The Book of Revelation

Chapter 18

The Fall of Commercial Babylon - Revelation 18:1-24

In chapter 17 we saw the utter destruction of religious Babylon by the Antichrist and his associates. Even though the “kings of the Earth” destroyed her, it was all done under God’s control. Here we will see the same destruction to commercial (political) Babylon, but this time, it will be Christ Himself who does the destroying!

Rev. 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. (KJV) John now sees another angel come down from Heaven, this one with tremendous power. The Earth became bright with his splendor.

“After these things” means after the judgments we have already seen.

Rev. 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. (KJV) This mighty one cries out: "Babylon is fallen, that great city is fallen! She is the home of demons and evil spirits, a nest for filthy and hateful bird.

The initial announcement of Babylon’s fall was made in Rev.14:8. In this verse, this angel shouts: “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen” again, as if the city had already been destroyed. Any time that God makes a statement, be sure that it will happen EXACTLY as He has said. Oh! if only more people would take God seriously! “The habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” This city will house evil spirits, demons and “unclean birds.” Birds is a symbol for Satan and his children (Mat.13:4.19; 1 John 3:10).

Rev. 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. (KJV) For all the nations have drunk the wine of her vulgar immorality. The rulers of the world have committed adultery with her, and merchants throughout the world have grown rich as a result of her luxurious living."

Merchants in the Roman Empire grew rich by exploiting or abusing the sinful pleasures of their society. A great many business people today do the same thing. Businesses and governments are most often than not, based on greed, money and power. So many are tempted to take advantage of ANY evil way to get rich. God’s children are warned to stay away from the lure and lust of money, prestige and the so-called ‘good’ life. We are to live according to the values Christ represented: love, humility, service, giving, self-sacrifice, obedience, faith, justice and truth. If you look around, you will see that the vast majority of business people and politicians are simply out to fill their pockets at other people’s expense. They will do anything and everything for fame, fortune and that almighty dollar and power.

Rev. 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (KJV) John hears another voice calling out from Heaven, "Come away from her, my people. Do not take part in her sins, or you will be punished just like her.

“Another voice from heaven” Just WHO is speaking? Personally, I think it is Jesus, the Lamb of God. I don’t think an angel would say: “Come out of her, my people.” I think it is Christ who is calling “His people” out of Babylon before it goes down. Just as Lot was warned before Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed, so the righteous will be warned before Babylon is destroyed. This verse tells us that there will be some who do turn to Jesus in this horrendous time. This is NOT the church, for it has been raptured and is in Heaven at this time. Praise God for that! Will these people be able to make it through the Great Tribulation? Will they be faithful to Christ? I think the parable of the Shepherd and the 100 sheep (Luke 15:4-7), answers these questions. If you are God’s child, you are His forever! Once saved, always saved! Another reason for praising our awesome God! . . http://hisservants.org/once_saved,_always_saved_h_s.htm

Rev. 18:5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. (KJV) For her sins are piled high unto Heaven, and God remembers all her sins and is ready to judge her for her evil deeds.

Babylon has a long history of sin; and in the Tribulation, her sins will just keep piling up, higher and higher! Remember, God will judge EVERY sin of ALL unsaved people! Thank You Jesus, for taking mine away! God’s judgment may seem delayed, but it is sure to come!

Rev. 18:6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. (KJV) Do to her as she has done to your people. Give her a double dose of penalty for all her evil. She brewed terror for others, give her twice as much as she gave out.

Obadiah 1:15 For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head. (KJV) God is completely right and just in EVERYTHING that He does! He will not mis-judge anyone!

Rev. 18:7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. (KJV) She lived in great luxury and pleasure, reward her evil now with torments and sorrows. She proudly boasts, 'I am queen on my throne. I am no helpless widow. I will not experience sorrow.'

The people of Babylon had lived in luxury and pleasure, like so many in the world today. This city boasted: “I sit a queen, . . . . and shall see no sorrow.” She says, “I will never mourn, I have it made!” The powerful, famous and wealthy people of the world today have this same attitude! A person who is financially secure often feels indestructible and in control. “No one can touch me!” is their viewpoint. They feel NO need for God or anyone else! They seem to dare God and His judgment with this proud, cocky and brazen attitude. God’s children are told (warned) to avoid Babylon’s sins. If you are financially secure, do NOT become smug and deceived by the falsehood of self-reliance. Use your time and resources to help others in advancing God’s Kingdom.

Rev. 18:8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. (KJV) Because of her pride in her sinful life, the sorrows of death and mourning and famine will overtake her in a single day. She will be utterly consumed by fire, for the Lord God who judges her is mighty."

Babylon’s fall will be very sudden one day. God shall destroy her totally and completely by fire. Her grief will be so, that “mourning” is classified as a plague along with death and famine. God is strong and eternally mighty!

Rev. 18:9-10 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, [10] Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. (KJV) All the rulers of the world who took part in her immoral acts and enjoyed her luxury will mourn for her as they see the smoke rising from her remains. They will stand at a distance, terrified by her torment. They will cry out, "How terrible, how terrible for Babylon, that great city! In one single moment God's judgment came on her."

At this time, Babylon will absolutely dominate and rule the entire world. All those who are tied to the world’s system will lose EVERYTHING when it falls. All the wealth and possessions they have worked for in their life time will be destroyed in “one hour.” NO one in this beautiful city dreamed that it would ever fall into the Hands of a judging God. NO one considered when they woke that morning, that the city would be a smoldering ruin that night! Any of God’s children who study His Word in sincerity, can look at the things progressing in the world today, and know with a certainty that the “end” is very near! Anyone who works only for worldly riches will have NOTHING when they die, or when what they have is destroyed. What can we take with us to eternity? Our faith, our Christian character, our relationships with other believers, and ANYTHING that we do for Jesus! These are FAR more important than any amount of money, power, fame or pleasure that we leave behind when we die.

Rev. 18:11-17-A And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: [12] The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, [13] And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. [14] And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. [15] The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, [16] And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! [17] For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. . . . . [KJV] The merchants of the world will weep and mourn for her, for there will be no one left to buy their goods. She had great quantities of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple dye, silk, scarlet cloth, every kind of perfumed wood, ivory goods, objects made of expensive wood, bronze, iron, and marble. Also an abundance of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, horses, chariots, and slaves . . . and she even traded in human lives. All the nice, fancy things are gone, they cry. The luxuries and splendor so loved are gone forever. The wealtyh merchants stood off at a distance, terrified by her demise. They wept. "How awful for that great city! She was so beautiful . . . clothed in finest purple and scarlet linens, decked out with gold and precious stones and pearls! And in one single hour all the wealth of the city is gone!"

Those who are selling goods to Babylon will certainly “mourn” for their greatest customer is gone! The fall of this evil world system will affect all who enjoyed and depended on it. No one will remain unaffected by Babylon’s fall.

Rev.18:11-13 lists the various merchandise that portrays the EXTREME materialism of this society. We are headed that way fast! Very few of these items are necessary; most are luxuries. Babylon had become so self-centered that people were willing to use any and all evil means to satisfy their desires. Even people had become merchandise! The “the bodies and souls of men” were sold as slaves to Babylon.

What about the effect drugs have on people? Are not drugs making people “slaves” today? There are so many people hooked, who would indeed sell their “body and soul” for a ‘fix’. And it will get worse. Much worse!

Let’s look briefly at some of the commodities: “gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls” is the jewelry department! Does anyone NEED these things to survive? NO! Attaining these things simply boosts a person’s ego. They exhibit these things with great pride! I know, for at one time I did it myself! My husband had a good job. He bought me a very expensive gold and turquoise bracelet, ring and necklace. I wore it with great pride! Then Jesus came into my life. Each time I wore it, it felt as if my soul were squirming! I wore it less and less. My husband finally asked me why I no longer wore it. I told him the truth. I told him I wanted to sell it. We did. NO regret at all on my part! Jesus is much more important to me than ANY earthly treasures!

“Fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet,” represents the ready to wear department. These people have nothing but the best!

“Thyine wood (citron), and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,” represents luxury gifts.

“Cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense,” cosmetics. People spend billions of dollars on cosmetics to make themselves look better.

“Wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat,” would be rich people’s food. It never ceases to amaze me, whenever you see a TV program, and there is a ‘party,’ everyone has liquor in their hand. The wealthy will be eating and drinking in luxury and comfort when Babylon falls! Rev. 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. (KJV) As you can see, in the day of God’s judgment, the Great Tribulation, wheat will be much more expensive than barley. Poor folks will eat barley!

“Beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots,” fillet mignon, lamb chops, fancy vehicles.

“Slaves, and souls of men,” big corporations today have their employees shackled almost like slaves, and as I said before, many today are selling their bodies and souls, both men and women!

In the Old Testament, Tyre fell (Eze.26-27). Tyre would be similar to our New York City today. Babylon will be the future world trader. “Alas, alas,” Babylon shall fall! God says so!

Revelation 18:17-B - 24

We had the first part of verse 17 before. Rev. 18:17-A For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. . . .

NO one ever thought or expected the utter devastation that came to Babylon. Many people today think that God will not bring any judgment whatsoever, upon wrongs and evil and sin. They are WRONG! So many people think God will just forget about all their sins and give them a ticket to Heaven. They think everyone will go to Heaven. They think IF their good outweighs their bad, it will be their ticket to Heaven! WRONG! God is good, they say, He wouldn’t do all those bad things, he would never send me to Hell. So many churches today teach this false doctrine. Churches are preaching and teaching only what people WANT to hear (2 Tim.4:3-4; Isa. 30:10). People do NOT want to hear that they sin, and that if they don’t turn to Jesus and accept Him, and repent of their sins, only Hell awaits. If preachers preach the True Gospel of Christ, people won’t come, so they either preach a watered-down version of the Gospel, or simply what people want to hear. That will NEVER get anyone to Heaven. People must hear the Truth in order to be saved (Rom.10:14).

Preachers . . . BEWARE! So many churches today teach this false doctrine. Churches are preaching and teaching only what people WANT to hear (2 Tim.4:3-4; Isa. 30:10). People do NOT want to hear that they sin, and that if they don’t turn to Jesus and accept Him, and repent of their sins, only Hell awaits. If preachers preach the True Gospel of Christ, people won’t come, so they either preach a watered-down version of the Gospel, or simply what people want to hear. That will NEVER get anyone to Heaven. People must hear the Truth in order to be saved (Rom.10:14). Preachers . . . BEWARE! (Luke 17:2). You are “offending” people’s souls if you do not preach the Truth!

Rev.18:17-B -19 . . . . And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, [18] And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! [19] And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. (KJV) In one single hour all the wealth of the city is gone! All the shipowners and captains of the merchant ships and their crews will stand off at a distance, weeping as they watch the smoke swirl upwards. They will say, "Where is there another city like this? They will throw dust on their heads to show their great sorrow, saying: "How awful for the great city! She made us all rich from her great wealth. And now in a single hour it is all gone." No matter how magnificent, powerful or acclaimed; the wealth of the ungodly will be of NO advantage to them, but instead will bring God’s vengeance down harder on them. Here, the “shipmasters” mourn! This is all public carriers. Everything they knew, went up in smoke in “one hour.” Fast, so very fast! Gone forever! “How could this happen?” they probably ask each other! But it did happen! Fast! How can you apply this to yourself?? How do you look at money and possessions? Do you see these things as they really are? Here today and gone tomorrow! (Mat.6:19-20). Can you use worldly riches without letting them grab hold of your heart, mind and soul? If all you that you have, went up in smoke today, what would you do? Could you handle it? There are many who could never take it, and would commit suicide. Are you one of those? Do you worship money? Do you place wealth and possessions before God? Does owning nice things make you proud? Could you get along without those possessions? We need money to survive in this world today. But, unless you place GOD where He belongs, at the top of the list in ALL things, you are in BIG trouble! God has promised His children to supply ALL our needs (Phil.4:19). Shouldn’t that be enough for us? Shouldn’t we trust our heavenly Father with everything? Matthew 6:33-34 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [34] Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. [KJV] Far too many Christians do NOT take thses verses to heart! Jesus plainly tells us here that IF we seek God, everything we need will be given to us! Seek means to go after Him, turn to Him, trust Him and obey Him! Rev. 18:20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. (KJV) Rejoice over her fate, O Heaven, and rejoice, O holy people of God, apostles and prophets! For God has finally judged her on your behalf. The fall of Babylon was an act of God’s justice. And because it could not be remedied, Babylon would never molest anyone ever again! Heaven will greatly rejoice in this day! God has judged and avenged His people. We should take warning from these things which brought others to destruction. Let us set our affections on things above, when we examine the changeable nature of earthly things. Rev. 18:21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. (KJV) John sees a mighty angel pick up a huge boulder as big as a millstone. He threw it into the ocean and shouted, "Babylon, the great city, will be thrown down just as I have thrown this stone, and she will disappear forever. This “mighty angel” portrays for John (and us), just how quickly Babylon falls! Consider the weight of a great “millstone.” Now picture this immensely powerful angel picking up this huge rock and pitching it into the sea. Can you imagine just how fast that stone would disappear out of sight? Babylon will fall just as fast as that humongous stone would fall to the bottom of the sea. Would we ‘see’ that stone again? No! Will Babylon ever come back into existence again? NO! God states that she will disappear once and for all . . . . forever!Rev. 18:22-23 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; [23] And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. (KJV) Never again will the sound of music be heard there; no more bands, songs or music of any kind. There will be no industry of any kind, and no more milling of grain. Her nights will be dark, without a single lamp. There will be no more happy voices of brides and grooms. This will happen because her merchants, who were the greatest in the world, deceived the nations with her sorceries. “Harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters,” is referring to music. Today’s so-called music leaves a lot to be desired, as far as I am concerned. Hard rock ‘music’ is actually inspired by the devil. Lucifer (Satan) the devil was very musically inclined (Eze.28:13). When Babylon falls, rock music will be gone! Popular music, rock, jazz, country, classical; all music, all gone! “No craftsman, or crafts, no sound of a millstone,” all factories gone! “No light of a candle,” all the glitter of neaon lights, gone! “No voice of the bridegroom and of the bride,” no more marriages; it’s all over! “For thy merchants were the great men,” true, . . . but no more! “And by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.” Sorcerry, magic, witchcraft, horoscopes, necromancy, and demonism, etc. are all on the increase. Satan will gain a greater foothold with each passing day as we draw nearer to the end of the age. He has been blinding people to the Truth for centuries, and will continue to do so at an even more alarming rate. 2 Cor. 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (KJV) If you do not know Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, please answer the knock at your heart’s door (Rev.3:20). Don’t let the “god of this world” (Satan) blind you to the Truth of the Bible (Jam.4:7). Rev. 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. (KJV) In her streets the blood of the prophets was spilled. She was the one who killed God's people all over the world.
God’s people were really treated badly in this city; and God judged it for that and all their sins. Babylon murdered God’s people (Rev.13:5-7,15). This is Satan’s city, as Jerusalem is God’s city. Woe be unto them who willingly live in Satan’s city, then or now!

HOW CAN A PERSON KEEP AWAY FROM THE EVIL SYSTEM?

Some suggestions that may help:

1. We must treat people more importantly than products or possessions. Do NOT let pride take hold of you in your projects, plans and sucesses.Don’t ever forget that God’s will and God’s Word must NEVER be compromised. People’s feelings must always be considered above the making of money. Always do what is right, no matter what the cost. NEVER lie. Join with businesses that provide worthwhile products or services, not just things that feed the world’s lust.
2. Always remember that God NEVER lies. He will carry out judgment just as He has said.

SOMETHING TO CONSIDER

Edward Gibbon wrote a book over 200 years ago; The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Some things he said then, ring just as true today. He gives 5 reasons why the Roman Emoire fell.

The corrupting of decency and sanctity of the home. Higher and higher taxes; and spending of that money for free bread and circuses for the people. The mad craze for pleasure; sports becoming every year more exciting, more brutal and bloodthirsty, more immoral. The building up of great armies and weapone when the real enemy was within . . . the decay of individual responsibility. The decay of religion; with faith fading into a mere pattern of words, losing touch with reality, losing power to lead and guide the people in the right way.

2 Tim. 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (KJV) You have heard it said: “History repeats itself.” If so, we should most certainly take note of these 5 things that are so accepted in our day and time. These same things will bring about Babyloin’s fall. These 5 things destroy: The nation. The home. The person.

Shouldn’t we as Christians be out in full force, trying to win over as many people as possible to our precious Lord? Shouldn’t we, as God’s children love God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength? And love our neighbor as ourselves (no matter what color or race or culture)? Shouldn’t we be eagerly waiting for Christ’s return at the Rapture, by willing bedience to our God and His Word?

BRIEF SUMMARY OF GOD’S JUDGMENTS

Chapter 18 brings us to a conclusion of the horrendous period called “The Great tribulation." Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (KJV) I thank God that He will remove (Rapture) all His children who have been “adopted” by Him through belief in Jesus (John 1:12-13), before this awful era of judgment arrives. 1 Thes. 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. (KJV) 1 Thes. 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, (KJV) John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (KJV) This is Jesus’ Words! Praise the Lord! The Tribulation is the adverse or negative side of Jesus’ Coming (to unbelievers). As for believers, we look forward to God’s vengeance and justice upon all evil and wickedness. The Tribulation period will be a total of 7 years (the 70th week of Daniel's prophecy). John divides the “week” (7 years) into two 3 1/2 year periods.Antichrist comes to power, a trusted leader by Israel at the beginning of the Tribulation. He makes a peace treaty with Israel. He brings false peace to the world. He then breaks the peace treaty, showing his true colors; then turning against Israel with a vengeance.All government and religion will be under control of the Antichrist, headed by Satan.Mid-Tribulation the kingof the north (probably Russia) will descend upon Israe. This will start a long, bloody war. God will judge Russia the same as He did Sodom and Gomorrah (Eze.38). The war of Armegeddon will last for about 3 1/2 years. Armies (millions) march upon Israel. The blood will run 3 to 4 feet deep and 180 miles long.Mid-Tribulation God will send two amazing men as His witnesses, who no one can kill. They will be clothed in sackcloth. They will be able to bring down fire from Heaven, stop it from raining, bring about plagues similar to the ones in the Book of Exodus. AFTER they finish their job (3 1/2 years), Antichrist will be permitted to kill them. They will lay in the street, unburied for 3 1/2 days. God will then resurrect them in plain sight of all. God saves and seals for Himself 144,000 Jews who will be His witnesses. He also saves a huge group of Gentiles. Antichrist then imitates God with his own number (666). Anyone refusing the number will die, by his hand. Anyone accepting the devil’s mark will eventually be cast into an everlasting Hell by God. The Middle East will become the hub of world avtivity. Antichrist most likely rule from Rome; whereas the False Prophet will begin his rule from Jerusalem. Some people think that the Antichrist will rebuild ancient Babylon.One disaster after another will come upon the Earth. Judgments will come in 3 groups of 7, with each group of judgments worsening. Judgment will be swift and sure, but people will NOT repent. Religious Babylon, the apostate church (the Great Whore, the Mother of Harlots) will be destroyed by the Antichrist and the kings of the Earth about midway in the Tribulation.Commercial (political) Babylon will be completely demolished by fire in “one hour” (swift and sure) by our Lord Jesus Christ at His return at the end of the Tribulation period.

What will happen in the Great Tribulation?

• 1. Rev. 4:1-2. John, symbol of the church is taken to Heaven.
• 2. Daniel 9:27 Antichrist signs a covenant for 7 years with Israel. This begins the Great Tribulation.
• 3. Rev. 6:1-2. 1st seal judgment: rider on a white horse (Antichrist) promises world peace and establishes his one-world government.
• 4. Rev. 6:3-4. 2nd seal judgment: introduces a great world war.
• 5. Rev. 6:5-6. 3rd seal judgment: ushers in famine (aftermath of war).
• 6. Rev. 6:7-8. 4th seal judgment: outcome of this war is death of 1/4 of the world population, probably more than a billion people.
• 7. Rev. 6:9-11. 5th seal judgment: introduces martyrdom of those converted by the preaching of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses described in Chapter 7. MANY will receive Christ but will be killed by the government leader and the Harlot (chapter 17). Evangelism will be in the hands of the Jews in the Tribulation.
• 8. Rev. 6:12-17. 6th seal judgment: displays God’s wrath (righteous anger). God will produce an earthquake such as has never been seen before; so terrible people pray for rocks to fall on them.
• 9. Rev. 8:1-5. 7th seal judgment: introduces the “Seven Trumpet Judgments” which ends the first quarter of the Tribulation period and prepares for a worse period to come.
• 10. Rev. 8:7. 1st trumpet judgment: 1/3 of all trees and grass will be burned up by hail, fire, and blood cast upon the Earth.
• 11. Rev. 8:8-9. 2nd trumpet judgment: a great mountain of sulfur falls into the seas, destroying 1/3 of all the living creatures in it and the ships in the sea.
• 12. Rev. 8:10-11. 3rd trumpet judgment: a huge star or meteor called “wormwood” (bitter) falls on all fresh waters, poisoning the waters. Millions die.
• 13. Rev. 8:12. 4th trumpet judgment: God causes the sun, moon and stars to produce 1/3 less light, causing a depressing darkness.
• 14. Rev. 8: 13. A special angel flies around the Earth, warning much worse is yet to come.
• 15. Rev. 9: 1-12. 5th trumpet judgment: Hideous demon-like creatures like scorpions or locusts are freed from the bottomless pit. They do not have power to kill, only to torture, so badly, that people will beg to die, but death will not come.
• 16. Rev. 9:13. 6th trumpet judgment: 200,000,000 horsemen (demon possessed death angels) kill 1/3 of all people on Earth which probable occurs between the 40th and 42nd month of the first part of the Tribulation. This will bring the world population down to about 50 %.
• 17. Rev. 11:3-14. Two supernatural Witnesses appear and prophesy for 1,260 days.
• 18. Rev. 11:15. 7th trumpet judgment: introduces some tremendous events that take place in chapters 12-18, and will bring on the worst judgments yet; the vial judgments.
• 19. Rev. 17:1-18. Describes the destruction of the “Harlot” (false religious system), which merges ALL the religions of the world during the first half of the Tribulation (which will easily take place after the true church, born again believers, are raptured or taken to Heaven). The Harlot will be so powerful, it dominates both Antichrist (the beast) and the ten kings at that time. But, because this false church is hated so much by the Antichrist, he will make war on her and completely destroy her.
• 20. 13: 1-3. During the process of killing the Harlot (Mystery Babylon), Antichrist receives a “deadly wound” that is miraculously healed. It seems he comes back to life again (imitating our Lord Jesus). Some think when Satan is cast down from Heaven (chapter 12), where he has been “the accuser of the brethren,” he now resurrects Antichrist to an even more vicious life.
• 21. Rev. 13: 4-10. Antichrist, now resurrected, forces everyone on the whole Earth to worship him and him alone.
• 22. Rev. 13:11-18. The False Prophet will now replace the slain religious system (the Harlot), forcing everyone to worship the Antichrist and his image or be killed. Everyone will be compelled to receive Antichrist’s mark (666), in order to hold a job, buy, sell, go to a doctor or hospital, etc. Anyone who takes a stand for Christ and refuses the mark will be killed. But once anyone accepts this mark, they are doomed for Hell. God turns His back on all with Antichrist’s mark.
• 23. Rev. 16:1-2. 1st vial judgment: huge, terrible, agonizing sores break out on all who reject Christ, on all those who accept the 666 mark.
• 24. Rev. 16:3. 2nd vial judgment: is poured out on the sea, turning it to “blood as of a dead man” and every living creature in the sea died.
• 25. Rev. 16:4. 3rd vial judgment: will turn rivers and fresh waters to blood.
• 26. Rev. 16:8-9. 4th vial judgment: will intensify the sun’s heat so drastically that ungodly men will blaspheme the Name of God.
• 27. Rev. 16:10-11. 5th vial judgment: causes darkness to engulf the throne of the Antichrist and his entire kingdom. The sores will continue relentlessly, producing such agony that people will gnaw their tongues because of the excruciating pain. They will still persist in blaspheming God, and refuse to repent.
• 28. Rev. 16:13-16. 6th vial judgment: sends lying demon spirits to rulers of the world, causing them all to unite at “the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (better known as the Battle of Armageddon).
• 29. Rev. 16:17-21. 7th vial judgment: results in the righteous judgment of Almighty God that destroys the entire world system. It judges ALL unsaved people to the extreme. There will be a terrible earthquake; there has never been such an earthquake since the creation of human beings worse than this! Huge hailstones, each weighing as much as a hundred pounds, will fall from the sky on people, who will curse God because of the plague of hail. Even though people know it is God who is in total control, they still refuse to repent and turn to Him.
• 30. Rev. 18:1-24. The destruction of commercial and governmental Babylon. This possibly happens during the 7th vial judgment (verse 19), just before the Earth’s final judgment. The rule of Antichrist comes to an end (total collapse), but it paves the way for the last event. The best is yet to come!
• 31. Rev.19:11-21. The awesome and glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, coming in great power as King of kings and Lord of lords to set up His 1000 year reign!

Yes! Come, Lord Jesus, come!

The favorable or positive side of Christ’s return is that He will wipe out ALL evil and injustice! ALL wickedness will be gone! Jesus will rule the Earth for 1000 years (millennium). PEACE at last! As for now, the next great event on God’s time cloch is the Rapture. Immediately following that will be the awful Judgment of the Great Tribulation!

Book of Revelation

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