Although a remnant of Israel will be sealed with the Mark of God, they will observe and be here on earth, for almost the entire 7 year period. The un-saved, disbelieving people of the world will directly feel the Mighty hand of God, and his punishment for disobedience.
The last 3 1/2 years will be progressively worse than the first 3 1/2 years.
The last 42 months will be a pouring out of God�s wrath, and Satan will be pouring out his evil in full measure, as he knows he has little time left to kill, steal and destroy. (Rev.12:12)
The great and terrible �day� is the day Christ returns with his army of saints and angels to the greatest battle ever known to mankind. The word battle usually means each side gets a chance to duke it out. Here we would better use the word �Victory� because there is no contest. Jesus is Lord of Lords, he is King of Kings and He is the mighty Conqueror. The score is Jesus=All World=0. The blood bath is explained in Rev.14:14-20, and again in Rev.19:11-21.
�Rev 14:14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earvoice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
After this "day," at the end of the 7 years, the earth will be a different place. Jesus will rule. Peace will prevail, and life will be lived with harmony and justice. The ones that believed in Jesus and the remnant of Israel with have glorified bodies, and some will rule and reign with Christ.
Now then, what about this Mark of the Beast everyone is so worried about?
At what point in time will people be asked to take the mark of the beast? Will unsuspecting people, especially Christians, be fooled, unprepared or unaware? Do you think some will say "oops, I think I mad a bad move?" It is doubtful. Let us look at the place in the event of things where this decision of the mark will be implemented.
Just before the mark is explained in Chapter 13, let�s go to Chapter 12, and see what has happened. If the revelation is in chronological order (as it is for the most part), then six angels have begun to pour out God�s wrath. Their trumpets will bring forth trouble and torments such as never has ever been seen before.
The first angel blows the trumpet..8:7..Hail, fire and blood is cast upon the earth and destroys a 1/3 of all living trees and green things. The second angel blows the trumpet..8:8...A great mountain like� fire ball (sounds like an asteroid or falling star) will fall into the sea and destroy 1/3 of life in the sea, ships and living things. The third angel blows the trumpet..8:9..A burning star called wormwood) drops from heaven and destroys waters and rivers. Many will die from the bitter (poisoned) water. Love Canal and the Russian nuclear spill a few years ago were a picnic compared to this event. The fourth angel blows the trumpet..8:12..and it will smite the sun, the moon, and 1/3 of the stars. The days and nights will be darker than usual.
It appears that 1/3 of all things will die. That should be a time in history that every living soul on the plant should be able to understand.
The next event is a warning from an angel (8:13) who says WOE, WOE, WOE to the inhabitants of the earth because of what is about to happen when the next three angels blow their trumpets. The progression of punishment becomes more and more severe. You can read all about the horrible events that are about to unfold in Chapter 9. This is not an article on Angels and trumpets, but merely to show that there is a chain of events leading up to Chapter 12:16-18 when the mark will be offered.
At this time in history, you will be well aware of what you are doing. God will not allow this decision to sneak upon you. He gives us ample warning. Many events of a supernatural magnitude will have pre-empted this moment. God is long suffering. He loves us and warns and warns and warns. He has been warning for 7 thousand years. Sometimes his warnings have been severe, but always a signal for man to wake up and repent and return.
Most (many, many) Christian believers will be gone at this point in time (to Heaven). The ones that are here are new converts, and will most likely have to die (be martyred or starve) to remain in Christ. (Rev.14:13) Why wait till then?
It is my hope that we would all seek him early. Then we will not be here for the great tribulation. It seems the later you find him, the more progressive the pain you inflict upon yourself.
Even as far back in Rev. 6, when the great earthquake is shaking the entire earth, it would be a good time to call on the name of the Lord (if you have not already done so) with a repentant heart. This is the space in time where there will be a rapture of the masses that call on Him. A mid-tribulation rapture at Rev.7:9,13-17. There is even an earlier rapture in the pre-tribulation time at Rev.5:9,10. before the seals are open in Heaven by Jesus that brings the �horses� of the apocalypse.
For articles on the raptures, ask for articles:
2. For Such A Time As This
or 3. Revelation - Look Again
( On AOL - http://hometown.aol.com/pshe7/page/index.htm - or my E-mail is [email protected] )
When Hitler offered the swastika arm band, those men were aware they were adhering to Hitler's way. They knew they were not joining a Bible study group. These soldiers knew who was in command - the World Leader - Hitler. Notice, I said, world leader. You will know when this beast, antichrist, Satan (whatever) appears and asks (or demands) your allegiance. There will be no excuse. It will be do or die!
Men have made $ millions and $ millions promoting junk (for the most part) on 666 and the Mark of the Beast, and God said only 1 sentence: �Rev 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.� That is it....no more to be said.
(beast) 6 is the day Adam was made
(Satan) 6 days man will work
(Dragon) 6 is one short of completion of perfection
(Antichrist) which is God. This world operates short of God
(anything against God and His will)
The system of how the world operates is 666.
Peter said a day is as a 1000 years, and man has been trying to "work" without God for 6000 years. Time is up. When you see a leader with a worldly answer, and his expectancy of your allegiance, and great signs and wonders of cataclysmic proportion have been poured out of Heaven, there will be no excuse. Romans 1:17-32 gives an entire lesson on the two ways to choose. Those who live by Faith in God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or those who hold back the truth in unrighteousness. We can see the design of God in the very existence of the Universe and the wonder of Creation itself. We are truly without excuse.
I certainly believe as others, that the �writing is on the wall� at this very moment in time. But it will not happen unaware. I agree that computers are geared to invade our privacy (in the guise of progress, right now) I agree the money system is becoming more controlled and centralized. I agree Y2K could be an event that would get the world to sit up and take notice, and promote unity in their systems so that the world is all on the same page. Nato appears to be becoming the world police, and perhaps the avenue in which a �world leader� may evolve.
These events are forerunners to implement a plan that will smooooth the way for the work of the Antichrist. God is right on course, if you can see the pun. In other words, the world is in position for the next prophetic events to take place. How awesome of God to warn us through this book of Revelation. We can see the beginnings of a world order arising. How much more has to be in place before the unbeliever - believes? Israel has rejected Him, the World has rejected Him, the Church is bathed in false teaching and torn apart by ravishing wolves and hirelings. But, we still have the pure Word. And, we still have the Holy Spirit that Jesus gave us to teach us truth. (Read your Bible (God�s Word) under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (the truth)
Do you feel alone. Good. Becath was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
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. 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. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 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. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud use Jesus said the way to destruction is wide (lots of people are on that path thru lack of knowledge), but narrow is the gate (to the truth and eternal life). You are in good company, my friend and God will never let his people be fooled.
Indeed, when you become a disciple (one taught) of Jesus, you will know the truth (about coming events) and the truth will make you free (from the wrath to come). And who the Son sets free......
The best way to stop worrying about this mark, is to repent of you sinful nature, come to Jesus and the work of the cross. He is our savior. Then, you will be long gone when the world is offered the mark. Do you hear the Spirit of the Lord calling you Home to the Father. Then, come! We are at the dawn of a terrible battle to be played out right here on earth. Whose side are you on? Get the Victory, ask Jesus to be Lord of your life.
Patti Sheehan