SECTION 1 Title 1 Title 2 Title 3

CHAPTER 16

1. Why is God judging the world so harshly in chapter 16?

2. Who is the devil in human skin?

3. If the mark of the beast is 666 what is the mark of God?

4. What do the second seal, second trumpet and second bowl judgments have in common?

5. Is God always Just?

6. When will the greatest heat wave in history occur?

7. Will the tribulation hour be shortened from 2520 days to a lesser time period?

Who are the elect in those days?

8. Will mankind repent under the bowl judgments?

9. What is the day of darkness and when does it blacken mankind plans?

10. What part does the nations Iraq, Iran, and Syria play in the earth’s final bloodbath?

11. Who are the members of the counterfeit trinity?

12. What is the great day of God Almighty?

13. How gigantic are the hail stones that God brings down from heaven?

The information presented in the following 21 verses should cause all men to examine their relationship with Almighty God. The events we are about to observe are both awesome and terrifying. The only consolation for the believers is that they will not be present when the fourth coming scenario take place. By the time our study is concluded we will appreciate more than ever what the apostle Paul in Titus 2 v 13 meant. The final seven judgments of the tribulation hour are about to begin.

Verse 1 “ and I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels…..” The voice of Almighty God issues forth from the smoke filled temple directing the angels to carry out their duties. Remember God himself is sending out these judgments. His holiness has been offended. Mankind has worshipped a man, the Antichrist, the devil in human skin, bowing to his image, the Abomination of Desolation Matt 24 v 15. A holy true and eternal God is justly angry, he cannot allow this inequity to go un-judged, Isa 4 v 2:8, again Exodus 20 v 4-6. Because mankind in mass numbers has grossly violated this commandment during the tribulation period the promised judgment must begin.

Verse 2 … As the first bowl is outpoured man is covered with ulcerating sores, they have the mark of the beast 666, now they have the mark of God - ulcers. These festering infection cover their bodies. Can this verse be taken literally? The plague is similar to one in past history. Exodus 9 verses 8-11. What a terrible price man pay for not believing God.

Verse 3…..Again the bible speaks of a time when the waters turned to blood. Exodus 7 v 17-21. If God did it once in the Old Testament he can certainly do it again.

Pausing to review our studies, we can recall that the second seal in chapters 6 verses 3 & 4 brought great bloodshed upon earth, and that the second trumpet blasts chapter 8 v 8 causes the third part of the sea to become blood, however in the present text we are studying every sea creature perishes when the waters turn to blood. The result is unbearable stench in the entire world as these organisms decays. That which always symbolizes life (because blood always symbolizes life) For the life of the flesh is in the blood Lev 17 v 11 and blood symbolizes salvation “ for the blood of Jesus Christ, God son cleanses us from all sin, 1^st John 1 v 7 now blood, becomes a symbol of condemnation and death. But wait, the third veil extends the destruction to all bodies of water internationally.

Verses 4 –7 “ and the third angel…..” By this time one might tend to believe that God is not just. God is always equitable, fair and righteous in his dealing with men. Gen 18 v 25, no man has all the facts in his possession. Thus we must wait until we meet God face to face, then and only then will we be able to make unbiased decisions. In the mean time we must trust God.

Angelic beings have different responsibilities upon earth. In our text we see the angel over the waters justifying Gods actions by saying “thou art righteous Oh Lord because of thy judgments”. In effect the angel is saying the wicket “beast worshippers” who shed the blood of your people and prophets, may now satisfy their unquenchable desire for blood by drinking it to their hearts content. They deserve what is happening to them. You have answered the prayers of your saints under the altar in chapter 6. As this message of vindication from the almighty is concluded a voice from the altar replied “ even so Amen” Justice prevails, God’s judgments are true and righteous.

Verses 8 & 9 “ and the fourth angel…..” The inhabitants of planet earth now experience the greatest heat wave in history. Many can remember what happened in the Southern part of the United States in the summer of 1980. Crops were parched, and scores of people died as temperatures consistently soared over 100 degrees. Now they will see what happens when the sun is out of control. Isaiah 24 v 4-6 predicted that period of time. The earth becomes so terribly hot during this judgment that God has to alleviate the suffering by shortening the day light hours. Matt 24 v 22 “except those days be shortened …

Scholars have proposed the ideas that the tribulation hours being abbreviated but this is an impossibility, because God’s predestined program for the tribulation totals 7 years or 84 months or exactly 2520 days. Since the scheduled time table is already prophesied not one day can be cut from the program. Verse 2 of chapter 11 mentioned 1260 days as one half of this program, and no one can change God’s plan. Therefore we must find another explanation. God accomplishes this by shortens the day light hours and lengthens the night periods to keep millions alive. He accomplishes this by darkening the sun which is exactly what HIS SON Jesus Christ predicted. Matt 24 v 29. This statement harmonizes with Rev 6 v 12. God’s method of shortening the daylight hours hinders the sun’s ultra violet rays bombarding the planet. This act of mercy is for his people the saved Tribulation Saints. Remember he added just that in Matt 24 v 22 “ but for the elect sake those days shall be shortened”.

Once again we need to remember that the Church, the elect bride of Christ composed of all those who were born again prior to the rapture chapter 4 v 1 are at home in glory during this time. The earthly group of tribulation saints (also being referred to as the elect) presently being discussed constitute the election of Romans 11 v 28, they are also referred to a Jacobites or Israelites in Romans 11 v 26. These are Jews, they are not members as the Bride of Christ, but rather members of the Wife of Jehovah. Mankind’s reaction with the scorching of fire takes place with further rebellion. Instead of repenting and appealing to God who has the power to stop the plague, verse 9 , the people continue to blaspheme the Almighty. The human heart is exceedingly wicket and callous. Jer 17 v 9. Even in the face of such terrible times repentance and restitution are the furthest from wicked men’s mind.

Verses 10 & 11 ‘and the fifth angel……” Where as the fourth judgment produces unusual brightness through the scorching rays of the sun, the fifth judgment produces darkness upon the very throne of the Antichrist and his empire. This could certainly be related to the shortening of the days, and lengthening of the nights as already described. Whatever the darkness is we take it to be literal. As was the Egyptian plague as described in Exodus 10 v 21 - 23. What a thrilling moment for the saints on earth, they see the satanically controlled or devil incarnate leader humiliated internationally as the power of God is unleashed. This scene is equated with the day of the Lord. Amos 5 v18; Joel 2 v 1&2. Who is the military colossus that produces such darkness and gloominess in the last days. RUSSIA ! Joel 2 v 20. The only nation in the world north of Israel with a barren area and two oceans surrounding it is the Soviet Union. This is the same nation that comes against Israel from the north in Ezekiel 38 v 15 and is known as Meshak, Magog, Tubal and Rosh. The wicked still continues to blaspheme against God, they repented not. No amount of punishment for sin can change some people. Don’t let stubbornness of heart, refusing to repent, postponing salvation, refusing to be baptized, refusing to yield to God’s word catch you unprepared. His judgments are coming!

Verses 12-16 “ and the sixth angel……” the sixth trumpet judgment should be recalled in light of the sixth tipped bowl, there is a striking similarity. Chapter 9 v 13-18 depict the sixth angel voicing his commands. As he does four angels are released from the great River Euphrates. The areas of Iran, Iraq and Syria. A total of 200 million troops Rev 9 v 16, appears in the middle east from the Orient. This has to be the largest assemble of military presence in history. In the text before us chapter 16 v 12, we see a miraculous drying up of the Euphrates River in order that the kings of the East might cross over unhindered. The word “kings” pictures the leaders of troops, they cross the Euphrates in order to participate in the greatest Middle Eastern confrontation ever, “the battle of Armageddon. Actually the conflict is with the Lord and his hosts and will be discussed in detail when we arrive at that text Chapter 19 v 11-16.

Upon their arrival in the holy land, these Oriental rulers, join with the leaders of other nations for the war of wars as predicted in Psalm chapter 2 v 2-4.

How near is Armageddon? Bear in mind that both chapters 9 and 16 mentions the Euphrates River as a focal point in this war. Keep your eyes on the middle east especially, Iraq, Iran and Syria in the days ahead. The Euphrates was JOINTLY THEIRS when these nations were called Persia. Therefore IRAN and IRAQ and SYRIA are prominent identification point for the end time war.

Between the sixth and seventh seal, and the trumpet judgments, we encountered parenthetic utterances, now we find another parenthesis between the six and seventh bowl judgments. This we shall consider from verses 13-16 already quoted. Verse 13 reveals three unclean spirits like frogs, coming out of the mouth of 1. The dragon- Satan; 2. The Beast or Antichrist; 3. The False Prophet or Head of the World Church. What we see then is an unholy trinity, controlled by the power of the evil spirits in an ago of Occultism as explained in Chapter 9 v 20 & 21.

The symbolism of frogs, for the text says “like frogs” speaks of un-cleanliness. Like the plague of frogs Egypt produced and the obnoxious stench that filled the land with indescribable odors and filth, Exodus 8 v 14. Thus the picture is clear, the counterfeit Trinity, The Devil, The Antichrist and The False Prophet produces supernatural miracles through the powers of the devil and his demonic spirits, convincing the kings of the earth who follows them willingly to the middle east to the great day of God Almighty which is Armageddon. The entire situation reeks in God’s nostrils.

Verse15 is a pause or lull before the storm . God says he shall come as a thief. This again proves that the church is not present, because that day will not overtake BELIEVERS as a thief. 1^st Thes 5 v 4. The words in verse 15 then, actually is a final warning to the Tribulation Saints to watch for his coming and to continue walking into the pathways of holiness. The terms “watcheth” and “garments” refers to slothfulness and carelessness spiritually speaking.

In Christ’s days a one piece garment was removed at bedtime. It was worn only during waking hours. Here the Lord tells the final group of tribulation saints to watch, for in so doing they will be awake and clothed. The plan is to be prepared. Preparation avoids them being found naked and ashamed when he comes. The same is true for believers today, when Jesus comes many will stand at the judgment seat naked, without rewards and ashamed because they were not watching. Listen to the warning of 1^st John 2 v 28.

Verse 16 names the location of the great day of God Almighty as Armageddon or the Mount of Mageddo, the place where numerous battles have occurred throughout history. Armageddon will also be the scene of the final battle when the “winepress of the wrath of God” is released upon the nations.

Verse 17-21 … “and the seventh angel poured out…..” Satan is the prince of the power of the air, Ephesians 2 v 2 that’s why we wrestle against evil spirits in high places Ephesians 6 v 12. The seventh angel in pouring out his bowl into the air does so to destroy the last traces of Satan’s abiding place. At Armageddon, (which will be explained in chapter 19) ever conceivable corner where Satan has had a resting place is destroyed. As this occurs, a voice out of the temple of heaven shouts “ It is done”. The 21 judgments are completed. When Christ bore the judgments of our sins he cried “it is finished.” The seventh outpoured bowl produces thunders, lightening and the most devastating earthquake upon earth. The prophet

Haggai predicted this in Haggai chapter 2 v 6 & 7. The final bowl judgment does not bring about the end of the world. The Lord Jesus Christ returns at this time and establishes his earthly kingdom and rules for one thousand years. Chapter 20 v 4. This is however the end of civilization as we know it. The destruction divides the great city Jerusalem into three parts, and causes every major city and all nations to fall. Every island flees away, and mountains become dislocated even to the point of disappearing into the oceans. The worse judgment is reserved for Babylon, which receives the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

A detailed study of Babylon’s demise will be discussed in Chapter 18.

The climax now is the raining down from heaven of hail, stones weighing from 86 to 120 lbs. The Greek talent weighed 86 lbs, the Troy talent 96 lbs and the Jewish talent 120 lb. Whatever measure is used this hail will do more than demolish homes, it will literally pulverize ever thing in sight. Even in spite of this, the inhabitants of earth continues blaspheming God’s name. Finally they must die and suffer eternal separation from God, and torment in a fiery hell. Even then they “weep and gnash” their teeth. Matt 8 v 12. Although weeping denotes sorrow, the gnashing of teeth depicts cursing. No wonder God’s word says that the smoke of their torment ascended up for ever and ever. Rev 14 v 11. May none of this ever be a part of your experience. Make sure you are in the first “it is finished” cry of Jesus Christ upon the cross of Calvary” Don’t keep hesitating, only to finally hear the “it is done” wail as in the final judgment # 21.

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This site was last updated Saturday June 05, 2004 09:10:42 PM -0400