READ THE FIG LEAVES
Signs of the Times
STUDY 1
TOPIC 9—THE FIRST FOUR SEALS—Continued
Third Seal—Famine and Pestilence—Food Rationing
When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!”… REVELATION 6:5 This third living creature has the face of a man. REVELATION 4:7 This creature symbolizes the intelligence and reasoning of man; but man’s intelligence cannot produce enough food without help from God, for only God can bring forth bread from the earth. However, it is the actions of men that cause many famines.
This horseman represents the acute rationing of food. The scales in the hands of rider on the black horse represent controlled distribution of food. Scales measure weight; but the voice declaring the price of wheat and barley is giving the price for a certain volume. It is probable as food supplies get smaller that devices to measure lesser amounts will be used. Long before food supplies are depleted, governments will take control of the food supply. If the food distribution, by governments, in Gaza [August 2025] is any indication of methods that will be used to distribute food, then any food distribution in the end times will cause mass chaos.
Food rationing usually happens during times of great trouble and in wars. Although famine is not mentioned in this portion of scripture until the fourth seal is opened, the wars and the devastation from the second seal will cause loss of food production and distribution problems. Famine quickly follows war. Famine was the third thing Jesus mentioned in his discourse on the end times. MATTHEW 24:7 A strict control of food says—famine and the scales in the hands of the horseman says famine.
For our purposes, it is not useful to try to give an interpretation to every phrase or term in this scripture, “quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius;” but some believe this price represents a days’ wages and the amounts are the need of one person for one day. Wheat and barley are staples of many diets. Survival that depends on those staples will be affected the most.
“…and do not harm the oil and wine” REVELATION 6:6 Oil and wine may be considered as staples by some, but they are not necessary for survival. They once were considered to be luxuries of the rich. The wealthy may not be as affected as much as the poor; but all will be affected. Food will be scare and the prices inflated; but in the fight for staples, supplying the entities of government and the wealthy will have priority. Famine will be much worse after the fourth seal is opened. All of the judgments that are to follow will simply compound this problem of famine. In conclusion, this third horsemen personifies famine and the color of his horse [black] represents scarcity and hardship. It must be noted that a food supply shortage is not the only reason for a famine. It could be problems with distribution as well. That is one reason for hunger in Gaza today. [August 2025]
Fourth Seal— Kill with Sword and Famine and Pestilence—Rider’s name is Death—Hades Follows
“‘When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, ‘Come!’ And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed him.” REVELATION 6:7-8 This fourth creature looks like an eagle in flight. REVELATION 4:7 This symbolizes the swiftness of God’s judgments and his transcending power.
The Pale Horse and its rider are the expected sequel to the other three horses and their riders. From all the wars and famines, many will be killed. With war comes scarcity and desperation—leading to more deaths. Famine will be prevalent after the many Second Seal wars. Famine is mentioned often in the Bible as one of the judgments of God. I CHRONICLES 21:12 Now pestilence is being added. The fourth thing in Jesus’ list of end-time events is that there will be pestilence in various places. LUKE 21:11 Pestilence is one of the judgments God uses to consume people. EZEKIEL 14:21 The plagues of history and the pandemics of the present day will pale in comparison to these disastrous end-time pestilences.
A common definition of pestilence is, “a fatal epidemic disease.” Strangely, the sentence given in one dictionary as a good usage of the word pestilence is: “Neither prayers nor demonstrations halted the advance of the pestilence.” [2] This will be true in the end-times for God has determined to bring his judgments on the earth. They will come!
“Before him went pestilence, and plague followed at his heels.” HABAKKUK 3:5 This rider will be a rider of “Pestilence and Death.” And Hades followed the rider on the Pale horse. REVELATION 6:8 Some believe Hades is another word for hell; but in this passage Hades is a rider who follows the Pale Horse and his rider. In the same verse, verse eight, it says “…they were given authority over a fourth of the earth…” From this it shows that both Death and Hades are involved in the havoc that follows them. Further, the word ‘they' is a personal pronoun that usually refers to people—not to things. Near the end of Revelation we are told Death and Hades are thrown into the lake of fire. REVELATION 20:14 People and spirits are thrown into the lake of fire—again, not things.
We speak of the “Angel of Death.” He is the rider on the pale horse. Since the grave follows death, Hades represents the realm of the dead—after death. Others, however, hold the view that the rider Hades represents the final judgment and the consequence of sin. Regardless, we know his role will be more than to simply follow the Pale Horse and his rider.
In conclusion, this fourth rider is Death and the color of the horse [pale-greenish gray, the color of the skin of corpses] represents death. Since scripture says Hades followed Death, I believe that implies Hades is on a different horse—no color is given in scripture for the horse of Hades.
TOPIC 10—THE FIFTH SEAL
Fifth Seal—Martyrs— Souls Under the Altar
There have been many martyrs since Jesus walked this earth; but Tribulation will drastically increase the number of those who are martyred. As the intensity of the rides of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse increases and the conquests of the antichrists, the wars, the famines and pestilences take their toll and before the last two seals are opened, many people will die for many reasons; but through all of this carnage, many who will die will be Christians who have been delivered up in tribulation and put to death for their beliefs—Martyrs. MATTHEW 24:9 However, the number of those martyred in the great Tribulation may outnumber all of those killed before then; for John saw a Great Multitude that no one could number, from every nation, coming out of great Tribulation. REVELATION 7:9-17
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been. REVELATION 6:9-11
“‘They cried out with a loud voice, ‘O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’” REVELATION 6:10 It is their blood that cries out to God to be avenged; just as the blood of Abel cried out to God from the ground. GENESIS 4:10 Their cries come from their place of rest—“under the altar.” They know vengeance is coming; for God hears them. Vengeance is the Lord’s! ROMANS 12:19 They are given white robes—garments of righteousness. And they are told to wait. They are waiting!
“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne.” REVELATION 6:9 John tells us these martyrs are under the altar. So what does “under the altar mean?” And is this a different place from the “paradise” which Jesus promised the thief on the cross?
In the times of animal sacrifices, a little of the blood from those sacrifices was put on the horns of the altar; but the rest of the blood was poured out at the base of the altar. EXODUS 29:12 and LEVITICUS 4:7 Since the altars were outside the tabernacle or temple, the blood ran from the base of the altar into the earth—under the altar! In the sight of God these are the souls who have given their lives for Him on the “altar;” for the life of the flesh is in the blood. LEVITICUS 17:11 Their blood has been poured out. It is “under the altar.” It is their place of rest.
A place of rest can mean differing places. Jesus told the thief on the cross “… today you will be with me in paradise.” LUKE 23:43 Paul called the third heaven paradise. II CORINTHIANS 12:2-3 In Luke it says, “The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. LUKE 16:22 Some say it is the new Garden of Eden. Others say we are at home with the Lord. “So we are always of good courage. We know while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” II CORINTHIANS 5:6-8 All of these are places of rest. They are the same place of rest!
Although we are told in this scripture these martyrs are at rest and only those who have shed their blood are “under the altar,” it seems to be a differing place of rest from the paradise Jesus promised the thief on the cross. I once believed the souls who are martyred before the bride of the Lamb is caught away will also be in the rapture; but a careful reading of all related scripture causes me to believe differently.
Since those souls who John saw “under the altar” were “…told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been;”REVELATION 6:11 and when John saw the Great Multitude he was told, “…These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” REVELATION 7:14 And John says, “Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection.” REVELATION 20:4-5 I postulate the following:
All of “…those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne” REVELATION 6:9 are in a special place of rest, “under the altar.”
The number of souls “under the altar” will not be complete until those “coming out of the great Tribulation” is finished.
Then after John sees the “…thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed,” I believe all of those who have been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had, will be in the first resurrection, regardless of when they died; for “…They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” “…This is the first resurrection.” REVELATION 20:4-5 This is not a “rapture!”
These martyrs will come “…to life and reigned with Christ.” “…they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple…” REVELATION 7:15
The “first resurrection” will take place at the beginning of the Millennium. Their service in the temple will end with the Millennium for there is no temple in the New Jerusalem, the new earth and the new heavens. Further, their reign with Christ is for a thousand years. It ends with the Millennium too.
We should not seek martyrdom. There is no point in being persecuted when we can flee. We are told by Jesus to flee from persecution. MATTHEW 10:23 The early church “scattered” when they were persecuted. ACTS 8:1 Israel is told to flee at the midpoint of the Tribulation. MATTHEW 24:16-21 Paul was persecuted and eventually martyred; but he often escaped persecution by fleeing; ACTS 9:25, 30 and ACTS 14:6 but we should never stop witnessing. ACTS 14:7
TOPIC 11—The Rebellion—The Falling Away—The Apostasy
Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. II THESSALONIANS 2:3-4 [ESV]
Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. II THESSALONIANS 2:3-4 [NKJV]
Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits in God’s temple, proclaiming that he himself is God. II THESSALONIANS 2:3-4 [CSB]
These three versions of scripture in II Thessalonians each say some things a little differently. The ESV says, “…unless the rebellion comes first…” and the NKJV says, “…unless the falling away comes first…” and finally the CSB says, “…unless the apostasy comes first…” However, you may wish to interpret this portion of scripture for yourself, it is clear that this has to happen first, but it is coupled with the revealing of the man of “lawlessness,” or the man of “sin.”
Apostasy is defined as “a defiance of an established system or authority; an abandonment or breach of faith; a rebellion.”
I hold the view, along with many others, that when Paul writes about the rebellion, or the falling away, or the apostasy, he is talking about the Church becoming like the church in Laodicea—a “lukewarm” church, a church that has become causal. REVELATION 3:14-21 It is when church becomes something we do—attend, not something that we live! Numerous scripture warns us about becoming lax and complacent. Jesus warns us that lawlessness will increase—and that will cause the love of many to grow cold. MATTHEW 24:12 Further, he says, “… false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” MATTHEW 24:24 And, “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.” LUKE 21:34
The apostles continue the warnings:
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. I TIMOTHY 4:1
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. II PETER 2:1
knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. II PETER 3:3
I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. ACTS 20:29-30
The devil does not care if a person goes to a church; but he does not want you to become a part of The Church that is in-Christ! It has been my observation that in some modern churches, they seem to be a Sunday morning “stop” before going on to the real focus and purpose one has for their day. It will continue to get worse until the Antichrist is revealed.
When Paul writes about the man of lawlessness, he is clearly writing about the revealing of the Antichrist. He will rebel against all things that are God’s and defy every authority and breach every faith. Paul is describing the abomination of desolation that Daniel first wrote about and that Jesus confirmed as a future event in Matthew chapter twenty-four. At this one end-time event, the Antichrist removes any doubt as to his identity; and as he starts his rule, he will begin to destroy everything that reminds his of Jesus Christ.
The writer Jude noted some notable rebellions of the past:
But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. JUDE 1:10-11
But the rebellions of Cain, Balaam, and Korah are not comparable to the extent that the Antichrist will rebel. The rebellion of Cain is a narrative of sin and its consequences. GENESIS 4:3-16 Balaam’s love of money cause him to be willing to abandon righteousness. NUMBERS 22 & 23 & 24 And Korah was swallowed by the earth for his plan to subjugate the authority given Moses by God. NUMBERS 16 II Thessalonians, chapter two and verse four, puts an identifier on the Antichrist that will identify him near the mid-point of Tribulation. After this event there will be no doubt as to who the Antichrist is.
PART 3 HAPPENING VERY SOON!
Time-Frame Two: Events Happening Now Become Visible—Become Known
Prologue
I believe before Tribulation starts we will see a greater move towards a one-world government and the last kingdom—the kingdom of the Antichrist. And at anytime now an astute study of the signs of the times could reveal a charismatic leader beginning to rise from a the masses of people. He will be proclaiming peace and solutions to many of the world’s problems. Also we should see another war on Israel with Russian joining Israel’s historical enemies in an attempt to destroy Israel. And once again, this will be another war where God defends Israel. We will continue to see a push by the Catholic Church, and others, toward a one-world religion. Israel will build “Ezekiel’s Temple” and animal sacrifices will begin. Israel will begin to feel at peace. Tribulation starts. Then after three and one-half years comes the chaos of mid-Tribulation.
TOPIC 12—KINGDOMS and THE KINGDOM of the ANTICHRIST
Daniel’s Divided Kingdom and a Revived Roman Empire
It is hard to consistently and properly differentiate between kingdoms and empires and their truest meanings when the usage of kingdoms and empires [where definitions of a kingdom consists of a king and his area of influence, and empires are multiple kingdoms ruled by an emperor] are so often use interchangeably in the writings of others. The word empire is not used in the ESV version of the Bible—both empires and kingdoms are kingdoms in the ESV. For this treatise I will try to keep references to empires when writing about historical empires and kingdoms when referring to both kingdoms and empires in scripture.
There are varying views of when the Holy Roman Empire begins. One view holds the Holy Roman Empire started with the reign of Charlemagne when he was crowned Emperor of the Carolingian Empire in 800 AD. For our purposes we hold this view. And not the view that the Holy Roman Empires started when Otto I was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 962 AD.
So many kingdoms and empires have already happened— it is hard to reduce them down to a few pages and to a common example of a kingdom or empire that would be like the kingdom or empire of the end-time. Some kingdoms foreshadow things to come and some are examples of what can happen; but none are exactly like this last kingdom—the “divided kingdom” of Daniel chapter two—that will become the kingdom of the Antichrist. Some call this a revival of an empire, which resembles the old Roman Empire, the “Revived Roman Empire.” This empire, will have some of the characteristics of The Holy Roman Empire, an empire that existed from the ninth century to the nineteenth century. It may also resemble the ancient Roman Empire in some ways. Before we can begin to understand this last earthly kingdom, we need to look at the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.
You saw, O king, and behold, a great image. This image, mighty and of exceeding brightness, stood before you, and its appearance was frightening. The head of this image was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its middle and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. DANIEL 2:31-35
This was the dream. Now we will tell the king its interpretation. You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory, and into whose hand he has given, wherever they dwell, the children of man, the beasts of the field, and the birds of the heavens, making you rule over them all—you are the head of gold. Another kingdom inferior to you shall arise after you, and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron, because iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things. And like iron that crushes, it shall break and crush all these. And as you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom, but some of the firmness of iron shall be in it, just as you saw iron mixed with the soft clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly brittle. As you saw the iron mixed with soft clay, so they will mix with one another in marriage, but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay. And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever, just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A great God has made known to the king what shall be after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure. DANIEL 2:36-45
Except for its feet, this statue was totally composed of various metals. Each part of the statue was a differing metal and each represented a kingdom or an empire. The head of the statue was fine gold and represented the Babylonian Empire. Its chest and arms of silver represented the Medo-Persian Empire. Its middle and thighs of bronze represented the Greek Empire. Its legs of iron represented the Roman Empire. Its feet partly of iron and partly of clay represents a future kingdom, the “divided kingdom.” It will be the last earthly kingdom of this world. While Daniel did not define or name the kingdoms that followed the Babylonian kingdom, he did note they were inferior kingdoms that would arise after Nebuchadnezzar. Those kingdoms or empires which followed Nebuchadnezzar are now history. Again, each of the first four sections of the body of the statue was a differing metal and a different kingdom; but Daniel gives further definition to the feet. Although both the legs, made of iron, and the feet, partly of iron, were similar, they were not the same. Since they were alike in their ‘iron,’ Daniel wanted everyone to understand they were not the same kingdoms. He chose to call the last kingdom, the feet, a “divided kingdom.”
This “divided kingdom” from Daniel will be a lot like the Roman Empire, the legs of iron; but it will be tempered with clay at its beginning. That changes drastically before its ending; for the last three and one-half years of this seventh kingdom the clay will be removed and the Antichrist will reign. The mid-point of Tribulation will be the start of his rule. At its beginning this last kingdom will be a weaker kingdom than the old Roman Empire for now the iron rule is mixed with clay—these two are not a compatible mixture; but once the Antichrist removes the clay it will again become a kingdom of iron. The Antichrist’s intervention, divorce of church and state, and the rule of the Antichrist will be the end of the world as we know it.
As previously noted, this last kingdom could resemble the old Holy Roman Empire. The Holy Roman Empire was an alliance between an emperor and the Catholic Church—with the church having tremendous influence. The world church and those who want peace at any price [the clay] will form a coalition with the ten horn kings. DANIEL 7 & REVELATION 17 This could happen in the beginning of the reign of the ten kings. Regardless, at some point, an alliance will be made. Again, these ten horns on the fourth beast of Daniel’s vision DANIEL 7:7-8 and the ten horns on three beasts in Revelation represent those ten kings of this alliance. While this fourth beast in Daniel represented the old Roman Empire, the beast’s ten horns will the kings of the Revived Roman Empire. In Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream, the old Roman Empire was represented by the legs of iron. The feet partly of iron and partly of clay that represents the “divided kingdom,” DANIEL 2:33 is the seventh and last earthly kingdom. Since these feet and toes, the ten toes could also represent ten kings, are partly potter’s clay they will only be partly strong and partly brittle as iron and clay do not mix. DANIEL 2:41-42
Daniel describes this mix as a marriage that will not hold together. DANIEL 2:43 It is a marriage of church and state; but they will be “divorced” after a short time. Then this kingdom will no longer be influenced by anyone who professes Jesus is the Son of God. No humans will have any control; for the devil will be in full control. The devil has always been antichrist; but he learned a long time ago he cannot take over God’s kingdom; for he tried and failed. He can only mimic the Kingdom of God in his satanic kingdom. At the end, he will make this seventh earthly kingdom totally his kingdom. John says in Revelation that it will be an “eighth that belongs to the seven.”
We are told the fourth beast, in Daniel, is terrifying, dreadful, and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. DANIEL 7:7 That is a good description of the old Roman Empire; but the “divided kingdom,” will not be as terrible as the ancient Roman Empire in its beginning. It will be tempered by the “clay,” the apostate church. Once the clay is removed all of the terror, dread, strength, and destruction of the old Roman Empire will be exponentially increased; for it will not be a Caesar in control. It will be the Satan incarnate, the Antichrist.
All of this will come to a violent end when, “… a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.” DANIEL 2:34 This will happen at Jesus’ second coming. “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever.” DANIEL 2:44 Then “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ…” REVELATION 11:15
Some scholars believe all of the prophecy about Daniel’s four beasts and Nebuchadnezzar’s statue has already been fulfilled; but even some of those prophesies may happen again. Except for the ten horns and the “divided kingdom” I, too, believe most of Daniel’s chapter two and chapter seven prophesies have been fulfilled. But those things reiterated in the previous paragraphs have not been yet fulfilled.
Daniel’s Divided Kingdom in Revelation
Daniel’s “divided kingdom” is confirmed by scripture witness in Revelation. Revelation expands on the ten horn and their representation of the ten kings. Daniel’s fourth beast DANIEL 7 and three beasts in Revelation have ten horns. The kings that these horns represent are an important part of this “divided” and last kingdom, at least in the beginning of the last kingdom.
Important as scripture witness to Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, are the seven heads on three of the beasts in Revelation. These confirm the number of empires of the past, six, and there is yet one empire to come—the “divided kingdom.”
Further confirmation of Daniel’s prophecies is found in the beast John saw rising from the sea in Revelation. The “little horn that plucks up three horns DANIEL 7 and the wounded head that is on the beast rising from the sea in Revelation, REVELATION 13 are both representations of the same thing.
All of the prophecy in Daniel and in Revelation that gives us additional insight into this last earthly kingdom and its formation, its rulers, and its actions are written about in future chapters.
The Antichrist
The start of the ending of this last kingdom, the seventh, and the beginning of a totally demonic kingdom begins with the war in heaven and the casting down to the earth of the great red dragon. He knows his time is short. REVELATION 12:12 His objective is to destroy Israel, to make war with the saints and to overcome them; REVELATION 12:17 & 13:7 but first he must set up his own kingdom. He will employ the Antichrist—he will incarnate him and make him the ruler.
The Antichrist is represented by both the wounded head on John’s beast that rises from the sea and Daniel’s little horn which will displaces three of the kings of this last earthly kingdom before he displaces them all. DANIEL 7:8 The devil is the power controlling the seven heads—seven kingdoms that have persecuted Israel—and the ten horn kings; but the Antichrist’s kingdom is an eighth major kingdom that belongs to the seven. It is the last three and one-half years of that “divided kingdom.” “As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction.” REVELATION 17:11
Although the Antichrist is not one of the ten horn kings, he is the “little horn” that plucks up three horns in Daniel’s vision of his fourth beast. DANIEL 7 He takes over the kingdoms of three of these kings. Another representation of the Antichrist is one of the heads, the wounded head, of the beast rising from the sea. The devil gives the Antichrist his power, his throne, and great authority. REVELATION 13:2 The devil appears to heal the wounded head of a mortal wound. REVELATION 13:3
He [The “healed” seventh head, the Antichrist] is allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. He blasphemes God’s name, his dwelling and those that dwell in heaven. He is allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them; and all who dwell on the earth worship him—except for those whose names are in the book of life; REVELATION 13:4-8 but before he becomes the last mortal ruler of earth and before Jesus Christ has him thrown into the lake of fire, he must “divorce” himself from the great prostitute—the apostate church—and receive all of the power of the other horn kings. “These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast” [Antichrist]; REVELATION 17:12-13 but before they hand over their power and authority, they, together with the Antichrist, destroy the apostate church. Church and state will divorce.
Many of the early reformers, from the Reformation, strongly believed the popes were the Antichrist. “‘And Jesus answered them, ‘See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray.’” MATTHEW 24:4-5 They believed since the popes say, “I am the Christ,” that this scripture applies to them. Martin Luther said the pope was the Antichrist. Since many made this same proclamation, this caused some reformers to believe the Antichrist is not a single man but many men in a single office, the papacy.
One World Government—Future Empire
A one-world government is mentioned often in this book. Current events and some popular political positions point to a world government. The media does not like to use “one-world,” instead they prefer to use “global.” While freedoms will become more constricted as the end of times nears, in a sense it will not become a one world government until the Antichrist takes full control. In the truest sense it will not become a one world government until the kingdom of the world becomes the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ!
TOPIC 13—THE THIRD TEMPLE
Ezekiel’s Vision of the Third Temple
Declare all that you see to the house of Israel. EZEKIEL 40:4 This was a command for Ezekiel to record all he saw about the Temple. The measuring of various components of the Temple and instructions for procedures start in Ezekiel chapter forty and end in chapter forty-seven. The Third Temple, Ezekiel’s Temple, will be built. It is probable the temple will be rebuilt before the beginning of tribulations, after the end of the First War of Gog and Magog and after Israel regains the Temple Mount. They must, first, feel secure with a peace treaty that will probably be negotiated by the Antichrist before he is revealed. Animal sacrifices may begin as soon as the Third Temple is ready—although they could build an altar before the Temple is completed.
A few years ago, there was an attempt to restart animal sacrifices. In 2019 an organization known as 70 Nations, with support from the Sanhedrin, offered a sacrifice on the Mount of Olives. The idea of 70 nations has its roots in Jewish antiquity. Although I have yet to find a scripture that speaks directly to the beginning of sacrifices, two verses in Daniel speak to their ending. [1]
While God may be pleased with the rebuilding of the Temple, God will not be pleased with the resumption of animal sacrifices; for the sacrifice of the Lamb of God fulfilled all the need for blood sacrifices forever. “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?” Says the Lord. “I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, Or of lambs or goats. “When you come to appear before Me, Who has required this from your hand, To trample My courts? Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me…” ISAIAH 1:11-13
God opens the Temple in heaven to reveal the ark of his covenant. REVELATION 11:19 The only blood stain on this ark of his Covenant is the blood of Jesus Christ. He no longer needs a tabernacle or an ark from His first covenant on earth. And he no longer needs animal sacrifices.
The Rebuilding of the Jewish Temple
The Jewish people were able to recover their homeland Israel and the city of Jerusalem, but they did not keep the Temple Mount. The Temple Mount is the site where they want to rebuild their Third Temple. When the Jewish people re-captured the city of Jerusalem in the six day war in 1967, they had initially taken control of this Temple Mount, but they gave it back to the Muslims for political reasons. Right now, there is a Muslim Mosque on this site. The Muslims obviously have no intentions anytime soon of removing their Mosque in order to allow the Jews to rebuild their Third Temple.
The Temple Institute is an organization focusing on building the Third Temple on the Temple Mount and with reinstating animal sacrifices. They are already developing ritual objects, garments and building plans suitable for immediate use when conditions permit Temple construction. [2] There will be a third temple—Ezekiel prophesied about it—John saw it and is told to measure it! REVELATION 11:1-2
Temple Sacrifices Stop—Temple Still Stands
And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. DANIEL 12:11
The above verse from Daniel, and the verses surrounding it, have many and differing views. While many, postulated by some of the noted commentators, have similar views, most are rooted in history instead of scripture. I believe a simple reading of the scripture reveals a simpler interpretation. “… from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away…” this portion of scripture is tied to “…the abomination that makes desolate is set up…” by the conjunction “and.” This connects the two events to the “…there shall be 1,290 days.” “… And from the time…” tells me that after these two events happen there are 1,290 days left—approximately three and one-half years. If one chooses to believe this is days into Tribulation, the result would be the same. It is still the middle of Tribulation when these events happen. This agrees with scripture in Revelation. So regardless of when sacrifices start, they will stop at the mid-point of the Tribulation.
The Temple will remain standing for the Antichrist will seat himself in the Temple and proclaim himself to be God at or near the midpoint of the Tribulation. In verse two of Revelation chapter eleven it says, “… they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.” This refers to the last three and one-half years, 1,260 days, of the Tribulation; for this last forty-two months is the only time when “they” will have complete control of the temple and its outer court and the holy city. This forty-two months will be after the abomination of desolation.
TOPIC 14—END-TIME WARS
End-Time Wars—Prologue
In this chapter we will look at the first war of Gog and Magog. This war will before the start of Tribulation. It will not be the last war of Gog and Magog nor will it be the last end-times war. There will be almost constant war as we near the end.
There are at least two major wars—battles left after the first war of Gog and Magog—the battle of Armageddon and the last Gog and Magog war. These wars are the subjects of Bible prophecy. God will intervene in the first war of Gog and Magog. At Armageddon the armies will be destroyed by the Word—the sword in the mouth of Jesus Christ. The Antichrist and the false prophet will be thrown into the lake of fire after Armageddon. The final battle will be the last war of Gog and Magog. It will occur after the millennium when the devil is released from the bottomless pit. These armies will be destroyed by fire from heaven and the devil will be cast into the lake of fire. This is the last war or battle ever!
We will look at these last two battles, Armageddon and the last Gog and Magog war, in future chapters.
God Warns Gog and Magog
Be ready and keep ready, you and all your hosts that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them. After many days you will be mustered. In the latter years you will go against the land that is restored from war, the land whose people were gathered from many peoples upon the mountains of Israel, which had been a continual waste. Its people were brought out from the peoples and now dwell securely, all of them. You will advance, coming on like a storm. You will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your hordes, and many peoples with you. Thus says the Lord God: On that day, thoughts will come into your mind, and you will devise an evil scheme and say, 'I will go up against the land of unwalled villages. I will fall upon the quiet people who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having no bars or gates,' to seize spoil and carry off plunder, to turn your hand against the waste places that are now inhabited, and the people who were gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell at the center of the earth. EZEKIEL 38:7-12
These armies that invade Israel will be supernaturally destroyed by God. “I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Lord God. Every man's sword will be against his brother. With pestilence and bloodshed I will enter into judgment with him, and I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many peoples who are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and sulfur.” EZEKIEL 38:21-22 It will not be a six day war. The judgment of God will destroy all of those assembled against Israel. God will show his greatness and his holiness. So that many nations will know that the victory is the Lord’s. EZEKIEL 38:23 When it is all over it will take Israel seven years to clean up the weapons left behind.
Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out and make fires of the weapons and burn them, shields and bucklers, bow and arrows, clubs and spears; and they will make fires of them for seven years, so that they will not need to take wood out of the field or cut down any out of the forests, for they will make their fires of the weapons. They will seize the spoil of those who despoiled them, and plunder those who plundered them, declares the Lord God. EZEKIEL 39:9-10
The First War of Gog & Magog — Ezekiel 38 and 39
“Security” gained from the ending of the Six Day War of 1967 did not last long. Nor will the defeat of the Arab nations in the Yom Kippur War of 1973 be permanent. Tired of being defeated Israel’s many neighbors will eventually turn to Russia for help—for more than equipment and advice. The Russians will launch an invasion for the stated purpose of helping Israel’s neighbors destroy Israel, but their unstated agenda will be to use the Arab nations as a means to expand their hold over the Middle East. They will be most interested in “seizing spoil and carrying off plunder.” EZEKIEL 38:12 Oil and Gas seem to be the things most nations would like to plunder from the Middle East.
Bible scholars have a hard time with the timing of this war. Views vary greatly. Some say it could happen any day while others think it could happen during the Tribulation. Still others say there will be only one war of Gog and Magog and that it will be after the millennium. Ezekiel gives us insight as to when this war will occur. “… In the latter years you will go against the land that is restored from war, the land whose people were gathered from many peoples upon the mountains of Israel… Its people were brought out from the peoples and now dwell securely, all of them.” EZEKIEL 38:8 From this we see Israel must first be restored and its people dwelling securely; and that it will be in the latter days.
It is now the latter days and Israel has been restored. Although there is almost constant conflict in the Middle East, Israel is confident in its ability to secure their land. So this war could happen at almost anytime. There is one scripture in Ezekiel that helps us to conclude this war must be over at least three and one-half years before Tribulation begins. This does not, however, preclude an earlier ending of this war.
In Ron Rhodes’ book, “Northern Storm Rising,” one of the many theories he writes about is this war will end three and one-half years prior to the start of Tribulation. After this war is over “…they [Israel] will go out and make fires of the weapons and burn them…they will make fires of them for seven years.” EZEKIEL 39:9 If the Jews are to spend seven years burning the weapons of war, then the burning will have to start at least three and one-half years before the beginning of Tribulation and go to the middle of Tribulation, another three and one-half years; for at the middle of Tribulation most of Israel will flee to the wilderness, to the protection of God. REVELATION 12:14 That is the basis of Rhodes’ conclusion on this view. He does not preclude an earlier end to the war. [1] I hold this same view.
The Antichrist’s 7 Year Peace Treaty with Israel
And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator. DANIEL 9:27
And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. DANIEL 12:11
Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate. DANIEL 11:31
Some believe all of Daniel’s prophecies have been fulfilled; yet others rely heavily on the book of Daniel to postulate End-Time positions. Jesus, in Matthew, refers to scripture in Daniel about the abomination of desolation as a future event. And Daniel connects it with a peace treaty, a strong covenant. A strong peace treaty would be a different kind of treaty than what is normally accorded to Israel.
Regardless, there will be continual trouble for Israel for all peace treaties between Israel and its enemies are weak and are soon violated; but a “…prince who is to come…” DANIEL 9:26 “…shall make a strong covenant with many for one week…” DANIEL 9:27 This previous scripture in Daniel has been interpreted as referring to an end-time peace treaty—covenant. While this will likely be the peace treaty that is signed after the first war of Gog and Magog, it could take quite some time to negotiate, for it will be with “many;” but peace will not last the seven years the ‘covenant’ covers.
While Daniel chapter nine and verse twenty-seven can be interpreted to mean the “strong covenant for one week” will be signed at the start of Tribulation, scripture witness is not clear as to when it will be signed. What is clear is it will be violated for “one-half of the week.” I believe it will be violated the last three and one-half years of Tribulation. So only one conclusion can then be drawn. Since the Antichrist will take away burnt offerings and will set himself up in the temple at the mid-point of Tribulation and will trample the Holy City for forty-two months of Tribulation, according to Revelation chapter eleven and verse two, then the “strong covenant for one week” will be signed near the beginning of Tribulation.
TOPIC 15—ONE WORLD RELIGION
One World Religion
When some write about a one world religion, they do not make it clear that this does not mean everyone in the world will eventually be swayed to the same religion or the same denomination. In fact, even when the Antichrist rules with an iron fist and demands that his image be worshipped, not everyone will believe in him and worship him; but those who do not will be martyred. Always standing in the way of a totalitarian religion on earth is Jesus Christ and those who truly believe in Him and those of the Jewish faith. Although those who seek to stamp out all religions, may at some point believe they have succeeded, there will always be a remnant who truly believes in the one true God; but global tolerance of all religions may be a giant step toward a One-World Religion.
Gallop of the Antichrist
Antichrist did not wait for the first seal to be opened to start his ride—I believe when John saw the first seal being opened, the antichrist was already at full gallop!
We know from scripture there were antichrists in Jesus’ day—those against Him were antichrist. The first thing Jesus warned His disciples about in His Olivet Discourse was “…See that no one leads you astray.” MATTHEW 24:4 Then He said, “‘For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ’ …’” MATTHEW 24:5 The antichrists were then beginning to mount his white horse. From that time, and in various ways, the antichrist has been riding; but before we get to what I believe is happening today, we first need a brief review of the history of one of the antichrists of our day.
For hundreds of years after their inception, and before the time of Protestants and Reformation, the Catholic Church had considerable control over the written Word. There were only a few Bibles, and churches had most of those. All had to be meticulously copied by hand; and most people could not read. The Catholic Church was able to force their doctrines and interpretations of scripture on a largely ignorant population. They demanded strict adherence to their teachings and rules. Enforcement was often harsh and cruel; but, for the most part, they were able to keep the populace in their sphere of influence under their control. However, they did have one capable and contentious adversary—the Muslims.
The ‘Crusades’ were religious wars against Muslim control, particularly, control of the Holy Lands. Those wars lasted for about two centuries. The Catholic Church failed in those wars with perhaps one exception—the role and prestige of the popes and the Catholic Church, in secular affairs, increased, just as it will again in the end of time. In some way the Catholic Church and Muslims coexisted for the next few hundred years. Centuries after the Crusades, the Reformation started. [1]
With the advent of printing presses, and with Martin Luther’s 95 theses in 1517, the Protestant reformation was fanned into a fire. Armed with newly printed Bibles those who were reformers began reading the Word for themselves. Then they started spreading the Gospel. To the consternation of the Catholic Church, they were unable to stop the spread of Protestantism. Charges of heresy, followed by inquisitions, were often brought against Protestant reformers. The policy of inquisitions was implement by the Catholic Church in the 12th century. Since inquisitions were a travesty, accusations of heresy by the Catholic Church often ended in the deaths of Christians. Other efforts of the Catholic Church to stop the reformation also failed.
So in 1540, the Jesuit Order was founded. They were known by some as ‘the army of God’ and their leader was referred to as ‘The General.’ Persecution of the ‘reformers’ began in earnest. The atrocities were many. Some believe those atrocities by the Jesuits and the Catholic Church continued into the twentieth century and did not stop, if they have stopped, until some of the policies of the Second Vatican Council were implemented. But centuries before the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church decided to make some changes. The Council of Trent, from 1545 to 1563, was their call for answers, a Catholic Reformation, a Counter Reformation. [2]
As a result of this Council they started addressing some of the issues raised by Luther’s 95 theses. Many articles that have been written about Luther’s theses seem to imply Luther’s only challenges were indulgences; but many connected issues were also addressed. While in some instances he seemed to side with the pope, most of his theses were a challenge to the pope’s authority. The Catholic Church especially did not like some of the conclusions that were drawn from those 95 Theses. The belief that ‘scripture alone’ and ‘faith in Jesus Christ alone’ are all we need to attain salvation was specifically addressed at the Council of Trent. These beliefs were a serious infringement on the power and authority of the pope, who they believe is Christ’s vicar. The Catholic Church reaffirmed they believe you need the edicts of the pope, the pope’s guidance, along with scripture to find salvation and that with faith, you must have works.
After reiterating some policies and doctrines and redefining others at the Council of Trent, and in order to maintain their rigid control over their parishioners and to keep them from being swept up in the reformation, they continued to vigorously oppose the Protestant Reformation. [3]
From the Catholic Church’s inception and the rigid controls by its popes and other leaders—to the Reformation and intense persecution of Christian reformers—to the Council of Trent and the many Counter-Reformation measures that were instituted—to the founding of the Jesuit Order for harsh enforcement of those measures—to the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church has finally found a solution—“we are all brothers.” Wars, persecutions, and martyring of Christians [and non-christians] did not work, so now they will try conciliatory measures. Starting with the Second Vatican Council, which took three years to prepare for, and which lasted for eight to twelve weeks in each of four years, (1962—1965) the Catholic Church has sought ‘common ground’ with Protestants, Jews and Muslims. They do not wish to convert all of us to Catholicism; but rather they seek agreement on some key issues and they seek to have some uniformity. [4] The implications are Antichrist with a capital A! Think one-world religion!
From the fourth council of the Second Vatican Council we read, “The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions [Muslims and Jews]. She regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of life, those precepts and teachings, which though different in many aspects from the ones she holds and sets forth, nonetheless often reflect a ray of truth which enlightens all men.” Further they had this to say about Muslims. “The Catholic Church regards the Muslims with esteem,” and then [the synod] continues by describing some of the things Islam has in common with Christianity: worship of One God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, Merciful and Omnipotent, who has spoken to men; the Muslims' respect for Abraham and Mary, and the great respect they have for Jesus, whom they consider to be a Prophet and not God. The synod urged all Catholics and Muslims to forget the hostilities and differences of the past and to work together for mutual understanding and benefit. [5]
“The final paragraph calls on Catholics to enter into ‘dialogue and collaboration’ with those of other faiths.” The Catholic Church has since the Second Vatican Council, under Popes John XXIII, Paul VI, and the beginning of the papacy of John Paul II, reached out to other Christian bodies, seeking reconciliation to the greatest degree possible.” It is clear that since the last council of the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church is still seeking common ground with all religions and all kinds of people. “Pope Francis opens a big Vatican meeting on the church’s future and says ‘everyone’ is welcome.” AP News by Nicole Winfield October 4, 2023 It will be interesting to see what Pope Leo XIV does in this regard.
For many years now the Catholic Church has been translating and retranslating the Bible so that scripture is more favorable to their teachings and doctrines—less emphasis on Christ. In 1973 they came out with a new RSV translation called the Common Bible, Ecumenical Edition. It is intended to be a translation all Catholics, Protestants, and Eastern Orthodox Christians can use; but to me the implication is one-world church. Although most scriptures that speak to the deity of Jesus Christ are retained, many references to Christ that are in the King James and English Standard versions of the Bible are missing; but then the teachings of the Catholic Church for centuries has “diminished” the deity of Jesus Christ although their Bibles declare His divinity. And many of their leaders still declare His deity; but their writings and actions often differ from their stated beliefs.
From the primacy, supremacy and infallibility of the pope and all of its implications—to transubstantiation of the sacrament—the Eucharist—to their veneration of Mary and their teachings about her, they have tried to dilute Biblical teachings about the deity of Jesus Christ. 1 They teach the Immaculate Conception of Mary. This is the belief the Virgin Mary was free of original sin from the moment of her conception. 2 They believe mediation is a process that bridges the divide between the human and the divine. The saints, especially the Virgin Mary, take their spiritual power from Christ, the ultimate mediator, and can intercede with God to confer his grace on man. They believe this mediation is a universal mediation. 3 They say, “Mary suffered with Jesus. As co-redemprix, we acknowledge her intimate cooperation with Jesus in the redemption of humanity, in his amazing sacrifice for us on the cross. She bore him, raised him, supported him in his ministry, and walked with him every step of the way to his passion and death.” All three of these teachings take away from the true deity of Jesus Christ. All of these are false doctrines; but some of their other doctrines also are very disturbing! [6, 7, 8]
In the fourth council of the Second Vatican Council it was noted that Muslims believe in One God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth and that they , the Muslims, have respect for Jesus whom they consider a prophet. In order for the Catholic Church to embrace all religions 'as brothers’ they must first seek some uniformity. [5] Other than the Catholic Church’s false doctrines and their continuous retranslations of the Bible, I have seen no moves by them to blatantly deny the deity of Jesus Christ; but if they make Jesus “just a prophet” and Protestants come to believe that Jesus is just a prophet, then all major religions will believe in one God and one major prophet. The Catholic Church may eventually see that the most obvious obstacle to their desire for unity of all religions or a coalition of religions is the deity of Jesus Christ; and I believe they will remove or diminish His deity from their teachings and doctrines and their Bible. With that precept, then most of the world becomes one religion with one God and one, differing, major prophet!
We all know Muslims and Jews deny the deity of Jesus Christ as do both Jehovah Witness and Unitarians. Less explicit in their denial are the Mormons. End time pressure may cause others to do the same. While most religions that believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, including the Catholic Church, still ‘officially’ acknowledge the deity of Jesus Christ, I cannot hear what many of them say because I see what they do! The Catholic Church claims they have scripture witness for their teachings and beliefs; but their scripture witness does not support their positions nor does it make them clear, neither would an extensive elaboration of scripture by them cause it to be synonymous with many of their positions. They explain it this way, “The Church does not draw her certainty for all revealed truths from scripture alone.” [9] Perhaps their doctrines do not agree with scripture because they do not use ‘scripture alone.’
The denigrating of Jesus Christ’s divinity starts with the elevation of men to the same status as Him. The Catholic Church does that! And because they are powerful, they easily influence many; especially since they now have this policy [since 1965] of “Ecumenicalism— the concept and principle that Christians who belong to different Christian denominations should work together to develop closer relationships among their churches and promote Christian unity. The adjective ecumenical is thus applied to any interdenominational initiative that encourages greater cooperation and union among Christian denominations and churches. But there have been some problems. [10]
“‘The Catholic Church is committed to working for the reunion of all Christians, but the exuberant spirit following Vatican II has been tempered. Sober minds realize that the road to full unity will be long and arduous. One of the principal ecclesiological tasks is to discern the relationship among the Churches. [5] Underlying the Catholic Church's pursuit of ecumenism is its recognition that elements of sanctification and truth are found in other churches, that, in some sense, these are Christians and Particular Churches or ecclesial communities, and that common baptism itself impels those toward greater unity, since Baptism is a gift which ‘belongs' to the Catholic Church as one of the Sacraments which Christ endowed it with.’” [11] It seems they will continue to work for ‘unity!’ Will it eventually include denying the divinity of Jesus Christ? They already deny His name in baptism.
Deny the deity of Jesus Christ either boldly and openly or fearfully and privately, it does not affect the fact He is Christ—He is God! But it will affect your eternity!
JESUS IS HIS NAME—CHRIST IS WHO HE IS! The KJV, the NKJV, and the ESV all mention Christ more than 500 times in the New Testament. Jesus Christ and Christ Jesus are the same but with the emphasis in a different place. “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” II TIMOTHY 2:3 In this scripture the emphasis is on His deity—Messiah—kingship. “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel,” II TIMOTHY 2:8 The emphasis is on His humanity, but His deity is still noted because it includes ‘Christ.’
“‘Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” MATTHEW 16:16 The Christ—The anointed one—the promised one—the Messiah. “He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ).’” JOHN 1:41 “‘The woman said to him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am he.’” JOHN 4:25-26 The Son—not by adoption but by nature. “‘I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, ‘You are my Son; today I have begotten you.’” PSALM 2:7 And “‘For to which of the angels did God ever say, ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you’? Or again, ‘I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son’?’” HEBREWS 1:5
Of the Living God—Living God is to distinguish Him from idols which have no life. “But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation.” JEREMIAH 10:10 And “ But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant…” HEBREWS 12:22-24
A One-World Religion May Look Like This:
Muslims—one God and a major prophet—Mohammed
Jews—one God and a major prophet—Moses
The Catholic Church—one God and a major prophet—the Pope
The Mormon Church—one God and a major prophet—Joseph Smith
Protestants?—one God and a major prophet?—Jesus?
Research shows that some notable Protestants in the past have denied the deity of Jesus Christ and that there is currently a trend—not necessarily in the various denominations themselves, but with individuals—to deny the deity of Jesus Christ and to do as many religions have already done—make Him just an influential prophet! So how long will it take for a one-world religion to take place? “Read the fig leaves.”
Written by Mallard E. Guy Jr.
Over a Period of Two + Years
Finished October 28, 2023
Last Edited August 2025