a believer in charge of his own temple. The believer has been given the freedom to build his temple - house - with any material he chooses.

He can choose to allow his house to become defiled, filled with the cobwebs of worldly pleasures and every entanglement and snare of the devil. These carnal works of the flesh will cause him to pine away in guilt and regrets, continually striving for fame and fortune, while wasting the talents that God gave him at his conception - all treasures of the world.

The work(s) accomplished by this believer while he was on the earth, will be found not worthy to be accepted by Jesus Christ on Judgment Day. The house - works - this believer built on the foundation of salvation, will burn up at the Great White Throne Judgment - if anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. While the house this believer built burns down to the foundation of salvation, he will be allowed into Heaven because he is wearing the garment of salvation. But he will not be allowed in the wedding hall where the marriage takes place - he needs a wedding garment. 

How do you receive a wedding garment? Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...




 

False Prophet - Part 33 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

The great religions of the world and their apostasy is clearly defined in the Revelation through riddles, metaphorical language and esoteric imagery. Once we define the mysterious language the riddle is solved, and the message appears clearly and decisively. Jesus Christ desired that we understand who is our enemy, so that we could be prepared to stand without faltering, despite suffering persecution, and even martyrdom for His cause.

Jesus devoted an exceptional amount of space in the Revelation to describe the Locust Army, because He wants us to know who they are, where they will rule and how to awaken people to their devious plans and purposes to destroy all who will not 'bow the knee' to their moon god. Jesus knew the Locust Army would eventually become over a billon strong, and through intimidation, violence and murder would seek to eliminate all Christians and Jews.

Chapter 16 of Revelation correlates with chapter 9 because it gives more details regarding the invasion of the Locust Army after God allowed them to infiltrate the governments of the developed world. This chapter describes the bowl judgments - wrath of God - poured out onto an immoral and idolatrous world. Throughout the Bible, God used His enemies to chastise His kids.

Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared...Rev. 16:12. The sixth angel poured out his judgment on the river Euphrates, causing it to dry up, symbolizing that God has permitted the Locust Army - kings - to take their terror across the planet, no longer confined in the east.

God had confined this virulent false religious doctrine to the river Euphrates territory for centuries, but during the bowl judgments He is giving them permission to infect the whole world. This is His judgment on the gross and blatant sins of His Church in the twenty-first century.

And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet...Rev. 16:13. Who is the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet? This is a riddle - but solvable.

Dragon - symbolizes Satan in scripture - power and authority behind all false religious doctrines of demons on planet earth. Beast - symbolizes a kingdom or empire - political governing system. False prophet - the leader of the Locust Army - political governing system of this virulent false religious doctrine that is spreading like wild fire in every nation of the earth. They call themselves - religion of peace, - while lobbing of the heads of thousands of resisters to their doctrine of demons.

Frog Symbolism - The unclean spirits coming out of the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet are depicted as frogs. To understand this symbolism more clearly we must look at the habit of frogs in nature. In the natural world when flood waters recede, marshes are created. It is in these marshes where frogs are spawned. As they mature, they eventually leave the marshes to invade dry ground.

The false religious political government that was 'spawned' in the geographical area of the river Euphrates, out of the depraved, revengeful imaginations of one man - the Prophet - is now being spread across the planet by the Locust Army...Rev. 9:3-10.

The metaphorical frog symbolism explains the proliferation of the Locust Army, during the events of the sixth bowl judgments. Metaphorically, the river Euphrates dries up, leaving dry ground for the kings of the east to travel across the globe and invade more nations with their violent false religious doctrine.

For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of the great day of the almighty...Rev. 16:14. The power source of the kings is the spirits of demons and their father is Satan, symbolized by the dragon.

The dragon, the beast, and the false prophet gather them to the battle of the great day of the almighty. What does this symbolize?  The Globalist leaders of developed nations have allowed the Prophet and his Locust army to settle in their countries, without requiring assimilation. As they grow bigger and stronger - a nation within a nation - the Locust Army now demands their religious rights. Empowered and embolden with preference from government leaders, they now have the audacity to believe they can quash Christianity - battle against Jesus Christ.

The Globalists are working toward a one-world central government, by destroying the sovereignty of all nations, so they have permitted the Locust Army to chase down, subdue, and force toadies of the world to submit to their whims and fantasies - or die. The Globalists have engaged an army that is so enraged with religious zeal and the righteous purpose of their Prophet, that they have no conscience regarding the horror they are inflicting on human beings who are made in the image of God.

So what is next?  Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...



King of Religious Jungle - Part 32 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

Revelation chapter 9 is full of symbolism that describes the Locust Army who has been on the planet since the 7th century. The last few blogs have been devoted to defining the symbolism which has already unlocked their identity - but there is much more in this chapter that details their character and purpose, leaving no doubt who is the past and current enemy of, not just Christians and Jews, but all human beings who refuse to "bow the knee" to their god.

Let's begin with verse 19...for the power is in their mouth, and in their tails; for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. To understand this symbolism we must go back to the Garden of Eden where a serpent spoke to Eve with seductive equivocal words - obviously believable since she doubted the warnings of her Creator.

Eve was so enchanted by the logical words from the serpents' mouth, she believed his poisonous lies. The prophet that lies is the tail. We already know that the serpent in the Garden of Eden symbolized Satan - and we already know that the Locust Army originated from the bottomless pit - Satan's home. The serpents in this verse symbolize the Locust Army.

Verse 17 says...and thus I saw the horses in the vision and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone; and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

Describing the heads of the battle horses as heads of lions, defines the Locust Army as ferocious, with unrelenting determination to prove to the whole world that they are the King of the Religious Jungle, just as in the natural world the lion is hailed as king of the jungle.

Them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire reveals there are riders on the battle horses, an invincible foe, with the purpose of burning up (destroying) anyone or anything that attempts to prevent their worldwide take-over. The colors of the breastplate symbolize the weapons this religious army will use to kill resisters. These weapons are words because the text says...out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

1.   Fire (jacinth) - reddish orange. This weapon reveals the Locust Army will consume their victims with hate-filled, intimidating, and threatening words using the media as their lap dogs. They will gradually infiltrate the governing bodies of every nation, obtaining influential positions, while buying shares of television and radio networks in developed countries in order to curry favor for their cause. Look around - this has already come to pass in 2014.

2.  Smoke - blue.  Smoke symbolizes false religious doctrines, originating from the bottomless pit the birthplace of the Locust Army. Out of their mouths they will spew the false religious doctrine of their Prophet, while condemning all other religions. They have already propagandized that Jesus Christ, someday, will bow His knee to their Prophet recognizing him as the one true god.

3.  Brimstone (sulfur) - yellow.  Brimstone coming our of the mouth of the Locust Army symbolizes judgment - God's judgment on the sins of His people who have surrendered their allegiance to other gods. - fame and fortune. God is allowing the Locust Army to torment and intimidate the citizens of the world, causing grievous pain and death, through their relentless propaganda of demanding spiritual, mental and physical submission to their violent and murderous Prophet. If God's Church suffers from the results of their many sins - will they repent and turn back to Him? Hopefully...

The Globalist leaders of the developed nations of the world have not only embraced multiculturalism, but forced it down the throats of their submissive citizens. By doing so, they gave the green light to the warriors of the Locust Army, who are now moving fast and furiously across the planet, forcing their doctrine of demons into public schools and all governments, where their offensive doctrine will do more damage and devour more humanity quickly. READER BEWARE - the Locust Army is gaining a foothold in 2014 because of Globalism.

Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared...and I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet...for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of the great day of God almighty...Revelation 16:12-14.

This text describes when God released the Locust Army to infiltrate every nation on the planet. It seems like a riddle at first glance, but the esoteric imagery is easy to identify. Who does the dragon, beast and false prophet symbolize?  Frogs are unclean spirits, but what else do they symbolize? Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...



Iniquities of Believers - Part 31 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

As we proceed in our study of Revelation chapter 9, we will see that the grief imposed by the Locust Army will no longer be contained in the countries surrounding the Euphrates River.  Then the sixth angel sounded:  And heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates." verses 13-14.

Horns symbolize seat of power. Multiple horns symbolize that greater authority and power will be released during the 6th trumpet blast. The number four symbolizes there will be a change in the heavens or the earth. Horns of the golden altar of God in Heaven symbolize that what is coming upon the earth through the hands of the Locust Army is approved and permitted by the Creator, who resides in Heaven.

Because the iniquities (paganism) of believers have separated them from God, who will do anything to bring them back to intimacy with Him, He has no choice but to allow the consequences of their sins to befall them. The sins of God's Church (believers) have allowed the siege of the Locust Army to tramp across the planet into developed "Christian" nations.

During this time of severe violence and cruelty, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ must run to Him for refuge and surrender their total allegiance to Him. Repentance allows God to protect His kids, while granting them wisdom in facing this violent enemy of Jesus Christ.

So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind...verse 15. A third symbolizes divine judgment. The angels are permitted to release the Locust Army across the whole planet to infect the whole world with their false religious doctrine - sting of the scorpion.

By the time in history when this prophecy was ready to begin its fulfillment, the Locust Army had already developed into a ferocious formidable foe - great enough in numbers, wealth, and commerce - to be a persuasive and influential force of competition with other empires of the world -- oil.

The Euphrates River is 1,780 miles long connecting many of the mid-eastern countries. It flowed through the ancient city of Babylon -- idolatry center of the world. The origin of the doctrine of the licentious Locust Army has its roots planted deeply in this ancient occult region of the world, where the Babylonians worshiped false gods - rejecting the true God - I AM.

And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand...verse 16. The Greek word for thousand in this text is murias meaning:  myriad; thousands upon thousands; or indefinite number. Even the translator is unsure of the true meaning of the original language. Since we don't have a literal calculation of this migratory army of religious zealots, we can understand why they are symbolized by the locust insect - an innumerable destroying force.

And thus I saw the horses in the vision and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone; and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone - by these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths - for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt...verses 17-19.

When Jesus Christ appeared to John describing the Locust Army, He provided so much detail as to their identity - but only if the symbolism is defined can we see clearly and understand the message. In these three verses we must take our time to delineate the information packed into the symbolism.

The characteristics of the Locust Army revealed in the symbolism, distinguishes them from all other armies on the earth, while describing their ferocity after they were released to infiltrate every nation of the world with their sinister false religious doctrine, implemented by lies, intimidation and force.

What does fire, brimstone and smoke symbolize? Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...



Fate of Locust Army - Part 30 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

The messages and warnings of Revelation are locked up in the symbols, metaphors, idioms and esoteric imagery. Once these are defined voila your understanding is clear and precise. It seems that when Jesus shared the visions of Revelation chapters 9 and 16, which correlate, He wanted to make sure we understood the nature of this false religious empire, because He described them with profound detail.

When we were last together we read that the Locust Army was commanded not to harm (hurt) the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree...Rev. 9:4. The word hurt means:  to be unjust. The Locust Army could not treat unjustly those people that had the seal of God on their foreheads. What does this mean?

In the countries of the territory of the Euphrates River, the violent religious doctrine that produced the Locust Army, has ruled through the kings of these countries. For centuries they have murdered or enslaved Christians with impunity.

But, in countries where a different religious doctrine ruled, the Locust Army was prevented from establishing their superiority, by God. In these other countries across the planet, the Locust Army could not hurt anyone with the seal of God on their foreheads. This symbolism describes people who have surrendered their allegiance to Jesus Christ. These people influenced the governments of the other countries, preventing infiltration by the Locust Army. These people could not be hurt by the Locust army. 

At the genesis of this religious empire in the seventh century, there were geographical limitations placed on their progress, by God. The birth place of the Locust Army was the region of the Euphrates River. For centuries the Locust Army would only be allowed to torment and subdue the citizens of this region.

The seven churches of Revelation were real churches established by the disciples of Jesus Christ in the area of the Euphrates River - modern Turkey. The cities in this territory, where the first Christian churches were established, were pagan societies. Christianity thrived by sharing that the only way to Heaven was through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 

Sadly, in time, the church of Jesus Christ became enticed by the magical arts of paganism, and the fervor of true Christianity grew dim, precipitating the rise of the Locust Army empire in the 7th century. 

In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them - Rev. 9:6 - describes the overwhelming hopelessness this false religious empire imposes on its followers. Those who surrender their allegiance to this false religious empire lose their identity, personal desires, motivation, and freedom to the suffocating power and authority of the Prophet of the Locust Army.

The number seven - 7th century - symbolizes God's perfection and completeness. So the birth of this false religious empire reveals to us that God has permitted their presence on the earth, and has allowed them to flourish.  God has been using the Locust Army as a refiner's fire revealing the sins of His wayward church, who have turned to paganism. By knowing the identity of the enemy, this understanding will prepare the true church of God for a victorious battle.

The fate of the Locust Army is not unlike the fate of Pharaoh's army long ago in the land of Egypt, who drowned in the Red Sea after pursuing Moses, and the Israelites he released from slavery. When God finished using the idolatrous Egyptian empire to refine His kids by trials and tribulations, He allowed their army to go down the same disastrous path of death that they had designed for the Israelites.

It will be no different for the idolatrous false religious Locust Army and their Prophet. When God is finished using this vicious and violent Locust Army to purge paganism from His church, then He will allow them to go down the disastrous path they had designed for God's kids. God is always in control of His universe, so fear not - He is always on time.

There is much more that Revelation chapter 9 has to tell us about the Locust Army when He allows them to leave the territory of the Euphrates, and advance across the planet...stay tuned.

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...

 



Locust Identity Continues - Part 29 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

When we were last together I began to identify the Locust Army in Revelation Chapter 9 who came out of the bottomless pit - Hell. Please follow along in this chapter. When we left off in our discovery of their identity, verse 8 said they had teeth like lions' teeth. This description symbolizes ferocity. A lion is King of the Jungle - ripping apart its victims with sharp piercing teeth.

The Locust Army claims to be King of the Religious Jungle. As a lion with its prey, they are relentless in using 'sharp weapons' like machetes to cut of the body parts of their victims with ferocity - fulfilling the blood-lust of their god. Jesus went into great detail describing the Locust Army with easy to understand symbolism, so that we will clearly know our enemy.

The Locust Army has breastplates like breastplates of iron...verse 9. An iron breastplate symbolizes presumed invincibility and readiness for battle, revealing their arrogance in purpose.

Verse 9 goes on to say, the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle.  The metaphor sound of their wings symbolizes their unshakable proclamation that they are high above all other religions.  Their vociferous public claims to take over the world, along with their intensity and determination to win the battle is symbolized by the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle.

Verse 10 describes the Locust Army as having tails like scorpions and there were stings in their tails. This symbolizes a wicked and poisonous religious doctrine that overwhelms - pierces the soul - of its victims. Satan is the author of this venomous - scorpion sting - religious doctrine because he is the one who released it upon the earth from the smoke in the bottomless pit. Smoke symbolizes clandestine and nefarious false religious doctrines.

The leader of the Locust Army is called the Prophet...Rev. 16:12-14. More on this later. The prophet Isaiah said, the prophet that lies, he is the tail...Is. 9:15. Since the Locust Army was spawned out of the bottomless pit, their leader, the Prophet, is also from this origin. The Prophet that lies - he is the tail of the scorpion that stings his victims - spiritual death - with a poisonous religious doctrine.

But be of good cheer, Jesus said, Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you...Luke 10:19. Serpents and scorpions symbolize Satan and his demons. As a whole, the modern church has not exercised her authority in the Name of Jesus, but rather has cowered in the Name of Political Correctness and Tolerance, and has allowed this enemy into their governments and schools - worldwide...woe unto us.

By now we understand that the Locust Army - false religious empire - has its roots sunk deeply in the pit of Hell. They have been given permission by God, to poison people with their doctrine of demons. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months...verse 5.

The number 5 symbolizes incomplete. This definition tells us that the Locust Army will not be allowed to subdue and conquer all the citizens of the world - though they loudly proclaim their victory in advance. But their dangerous religious doctrine has already infiltrated every country of the world, in their frenzied attempt the take over every government.

The Locust Army - were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree.... Since this is prophetic symbolism many metaphors are used to describe the activities of this enemy of the righteousness of Jesus, and His followers of righteousness.

The word tree in prophecy describes a human being. The symbolism for any green thing describes fertility - prosperity,  growth of finances, material possessions or properties. Grass symbolizes the frailty or vulnerability of the human flesh.

The Locust Army was commanded not to harm (hurt) the grass, any green thing, or any tree - but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads...verse 4. We can conclude that Locust Army is allowed to hurt the grass, any green thing, or any tree - all men - except those who have the seal of God on their foreheads. What is the seal of God?

The word hurt (harm) in this sentence in the original Greek languages is adikeo meaning: to be unjust. This particular designation in this text seems to zero in on countries where the Locust Army is not ruling at this time.  Why do I say this? For the answer to these two questions...stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...



Locust Identified - Part 28 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

 

Keep in mind as we study Revelation that historical documentation proves that a majority of the prophecy has been fulfilled which makes it easy it identify the symbolism. Chapter 9 of Revelation began to be fulfilled in the seventh century, but is still in the process of fulfillment in the 21st century. Chapter 16 of Revelation describes the advancement of the locust army in modern times...more on that later.

 

When we were last together we began to identify the Locust in chapter 9 of Revelation - then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. To understand the metaphorical symbolism we looked at the characteristics of the natural insect. This week we will see why the natural insect was used to symbolize the human army that arises out of the bottomless pit with their violent false religious doctrine.

 

This locust army was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. As with the locust insect, the locust army is a specific migratory group of people who travel in mobs, subduing their prey like a warring army, leaving a trail of devastation and death. This army is too numerous to count; attacks with ferocity - overwhelms and subdues its victims with a vengeance - maims or murders his victim, leaving few alive. Like the poison from a scorpion sting, the venom of their false religious doctrine (smoke), will spiritually poison countless millions of human beings over the centuries - beginning in the seventh century.

 

The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle...verse 7. In ancient tines a battle horse had to be ferocious, swift and determined - always ready to fight and make war. Battle warriors rode battle horses - an apt description of the symbolism for the locust army in our study.

 

On their heads were crowns of something like gold. This symbolism is an especially revealing clue in identifying the locust army. Crowns in scripture symbolize royalty - kings and priests - those who rule over kingdoms or empires. A king rules a nation, kingdom or empire, while a priest rules over the religious needs of the nation or empire.

 

The color of the crowns on the heads of the locust army is described as something like gold. Isn't this an intriguing description, as well as a bit perplexing? By describing their crowns as something like gold symbolizes that their empire is an imitation, deliberately deceptive - it is illegitimate - according to Jesus Christ who imparted this vision to John.  How do I know this?

 

The locusts were birthed from the smoke - wicked religious doctrine - that was released from the bottomless pit, so they are possessed and empowered by Satan and his demons -- serpents & scorpions. Satan was given the key, by God, to the bottomless pit, releasing this wicked religious doctrine upon the people of the earth.

 

In Revelation we see Jesus described as having on His head a golden crown...Rev. 14:14. The crown Jesus wears is the real deal - no imitation here!!

 

Their faces were like the faces of men...verse 7. These zealous religious warriors - locust army - have faces like men symbolizing they are a sovereign people who rule over a kingdom or empire.

 

They had hair like women's hair...verse 8. This symbolism could be a bit mystifying if we didn't have historical documentation to help us understand its meaning. In uncivilized cultures of past centuries, brutal and barbaric warrior men proudly wore long hair, like women, as a mark of their fierce savagery, who allowed no hindrance to fulfilling their natural human appetites -- unchecked lustful passions.

 

Some of these warriors wore skirts or tunics, and no one dared to challenge their authority, but rather cringed in fear. These ruthless warriors subdued and ruled over the people by fear of the onerous consequences. The locust army, in the 7th through the 21st centuries, exhibits the characteristics of these ancient warriors - brutal and barbaric passions - subduing and ruling their subjects by fear of onerous consequences. Beheading infidels falls into onerous consequences.

 

By now you know who symbolizes the locust army, but they have teeth like lions teeth. Do you know what this symbolizes? Stay tuned...

 

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...

 

 

 

 

 





Locust Army (2) - Part 27 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

When we were last together I hinted at the identity of the Locust that were spewed upon the earth from the bottomless pit after the 5th angel sounded his trumpet in Revelation chapter 9. Remember, once we define the symbolism, the message within it is revealed. Once the message is understood, we can find where this prophecy has already been fulfilled, or is in the process.

And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of Heaven, saying with a loud voice, "Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound...Rev. 8:13. The word woe is an exclamation of grief. Since it is expressed loudly three times, we must pay close attention to the symbolism in the next trumpet warnings. because they define the Locust and their purpose on the earth.

Within the sound of the 5th & 6th trumpet warnings, there is a sure and menacing darkness about to cover the whole world, bringing frightful doom and gloom to all the inhabitants of the earth. The subject of these ominous warnings - Locust - begins to manifest in the midst of the rule of the Holy Roman Empire, but is contained at the point of origin for centuries - the Euphrates River.

Then the fifth angel sounded:  and I saw a star fallen from Heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit...and he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit...Rev. 9:1-2.

The star in this text symbolizes Satan. Jesus said, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from Heaven...Luke 10:18. By this statement Jesus revealed that the power of death that Satan held over God's people, would be broken when He arose from the dead.  The fifth angel reveals Satan losing his power, but it also says he was given the key to the bottomless pit - otherwise known as Hell. Since Satan didn't need a key to his home in the past, the key must have symbolic meaning.

The key symbolizes a specific evil that has been contained in the bottomless pit until after Jesus rose from the dead. Satan's revenge against God will be exercised against God's kids when he releases from the bottomless pit, nefarious and vile religious doctrines - abominable and wicked - twisting and perverting the gospel of Jesus Christ The 5th angels warning is an imminent and portentous pronouncement.

When Satan opened the bottomless pit, a hot suffocating smoke burst out, quickly permeating the atmosphere. Smoke symbolizes lies, heresies, evil inclinations, doctrines of demons - Satan's machinations against mankind.

The sun and air were darkened by the smoke that arose from the great furnace of fire from the bottomless pit.  Sun symbolizes government power and authority, such as kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers - rulers over people. Air symbolizes religious power and authority, such as, priests, pastors, and bishops, all those who claim spiritual authority over people. The sun and air  will be insidiously infiltrated and influenced by the smoke released by Satan.

The secular government and religious authorities will have their hearts and minds darkened, by the false religious doctrines of the ominous and malevolent demons released by Satan upon the earth. We have already studied the 1000-year reign of false religious doctrines under the rule of the Holy Roman Empire - but - there's more...much more.

Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power...Rev. 9:3. Before we can define the metaphorical locusts, we must define the literal insect to see if there are parallel characteristics. 

The locust insects are known to congregate in hordes, too many to count. They are migratory and travel in large swarms, subduing vegetation with a vengeance. Since they leave a trail of death and devastation when they swarm an area, little vegetation survives.

As you read further in Revelation chapter 9 you will find that the locusts symbolize men on horses for battle - an army. Have you figured out yet who the locust symbolize?  Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...



Locust Army - Part 26 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

This is our fourth and final segment on the identity of the Man of Sin...Son of Perdition...Lawless One - revealing how the Apostle Paul's prophecy on this subject was completely fulfilled during the 1000-year reign of the Holy Roman Empire...II Thes. 2:1-12.

When we were last together I asked if you knew what Paul meant when he said, that when the lawless one is revealed he will be destroyed...with the brightness of His coming...II Thes. 2:8.  Martin Luther ripped away the blanket of deception, revealing the Man of Sin, who controlled the Holy Roman empire, by publicly exposing his antichrist activities.

This apostate religious empire truly violated God's commandment to walk in His righteousness as leaders of His flock. Instead of teaching that a believer in Jesus Christ becomes the temple (residence) of God, the Pope became the temple of God. Their followers were required to worship an antichrist in a man-made temple of God. Only the leadership had access to the scriptures, which was imperative to preserve their lies.

In 1522 Martin Luther printed a Bible for the common man to read the truth about salvation. In this Bible Luther had pictures. On the head of the woman sitting on the scarlet beast, he drew the papal tiara, indicting that this vision was fulfilled by the paganism of the Man of Sin, who ruled the Holy Roman Empire...Rev. 17:3

When the people read for themselves that they had been taught a counterfeit Christianity, they bolted from the empire. There was a mass exodus of millions of people, all over the world, stampeding out of the Dark Ages of false religious doctrines, because of the brightness of His coming to the people who had never heard that salvation was a free gift from God.

The light of God's truth exposed the dark doctrines of demons that had led men away from Jesus Christ. When light is shed upon darkness, the darkness - Man of Sin - is taken out of the way, just as Paul predicted...II Thes. 2:7. The great Reformation advanced because the truth preached by God's faithful servants repudiated the lies, superstitions, tyranny, and terror that had ruled spiritually ignorant men during the Dark Ages.

The Man of Sin exalted himself above all that is called God, becoming God on Earth to the citizens of the Holy Roman Empire, who were required to worship him. By the preaching of the true gospel of salvation during the great Reformation, the Man of Sin was...consumed with the breath of His mouth and destroyed with the brightness of His coming. The light of God's truth had come to the people living in the darkness of a false religious doctrine.

The new believers in Christ were called Protestants - protesters of false religious doctrines - and established their own churches free from the rule of the Holy Roman Empire. Because people were reading the Bible, they were accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior and sharing this truth with others, causing this movement to spread like wildfire across the globe

Revival broke out everywhere and nothing could contain it. The eventual collapse of this empire was inevitable, as the Man of Sin gradually lost his power and influence. Through the mighty Reformation, Paganism was crushed for a period of time, as people across the planet reveled in their new-found joy of the Lord and His salvation. The seventh head (empire) of the seven-headed beast was now defeated. 

It took about three centuries for the church to divide into many denominations, causing them to return to familiar rituals and ceremonies - works of the flesh - for salvation. The passionate fires of the Reformation, and subsequent Great Awakening, was eventually reduced to mere embers.  Because of this, Paganism reared its ugly head again, precipitating the rise of the Eighth Beast, who is ruling every government on planet earth in the 21st century.

While I described the Eighth Beast in Part 7 of this study, there is more about the works of this beast, and who it is using as its 'muscle' to subdue and/or eliminate global citizens. As we proceed, I will define the esoteric imagery and symbolism used to reveal who the 8th beast is using to cause the global citizens to submit to its power and authority - or die!

Who are the Locusts from the Bottomless pit in Revelation chapter 9?  Hint:  they are a violent and vicious army.  How does the Locust Army correlate with the dragon, beast, and false prophet of the river Euphrates territory in Revelation chapter 16?   Hint:  a revered prophets' false religious doctrine originated in the territory of the river Euphrates. Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...