Introduction
This portion of the prophecy depicts a time when the nations once again
support the Papacy. Revelation 17, part II (of this study) revealed the influence of Papal
Rome upon the European Union. During the 1990’s, the European Economic Community
became the catalyst resulting in a union of 135 nations directly associated with the World
Trade Organization. Today this world federation of trade is recognized as the most
powerful organization on earth.
Revelation 17
Part III
Revelation 17:15 describes such a worldwide support base.
Rev. 17:15: "And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues."
"Peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues" support this apostate religio-political system. Daniel the prophet foretold the final movements of this great world confederation of civil and religious power.
Daniel 11:40: "And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over."
Daniel 11, verses 40 and onward, contains two main equations; the "king of the north" and the "king of the south." A positive identification of these powers reveals a striking picture of the final movements of the Papacy. Daniel 11 is a further interpretation and clarification of Daniel 7 and Daniel 8. In each of these chapters, the succession of world powers is consistent. The final power brought to view in chapters 7 and 8 is Papal Rome; the final power represented in Daniel 11 as "the king of the north" is also Papal Rome.
Reviewing briefly the study of Daniel 11:40-43: "At the time of the end" (1798) a deadly wound was inflicted on the "king of the north" (papacy) by the "king of the south" (atheism). The second part of the verse says the king of the north (papacy) would revive and cause the demise of the king of the south (atheism). In this conquest he would engage "chariots, and…horsemen, and…many ships" (depicting military and economic might). In a secret alliance, the papacy and the United States engineered and caused the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. (See commentary and documentation in the study of Daniel 11, verses 40-43.)
Daniel 11:42: "He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape."
In a sudden revival of power Papal Rome would exercise influence over the nations and specifically "the land of Egypt." In the symbolisms of Daniel 11, Egypt is synonymous with atheism. The king of the north (papacy) would be responsible for the fall of atheism as a world power. Verse 43 tells the method that he would use to do so.
Daniel 11:43: "But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps."
Through his "power over the treasures of gold and of silver" he would exercise economic control. The new "golden rule:" The fellow with the gold rules.
Italicized words in the Bible indicate that the translators to clarify the verse added words. If a word could be added to give this verse a clearer meaning it would be (even) "the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps." Literally, they will be "following in his train" (Moffatt). In ancient times the Libyans and the Ethiopians represented the farthest reaches of the civilized world. In the final bonding of world powers, every nation "shall be at his (papacy) steps." Rev. 14:8 and Rev. 18:3 state that "all nations" will participate.
Daniel 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."
Some translations render: "to destroy and annihilate many."
In this chapter, we are living between verse 43 and verse 44. The next thing to take place is the "tidings out of the east" that troubles the "king of the north" (papacy). The tidings come just as the worldwide support of the nations is achieved and bring about a sudden turn of events.
Throughout Scripture light and truth are depicted as coming from the east. Christ’s coming is described as lightning that "cometh out of the east" (Matt. 24:27). In Revelation 7: 2-4, John saw an angel "ascending from the east" to seal the 144,000 in their foreheads. The "tidings" that "trouble" the papacy is the final proclamation of the gospel attended by the unparalleled power described in Revelation 18. This is the final call to the world to separate from apostate religion. It lays bare Satan’s plans to deceive the world and triggers the opening gun in the final battle against the followers of God who "keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" Rev. 12:17.
Note the sequence of events outlined in verse 44:
In the second chapter of Matthew, is a close parallel of events surrounding Christ’s first coming.
Matthew 2:1 "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men form the east to Jerusalem."
Rome was in power when Christ came to earth at His birth. Rome will be in power when Christ returns the second time.
Matthew 2:2: "Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
Tidings of his birth originated "in the east." Likewise the tidings in Daniel 11:44, came "out of the east." (That was the first step.)
Matthew 2:3: "When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him."
That was the second step in Daniel 11:44. Tidings from the east "shall trouble him."
Matthew 2:9: "When they had heard the king, they departed; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was."
They continued to be guided by the star of the east until it led them to Jesus.
Matthew 2:12: "And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way."
Matthew 2:13 (Last part): "for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."
The same three steps are described here as in Daniel 11:44.
Revelation 18 proclaims the "tidings" of Daniel 11:44 and what they accomplish.
Revelation 18:1, 2: "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird."
Do you see why this is called the loud cry? The angel had "great power" and "cried mightily with a strong voice" that enlightened the entire world with the message, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen."
There is a similar global message given by another angel in Revelation the 14th chapter.
Revelation 14:6: "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."
Revelation 14:7: "Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
This is the judgement foretold in Daniel 7:9-14. The continued prophecy of Daniel 8 and 9 establishes the beginning of the judgement at the close of the 2300 day/year prophecy of Daniel 8:14. The judgement hour message began to be proclaimed "with a loud voice" in the fall of 1844.
This is a universal message calling the inhabitants of the earth back to the worship of the true God. The angel appeals to the authority ascribed to God as creator of the universe who stands alone as worthy of worship. In basing God’s authority and worthiness of worship upon His creator-ship, man’s attention is directed to the seventh-day Sabbath as the great memorial and perpetual reminder of His creator-ship, power, and ownership (Ex. 20:11). This message is given with power in preparation for the final test when all must choose to worship God or worship the beast and his image. God is now preparing a people from among all nations to stand for Him.
Revelation 14:8 "And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
How did this angel say it? He didn’t say it loudly and he didn’t say it softly. He just said it. This second angel’s message of Babylon’s fall also attends the judgment hour message, but reaches its apex of power when the nations once again support the papacy. In Revelation 18:2 the angel "cried mightily with a strong voice" declaring that "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen."
When Protestantism sets aside the word of God as the only safe guide and through legislation "causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship" the papal beast (Rev. 13:12), Babylon’s fall will be complete. It is then that the mighty power of this angel’s message will be felt; alarming the papacy and her supporters causing them to make open war upon all who expose her false teachings. These are the "tidings" which "shall trouble him" (Dan. 11:44).
Revelation 18:3: "For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies."
This is a worldwide influence, "for all nations have drunk of the wine…of her fornication (false teachings). The kings of the earth (world leaders) have committed (spiritual) fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth (business men) are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies" (global trade conceived by her).
In 1994 enormous prosperity was promised to the nations signing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). It was estimated that by joining, one trillion dollars would be deposited into the United States’ coffers during the 1990’s. During that decade the longest running and most profitable economic expansion in the history of the United States of America was experienced. "The merchants of the earth are waxed rich." Preceding the coming of Jesus there will be bright, but elusive dreams of prosperity.
Throughout scripture prosperity is often depicted before disaster and pride before the fall (Proverbs 16:18).
Revelation 18:8-11 depicts sudden world wide economic panic. Verse 8 describes the fate of modern (spiritual) Babylon.
Revelation 18:8: "Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her."
Revelation 18:9: "And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,"
The "kings of the earth" enjoying prosperity with this apostate power in verse 3 are the same "kings of the earth" lamenting her in verse 9.
Revelation 18:10: "Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come."
Why are they saying "alas, alas?" Because they (world leaders) have been promised all good if they participate to drink from Babylon’s spiritual cup and they have been promised all harm if they refuse. Suddenly they realize the day of salvation is past and their doom is bound with hers. There is no way to escape. "And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more" (Rev. 18:11). The inhabitants of earth realize that the merchandise of false religion and promise of prosperity were not the answer to this world’s problems. They have been led to spiritual and physical ruin. It is a time of awful awakening.
Just as God called His people out of the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah before their destruction (Gen. 18; 19:22,24), He is also calling His people today to separate from spiritual Babylon before the destruction of the world. "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues" (Rev. 18:4). It is evident that many of God’s true followers are in this apostate system today because they are being called out. The invitation is beautifully in expressed in Rev. 22:17. Empowered by the Holy Spirit and the beckoning of the bride this is the final call recorded in Scripture. It is being extended today and reaches the fullest extent of power as the mark of the beast is enforced. (See Rev. 13, part 2.)
Revelation 16 continues with the final bonding of nations. The plagues outlined in these verses are a close parallel to the ten plagues that fell on Egypt when Pharaoh refused to let God’s people go (Exodus chapters 7-12). Of those ten, the seven [last] plagues fell only upon the Egyptians. Likewise, none of the seven last plagues of Revelation 16 fall upon God’s people. At this point God’s true followers have answered His call and have separated from spiritual Babylon. For each plague there is a special promise for the people of God.
Revelation 16:12 "And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared."
In ancient times Cyrus marched the armies of the Medes and Persians outside the city of Babylon and physically damned up the River Euphrates, diverting its contents, thus precipitating the fall of Babylon (See study on Daniel 7:39). "And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up." This is a type and anti-type of the fall of ancient literal Babylon and the fall of modern spiritual Babylon.
Having experienced five of the seven last plagues, there appears to be serious misgivings among the inhabitants of the world concerning a one world religious and political union. In Revelation 17:15, "waters" represents "peoples…and nations…and tongues." The drying up of "the great river Euphrates" indicates that the people who once supported this great apostate system begin to dissipate "that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared."
According to Revelation 19, the "way" is being "prepared" for Jesus and the armies of accompanying heavenly hosts. Depicted here as "the kings of the east," they represent the sum total of all light, truth and power.
Rev. 19:11: "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war."
Rev. 19:12: "His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself."
Rev. 19:13: "And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God."
Rev. 19:14: "And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean."
Rev. 19:15: "And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."
This is a side of the kingship of Christ the nations haven’t yet experienced. Mankind has only known the loving, forgiving Jesus during the day of salvation. There will come a time when the nations will no longer have an opportunity to accept what Christ has to offer (Rev. 22:11). At this point "he shall rule them with a rod of iron." Revelation 12:5 foretells that Jesus was the "man child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron." (Events depicted in Rev. 19:11-21 are a fulfillment of Revelation 12:5.)
Revelation 16:13: "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."
Under Satan’s influence, the powers responsible for promoting religious and political union remain determined to succeed.
For everything God has made, Satan has made a counterfeit. The Godhead is a Trinity of truth and light. These "three unclean spirits" describe Satan’s trinity of power and error. Today there are three powers at work confederating the world under one religious and political banner. These can easily be identified from the study thus far.
This false prophet:
A parallel text is found in Revelation 13:13, 14: "And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live."
The beast of this passage is the one with "two horns like a lamb" previously identified as Protestant America that:
The false prophet of Revelation 19 and the beast with lamb-like horns of Revelation 13 (Protestant America) are the same identity. Each was responsible for deceiving those who received the mark of the beast by the means of those miracles which they had power to do "before" and "in the sight of" the beast. America is a Protestant nation, founded upon the principles of church and state separation. In this passage, Protestantism is no longer "protesting," but actually "promoting" worship of the papal beast. Therefore, the false prophet is APOSTATE PROTESTANTISM!
These three powers, spiritualism, the papal beast, and apostate Protestantism are the means Satan uses to confederate the world into one religious and political union. The very powers prominent in the world today!
Revelation 16:14: "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."
Note that "the kings of the earth and of the whole world" are in contrast, in opposition to, and at war with "the kings of the east."
Revelation 16:15: "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."
This is a parallel text to Rev. 13:9 and cautions us now, before the battle, to stay alert and keep fully clothed with the gospel light. Now is the time to accept Christ’s righteousness by faith. There will be no time for preparation on the day of battle. We must not wait to see how the battle goes before we decide upon whose side we will be.
The angel relating the vision to John emphasizes this point by saying, "behold I come as a thief." With all these events described in detail and in chronological order, how could Jesus possibly come as a thief? Further study revels that Jesus’ coming will be as a thief to those not ready. This thought is brought out clearly in first Thessalonians, the fifth chapter.
1 Thessalonians 5:1: "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
1 Thessalonians 5:2: "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night."
Surface readers of this text conclude that it is not for us to know the "times and seasons," that the coming of Jesus will be "as a thief in the night." They reason that the all-important factor is one’s relationship. All agree that the perfect relationship with Jesus Christ is the saving factor when that relationship produces faith, obedience and trust. Scripture indicates that "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" Romans 10:17. The apostle Peter confirms that "we have also a more sure word of prophecy" to which we should "take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts" 2 Peter 1:19.
1 Thessalonians 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."
There are two groups of people being described here. The first group is identified with the words "they" and "them." "When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them . . . and they shall not escape." Verse 4 begins with the word, "but" denoting a contrast between the two groups.
1 Thessalonians 5:4, 5: "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness."
To be "children of light" we must walk in the light of God’s Word. The sure word of God is the guiding light to all walking the walk that leads to heaven (Ps. 119:105).
1 Thessalonians 5:6: "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."
The fact is that the coming of Jesus will be as a thief to the LOST. He will come as a thief to those NOT ready. (Compare Matt. 24:44; Matt. 25:1-13.)
Revelation 16:16: "And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon."
Through the influence of the three-part union in Rev. 16:14 (spiritualism, papacy, apostate Protestantism), Satan is able to assemble the final union of the world’s religious and civil powers. He appears to be triumphant under the sixth plague. Thus, accomplishing briefly, that which he has sought for centuries.
Revelation 16:17: "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."
These words closely parallel those spoken by Jesus on the cross preceding the earthquake which occurred at His death. (Compare Matt. 27:50-51.)
Apparently the first six plagues occur in rapid succession though each plague may not be universal. (Example: "the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast" Rev. 16:10.) However, the seventh plague is a worldwide event. The "great voice out of the temple of heaven" is God’s announcement to the universe that sin and rebellion are finally over, "it is done." That is the voice of deliverance for God’s people. God is not limited to decibels or the speed of sound, when He speaks, His voice is heard. At the sound of God’s proclamation, the sun, moon and stars are shaken from their position in the sky: "the powers of the heavens shall be shaken" (Matt. 24:29). That event has not yet occurred. (Compare Joel 3:16, Amos 1:2.)
Revelation 16:18: "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.
That "great voice" which shakes the heavens, causes a tremendous earthquake on earth. Mountains shear off, inhabited island chains disappear into the sea; all nature is turned upside down. (Compare Rev. 6:14.)
Besides the "great voice" there are "voices." Revelation 11:15-17 tells us what the "voices" say and the effect they have. "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God. Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned."
When Christ arose from the dead and returned to heaven to sit at the right hand of God, He became our High Priest (Heb. 4:14-16; Heb. 8:1,2). When He leaves that position, His intercession on behalf of mankind has ended. He then pronounces the words which signal the close of human probation, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let hem be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy let him be holy still" (Rev. 22:11). Following those words each person will permanently be that which he has already become. The eruption of heavenly praise is in response to the "voices" confirming that "the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ." And that Christ has now taken His great power, "and hast reigned." Christ is "King of Kings" and "Lord of Lords," yet He assumes those titles when He lays aside his priestly robe to wear His kingly robe. (Compare Dan. 12:1).
These events take place following the close of human probation briefly before Jesus returns to this earth. A parallel scripture to that event is found in Revelation 19:1-7. Quoting verses 4 and 7, "And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Aleluia… Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."
Apparently the "great voices" described in Revelation 11:15; 19:6, are understood by those religious leaders of the world who have been foremost in uniting the world into a one-world religio-political union. They understand that Christ has taken the kingdom, and that now "it is done" (Rev. 16:17). The admission that God’s people who stood in opposition to their plans were right is evidenced by the tide of wrath that turns against them. One cannot imagine the human passion and emotion that will sweep over the population of the world when they realize they have been deceived and the day of salvation is past. They have been promised eternal prosperity and peace with the beast. They have believed in her false teachings rather than putting their faith and trust in the sure Word of God. Now there is no recourse.
Revelation 16:19: "And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath."
Just as there were three parts that brought it together, spiritualism, the papacy, and apostate Protestantism; "The great city was divided into three parts." Now it becomes incoherent and looses its ability to function as a unit. Satan’s brief triumph under the sixth plague is shattered and fragmented at the voice of God under the seventh. Suddenly, those world leaders, previously consumed with forcing the world to drink from Babylon’s cup realize that it’s over. They now have more serious problems of their own and are unable to focus on causing the destruction of God’s people. This is the cataclysmic moment of earth’s history and is vividly portrayed in Revelation 6:14-17 and Isaiah 2:17-21.
Revelation 17:16: "And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire."
Some modern translations render the "horns and the beast." This is a contradiction of terms and was not intended in the original Greek. The correct interpretation is "the ten horns . . . upon the beast . . . shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked." That takes place when church power is devoured by civil power. The lost of the earth lay hold of any and all that they perceive had a part in their deception; including one another. Religious leaders who have used every endeavor to prevent their followers from understanding truth will be the first to fall (Ezekiel 9:6). It is a time of indescribable bloodshed.
However, God’s people will be shielded according to the beautiful promise found in Ps. 91:7-11: "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee…Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling." (See also Dan. 12:1). It is amid the confusion and bloodshed that Jesus and the heavenly hosts descend the flaming skies and deliver His waiting people. The unsaved are slain at the brightness of His coming (Rev. 19:19-21; 2 Thess. 2:8).
This is the great battle of Armageddon (Rev. 16:16). This titanic battle will engage all the religious and civil powers of earth. No doubt, "the ten horns" (nations of Europe) will be foremost in leading the charge (when civil power turns against church power) just as they have been the catalyst in causing the entire world to bow (Rev. 17:12,13).
Revelation 17:17: "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled."
Although the day of salvation is past, by the fact that they are actively participating in the destruction of the beast, they are actually fulfilling God’s will in this final act.
The prophecies of Daniel and Revelation often give the conclusion, then retrace filling in the details. These final movements among nations should not be our main focus; the focus is beyond. However, these are real issues and those not aware of the issues will be unprepared and taken by surprise.
The real conclusion of this prophecy is found in Rev. 17:14 where Jesus and His faithful ones are assured the victory, "and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." These are they who will stand on the sea of glass in heaven singing the victory song of Moses and the Lamb, "saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints" (Rev. 15:2,3). (Compare Exodus 15:1, 2.) These are they who will live in the earth made new and drink from the river of life, "clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb" (Rev. 21:1; Rev. 22:1). "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Rev. 22:17). This must be our focus as the day draws near.
Short Cuts