061 - Revelation 11

REVELATION 11

 

·        "And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.” (Rev 11.1). 

 

Before everything, it is important to define that we only measured something when this is about to undergo a change or when this will be the agent of change on anything.

Here it is not the first time that the Eternal asks someone to measure His holy place:

 

·        "I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand. Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof. And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him, and said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein: for I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her." (Zechariah 2.1-5).

 

We also cannot ignore the excerpts below:

 

·        "And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate." (Ezek 40.3) - Here is the temple of the millennium that was measured.

·        "And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel." (Rev 21.15,17).

 

Note that, in Rev 21.5, one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls (Rev 21.9) had a golden reed in his hand which served to measure (Rev 21.15). And, to measure, it is said that the measure was, at the same time, of man and of an angel (messenger) (Rev 21.17).

The reed, as can be seen, is an instrument to measure. Three things are measures:

 

·        Temple -> where the priests exercise the sacred services. In the New Covenant, is composed of many mansions that exist in our heart (John 14.1,2), which should be filled with those people that Jesus placed next to us (spiritually, these are individuals who must be measured).

·        The Altar of Incense -> since the altar of burned offering was in the court, and this was not to be measured, therefore the most sense is that the altar to be measured is the incense, where the perfume of intercession was kept exhaling its smell.

·        Those who worship at the temple -> each priest who went there to worship should be measured.

 

The reed was similar to a rod. Here are some verses that show what comes to be the rod:

 

·        "But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked." (Isaiah 11.4). - here the rod represents the word that the Eternal pronounced;

·        "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it." (Jeremiah 1.11,12). - the rod here is the Word to which the Eternal watchs;

·        "And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:." (Ezekiel 20.37). - the rod is something under which we must go;

·        "Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:" (Ezekiel 37.16). - here a rod represented the ten northern tribes and the tribe of Judah;

·        "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." (John 15.2). - here the rod represents one who believes in Jesus and that has to be how the rod of Aaron: give fruit to bear witness to the will of the Eternal.

·        "And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne." (Revelation 12.5). - Jesus will govern the nations with individuals who receive His word in themselves and not to negotiate, but to live fully without any modification thereof, using it to discipline of a comforting way (Psalms 23.4; Prov 13.24), to bear witness to the will of the Eternal (Num 17.8 - Testimony), so that all see the power of the Eternal for salvation to every one that believes in Him (Exodus 4.2; Romans 1.16,17).

 

Therefore, the rod represents the word of correction and discipline of the Eternal. The reed was not a rod, but similar to it. That is to say, the reed was a living instrument of measurement. And it has to be, because to measure individuals, it is necessary something extremely accurate so that it don't have the slightest injustice. The measurement of the temple and the altar also have to be accurate, since the Eternal does not like someone who do His work relaxed (Jer 48.10). Do you want to something more accurate than the Eternal pronouncing His will?

That is to say, this reed represents the Eternal Himself instructing the prophet about the correct way to measure the adoration (remember that nobody should do anything according to their own view (Isa 11.3; 1Cor 4.5; 2Cor 5.7), but as everything that they see or hear of the Eternal (John 5.19,20,30; 7.28; 8.26,28,38,40; 14.10)). 

Three things must be observed: the character, as well as concepts and values of the worshipers, the place that they love (it is important to be where Jesus wants us to be, not where we want to glorify His name) and the love we have for those that the Eternal places in our lives (altar of incense - see Isa 59.16; 63.5; Ezek 22.30). We cannot intercede for those who suits us, but by those who have the Eternal being to us.

Now realize the importance of measuring the quality of our relationships:

 

1º - we are building our life with gold, silver and precious stones (which are purified when subjected to fire (1 Cor 3.12-15)) or with wood, straw and hay (which burn when the Eternal comes to meet them to be purified).

2º - Our friends are inside of us or just on the outskirts of our life (only at the time of the amusement or when we need something)?

3 - what are they doing to us? Interceding for us and encouraging us to seek, in the Eternal, what He has for them? And what is the extent of this intercession?

 

Therefore, here we can see a symbolic side of the measure. Remember that the Eternal don't live at home made by the hands of men (Isaiah 66.1; Acts 17.24). The dwelling of the Eternal is the place where He works His wonders, namely, the lives of those who worship Him in the right place, the right way and in the company of certain individuals (at the right altar).

The measurement means preservation of the faithful, judgment for the others.

Note, in all the cases cited above, that only what is given to the chosen people of the Eternal is measured. The Eternal does not measure the works of the gentiles (pagans), because everything they do, even if it is correct and done with good intentions, it is still an abomination, because it does not come from faith in Jesus (Romans 14.23).

The worshippers should be measured: check if they make the glory of the Eternal goal of life to be lived, of Sacred Scripture the rule of life and all their acts an expression of praise. And such measurement is the guarantee that the true worshippers will be preserved from internal threats (reform of the cult) and external (persecution and seductions of the world).

And whereas the emphasis in Rev 14.7 of the angel to worship the Creator, we can see that those who believed in Jesus will not do this (or if they will go, worship in the wrong way).

Hereby we can also see what is contained in the “little book” that John had to eat. After all, as soon as it is spoken of the measurement of the temple, it continues talking about the two witnesses. Thus, the two witnesses will prophesy to the Jews especially, protesting against the temple, the sacrifices it offered and the type of worship and intercession it runs. And as the outer court is given unto the Gentiles, hence say in Rev 10. It is necessary to prophesy to many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings (Rev 10.11).

 

·        "But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months." (Rev 11.2).

 

Comes the question: "What is the purpose of the temple?".

When the Eternal took the people of Israel from Egypt, His plan was to make Israel a nation of kings and priests (Exodus 19.6). When the people asked Moses to seek the Eternal for them (Exodus 20.18-20),  then arose the tabernacle.

As the nation of Israel wanted to be like the other nations (1Sam 8.19,20) in order to be able to get involved with their works, but without they lose the blessings of Eternal (at least that's what they thought), therefore the Eternal allowed that Israel was not more fully of the spirit. 

It arose, then, the need for a place completely holy who could show Israel the importance of separating the holy from the profane, the unclean from the clean (Lev 10.10; Ezek 22.26; 42.20; 44.23), as well as people who devote themselves exclusively to this.

It was from this that arose the tabernacle and the Levitical priesthood. Unfortunately, without the direction of own Eternal (Rom 8.14), any contact with the world, no matter how small it is, it is enough to contaminate the individual. Hence high priest, for example, not being able to leave the sanctuary even a second (Lev 21.10-12).

However, the exercise of the sacred services had already made the priest unclean (John 7.23). The tabernacle with their sacred rites was a mirror of what was done by other nations to their gods.

Let's look at the parts of the tabernacle cited in this chapter. At the beginning of this chapter are only seen the templo and the altar of incense, which should be measured together with those who worship at this altar.

After is cited not just one, but two golden candlesticks (two witnesses - Rev 11.3,4). This is because, by the mouth of two witnesses (three, with Christ who is the light of the world - John 8.12; 9.5), all the prophetic word would be confirmed (see 2Peter 1.19).

Finally, after the touch of the seventh trumpet, the Ark of the covenant (the Church - Rev 11.19) is seen in its place.

Note how the table with the Shewbread is not seen. After all, those who are in Christ  is not under any judgment (condemnation - Rom 8.1).

Understanding this, we must ask ourselves: what are we doing with those who have no commitment to Jesus? Discriminating and trying to measure them (judging - see Matt 7.1)? This is the task of the Eternal (1 Cor 5.11-13). Our role is to watch over those who are inside us (1Cor 6.1-5; Jude 20).

The outer court is delivered to the pagans and, therefore, it is not to be measured. It is not up to us to want to fix the world. Simply that we fix our inner world and receive within us all that the Eternal bring and who accept willingly to Jesus and His Word. Our hearts must be the refuge for those that the Eternal puts in our life (Isaiah 14.32).

When the Antichrist to build the Jewish temple (Rev 11.1,2), its court will be trodden under foot by the gentiles by 42 months (Rev 11.2). However, instead of wanting to fix everything and fight in order that the worship in the temple is perfect, the correct is to stop and listen to the two witnesses (Rev 11.3), such as Mary sat at the feet of Jesus to listen to Him (Luke 10.38-42).

Probably, the outer court of the temple is the Mosque of Omar (Dome of the Rock), which the UNO has given to Muslims (until it reach the day where all Jerusalem will be a sanctuary to the Eternal Gal 4.26; Heb 12.22; Isa 2.2; 52.1; Rev 21.1). Today the Israelites still believe that the Temple is located exactly at the Dome of the rock, but research is being done to lead the Jews to believe that the Dome of the Rock is only the outer court of the temple and the holy of holies and holy place can be built again.

It is precisely against this Jewish religious system with its temple and rituals that the two witnesses will preach. Their, goal is to teach the message especially to the Jews, so that the 144,000 Jews are ready to be sealed (the Holy Spirit will seal the 144,000 with Himself (Eph 1.13) and with the name of the Father and the Son (Rev 14.1), i.e., with the identity of the two, so that, to look for them, all will see the Father and the Son) and all this will serve as a witness against Jews and gentiles unrepentant.

The idea is that we all realize that the true Ark of the Covenant is not in this temple and that, therefore, nothing that makes there has value. The true Ark of the Covenant is the Church which is to be seen in the heavenly sanctuary after the 7th trumpet, when, then, it will be raptured (Rev 11.19).

 

·        "And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth." (Rev 11.3).

 

Why two witnesses?

 

·        "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die." (Num 35.30).

·        "At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death." (Deut 17.6).

·        "One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established." (Deut 19.15).

·        "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." (Matt 18.16).

·        "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth." (John 5.30-33).

·        "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me." (John 8.17,18).

 

And this can be seen in the history of Israel:

 

·        Moses and Aaron (Exodus 4.20) were sent to free the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt;

·        Bezaleel and Aholiab (Exodus 31.2,6) were used to build the tabernacle;

·        Joshua and Caleb were the only ones to enter the promised land (Num 14.30);

·        Joshua and Zerubbabel (Ezra 4.3) were responsible for the building of the second temple in Jerusalem.

·        Deborah and Barak (Judges 4.14) were used for freeing Israel from the hands of Jabin, king of Canaan;

·        Zechariah and Haggai (Ezra 5.1) were used to convene Joshua and Zerubbabel to finish the construction of the temple.

 

Not to mention that Jesus sent His disciples to evangelize every two (Lk 10.1) and He created man and woman to generate children (Gen 5.1,2) and sent the animals to Noah's ark, two by two (Gen 7.9).

The fact that they dress in sackcloth remembers Elijah and John the Baptist (2Kings 1.8; Mat 3.4), which showed the sufferings and sadnesses that had within them  (see Esther 4.4; Psalms 30.11; Isa 3.24; Amos 8.10; 2kings 19.1; Psalms 30.11; Isaiah 22.12) during the three and a half years who will prophesy against Israel and their mode of worship to the Eternal. Therefore, the message given by the witnesses was a lamentation, something to rouse the people to repentance.

The sackcloth was black, which was pointing to the spiritual mourning in which was the nation of Israel (Rev 6.12) (and also the world).

Here is illustrated the difference between "bear witness" and "to be witness". "Bear witness" is talking about something they saw, heard, felt or experienced; “to be witness" is to live a life that testifies the truth that is in Sacred Scripture and in Jesus.

We cannot forget that the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached for witness to all the nations (Mat 24.13) and that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev 19.10).

 

·        "These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth." (Rev 11.4).

 

This recalls the prophecy of Zechariah:

 

·        "Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth." (Zechariah 4.11-14).

 

As the two olive trees, the two witnesses are the two that were anointed (authorized and enabled) to fill the vessels of olive oil (the 144,000 seal). As the two candlesticks, they will serve as a support for the 144,000 that will serve as a light to Israel in darkness (Isaiah 5.30; 8.22; 9.1.2; 60.1,2; Mat 4.15,16) until Jesus comes with His brightness (see 2Pet 1.19) (remembering what John the Baptist did).

As Zerubbabel and Jeshua should be moved by the word which came from the two anointed with the Holy Spirit (Haggai and Zechariah, who were the olive trees in Zec 4.6), at the end of time the two witnesses will be:

 

·        the two olive trees anointed with the Holy Spirit through which the 144,000 must meet in order to be sealed and fulfill their evangelism mission, as well as

·        the two lampstands (light of prophecy - 2Pet 1.19) which will serve as a support for the Israelites see that grace and truth came with Christ, and not with Moses (much less with the antimessias which they elected as Christ - John 1.17).

 

·        "But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever." (Psalm 52.8).

 

The two witnesses remain before the Eternal ministering to Him, enjoying His presence, counting with His assistance and being under His protection.

There is much speculation as to the identity of these two men. However, there is no difficulty: they are two individuals who will be alive at the beginning of the 70th week and that will be used for the Eternal as He used Moses (to convert waters into blood, and smite the earth with all plagues - Exodus 7.17-24) and Elijah (who closed the heavens in order that did not rain (1Kings 17.1; James 5.17) and brought down fire on the enemies (2Kings 1.10,12-14)), as occurred with John the Baptist.

John the Baptist was not Elijah, but came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1.17). When Jesus explains Malachi 4.5,6, He was clear to say that Elijah had already "come" in the person of John the Baptist (Matthew 11.14; 17.12), but that still would come (Mat 17.11).

And Moses prophesied something in this respect:

 

·        "The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;" (Deuteronomy 18.15)

 

Despite this, at first, can apply to Jesus (in the sense that Jesus talked with the Father face to face - Num 12.8), it applies mainly to one of the two witnesses.

And Malachi complements the reasoning:

 

·        "Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." (Mal 4.4-6).

 

Finally, the two witnesses are not Elijah and Moses, but two Jews who will be used by the Eternal in the same way they were. It was exactly what the apostles saw on the mount of transfiguration (Mt 17.4). The two witnesses are so similar with Moses and Elijah in character and work of the Eternal, that the apostles saw the two in them (such as individuals must see Christ in us, instead of seeing us). and it was precisely this that the Eternal taught the apostles:

 

·        "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." (Mat 17.5).

 

Detail: Jesus said that the three apostles would see Him coming in His kingdom with power (Mat 16.28; Mark 9.1; Lk 9.27).

The reason for having been chosen Moses and Elijah can be due to the fact that they represent the law and the prophets, respectively, which were important in the eyes of the Jews (hence Jesus quote Mat 7.12; 22.40; Luke 16.16). 

So much so that when Jesus transfigured, Peter, not knowing what to say, wanted to build three tents, as saying: "We want to Jesus, but we also want to the law and the prophets" (Luke 9.30-33). They saw Jesus coming to rapture the Church. What the three apostles saw the most was what was in their hearts and that needed to be removed.

Comes the question: "But why the Eternal send two witnesses representing the law and the prophets to mainly redeem the Jews, being that they lasted until John?". Because the faithful remnant of Israel, unfortunately, cannot have a simple faith as a child in Christ (Mark 10.14,15). They need theological proof in order that the Jews can trust in Jesus.

Although it is important to meditate on Sacred Scripture, never it must overcome in importance the direct contact with Jesus (see 2Pet 1.19). Unfortunately, even the non Jews embarked in theological seminary, moving away from the simplicity that is in Christ (2Cor 11.3). The privilege of simply believing in Jesus and be guided by Him is lost (Rom 8.14).

But also they can symbolize death and life. Moses is the prophet of death, because it is through him that the Eternal brought the biggest judgments on Egypt (the ten plagues) and Israel (for example, in Num 11.1,33,34; 16.30-35,48.49; 21.6; 25.9). Not to mention that, of those who came out of Egypt, only Joshua and Caleb entered into the promised land (Num 14.30), besides he was the mediator of the covenant of condemnation and death (2Cor 3.7,9).

Elijah represents life because he was one of the two prophets of the Old Testament who was able to bring in someone's death. The other was Elisha, who was a disciple of Elijah. Obviously Elijah was chosen for being the master.

And this is not the first time that the Eternal does this:

 

·        In Eden had two trees: the life and death (the tree of the knowledge of good and evil) (Gen 2.9);

·        Half of the tribes of Israel should be on Mount Gerizim to bless the people and the other half on mount Ebal to curse (Deut 11.29; 27.12,13).

·        The Eternal proposed the life and death, the blessing and the curse (Deut 30.15,19).

 

In other words, in the spirit of Moses, the witnesses will bring condemnation to all who insist on an external, hypocritical, contaminated and corrupted worship (symbolized by the temple of Jerusalem, with its altar and worshippers). In the spirit of Elijah, the witnesses will lead to eternal life to those who receive the message, starting with the 144,000 that will be sealed by their ministry.

There is still something to consider:

 

·        In Zechariah 4 there is only a candlestick, which represents Israel. The two olive trees with its two branches are Haggai and Zechariah; the two pipes of gold are Joshua and Zerubbabel who should build the temple so that Israel could serve as a light to the world with their "seven lamps" (see Isaiah 60.1).

·        In Revelation 1 there are seven candlesticks are the seven Oholyao of Christ. The Church is anointed directly by Christ with the Holy Spirit to be the light of the world (Matthew 5.14-16). Seven implies the totality of the Church distributed throughout the world, instead of being centered in a single place.

·        In Revelation 11.4 There are two candlesticks that are the two witnesses. At the same time as the two witnesses are the instrument to anoint the 144,000 are sealed, are also the support for them resplandecerem the light of the Eternal in Israel.

 

One lesson we can draw from this chapter: there is a spiritual struggle between the religious system and love (which complies with the law and the prophets accurately - Matt 7.12; 22.37-40).

 

·        "And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will." (Rev 11.5,6). 

 

This recalls the following passages:

 

·        "Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them." (Jer 5.14).

·        "Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth" (Hosea 6.5).

·        "And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense." (Num 16.35).

 

As well as the allies of the beast try to kill the two witnesses in order to put an end to the fire that is in their words, it is necessary that they are killed by this same word that they try to destroy (Deut 33.2; Jer 5.14; 23.29) (remuneration in kind - Rev 13.10).

It is the fire of their testimony which refines, purifies and convinces some.

The fire coming out of the mouth represents the tongue (James 3.6) pronouncing the law (Dt 33.2) and the prophecies (Jer 5.14; 23.29). In other words, the Eternal transforms the words of these witnesses in judgment which condemns immediately who tries to prevent them from fulfilling the purpose designated by him.

The fact of being said twice, " and if any man will hurt them" indicates that the Eternal hastens to fulfill such a word (see Genesis 41.32).

Note that, for three and a half years, Elijah get not to rain upon Israel (James 5.17). The detail is that three and a half years is precisely the period in which the two witnesses will minister with greater authority, to the point that they could open and close the heavens as many times as they wanted.

Furthermore, the act of closing the heavens indicates the Eternal as the one who actively interferes in everything here on earth, which is consistent with the message of the first angel (Rev 14.7).

Already with respect to Moses, he had authority to convert the waters of Egypt into blood, while the two witnesses have control over all the waters of the world. The plagues sent by Moses were defined and limited in number, while these two witnesses can hurt the whole world with all sorts of pests as many times as they want to.

 

·        "And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (Rev 11.7).

 

When the two witnesses had ended to show Israel everything that the law and the prophets speak of Christ, giving opportunity that all the Israelites could obtain confirmation that Jesus is the One that was promised in Holy Scripture by the Eternal (for example, Deut 18.18,19; Acts 3.22), then the beast that rises from the bottomless pit shall make war and wins.

Comes the question: why the Eternal allows the beast to overcome them? To ensure that all realize that, no matter the effort of the world to silence the witnesses of Jesus: His Word will never fail (Mat 5.17,18; 24.35); His truth endureth for ever (Psalms 117.2), no matter how the world wants to hide the truth (Rom 1.18,23.25) or end it. Similarly, while the whole purpose of Truth has not fulfilled, nothing can happen to His ministers. 

However, when the Truth has finished His work, nothing can keep His witnesses saved from death, since the death of the righteous is precious in the eyes of the Eternal (Psalm 116.15). However, when the truth seems to be dead, suddenly gains new life, so that it is only mistaken who wants (see Jer 29.13,14; 33.3; Rom 10.11).

In short: while the mission of two witnesses is not complete, nobody has the power to make them harm. When, however, the testimony is complete, the beast:

 

·        will fight against them -> contradicting their arguments;

·        will triumph over them -> will be able to make his lies prevail (Dan 8.25);

·        will kill them.

 

·        "And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified." (Rev 11.8).

 

Sodom and Egypt are chosen as example of evil (for example, in Deut 32.32; Isaiah 1.10; Ezek 16.46; 20.7).

By six times in Revelation it is said that Babylon is a great city (Rev 14.8; 18.10,16,18,19,21).

However, see the distinction made in Rev 16.19 between "great city" and "great Babylon":

 

·        "And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath."

 

Therefore, there has to be another "great city". Consider that the Great City is identified as the place where the Lord of witnesses was crucified, to wit, Jerusalem.

That Jerusalem is well connected to Sodom and Egypt, this can be seen in verses below:

 

·        "Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah." (Isaiah 1.10).

·        "And her whoredoms brought from Egypt, not the left; because she had lain in their youth, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her." (Ezek 23.8).

·        "As I live, saith the Lord GOD, they did not thy sister Sodom, neither she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters." (Ezek 16.48).

 

·        Babylon is a benchmark of idolatry and legality;

·        Egypt is a symbol of tyranny, oppression and slavery, as well as idolatry (Exodus 32.3-5) and military strength (Isaiah 30.1-3, 31.1-3), with their chariots and horses (Psalms 20.7; Isaiah 36.6). The Israelites wanted a Messiah as David, who went decimating entire populations.

·        Sodom is known for its material prosperity and arrogance (Ezek 16.49; see the luxury that will characterize the Great City - Rev 17.4; 18.12-16), as well as for sexual immorality and for being the wrong place of worship (see Gen 18.20,21; Isaiah 1.10-17 - spiritual immorality). They worshipped the Eternal for the wrong reason, as did Israel (Isaiah 1.10; Ezek 16.48,49).

·        Jerusalem is the city that is proud to be the chosen of the Eternal, but who was responsible for killing Jesus and pursue his followers and messengers:

 

·        "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Mat 23.37).

 

The reason of Jerusalem be called "great" is because it is from her that comes out the contamination of the whole earth (Jeremiah 23.15).

Based on this, we can see that:

·        The great city here is Jerusalem.

·        In Rev 17.18, the great city that ruled over the kings of the earth at that time is Rome;

·        Babylon the Great is the marriage of Jerusalem (Israelite empire) with Rome (Gentile Empire) (see Dan 2.41-45).

 

A detail to be observed is that the bodies are drawn in the square, which is normally the place where the people gather to have fun (Zech 8.4.5; Luke 7.32), where people greet (Mat 12.38; Luke 11.43; 20.46). It represents fun mondaine. And, if you repair as well, the whole entertainment mondaine always implies denigrating the image of someone made in the image and likeness of the Eternal, i.e. kill Christ (including His witnesses) from the hearts of the people.

The objective of these diversions is to get rid of Jesus, His Bride and His message. Fortunately the truth will never be quenched, but always be seated on the throne to judge the world. And whenever it manifests, cause terror in the world.

We have to devote our lives, so that our heart is own kingdom of Eternal (Mat 6.33). As the world that is all around us, it is not up to us to try to change it. The idea is to leave it (analyze Rev 18.45), seeking Jesus in our hearts (1 Corinthians 3.16; 6.19; 2Cor 6.16) that works in our life as the effectiveness of His power that operates in our innermost (Col 1.29; Eph 3.20) in order to fish some of the course of this world (Mat 4.19).

 

·        "And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth." (Rev 11.9,10).

 

This prophecy, that even a hundred years seemed amazing, now it is quite possible. With the advent of TV and internet it is possible to contemplate, live, via satellite, the corpse of two witnesses. And the joy of the citizens of the earth (Rev 3.10; 8.13; 12.12; 13.8) (in contrast with the joy of citizens of heaven (Eph 2.19; Phil 3.20)) to see them dead will be so great that all the ungodly will rejoice to see them dead. It is very likely that the scourges which they expressed are the seven trumpets, which prevented the wicked to be successful in their evil deeds (see John 3.19-21), of which they do not want to get rid of. How sad it is to rejoice with what only makes and brings the evil!

But this is not everything! They will make this a feast (as happened, for example, at the time of Esther (Esther 9.20-22) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8.11,12)). That is, they thought they were providing a service to their god (Matthew 7.21-23; Luke 13.23-28; John 16.2), without realizing that their rituals were dishonoring the true God.

However, as they meant to do with the witnesses of Jesus, so it will be done to them (Rev 19.17,18,21).

As regards the three and a half days that the corpse of the two are exposed, this reminds all three and a half years of the first period of the Great Tribulation (one day for each year), as well as the three and a half years that the heavens of Israel remained closed due to the preaching of Elijah (James 5.17). While the citizens of heaven face the seven years as something perfect of the Eternal so that His glory is manifested, the citizens of the Earth destroy the perfection of the Eternal, break alliances (Dan 9.27) and everything is lost.

A detail here to be observed is that, at any time, the Bible says that the Church or even the 144,000 sealed will be full of pity by seeing the two witnesses of Christ in this deplorable state.

 

·        “And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.” (Rev 11.11).

 

After three and a half days Jesus comes. The two witnesses are resurrected, then the other dead are and, finally, those who are of Jesus are transformed and raptured (1Thes 4.16-17; 1 Corinthians 15.52). Therefore, there is no secret rapture (as seen in Rev 1.7; 11.12). On the contrary!

The cloud mentioned in (Rev 11.12) is the same that impelled Jesus to heaven and in which He return (Acts 1.9) and similar to that in which it was the being like unto the Son of Man (Ap 14.14-16, where He will come precisely to harvest the wheat).

Finally, the Antichrist and his confederates, embittered because of loved ones who have been taken and for the bowls of the wrath of the Eternal and the Lamb (Rev 6.16; 16.9), will bring together all that belong to earth to fight against Jesus (Rev 16.14-16; 19.19-21) in Armageddon.

It is worth noting that, initially, to see Jesus coming to rapture His church (Mat 24.30,31), they are afraid (Rev 6.16; 11.13). 

But then, seduced by unclean spirits like frogs (Rev 16.14), lose the fear, began to fell strong (Joel 3.9,10) and go to battle against the Almighty.

Although there are versions that say that only the two witnesses is that they heard the voice from heaven, whereas they were all taken from fear, certainly all heard. Differently from what occurred with Elijah, when only Elisha (and maybe a few intimate friends) saw (2Kings 2.11,12). After all, to be raptured and transfigured in the body, the Church is being justified before the world, as occurred with Jesus to be caught up to the throne before the dragon that was ready to devour Him when He was born (Rev 12.5).

Think: what happened to the world when Noah isolated himself of it on the ark? In what became Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim when Lot went out from thence? And as for Jerusalem, what happened to it years after the death of Christ? Similarly, what will be of the world when the Church is snatched of it (starting with the two witnesses)?

 

·        "And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them" (Rev 11.12). 

 

Unlike Jesus who rose to heaven in the presence only of friends, these two witnesses are seen going to heaven in the presence of your enemies. The rapture of the two witnesses is the witness of the Eternal that the preaching of them was correct and that, therefore, the Israelites and the rest of the world were really in sin. Similarly, the rapture will be the justification of the Church by the Eternal before this world corrupted. 

Note how these two witnesses ascended up to heaven in a cloud, while Jesus was concealed by a cloud. This is a way of showing to the world that rapture is a terrible judgment. 

 

·        "And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven." (Rev 11.13). 

 

After the two witnesses are raptured, the earth shakes, making the tenth part of Jerusalem falls and seven thousand men die. Result: the worldly that formerly rejoice is now terrified. 

Detail: 7,000 wicked die here in contrast to the 7,000 faithful who are preserved at the time of Elijah (1 Kings 19.18; Rom 11.4). Here, the 7,000 wicked die to give the opportunity to the Eternal to save the remainder (note how there is a opening and closing of an eye - 1 Corinthians 15.52); in 1Kings 19.18, 7,000 are the remnant.

It is good to remember the promise of the Eternal to save the remainder (Zephaniah 3.13; Romans 9.27) by passing them through the fire (Zec 12.10-14; 13.1,9).

After three and a half days during the first half of the 70th week, the two witnesses will be resurrected. Those who will see everything will be frightened, as it happend on the occasion of the resurrection of Jesus with the guards that was guarding the tomb (Mat 28.4). Note that on this occasion there was also an earthquake.

An earthquake is seen at the end of the 7th seal (Rev 8.5), at the end of the 7th trumpet (Rev 11.19) and at the end of the 7th vial (Rev 16.18). However, it appears again in Revelation. And this time it is precisely here: at the end of the 6th trumpet. I believe that this earthquake is the last arousing of the ten virgins, as well as all those who are waiting for Jesus. An event as important as the rapture must be preceded and followed by an earthquake.

On this occasion, the tenth part of Jerusalem will fall and seven thousand will die (in contrast with the seven thousand that the Eternal reserved at the time of Elijah – 1Kings 19.18).

Others who do not die will experience an opening of eyes that, unfortunately, soon close (1 Corinthians 15.52).

Detail: Six is the number of man (synonym of imperfection), so it is in the sixth trumpet where we see the greatest triumph of world powers. However, a little bit then comes the seven, the number of divine perfection, when such powers shall be annihilated.

 

·         "The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly." (Rev 11.14).

 

The fifth, sixth and seventh trumpet are considered a blessing for those who are in Christ and pain and curse by the inhabitants of the earth. Apparently the fifth and sixth trumpet promised to be "blessing" of the antichrist for the wicked (promising to use such armies to eliminate once and for all the truth and those who effort themselves for it). However end up turning precisely against those who swore allegiance to the beast, accepting his mark (Rev 9.4,20).

Finally, the 3 "woes" represent what should be the best news for the world, but which, by their wickedness, will be the worst.

The third woe comes much faster than anyone can imagine, namely, as soon occurs the rapture of two witnesses.

 

·        "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." (Rev 11.15).

 

On the occasion of the opening of the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven, but on the other hand, to the sound of the seventh trumpet, there were great voices. 

It is not known who spoke, nor "to whom". And see how the message announced by these voices has much to do with what is cited along the Sacred Scripture:

 

·        "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." (Psalms 2.8);

·        "The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved." (Psalms 99.1);

·        "Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9.7);

·        "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." (Isaiah 11.9);

·        "Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth." (Dan 2.35);

·        "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure." (Dan 2.44,45);

·        "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” (Dan 7.13,14);

·        "And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart." (Dan 7.27,28);

·        "And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one." (Zechariah 14.9);

·        "For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts." (Mal 1.11);

·        "And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." (Luke 1.33).

 

When the seventh trumpet plays, Jesus taketh His Church which, being the mystery of the Eternal, reaches its full compliance (Rev 10.7). Jesus assumes total control the world, starting with the judgments of the seven bowls on the world of the ungodly. Since then, Jesus reigns for ever (Ezekiel 21.26,27; Dan 2.44; 4.3; 6.26; Zec 14.9). It is good to remember that the stone cut out without the aid of hands starts smashing all the kingdoms of the earth for, only then, fill the whole earth (Dan 2.34,35).

This trumpet also serve to attract to Jerusalem all of Israel which were scattered throughout the world (Isaiah 27.13).

From then on, the Antichrist will not be able to control over the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the fountains of waters (hence the message of Rev 14.7). Although able to control his followers, martrize many of the faithful, this however is to cleanse those who will believe in Jesus in the Great Tribulation.

 

·        "And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned." (Rev 11.16,17).

 

Note as the great voices exult to see the Creator as owner of everything and His Anointed (who gave His life to save us) taking possession of the reign of the world. 

With the seventh trumpet, the Church finally is redeemed (taken to heaven) and arrives the day of Jesus having to reign. This fills the heart of the elders of joy, which induces them to prostrate on their faces, and worship the Eternal in their thrones, which were positioned around the throne of Him.

Your praise is as a response to the cry of the martyrs (Rev 6.10.11). The four and twenty elders acknowledge Jesus, revealing something tremendous about it:

 

·        Jesus is Lord, i.e., the owner of everything;

·        Jesus is God.

·        Jesus is the Almighty. That is to say, He can do everything;

·        Jesus is, was and is to come, while the beast was, is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit. As Jesus is not physically in this world, the fact of saying that "He is" proves that He is God, i.e., eternal, unchanging (Mal 3.6). And from the seventh trumpet everything that He is finally will be seen by all;

·        Jesus took His great power. In other words, He has already reigning, although many will not be able to see this (Heb 2.8). However, at this moment, He takes visible control of all events (as also prophesied in Malachi 3.18).

 

·        "And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth." (Rev 11.18).

 

The fact of Jesus take the reign makes many become angry (as seen in Psalms 2.1-3; 2Kings 19.28; Acts 4.26,27; Rev 16.21). However, the seven bowls also serve to show mankind that not even all the wrath of the people seal can arrive at the feet of the wrath of the Eternal (Rev 16.1).

In thanksgiving, the 24 elders reveal what Jesus will do to take over the government of the world:

 

·        thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. This is the end of the wicked empire with all its bad achievements;

·        And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged. Think of the absurdity that is the wicked revolt themselves (Psalms 2.1-3 - note how the Psalms 2.9 is quoted later in Rev 12.5) precisely against the One who gave them power (2Kings 19.25,28);

First the wicked persecute those that are of Jesus, then kill (Rev 11.7,8) and rejoice (Rev 11.9,10). However, when they see the righteous in glory, will become even more disgusted with the Eternal, to the point of they show themselves unyielding, even in the face of the worst plagues, even knowing that they come from Him (Rev 16.9).

Many interpret the wrath of the Eternal as something bad. However, it will be an opportunity for people to repent and, at the same time, the righteous can see that, no matter what the Eternal make (see Isaiah 26.9,10), yet the stubborn will not repent;

·        and the time of the dead, that they should be judged -> they will be judged by the works;

·        and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; -> After so many struggles, nothing more rewarding that receive the reward: the redemption of the body. 

What all those who believe come seeking in vain, and did not find, will be given when Jesus comes. There is no point in waiting for the reward ahead of time. This world is not a place of reward, but of service.

Three classes of individuals are awarded:

o   The prophets, i.e., those that the Eternal used before Christ come into the world to communicate His message to Israel. They did not know the work of Christ;

o   The saints, i.e., those who consagrate themselves to be used exclusively by the Eternal for love of Christ;

o   Those who fear the name of the Eternal, i.e., they serve by fear that have the consequences of sin. Their size  is determined by Mat 5.19:

·        "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (Mat 5.19).

I know that this seems strange. However, it is good to remember that there are many who err through ignorance or weakness of the flesh. They are saved, but as if by fire (see 1Cor 3.12-15).

·        Then came the time to destroy those who destroy the earth -> namely, the descendants of the fourth beast of Daniel, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails, metal, which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet (Dan 7.19). It is retribution in kind (as in Rev 16.6).

And who are these descendants? The ten horns of the beast that emerges from the sea, namely: the global elite (international bankers) and their accomplices who plan the destruction of the earth to reduce the population to 500 million inhabitants. So it is easier to control them, in addition to remain more resources for them.

 

Note that the 24 elders were thanking the Eternal. By what they were thanking? There is only one explanation: the prayers of the martyrs (Rev 6.9-11) were also the prayer of them and they were thanked for having been heard. Now the Eternal is no longer "what is to come", since, at this moment, He was coming.

The Eternal, who once had distributed His great power to authorities (see John 19.10,11; Romans 13.1,2), now would personally go to shepherd their sheep (Ezek 34.15,16).

 

·        "And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail." (Rev 11.19).

 

The Church is the ark of the covenant, the throne of the Eternal.

Jesus came to the Holy of Holies in heaven through the life pure and holy who lived in His flesh, as the high priest, to enter into the holy of holies terrestrial had to pass through the veil. Thus, in order to reach the sanctuary, we have to renounce our flesh so that Christ can live His life in us (Heb 10.20). After all, the flesh of Christ is the new and living way that Jesus has provided to make our life pure and devoted enough to cross the veil that prevents us to have access to the heavenly sanctuary.

After the praise of the four and twenty elders, the Holy of Holies in heaven opens and the ark of the covenant, that is, the Church is seen in its place (since the Church has been raptured). Once more proving that the rapture occurs three and a half days after the first half of the Great Tribulation.

You may ask: but the Church is the tabernacle of Eternal (Rev 21.3). What happens is that, in Revelation 21, the Church has been glorified and evil, expelled from the world. Therefore:

 

·        There is no more outer court, because the perfect sacrifice has long made by Christ, which already washed away the Church completely, leaving her ornamented (Eph 5.25-27). There is nothing more to be purified;

·        There is no more holy place, because:

o   The candlestick, which represents the prophetic word has come to an end, because Jesus has already shone in all hearts (2Pet 1.19). Jesus has not speak more with riddles (John 16.25);

o   The Shewbread will no longer be needed, because Jesus will be our food. Furthermore, we won’t need more physical food. We won’t need more "Shewbread" (bread of presence).

o   The altar of incense will no longer be necessary, because nobody else will need to intercede for each other, since we all know the Eternal (Heb 8.10,11).

 

When the Church finally goes to the presence of Christ, something terrible happens on earth to show the justification of the Church to all which was so much persecuted. Hence the lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

 Then comes the chapter 15. Chapters 12 to 14 are in parentheses.

While in time to pour out the vials the sanctuary is inaccessible (Rev 15.8), here it is fully opened (Rev 11.19). Note that the sanctuary, on the occasion of the vials, is not closed. Before, is inaccessible. Although open, the cloud of smoke prevented that the same was seen and accessed (as should normally be - Heb 10.19-22).

With the rapture of the Church, the heavenly sanctuary opened to receive the ark of the covenant, which is the heart of everyone who believes in Jesus in truth. The ark was the place where you could find with the Eternal and hear His voice (Exo 25.22) and, as shown in Revelation 21, the Church is the tabernacle of Eternal with men (Rev 21.3) and the body of Christ is the sanctuary (John 2.19-21; Rev 21.22).

While the sky is open to the Church, for the ungodly the opened heaven represents lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, earthquake, and great hail, i.e., the more diverse expressions of anger of the Eternal.

Spiritually, we could say that:

 

·        The lightning bolts represent the Word of the Eternal.

o   "The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear." (Habakkuk 3:11).

It goes forth to smite of death (as occurred with Ananias and Sapphira) or to trespass hearts of thousands, insomuch that they will cry out: 

o   “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2.37).

·        Earthquakes represent the eternal moving everything to shake everything that is shakable (Heb 12.26,27).

 

Normally, lightning, thunder, etc. are symbols of the wrath of the Eternal:

 

·        "Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?" (Job 38.22-23).

·        "He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.” (Psalms 105.32) 

·        "He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts." (Psalm 78.48).

·        "And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones." (Isaiah 30.30)

·        "Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went" (Ezek 36:22).

 

See how two groups of people see different things at the same manifestation of the Eternal:

 

1.     The Creator manifests Himself to Daniel:

a.     He lives the whole vision (Dan 10.8-21);

b.     Those who were with him, not even seeing and hearing nothing, flee and hide (Dn 10.7);

2.     The Creator speaks with Jesus:

a.     He understands that it is the Father speaking and what was the message (Jn 12.28,30);

b.     The people heard a thunderstorm and mistook the voice of the Eternal with  an angel (John 12.29);

3.     Jesus manifests Himself to Paul:

a.     Paul sees and hears everything (Acts 9.3-6);

b.     Those who were with him just hear a tone and see a light (Acts 9.7; 22.9; 26.13).

 

This, not to mention that, for the elects, Jesus is the cornerstone (1Pet 2.6,7), but for unbelievers, stumbling stone (1Pet 2.7,8).

Comes the big question: "Who are you?" Sanctuary of God or outer court (Great Babylon)? That is to say, someone worthy of having your actions, thoughts, feelings, plans, and desires measured by Holy Scripture or are you delivered to the Gentiles? If the seventh trumpet touched now, would you be in the heavenly sanctuary opened or would be in the outside darkness experiencing the weeping and the gnashing of teeth (Mat 8.12; 22.13; 25.30; Luke 13.28)?