.
So let’s go now to Revelation 13:7, “And it was GIVEN to him to make war with the saints, (Now, remember THESE “saints” have been prophesied, unlike the Body of Christ members who were NOT prophesied and NOT here, so we can see the prophecy from Daniel 7:21; 8:12, 8:24; 11:31; and then again in Revelation 11:7), and overcome them: and there was given unto him authority over every tribe, and people, and tongue, and nation.”
NOW, what do the great bulk of interpreters do with this when they teach that this is the Roman Empire revived within its old limits, like they are claiming the European Union is? The Scripture absolutely agrees with what I said before as to this being the sovereignty of the world gathered into one head for "a little season" and soon to become the sovereignty of our Lord and of His Christ (Revelation 11:15).
Keep in mind, although authority was given him over all, all will not at once submit to it. Hence this war against the Saints is to compel men to worship him and receive his mark.
Revelation 13:8, “And all who dwell upon the earth will worship him, each one whose name hath NOT been written FROM (not BEFORE) the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb slain.”
Interesting to note, there is nothing to show whether the sentence, "from the foundation of the world," should be connected with the verb "written," or the verb "slain." I believe it should be read with the word "written." Moses knew of this book (Exodus 32:32), and Daniel (12:1). Also, take a look at Isaiah 4:3. But the connection I made is the most natural, and agrees with 1 Peter 1:19-20. The death of the Lamb was thus "foreordained BEFORE the foundation of the world"; while the names are written "FROM" the foundation of the world. Again, NOT BEFORE as the members of the Body of Christ were chosen. Ephesians 1:4. OK back on point...
"All who dwell upon the earth will worship him." Is this worship given to the superhuman individual who will thus exalt himself, or to the Roman Empire revived?
This worship of the Beast will be well-nigh universal. Even in the plain of Dura, only three out of all the Jews there present stood out true to God. But these days will be more terrible than those. See Matthew 24:9-27. Flight is the only resource of the faithful during those days.
And NOW, Revelation 13:9, “If any one hath an ear let him hear”
For the last time this appeal of the Son of Man goes forth. Assemblies are no longer in question. It has come down to individuals. The last of the Dispensations is about to end, hence this admonition is given for the last time.
Revelation 13:10, “If any one is for the captivity, into captivity he goeth: if any one is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he is killed."
Now, the Greek Text of this verse is very confused, and there are many various readings. But the sense is perfectly clear. The Hebrew idiom was not understood by the transcribers, and hence they tried to correct it. However, it is a Hebraism expressing destiny, and denoting a certainty of approaching judgment, from whichever side it comes. See Jeremiah 43:11: "And when he (Nebuchadnezzar) cometh, he shall smite the land of Egypt, and deliver such as are for death, to death; and such as are for captivity, to captivity; and such as are for the sword, to the sword." And Jeremiah 15:2: "And if they say to thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the Lord, such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for captivity, to captivity." See also Ezekiel 5:2, and 5;12 and Zechariah 11:9. From these passages it is abundantly clear that Revelation 13:10 means that so sure and certain will these judgements be which are executed by the Beast, that none will escape them. Hence the need for the admonition of verse 9 and the words which follow.
“Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”
Now, these will be the three great requisites for those "times of trouble." Flight (Matthew 24:15-28. Mark 13:14-23. Revelation 12:14); Patience (Revelation 1:9; 2:2, 19; 3:3, 10; 14:9-12); and Faith (Revelation 2:10, 13, 19; 14:14).
In our next episode I will begin speaking on the Second Beast from the Earth!
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry
Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)
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