 From 1974 and until he passed away in June of 2005, Frank Caw devoted a considerable amount of time to research and study in Bible prophecy and related philosophical and theological issues. This website is dedicated by his family to his memory and work and is as he presented it at the time of his death. The family of Frank Caw, Jr. would like to thank Tim McHyde of EscapeAllTheseThings.com for hosting his website.
While always insisting on a plain, literal and sensible approach to scriptural exegesis,
he has pieced together many new scriptural insights on a number of extraordinary
prophetic developments that are poised to be fulfilled in our immediate
future!
Thus, it is safe to say that things are not going to happen the way many people think
they will happen.
But, this book will give you the scriptural keys for truly understanding what God has
preordained will happen, and how you can survive the incredible scenario of prophetic
events about to unfold! |
This ministry is dedicated to the loving memory of my
late wife, Debbie, who went to be in the presence of God on October 23, 1997, and who was
so instrumental in helping me to prepare for my ministry during those many long, difficult
years.
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The 7-Headed Leopard
Beast
And His 666 Mark
An Ipsos poll says that 25 percent of adults believe it is at least somewhat likely that Jesus Christ will return to Earth in 2007 2008. Of white evangelical Christian adults it's 66%. Want to know why Jesus won't come in 2007 2008, before most find out in Jan 1, 2008 2009? »» Read Featured Article
“A great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.” The incredible seven-headed dragon portrayed in Revelation 12 represents Satan, as confirmed in verse 9. This dragon is analogous to the seven-headed beasts which are portrayed in both Revelation 13 and 17 — with important differences. Thus, the symbolic seven-headed dragon represents Satan in order to exhibit certain characteristics of Satan, but the seven-headed beast in Revelation 17 also symbolizes Satan in order to facilitate the display of other actions and/or attributes. However, the seven-headed, leopard-like beast in Revelation 13 is used to represent Antichrist while also reflecting the presence and/or influence of Satan within him. In all of these symbolic images, however, the seven heads represent the seven major biblical world empires which Satan uses to oppress Israel at one time or another down throughout history. Likewise, whereas the seven-headed dragon is wearing crowns on all seven of its heads, in Revelation 13 the seven-headed, leopard-like beast is wearing crowns on just the ten horns of the seventh symbolic (empire) head. By comparison, the seven-headed beast in Revelation 17 is not wearing any crowns whatsoever on its seven heads and ten horns.
Moreover, Revelation 17:12 indicates that the ten horns are crowned on the seven-headed, leopard-like beast (in Revelation 13) because both the Antichrist and the ten-horn kings will have power and authority at that point in time. But in Revelation 17, the ten-horn kings and the seven-headed beast (representing Satan, and in this instance, his influence and/or presence within the Antichrist) were not yet empowered at the time that John was given the Revelation. This helps to explain why, in Revelation 17, John said that the seven mountains or heads of the beast represent “seven kings: five are fallen, and one is and the other is not yet come, and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.” (Rev. 17:10). Similarly, in Revelation 17:8, a parallel description puts it this way: “The beast that was, and is not, and yet is.”
Obviously the above scriptural statements correlate perfectly with the recorded history of the seven biblical world empires! At the time John wrote Revelation, five of the seven world empires (i.e., Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and Greece) were history, thereby matching the phrase: “Five are fallen.” Rome was the empire that existed at the time of John’s prophetic revelation, hence the scriptural phrase: “And one is.” Likewise, the empire of Antichrist was a future development then, even as it remains so now as these words are being written, thereby matching the scriptural phrase which reads as follows: “The other is not yet come, and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.”
Moreover, as we have demonstrated during our analysis of Revelation, chapters 4-11 in Revelation narrate a series of post-Rapture events which are parallel in time to the post-Rapture events described in Revelation 12-16. Thus, both prophetic accounts begin with the pre-tribulation Rapture, then correlate with each other through a long series of apocalyptic events, then culminate with the Battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming of Christ. Furthermore, it is important to note that all of the events portrayed in Revelation 4-11 occur in a numbered chronological sequence, making it easy to determine the time relationships between the various events in both parallel accounts. Since all seven heads of the dragon are crowned in Revelation 12 at the very outset, this means that all seven world empires will have already been crowned with power and authority by the time the manchild Christians are Raptured to Heaven. In other words, all seven biblical world empires must exist at one time or another before the Rapture takes place. But, since the seventh biblical world empire will be the empire of Antichrist, his empire obviously will have to be in existence before the Rapture occurs. Which means, of course, that the Antichrist will appear before the pre-tribulation Rapture occurs in order to inspire the final great apostasy!
The Seven-Headed Leopard
Beast
Revelation 13:1-4
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? (KJV)
The seven-headed leopard beast symbolizes the Antichrist, primarily, but the seven heads imply that it also represents the vile presence of Satan within the Antichrist. Moreover, only the symbolic ten horns on the seventh (empire) head of the leopard-like beast are crowned, thereby indicating that a personage, namely the Antichrist, will control the seventh biblical world empire, but not the other six biblical empires because they are history. Likewise, in Revelation 13, Satan is always referred to as the “dragon” whenever it is necessary to distinguish between him and Antichrist. Furthermore, the symbolic leopard-like beast is a man because personal attributes and accomplishments of the Antichrist are ascribed to the beast throughout the chapter. Since it is quite evident that the symbolism of both the Antichrist and Satan are associated with the seven-headed leopard beast portrayed in Revelation 13, we must conclude that two personalities simultaneously occupy the same physical human body (from the time of the Rapture until Armageddon).
Revelation 13:1-2 portrays the ten horns (i.e., the modern-day “Roman” countries) wearing individual crowns of power and authority even though they will be a part of the Antichrist’s empire. Because the Antichrist beast is leopard-like in its appearance, with the mouth of a lion, and the feet of a bear, and ten horns on its head, this prophetic symbolism from Daniel’s second vision indicates that the modern countries within the geographical areas of the ancient Babylonian, Persian, Grecian and Roman empires will form the nucleus of the Antichrist’s world empire. But, since the ten horns are also crowned individually, this signifies that these “Roman” countries will retain their national identities and significant political sovereignty precisely as Daniel predicted they would.
However, the set of crowns, collectively, that adorn the ten horns also confirm Revelation 17:12-13 which predicts that the modern “Roman” countries will be united when they “receive power as kings” and then voluntarily “give their power and strength to the beast” Antichrist. Thus, the existence of the ten horns on the symbolic empire head of Antichrist demonstrates these countries will be a part of his new empire. But, the fact that the ten horns will be crowned, individually, indicates these Roman countries will retain their national identities and limited political sovereignty even though they will be united, organizationally, when they become a part of the Antichrist’s new world empire.
“Wounded to death.” Many times it is speculated that the Antichrist will actually die from his deadly wound, and then be resurrected back to life by Satan. Supposedly, this will occur, immediately after the Rapture, when Satan will possess and indwell the physical body of Antichrist until he is destroyed by Christ at Armageddon, and then resurrected into the eternal Lake Of Fire. However, to the best of my knowledge, there is no scriptural support for the idea that Satan truly has the power to raise people from the dead. When it is stated in Revelation 13 that the Antichrist is wounded to death by a sword, we should observe very carefully that this statement only means he will be inflicted with a deadly wound; never is it said he will die at that point in time. Since the Bible is full of statements which describe the deaths of individuals very clearly and without any equivocation, it seems reasonable to suppose that if this scripture had intended to say that Antichrist will be killed at that time, it would have done so unequivocally.
Furthermore, as we detailed in chapter 3 of this book, Daniel 11:20-21 does not lend any support to this theory, either. Instead, an analysis of the original Hebrew words in that passage clearly indicate a reference to the poison assassination of the Syrian ruler, Seleucus IV, who eventually was succeeded by Antiochus Epiphanes through flattery and the division of spoils from prosperous regions within his kingdom. Likewise, since the Bible clearly portrays Christ resurrecting Lazarus back to life, it seems likely that the Bible would be unambiguous in this instance, also, if the Antichrist was destined to be resurrected after receiving his deadly wound. But instead, after noting that Antichrist will be inflicted with a deadly wound immediately after the Rapture, the scripture goes on to say that the deadly wound will be healed, causing the whole world to marvel.
The obvious question is why Satan would even be interested in sharing a frail human body with Antichrist? The answer probably is found in a passage we just read, namely Isaiah 14:12-14. The truth is, Satan for eons of time has wanted desperately to “be like the Most High” and to receive worship and due allegiance; controlling and occupying the body of a world leader would be one of the ways to realize that objective. Furthermore, after he and his angels are banished from the heavenlies and literally cast down to the earth, he will not have very many options still available to him anyway.
Revelation 13:5-18
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
14 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.
15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
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. (KJV)
It is stated that the Antichrist will persecute new Christian converts for a period of 3˝ years, and that he will be successful in killing many of them even though many others will avoid execution by either fleeing or hiding from his jurisdiction. (Rev. 13:5-10) (Luke 21:16). Meanwhile, the “False Prophet” will begin performing extraordinary miracles which will be as impressive as the ones previously achieved by the Antichrist. In fact, these miracles will be so impressive that apparently they will astound and deceive even technologically-sophisticated people throughout the world. Concurrently, he will bring to “life” (perhaps through the use of satanic, supernatural power) an image of the Antichrist which everyone will be forced to worship under an absolute penalty of death. Likewise, everyone will also be forced to swear allegiance and loyalty to the Antichrist by accepting a special mark on their forehead or right hand that displays either the name or the number (666) of the beast (Antichrist). Anyone who will not accept this mark will find it impossible legally to buy or sell. So, if current trends in technology continue unabated, and if economic transactions eventually become controlled through computers in a “cashless” society, then dissidents will find it very difficult to survive.
“Count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six...” The most favorite pastime activity for many students of Bible prophecy centers around finding the many different ways in which numbers can be assigned to letters of the alphabet in different languages, and then trying to ascertain how the names of prominent people can be manipulated to add up to 666 in one language or another. However, I believe that such endeavors lead us in the wrong direction in our attempts to discover the identity of the Antichrist.
So, what does the infamous six trilogy really mean? Based on my scriptural understanding, I believe the primary meaning of the number sequence, 666, is symbolic in nature. Just as the number seven represents or symbolizes completeness in the Bible, so likewise does the number six symbolize man. For instance, throughout biblical scriptures, from Genesis to the prophetic book of Revelation, the number seven occurs quite frequently in a context denoting completeness, and in Revelation, examples of this can be seen in the seven churches, seven spirits, seven stars, seven seals, seven vials, seven trumpets. In a similar vein, the number six, in Scripture, represents man. In prophetic passages we can see this illustrated by the following examples:
Revelation 4:8
8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. (KJV)
Previously we demonstrated with abundant scriptural proof that the “four beasts” in this passage are groups of saints who will be in Heaven immediately after the Rapture. The reason that each beast or group of saints has six wings about them resides in the very nature of their identity, namely their humanity. Thus, the number six is used as part of a simile in a prophetic passage to represent humanity. This is further demonstrated in Ezekiel’s description of the new, eternal Temple of God which will be built in Jerusalem during the Millennial Reign of Christ on the earth:
Ezekiel 40:12
12 The space also before the little chambers was one cubit on this side, and the space was one cubit on that side: and the little chambers were six cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side. (KJV)
Ezekiel 41:1
1 Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle. (KJV)
Ezekiel 40:5
5 And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the man’s hand a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed. (KJV)
Ezekiel 41:3
3 Then went he inward, and measured the post of the door, two cubits; and the door, six cubits; and the breadth of the door, seven cubits. (KJV)
Ezekiel 41:5
5 After he measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth of every side chamber, four cubits, round about the house on every side. (KJV)
Ezekiel 41:8
8 I saw also the height of the house round about: the foundations of the side chambers were a full reed of six great cubits. (KJV)
Ezekiel 46:1
1 Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened. (KJV)
Ezekiel 46:4
4 And the burnt offering that the prince shall offer unto the LORD in the sabbath day shall be six lambs without blemish, and a ram without blemish. (KJV)
Ezekiel 46:6
6 And in the day of the new moon it shall be a young bullock without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram: they shall be without blemish. (KJV)
All of the above passages in Ezekiel deal with some aspect of the new temple, or the sacrifices which will be offered there to symbolize and commemorate the finished, substitutionary work of Christ on the cross which enabled redemption for all of humanity. Likewise, a cursory glance at these scriptures will show that the number six is associated with the temple, repeatedly, throughout the descriptions as a way of symbolizing man and his dependency on Divine providence and grace. Thus, we must conclude that the number six is used in the Bible as a way of symbolizing humanity.
Therefore, just as the number six represents humanity, so likewise do the triple digits of six, i.e., 666, represent people’s rebellion against God in its ultimate expression as the evil counterfeit trinity comprised of Satan, Antichrist and the False Prophet. Sometimes it is thought that the number 666 symbolizes other things such as the UPC (Universal Product Code) computer bar symbols stamped on the products we buy which always include the numbers “666” in their coding. However, the actual meaning intended by Scripture is symbolic in the same way that the number six, representing humanity, will find its symbolic meaning expressed in the dimensions for God’s new, eternal temple which will be built in Jerusalem during the Millennium. Although the number 666 may be associated with things such as UPC codes, this is simply another way for the symbolic message inherently carried by the numbers 666 to find their symbolic expression or manifestation in modern life. “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast.”
Concerning the word “mark” that is referenced in Revelation 13, it is translated from the Greek word CHARAGMA, and is defined by Strong’s Hebrew-Greek Dictionary in the following manner:
5480 charagma (khar’-ag-mah);
from the same as 5482; a scratch or etching, i.e. stamp (as a badge of servitude), or sculptured figure (statue):
KJV— graven, mark.
Recent news reports have described the marvels of modern technology relative to microchip implants in human beings. These microchips are at least 200 times smaller in size than a strand of human hair, and can be implanted or injected into the human body with the use of a hypodermic needle. They have an almost unlimited number of uses in modern society, including the ability to provide positive personal identification of people and animals which can be tracked via satellite technology. Although these microchips are, in reality, powerful, self-contained computers that are powered by temperature changes in the human body, and can be reprogrammed via satellite to perform additional functions, they are sold to an unsuspecting general public as a means of locating lost or missing children; nothing is ever said about the tremendous potential that exists for controlling people through such technology. However, because these microchips have the ability to store large amounts of information on individuals which can be updated at any time via satellite, it would be easy for a government to implement electronic control over people in their daily activities by utilizing such devices.
Accordingly, computer microchips could prove ultimately to be the fulfillment of Revelation 13 when it speaks of the “mark,” i.e., a scratch or etching designed to be a mark or badge of servitude which people will be forced to accept as a sign of allegiance and loyalty to the Antichrist. That is why this mark will include the numbers 666. It will be a symbolic way of expressing allegiance to the symbolic message inherently carried by the numbers 666. However, one point I want to emphasize is this: God will not “trick” people into accepting the mark of the beast. When the mark of the beast is actually implemented throughout society, there will be no doubt in anyone’s mind as to what is going on. Therefore, Christians need not worry any about utilizing modern electronic conveniences for fear of unknowingly accepting the mark of the beast (although they may wish to limit their usage of such conveniences for the sake of privacy and personal freedom). When the mark of the beast is actually instituted as a legal requirement, everyone will know precisely what is happening, and what the eternal consequences will be if one accepts it. (see Revelation 14:6-11).
Matthew 24:7-14
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (KJV)
Mark 13:8-13
8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (KJV)
Revelation 13:11-12
11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. (KJV)
This second “beast” will also be a man because personal pronouns are used to refer to him just as they are used in reference to the Antichrist. However, at first glance, this False Prophet appears to be different from the first beast, Antichrist, because he will originate or spring up from the “earth,” rather than from the “sea.” That is apparently why some people have speculated that perhaps he will ascend from the netherworld or the world of the dead, departed spirits. But, just as the words “water” and “sea” can be used to symbolize the masses of humanity in biblical prophecy scriptures, so likewise can the word “earth” symbolize the masses of humanity, as a comparison of the following scriptures in Daniel will demonstrate:
Daniel 7:3
3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. (KJV)
Daniel 7:17
17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. (KJV)
“Two horns like a lamb.” These two horns apparently symbolize two major world religious powers (rather than political kingdoms) which the False Prophet will dominate since they are characterized as being “like a lamb.” They seem to correlate with the “two women” in the passage we saw earlier in Zechariah which portrays the “wicked woman” (i.e., Satan’s church; Mystery Babylon) flying to the “land of Shinar” (i.e., Babylon; Iraq) to establish its new religious headquarters (“to build it an house”):
Zechariah 5:5-11
5 Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth.
6 And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth.
7 And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah.
8 And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof.
9 Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven.
10 Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?
11 And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base. (KJV)
“Ephah.” The ephah basket measured at about one bushel and three pints. Accordingly, in this prophecy, the basket symbolizes the economic and financial system that will support and undergird the empire of the Antichrist. Moreover, because it carries the wicked woman inside of it, the combination of these two symbols represent the close alliance and collaboration that will exist between the economic and religious systems within the empire of Antichrist. Thus, the rebuilt city of Babylon, the economic/financial system, will coexist with Mystery Babylon, the religious system, at the same geographical location in modern-day Iraq.
“Wicked Woman.” As discussed earlier, the symbolic “wicked woman” represents the mysterious, ancient Babylonian cult beliefs and rituals that dominated, or will dominate, the seven biblical world empires that are used by Satan to oppress Israel during her history. Because Satan is super intelligent and devious in his methods, these vile and mysterious pagan and occult beliefs and rituals dominated the religious beliefs and activities that prevailed in the ancient biblical world empires. Since it is much more difficult for people, generally, to discern the true nature of false religious beliefs if they are blended in with significant amounts of perceived truth, that is precisely the strategy which Satan employed, and will employ, to deceive people spiritually.
“Talent of Lead.” A talent of lead weighed over 122 lbs., which was an extreme amount of weight for a lid covering the top of an ephah basket. Even so, despite the unusually heavy weight of the lid, that still did not hold the “woman of wickedness” down, thus illustrating the power of evil.
“Two Women.” It is possible that the “two women” who carry the “wicked woman” to Babylon represent two major world religions, perhaps Islam and “professing” Christianity consisting of Roman Catholicism and mainline Protestant denominations.
“Wings.” The “wings” probably refer to the mode of travel employed when the “wicked woman” is transported to rebuilt Babylon, i.e., air-travel by modern airplanes.
“Then shall the end come.” The word “end” means the end of the “Dispensation of Grace” — not the Battle of Armageddon or the annihilation of the earth. This means for three and one-half years after the Rapture, people will continue to have an opportunity to accept Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, but after that, no one will be saved because God’s period of grace and salvation will be lifted from the earth.
Luke 21:10-19
10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.
13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.
18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish.
19 In your patience possess ye your souls. (KJV)
Please note that verse 16 above states that only some of the Tribulation Saints will be killed by the Antichrist; many other tribulation saints will manage to avoid execution, and if they also “endure unto the end” (i.e., keep their faith), they shall ultimately be saved. (See the chart, Harmony Of The Olivet Discourse With Revelation And Other Scriptures.) Therefore, surviving Tribulation Saints who evade execution, and who also “endure unto the end,” will be the “elect” who will be translated to Heaven immediately before the Second Coming of Christ takes place. (Matt. 24:31) (Mark 13:27).
144,000 Jews: Parallel
View
Revelation 14:1-5
1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. (KJV)
These are the same Jews who will be converted to salvation during the Great Christian Tribulation. They are pictured here in this passage as they sing “a new song” to the accompaniment of music from Heaven. The fact that they will be “virgins” gives us a clear indication of the very low moral values which will prevail throughout society, generally, during that future point in time. However, being a “virgin” does not necessarily mean they will not be married because that would not be a case of defilement. But, it probably does indicate that abstaining from sexual immorality will be a distinguishing characteristic of Christians in a non-believing society filled with rampant sexual immorality. Moreover, just as Christ Jesus represents the “first fruits” of true believers in general, these particular Jews will represent the “first fruits” of REDEEMED Israel. Since these 144,000 Jews will follow Christ wherever He goes, and will stand “without fault” before God’s throne in Heaven, it is apparent that the 144,000 Jews will be translated to Heaven at the same time all other “elect” believers are, i.e., just before Christ Returns at Armageddon.
Completion Of The Parallel
Account
The remainder of chapter 14 portrays “angels” (saints) flying in the heavens, preaching the gospel message to people on the earth below while also warning them of prophetic events soon to follow. Some of the angels (saints) specifically warn people on earth that they will face eternal punishment and damnation if they swear allegiance to Antichrist by taking his “mark.” For that reason, multitudes of people who will not become Christians will, nevertheless, avoid taking the mark of the beast; that is why they will be permitted to remain alive on the earth after Armageddon. (Zech. 14:16) (Matthew 25:31-46) (Rev. 20:3,8; 21:3,24,26). Therefore, it should be emphasized that these scriptures do not necessarily conflict with the following passages:
II Thessalonians 2:9-12
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (KJV)
Revelation 13:7-9
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. (KJV)
Sometimes it is said these two passages teach that after the Rapture, there will only be two groups of people: individuals who will accept Christ as their personal Saviour during the Great Christian Tribulation, and those who will not. However, this is not what the Bible teaches. There actually will be a third group of people who will not become Christians, but neither will they swear allegiance to Antichrist by accepting his “mark.” Thus, it will be these people who will be allowed to remain alive on the earth as human subjects under the rulership of Christ and the saints.
To believe otherwise is to make the message of the angel, warning against acceptance of the “mark,” both pointless and deceptive. It also would contradict the aforementioned scriptural passages which state, e.g., that “everyone that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the king, the Lord of hosts...” So, apparently these people will love “truth” to a certain degree, or at least to a degree sufficient to keep them from being deceived into taking the mark of the beast. In that respect, therefore, religious beliefs are somewhat analogous to other aspects of life such as political beliefs; just as there are people scattered all over the political spectrum of thought, so likewise are people scattered all over the religious spectrum of thought. It seems as if everyone ascertains and accepts “truth” to varying degrees of totality. In other words, everyone appears to have their own personal threshhold level for belief relative to the factual evidence and perceived intellectual plausibility.
This complex response to truth and reality stems from the dynamic interaction between knowledge and intellectual honesty itself. So first, we must remember that except for things such as self-existence and principles of math and logic, everything in reality must be evaluated on the basis of factual evidence and logical consistency in order to determine its degree of probability for being a truthful proposition or hypothesis. This is evident because there is always the possibility of erroneous sensory perception for anything outside of the mind due to the separation of space or time between the “knower” and the “known.” Thus, all statements or assertions regarding matters of truth must be assessed for their degree of probability, and if their degree of probability is deemed sufficiently high, they can even be viewed with psychological certitude. Hence each person must exercise their God-given gift of free will by researching, carefully and honestly, all relevant evidence concerning any given issue, including religious truth. Obviously doing so will often require a major commitment in time and energy, and many people are not willing to do that.
But, the foremost explanation for the wide diversity in opinions involves the degree of determination that people possess when it comes to ascertaining and accepting Truth no matter what it may turn out to be. In other words, their level of intellectual honesty often will fall short of the mark. Because to be truly honest in our thinking, we must be willing to accept the truth no matter how much it may conflict with cherished beliefs or traditions or favorite theories. However, God has given us sufficient rational and factual evidence, within the realm of our magnificent world and universe, and personal consciousness, and the Christian Bible, to convince an intellectually-honest individual to accept the validity of Christianity’s truth claims, while still leaving it possible for the dishonest-minded to ignore the evidence at hand. Unfortunately, during the time of the end, Antichrist will be quite persuasive, too, thereby creating a tug of war of incredible dimensions between Truth and evil deception.
But, this concept does explain why many people will believe enough truth to avoid taking the mark of the beast, but will not believe sufficiently to become a believer in Christ Jesus. Nevertheless, any person who does not worship the Antichrist, or accept his “mark” of allegiance, will have their name written in the “Book of Life” — not as a Christian saint, but as an ordinary human subject living on the earth within the Kingdom of God.
Revelation 14:6-20
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,
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.
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.
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
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.
15 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.
16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
18 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.
19 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.
20 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. (KJV)
Chapter 15 provides another glimpse of the martyred tribulation saints who will be resurrected into Heaven BEFORE the seven Trumpet-Vial plagues are unleashed upon the earth. Likewise, the temple of God in Heaven will be filled with smoke from the glory and power of God during the time in which the seven plagues will be released upon the earth, thus symbolizing the truth that God will be dealing with the nation of Israel again on the basis of their ancient covenant relationship:
Revelation 15:1-8
1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:
6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
7 And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. (KJV)
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