Revelation (Written)

Wednesday, 2 June 2021

And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. Revelation 17:16

The chapter has been speaking of the great harlot, the beast, and the relationship between the two. It seems that there is great harmony and agreement between them. And yet, out of the blue, this verse suddenly reads like part of a tale of intrigue, beginning with, “And the ten horns.”

This is the “ten kings” of verse 17:12. It says they will give their power and authority to the beast in verse 17:13. As the woman is sitting on the beast, it seems as if these ten horns (kings) are in agreement with the woman as well as the beast. But it next says, “these will hate the harlot.”

Remembering that the harlot is a spiritual entity that prostitutes itself in various ways, and one of those ways is through interaction with the governments around it – just as Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem prostituted themselves – one can see that there is an underlying hatred of the religious body by the secular body. And this is so, even if the religious body is a complete apostate.

An example of this type of enmity (one of several) from the Old Testament is found in Jeremiah 4 –

“And when you are plundered,
What will you do?
Though you clothe yourself with crimson,
Though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold,
Though you enlarge your eyes with paint,
In vain you will make yourself fair;
Your lovers will despise you;
They will seek your life.” Jeremiah 4:40

Ezekiel 23 details another such judgment, a lengthy one, against Jerusalem. Just because they engage in harlotry with this woman, it does not mean they like her at all. In fact, they despise her. Remembering that the harlot is a city that is committing fornication with them in order to meet a specific agenda, we can look to the world and see a particular city that has done this for eons.

She is in bed with governments around the world, she flaunts herself openly. The nations participate in a bed of idolatry with her, and yet they hate her. Only she has deluded herself that her harlotries mean she is loved. In fact, she is only a whore who is despised because of her actions. Because of her conduct, it next says, “make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire.”

In the end, this lavishly adorned harlot will be destroyed by the same nations that she engaged with in her whoredom. It is similar to Jerusalem of the past. The seat of the Lord’s religion had so prostituted herself that she was despised, even while she intermingled with her paramours. Such will be the case with this great city as well. Her end will not be pretty.

Life application: An amazing turn of events will take place at some point during the tribulation period. The ten kings of the final world empire will turn on the harlot. The antichrist will come to power and eventually he will become the only source of idol worship left. The false religious system of the harlot will become more and more despised until they decide it is time for her to be destroyed.

This pluralistic system of world religion, which will surely include a supposed “Christian” element, will no longer be tolerated. She has been made wealthy over the centuries and is robed in splendid attire, possessing great wealth. However, she will have failed to stem the tide of destruction upon the world – the very thing which religions are supposed to do.

They are supposed to be the mediators between the people and whatever “god” they serve. But the world will continue to grow more and more unstable despite the kumbaya attitude of complete religious equality. The system will be seen for the failure it is and will finally be marked for destruction.

After taking away her wealth – finery, property, tax-free status, etc. – these kings will completely consume her so that nothing is left of her. The world’s false religions will be utterly removed from protection and banned from practice. They couldn’t save, and now they won’t be saved.

Ironically, by removing the world’s religions, there will only be one religion left – the most dubious of all – secular humanism. The world will throw all of its allegiance and idol worship behind the antichrist. “Our gods couldn’t save us; we will save ourselves.” But this is the path that has been tried and which has failed throughout history. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Such will be the case once again in this final government before the return of Jesus Christ.

A world without true Christianity is a world doomed to failure and destruction. And true Christianity comes through faith, and through faith alone, in what God has done through the giving of His Son. He has done the work, and we are to accept that it is sufficient to carry us through to the good end that is promised by Him. Let us accept the good news and receive God’s offer of peace – JESUS.

Heavenly Father, here we are facing every possible challenge to the truth of Your full and complete revelation of Yourself to man – the pages of the Bible that tell us of Jesus. Help each one of us to properly evaluate Your word and then to be able to explain it to religiously confused people – turning them to a saving knowledge of Your truth. Amen.

Tuesday, 1 June 2021

Then he said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. Revelation 17:15

The angel who has been speaking to John has been describing the beast in verses 17:7-14. He will now refer to something already described by John, but not yet explained, saying, “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits.” Mentioning these waters now takes the reader back to verse 17:1 –

“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters.”

The great harlot is the woman sitting on the beast that was described by John in verses 17:3-6. This woman, the harlot, is a city (as will be noted in verse 17:18). In the vision, she sits on many waters, and those waters – according to the angel – “are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.”

What this means is that the scope and influence of this religious body (see commentary on verses 17:4-6) which is found in a city reaches out in many directions. The waters are peoples, but there are many, many of them. They also are found in many nations and speaking many tongues.

So, the question is, “Is there such a religious city that has adherents that span the globe?” There might be adherents of it in Guatemala and in China. There might be adherents in Australia and in Canada. It may have adherents in Hawaii and in Malta. It is a harlot (a religion based on works and filled with idolatry) that reaches out in such a manner.

As this woman sits on the beast, and as this is probably a beast that has been around in one form or another for eons (see comments on 17:10), then it means that this woman’s religious expression derives its customs, idols, and traditions from various empires going back to antiquity. The comments in 17:10 noted that one explanation for the beast is that it comprises Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.

In other words, if this harlot (this city) rides on a beast where one head symbolizes Egypt, one would expect Egyptian influence or idolatry to be seen in it, perhaps an obelisk. Likewise, religious icons, traditions, or idols from the other beasts would be found in her. Is there such a city on earth today? The answer, of course, is “Yes.”

Life application: The harlot is sitting on the beast, and the harlot “sits” on many waters. The harlot is the false religious system that is supported by the beast. It is a system of ungodly government which has great rule and authority. The harlot however is dependent upon something else – people. It is the description that shows the extent of them – “peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.”

This concept goes all the way back to the Tower of Babel in chapter 11 of Genesis. At that time, the whole world had one language and one speech, and they attempted to establish themselves as a united power in contradiction to the ordinances of God. At that time, God confused their languages and dispersed them around the world. This has been the state of the world ever since, but now it is getting smaller once again.

There are universal translators on our mobile devices and there is a uniting of the world’s religions through institutions like the UN. The inane bumper sticker that is found on the cars of religious pluralists everywhere reads COEXIST – as if all religions are equal in merit, meaning, purpose, and intent. However, the God of the Bible has made exclusive claims which take away the possibility of this being true. Its claims are absolute and unchangeable.

God has revealed Himself in one unique way – through the Person and work of Jesus Christ. This concept however is rejected by the beast and the harlot, and they have the support and adulation of the masses. Confusion of thought and morality is again the ruler of the human mind, just as it was at the time of Babel. The words of the Bible ring true –

“That which has been is what will be,
That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9.

The repetitious cycle of improper conduct of religious leaders, government officials, and the peoples of the earth will only be brought to an end when Christ sets up His eternal kingdom. It is a kingdom that will bring God all the everlasting glory He is due. It is a kingdom that is founded on what God has done through the giving of His Son, JESUS.

Lord, since the very beginning You have shown us what is right and the proper path to follow. And yet, time and time again, we have strayed from Your precepts to improper avenues of our own perverse thinking. Help us to think clearly, worship properly, and act responsibly as people. Without Your guidance, we will surely take the wrong path every time. Amen.

Monday, 31 May 2021

These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14

The beast has been given the power and authority of the ten horns, as noted in the previous verse. With this united power, it now says, “These will make war with the Lamb.” This thought takes the reader back to the Lamb first mentioned in Revelation 5. There, this Lamb “as though it had been slain,” was given the scroll to open. In opening the seals of the scroll judgments came forth. This Lamb (Jesus) is also mentioned several other times as well, usually in relation to matters of the salvation of His people.

This occurs again now. When it says, “These will make war with the Lamb,” it is a reference to those  coming against faithful believers, and probably more especially those who call out to Him from Israel. The beast is reflective of those who belong to Satan. As such, the Lamb is reflective of those who belong to the Lord – with the Lord as their Head. As such, it next says, “and the Lamb will overcome them.”

Though by the world’s reckoning, there could be only defeat for the enemies of the beast, with the Lord as the Head of His people, the victory is assured. The beast, comprised of its various horns and heads, will be defeated.

While considering this, it must be remembered that the beast is not just this empire of nations all by itself. The woman is sitting on the beast as is recorded in verse 17:3. Therefore, this war includes a spiritual element as well.

This great harlot is certainly a part of the impetus for their actions – as if they believe they have God on their side because of her. But, in fact, they are working against Him. This beast may have kings that have given it power and authority, but the One they have actually come against is the Lord, and they will be defeated, “for He is Lord of lords and King of kings.

The war now noted in Chapter 17 will be more fully described in Chapter 19 – highlighted by this same title being ascribed to the Lord as He returns on a white horse to execute judgment against this beast who has come against His people who are almost at their breaking point. With no hope left, they will call out, and He will return to save them. But he will not be alone. As we are next told, “and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” These words are explained in Revelation 19:14 –

“And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.”

There is no reason to assume that these verses are speaking of anything other than an actual war. The beast has been described, it has kings that have given their power and authority to it. There is the woman in the wilderness already described. There is the land of Israel and the coming battle of Armageddon. The various things that have been described, that are being described, and that are yet to be described will all be brought together into a completed narrative as the verses of Revelation continue to unfold.

Life application: In an exciting preview of the events ahead, this verse lets us know that the victory is already assured. War is coming, but it is already noted that the Lamb will overcome.

This world power, led by the antichrist will probably conduct its war in several ways. The first is against anyone who refuses the mark of the beast. They will be cut off from buying and selling, and will surely be hunted down and martyred as well. An attack against the body of believers is an attack against the Lord as we learn in Acts 9:4. Saul was persecuting the church, but Jesus notes that it was actually He who was attacked – “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

The second way war is being waged against the Lamb is literal. He is returning as we will see in the chapters and verses ahead. When he does, the beast will stupidly think that fighting against the Creator is somehow an option… but it’s not. Jesus, the Lamb, will overcome them.

It should be noted now that a lamb is a docile animal, not a fighter. The symbolism is clear. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and a loving Lord, but He is also One who cannot tolerate sin and rebellion. For the Lamb to wage war means that God’s patience has ended and that there is no remedy at all for those who have come against Him. He is not only the Lamb, but He is also the Lord of lords and King of kings. There is none greater than Him, and He is the ultimate ruler of all that is.

When He returns, it will be to bring peace to the world. But before that happens, there will be a great slaughter. Only then will the world be ready for the peace that has long eluded it. In that coming battle, the saints of the Lord will be participants. This will include all who have died in Christ throughout the ages, along with those who were alive and who were glorified at the rapture.

This will come about after the seven years of tribulation. The beast, which has such great power and authority at his disposal, along with all the power of Satan backing him up, won’t stand a chance against the King of Glory. Be on the winning team and be a participant in the greatest battle ever waged.

The Lord is great and greatly to be praised. The book is written, and it reveals what lies ahead. Nothing will change that. And so, call out today. Be reconciled to God. Call out to JESUS!

Lord Jesus, the world is getting increasingly wicked as the days go by. Some wonderful day You will come back for Your saints to take us out of here. At that time, our chance to tell others about you will be over. Help us to have a heart for the lost and to turn many to righteousness before that day happens. Thank You for being patient and giving us the time to bring many to You. Amen.

Sunday, 30 May 2021

These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. Revelation 17:13

The word “these” refers to the ten horns of the previous verse. It is those ten horns who will receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. Of these ten kings, it says, they “are of one mind.” The Greek word translated as “mind” signifies intent or purpose. They will have the same goal and will be united in attaining it. Because of this, it next says, “and they will give their power and authority.”

The word translated as “power” signifies “ability to perform.” As these are kings (leaders of kingdoms, probably meaning modern nations), they will put all of their resources behind meeting their intended goal.

This will include their military, industry, manpower, and so on. One can think of how the allies in WWII united in these aspects to defeat the axis. There was a joining together of the military, industry, and so on, in order to meet their set goal.

The word translated as “authority” signifies “conferred power.” It is what gives a nation the right to conduct its affairs which then leads the government to run its various operations. One could think of the constitution which establishes the nation’s governmental structure, and then mandates how that governmental structure should operate. This is its authority.

In other words, these ten kings (kingdoms, nations, or whatever) will, for all intents and purposes, align everything that makes them what they are into cooperation with “the beast.” One can think of the EU as a precursor to this.

The nations of the EU yielded most of their power and authority to its establishment. That has turned out to be a clumsy, failing system. Without unity of purpose in all ways, it has labored along, breathing heavily but not truly uniting. This will not be the case in the end times. This beast will receive full power and authority from them.

This “beast,” as noted here, will probably be led by the antichrist. He will be “the prince who is to come” noted in Daniel 9:26, and he will be of the people who destroyed the city and the sanctuary of Jerusalem in AD70, meaning Rome. Thus, this beast will most probably be a replacement for the failed EU. Without being dogmatic about this, it is the most likely explanation of what lies ahead.

Life application: As seen in the previous verse commentary, this beast is surely the same as the fourth beast in Daniel 7. In Daniel 7:8, it says, “I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots.”

The horns in Revelation are “of one mind.” However, three will be uprooted. At that time, they will probably be replaced with the antichrist’s own cronies. A solidifying of leadership will take place, and these kings will be united in their wickedness and their intent to usurp God’s rule and authority from the earth. However, the antichrist will meet his end in due time.

Until then though, this empire will have the complete support of the leaders and thus of the people. All of its resources, money, and influence will be at the command and use of the leader, and it will be the epitome of what is ungodly and humanistic.

Like so many empires that have been on the earth, this one will probably start out unassuming and beneficent, but it will hide true wickedness and evil intent until it is too late to change course. This is the agenda that Hitler had. He appeared to be the savior of Germany, but he instead brought it to ruin. This is the same tactic being deployed in the United States today. Unless we are watchful and carefully consider our elected officials, we will fall over the precipice which so many nations have gone over.

The times are leading to their fulfillment, and the great empire of wickedness is coming. Thank God that the rapture is anticipated before it arrives. Thank God for our sure hope in deliverance and our gathering together to be with JESUS!

Lord, we as Christians have the hope of a pre-tribulation rapture where we will be in Your wondrous presence instead of left in a world heading towards certain doom. We do pray now that You will continue to turn many hearts to You before the door is closed and it is too late. Thank You for helping us as we spread Your wonderful gospel. Amen.

Saturday, 29 May 2021

“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. Revelation 17:12

The mystery of the beast which has seven heads and ten horns continues in this verse. The angel now explicitly states the symbolism of the horns, saying, “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings.” There is no need to go further than this as far as “what” they are, except to say that kings can represent kingdoms. Thus, ten powers led by ten rulers can be implied. Along with this, more can be determined concerning them. The first thing of note is that they are ten kings “who have received no kingdom as yet.”

The ten kings receiving authority will rule together at the same time, not in sequence. Further, at the time of John, they had not received a kingdom. They also are not rightly explained as identifiable kings since the time of John. In other words, this is a future revelation and not something that happened in the past as the preterist belief holds.

The ten kings will arise and will “receive authority.” The source of the authority isn’t stated, but it could be as simple as the alignment of nations, such as the EU today, where a controlling government is formed out of individual nations. This set of ten kings is more than likely a vision complementing that of what Daniel saw –

“After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. ⁸ I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.” Daniel 7:7, 8

This little horn that rises up and replaces three horns is believed to be the antichrist. As this final kingdom will have ten kings, John is told that they receive their authority “for one hour.’

One hour is a metaphor for a short time. This goes right back to the words of Jesus in Revelation 3:10 – “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”

Various calculations have been made based on the term “one hour.” By taking the time of seven years and determining what one hour is in relation to this, guesses have been made about exactly how long these kings will rule. Such calculations are then turned into speculation about the exact time of the rapture or the exact time of the return of Christ, and so on. This is not responsible theology. The term (as just noted above) simply means “for a short time.” These kings will have a very short rule before their authority ends. And it will be a sad end for them because they rule “as kings with the beast.”

The fate of the beast will not be a happy one, and the fate of those kings who rule will surely not be pleasant.

Life application: There is a period of trial coming upon the whole world, but the faithful believers at the end of the Christian Era will be saved from it at the rapture. Here are a couple S/W videos on the rapture –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob76os-iMN0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyerjzB2EiI

After the rapture, the world will face these things, including the rise of this beast which is headed by the antichrist and to which these ten leaders are aligned.

It cannot be determined who these kings are because they haven’t yet received their power. They could be a part of the revived Roman Empire, a separate entity within Europe who joins them, an Islamic coalition that joins them, etc. Whoever they are, they will receive authority, but as Jesus says – “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:16).

All the power and prestige that these kings think they have will fade into destruction and hell. Their temporary rule will result in eternal punishment… not a very good deal for them after all. As believers will be taken out at the rapture, thus avoiding the terrors that are coming, wouldn’t you be wise to be a part of that glorious departure? It can happen if you will simply accept God’s offer of peace and reconciliation. Accept the good news today! Call out to JESUS.

Heavenly Father, too often we look at wealth, power, and prestige as if it should be our ultimate goal, and we forget that all these worldly things are passing away. Help us to make right choices that will result in eternal rewards. May we not focus on the short-term worldly gain that has no true importance. Give us right reasoning in these things, O God. Amen.