12 Keys to Understanding Revelation, Dennis Fischer and Art Braidic

This booklet is Published by The Eternal Church of God with the permission of the authors. It is provided free as an educational service in the public interest. It is not to be sold.

The book of Revelation, or the Apocalypse, has been the center of more speculation by scholars and casual readers than any other book of the Bible. Around the world, leading members of the religious community debate its content and offer theories about every aspect of its message. Why is there so much confusion about this book? Is it possible to understand its meaning? Is there a key to this understanding? If God decided, in His infinite wisdom, to inspire the writing of this book, wouldn’t He also provide a way for it to be understood?
The God of the Bible truly is a God of purpose and that purpose shall be revealed. The prophet Amos was inspired to write that God would do nothing before first revealing it to His servants (Amos 3:7). Additionally, the prophet Isaiah once wrote concerning God’s great power over the destiny of the universe and how that power is manifested in His pronouncements concerning the future.

It is important to understand that the book of Revelation is a revealing, not a concealing. Therefore, God’s purpose is to make known what is written in this extraordinary book.

The Bible: A Coded Book
The Bible has been characterized as God’s instruction book for mankind. It consists of truth that man could not acquire on his own. This truth reveals a great plan of salvation for all who have ever lived. However, the Bible is a coded book and requires one to have God’s spirit in order for it to be understood. The apostle Paul grasped this principle and explained it in his epistle to the Church at Corinth.

The point Paul was making is that God communicates to His children through His spirit and reveals His truth by that spirit. That spirit teaches spiritual things. Therefore, in order to truly understand the book of Revelation, one must have God’s holy spirit. That spirit will impart a deeper understanding of not only what this book means to mankind, but what it means to each individual believer.

A Time for Everything
It is important to understand that God does things according to His schedule. The book of Ecclesiastes reveals that "there is a time for everything" (Eccl. 3:1). It is also important to understand that God never intended for all things to be understood immediately. When speaking to the prophet Daniel concerning the end time, God ordered the words to be sealed.

When Daniel questioned the meaning of some of the visions he was shown, God explained that it was not for him to understand.

    God clearly explained to Daniel that much of what he saw was sealed until the time of the end. We are now living in that time. The Bible calls this present age "the last days." It is at this time when the great prophecies declared by God will not only come to pass, but their understanding will be made known.
    It is also important to understand that in order to grasp the full meaning of Revelation, you will need to possess certain keys. These keys will unlock some of the greatest mysteries concerning the future of this world as well as the ultimate destiny of God’s children and the universe.
    This booklet identifies twelve keys to understanding what the apostle John was inspired to record nineteen centuries ago. These keys will bring the book of Revelation to life and make its message clear.

On the Island of Patmos
    When the apostle John wrote the book of Revelation, he was on the small island of Patmos approximately 37 miles southwest of Miletus in the Icarian Sea. The island consisted mainly of volcanic hills and rocky ground. It was approximately 10 miles long and six miles wide. The Roman government used Patmos as a penal colony and most scholars believe that John was exiled there because of his preaching, a fact that John himself confirms (Rev. 1:9). The great historian Eusebius indicated that John was banished to Patmos by Emperor Domitian in 95 A.D. and released some 18 months later (Ecclesiastical History, 3.20. 8-9).
    While on Patmos, John was taken in vision to a time centuries into the future. There he was given a picture of what the world would be like at the very end of man’s reign on earth.
    It is also important to understand that John specifically indicated that the purpose of the book of Revelation was to bear record of three things.

The words recorded by John in the book of Revelation must be understood in this context. Additionally, it is important to understand that John is not advancing any personal theories but rather describing in great detail these three aspects of his vision.
With this in mind, let’s examine twelve essential keys to understanding this extraordinary book.

Key One: Understanding the Source of Revelation
The book of Revelation begins with powerful words that, for the most part, have been ignored or misunderstood by many Bible students. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostle John introduces the reader of this prophecy to the source of its revelation.

    Notice that this remarkable book is not the revelation of John, but rather the revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the revealer, a point which is dramatically illustrated throughout the book. Consider the following example. In chapter five, John is taken in vision into the third heaven. There he sees God the Father sitting on His throne, holding a book (scroll) in His right hand. This book is sealed with seven seals.
    At one point, an angel proclaims with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and loose the seals thereof?" (Rev. 5:2). John goes on to say that no man in heaven or on earth was worthy to open the book except the Lamb of God who had been slain and had redeemed God’s children by His own blood (Rev. 5:3-9). That Lamb is Jesus Christ; therefore, He alone is the Revealer. Understanding this point is critical to grasping the true meaning of this great book.
    Tragically, this is the place where most scholars err. Many "Bible authorities" have attempted to interpret the book of Revelation and its symbols on their own. In doing so, virtually hundreds of opinions have been advanced concerning the meaning of this prophetic book.
    It is important to understand that no scripture is of private interpretation (2Pe. 1:20). Therefore, in order to clearly understand the true meaning of Revelation, you must allow this book to speak on its own behalf.
    Additionally, as was stated earlier, the book of Revelation is a revealing, not a concealing. Therefore, God intended it to be understood, but only at a time He would choose.
    This is that time. And the great Revealer Jesus Christ is the One who unseals the words. These words can now be understood by those who allow Jesus Christ to reveal them.

Key Two: Understanding the Day of the Lord
Chapter one of the book of Revelation indicates that John was taken in vision to the "Lord’s Day."

While some have argued that John was referring to a particular day of the week when he spoke of the "Lord’s Day," the context of the book makes it clear that this is not so. The term "Lord’s Day" is actually referring to a time comprising the final year of man’s reign on earth. This period is described by the great prophet Isaiah.

The "Day of the Lord" mentioned by Isaiah is not referring to a literal day but rather a prophetic day. A prophetic day actually lasts one year. This principle is demonstrated in Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6. The prophet Isaiah confirmed this principle when he spoke of a day of God’s vengeance on the world and indicated that the day would be a year in length.

Therefore, it is essential to understand that the "Day of the Lord" constitutes a one-year period in which God will punish a rebellious and depraved world. Included in this punishment are a series of trumpet plagues as well as seven plagues poured out of seven vials by seven angels. It is also important to understand that God has provided a way to escape this judgment and that way is revealed in the book of Revelation.

Key Three: Understanding the Seven Churches
The second and third chapters of Revelation contain letters written to seven specific Churches. Understanding the identity of these Churches is essential to understanding the nature of these letters and their intended purpose for man.
The Churches identified as the recipients of these letters were located in seven cities of Asia Minor (currently Turkey). These cities were connected by major highways and represented consecutive stops on a Roman mail route during the latter first century. In chapter one, John is directed to write what he sees and to send it to these seven specific congregations.

    However, when examining the content of these letters, it becomes clear that their intended audience is greater than seven first century Churches. Consider the following. The circumstances described in these seven letters could not have been contemporaneous. For example, it would have been impossible for Smyrna to have been enduring horrible persecution (Rev. 2:10) while at the same time, a sister congregation only miles away in Philadelphia was free to preach the gospel (Rev. 3:7-8). Additionally, the Church at Philadelphia is identified as being in existence at the time of Jesus Christ’s return (Rev. 3:10-11).
    It is interesting that in Revelation 1:12-20, Jesus Christ stands "in the midst of seven golden candlesticks." These candlesticks are defined as "the Churches" (verse 20). However, during the first century, there were far more than seven Church congregations. Even the mail route on which these seven Churches were located contained additional Churches of God.
    It is also interesting to note that the Old Covenant Church was symbolized by a lampstand (candlestick) which held seven lights (Ex. 25:31-40). This could be a type of the seven golden candlesticks described by John in Revelation 1:20. Additionally, it has been suggested that the Old Covenant Church was divided into seven successive Church eras. This being the case, it seems logical that the seven Churches described by John represent far more than seven congregations along a Roman mail route.

The Seven Churches Are Prophetic
    It is important to understand that the book of Revelation is a prophetic book. Therefore, these Churches should be understood primarily in prophetic terms. This being the case, the seven Churches recorded in Revelation two and three represent God’s Church in seven successive eras. These eras begin with the apostolic Church in the first century, identified as Ephesus, and conclude with God’s end-time Churches of Philadelphia and Laodicea.
    Perhaps the most compelling reason for understanding these Churches as seven consecutive eras is revealed in the complexion of the book of Revelation. Consider the following. The book of Revelation identifies seven seals. These seals are opened in succession, not all together. It also identifies seven trumps which are not blown at once, but rather in sequence beginning with the first and ending with "the last trump." Additionally, the sixteenth chapter of Revelation identifies seven plagues poured out of seven vials. These plagues are not unleashed simultaneously, but once again, are poured out in sequence, one after another.
    Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that the seven Churches identified in these letters are actually seven successive eras of God’s Church. These eras comprise the history of the Church down through the ages, culminating with the return of Jesus Christ.

God’s Church Through the Ages
    As was mentioned earlier, it is possible that the Old Covenant Church may also have been divided into seven successive eras. The first era was built under the leadership of Moses, Joshua and the elders (Ju. 2:6-7). This Church would have corresponded to the first century Church under the leadership of Peter and the apostles. This New Testament era is referred to as the Church at Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7).
    The Ephesus era of the Church experienced dramatic growth during its early years. However, persecution against this era of the Church was strong and ultimately resulted with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. After this event, the Church found itself fighting to overcome a constant stream of persecution from without and false teachers from within. This era of the Church ended at the close of the first century under the leadership of John, the last living apostle. It is interesting to note that John was the bishop of the Ephesus Church and it is in that city that he died.
    The second Old Testament era of God’s Church existed during the time of the judges (such as Samuel). This era would have corresponded to the New Testament Church under the leadership of Polycarp, a disciple of the apostle John. This era is referred to in the book of Revelation as the Church at Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11).
    The name Smyrna means "bitter" and it was a bitter era, to be sure. Polycarp witnessed a great apostasy within the Church in which the truth taught by the original apostles was replaced with fables. He lived to see God’s Sabbath replaced with Sunday worship and the Passover replaced with the pagan tradition of Easter. Polycarp’s life ended tragically when he was burned to death by a mob in his own city.
    The Smyrna era of the Church ended during the fourth century. However, prior to its end, the Church experienced extraordinary persecution. At the order of Diocletion, Churches were destroyed, the ministry was imprisoned and Bibles were burned. This persecution lasted for ten years and ended with the Edict of Toleration in Milan in 313 A.D.
    In Revelation 2:9-10, the angel of the Church at Smyrna reveals a great tribulation lasting "ten days." This angel concludes the letter with an exhortation to be strong and faithful, even to death. He then promises that the result of such loyalty would be a crown of life (v. 10). The scriptures reveal that a prophetic day lasts one year (Ezk. 4:6). This being the case, the persecution endured by the Smyrna Church is in complete harmony with the scriptures.
    The third Old Covenant era of the Church occurred when Israel was a united monarchy. This took place during the days of David and Solomon. This era corresponded to what Revelation calls the Church at Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-17). The name Pergamos means "fortified."
    During this era, God’s New Testament Church migrated to the mountains of Armenia. In this location, they called themselves "Paulicians." The Paulicians rejected apostolic succession, taught against the trinity and crosses, and rejected baptism by sprinkling. Fred Coneybeare translated a book written by the Paulicians and drew the following conclusion.

    In Revelation, the Church at Pergamos is characterized as not denying the faith (Rev. 2:13). Clearly, the faith taught by the apostles was apparent in this community of believers.
    The fourth Old Testament era of God’s Church existed when the monarchy was divided, with Israel in the north and Judah in the south. This fourth era corresponds to the New Testament Church at Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29).
    During the Middle Ages, this era of the Church migrated to Europe. One of its premier figures was a man named Peter Waldo. Waldo taught God’s truth throughout France, Italy, Hungary, and even into Russia. His followers were called Waldensians.
    It is interesting to note that Waldensian churches in many European congregations displayed an emblem depicting seven candlesticks with only the fourth candle emitting light. The inscription on this emblem read: "A light shines in the darkness." Clearly, this community of faith understood themselves to be the fourth era of God’s true Church.
    The fifth era of the Old Testament Church took place when Israel and Judah were in captivity. At that time, the practice of the faith required the consent of gentile kings such as Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and the Medo-Persian king Darius. Although the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was preserved during this period by men such as Daniel, it certainly did not flourish. This era of the Old Testament Church corresponds to the New Testament Church at Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6).
    By the 1500's, God’s Church was experiencing growth. Several groups had arisen, calling themselves "Anabaptists." During the following century, the Church began to grow in England. It was then that a church leader named Stephen Mumford was sent to America. There, he would raise up several small churches united under a common faith. Many of these groups referred to themselves as "the Church of God" and were noted for keeping God’s commandments. Ultimately, this church would become the Seventh Day Church of God and it is still in existence today.
    The sixth era of the Old Testament Church occurred during the restoration of the temple under Ezra and Nehemiah. At that time, a faith that had all but disappeared was restored and God’s law became prominent among His people. This era endured during the days of the Maccabees. At that time, there was a great zeal demonstrated by a relatively small number of people. This era of the Old Testament Church corresponds to the New Testament Church at Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13). The Philadelphian era of the Church is characterized in Revelation as having a zeal for God’s law and His work.
    During the first half of the twentieth century, Herbert W. Armstrong began to preach a powerful gospel message on radio. He would later produce a telecast that would blanket the United States as well as publish several magazines with a circulation measuring in the millions.
    Mr. Armstrong taught that although salvation is a gift, obedience to God is an essential part of the Christian walk. He also taught that God’s commandments represent a way of giving while man was consumed with the way of "get." Under the leadership of Mr. Armstrong, God’s truth was proclaimed around the world. Today, that work continues, albeit in a much smaller scope.
    When Herbert Armstrong died in 1986, his successors repudiated everything he had taught and replaced that teaching with doctrines that were never embraced during the early days of the New Testament Church. Mr. Armstrong’s successors embraced the doctrine of the trinity and declared that observance of the Sabbath and Holy Days was "optional." The church leadership also introduced the doctrines of the immortality of the soul, that the law was done away at the cross, and that the observance of holidays such as Christmas and Easter are positive expressions of faith despite having their origins in paganism. This was all done to conform to what church leadership called "normative Christianity."
    The apostle Paul once warned that at the time of the end, a great apostasy would take place within the Church (2Thes. 2:3). During the past 15 years, Mr. Armstrong’s successors have fulfilled this prophecy.

In Transition
    Although the Church at Philadelphia will be in existence at the time of Jesus’ return, it apparently experiences a transition in which only a part of the Church remains zealous to complete a work. Others become more passive and indifferent and although they keep the commandments, the zeal they once had toward a great commission of preaching the gospel wanes.
    Shortly after the death of Mr. Armstrong and the introduction of false teachings within the church, God’s people were again scattered, with numerous fellowships arising. For the most part, these fellowships share a common theology; however they are vastly different in their approach to doing a work. Also emerging within these churches is a highly judgmental attitude toward each other. This attitude is reflected with some fellowships believing they are superior to others and all believing that somehow they are God’s chosen.
    The seventh and final era of the Old Testament Church took place during the period of the Pharisees. The Pharisees believed that righteousness could be legislated and proceeded to create virtually thousands of rules regarding obedience to God. This era corresponds with the Church at Laodicea described in Revelation 3:14-18.
    The Laodicean era is characterized as "lukewarm." They are self-righteous as well as self-sufficient, much the same as the pharisees of Jesus’ day. These "New Covenant Pharisees" embrace the idea that man can decide for himself how God should be worshiped. As a result, many forsake the assembling of themselves together with their brethren. Others believe that the commission to preach the gospel is finished; therefore, the only duty of a Christian is to prepare for the return of Christ. Still others reject the organized Church as a viable institution because of issues involving government within it.
    Perhaps the greatest characteristic of the Laodicean attitude is the belief that their fellowship is superior to others. When describing the Church at Laodicea, the angel of this Church declares "they think they are rich, but they are naked" (Rev. 3:17). This attitude of self-sufficiency is highly dangerous and the Church at Laodicea is admonished to turn from it. The Church at Laodicea represents the seventh and final era of God’s Church down through the ages.
    Clearly, the Churches identified in Revelation two and three represent seven successive eras of God’s work on this earth. It began on the day of Pentecost in 31 A.D. with the founding of the New Testament Church and will conclude with the return of Jesus Christ when He sets up His millennial Kingdom on earth.

Seven Characteristics of God’s Church
Throughout the past twenty centuries, certain patterns have emerged within God’s true Church. These patterns help identify who His servants are and the path they have taken. Consider seven prominent characteristics of God’s Church down through the ages.

Today, God’s Church can be identified with three signs. It bears His name, it keeps His commandments, and it does His work. Despite relentless persecution from without as well as periods of great apostasy from within, God’s true Church endures and will be in existence at the return of Jesus Christ.
This is a chronicle of the history of God’s people for two thousand years. That history is powerfully declared in seven letters delivered by seven angels to seven Churches in Asia.

Key Four: Understanding the Seven Seals
Chapters six through eight in Revelation describe seven seals which secure a book held by God in His right hand. These seals have been a cause of confusion for many Bible students but it is possible to know what each of them represents because Jesus Christ (the Revealer) had already spoken of them in great detail during His ministry on earth.
Just days before His arrest, trial and crucifixion, Jesus’ disciples came to Him on the Mount of Olives and asked Him a powerful question:

The Greek word for "world" in this verse is "aion," and is better translated "age." Therefore, the disciples were really asking Jesus what the world would look like at the time when man’s rule on earth would end and Jesus Christ would return to restore His Kingdom.
Jesus responded to this query by proclaiming what is commonly referred to as the "Olivet Prophecy." He begins this prophecy by describing religious deception, wars and rumors of wars, political upheaval, racial strife, and even natural disasters. These words spoken by Jesus to His disciples perfectly mirror the six seals described in the sixth chapter of Revelation.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
    The first seal, illustrated by a white horse (Rev. 6:2), pictures a time of great religious deception. In Matthew 24:5, Jesus indicated that a time would come when many would claim to represent Him but would in fact preach a deceptive message and as a result, cause many to be misled. Therefore, the first seal pictures a proliferation of false Christianity over all of Western Civilization and much of the rest of the world.
    Although Christianity seems to be alive and well in this present age, it is a faith vastly different from that practiced by the original apostolic Church. Many of the customs and teachings found in Christianity today actually come from the pagan world. Consider its holidays. Christmas and Easter are the two great holy seasons in the professing Christian world. However, these two traditions are nowhere sanctioned in the scriptures. On the contrary, the Bible condemns such practices. Additionally, modern Christianity teaches that God’s law is done away. This, despite the fact that Jesus Christ indicated that God’s great law would last beyond the existence of the physical universe (Mt. 5:17-19).
    The second seal, illustrated by a red horse (Rev. 6:4), pictures a time of great war. While giving the "Olivet Prophecy," Jesus stated that the time would come when the world would be filled with wars and rumors of wars and that nation would rise up against nation and kingdom against kingdom. (Mt. 24:6-7).
    It is interesting to note that the Greek word for nation used in Matthew 24:7 is ethnos. This word is the root for our "ethnic" or "ethnicity." This being the case, it is very possible that Jesus was describing wars involving both governments (kingdom against kingdom) and races (nation against nation). In the world today, we see greater political and racial strife than at any time in history. With this prophecy, Jesus was saying that conflict and war would reach their greatest intensity during the end time.
    The third and fourth seals, illustrated by a black horse and a pale horse respectively (Rev. 6:5,8), picture a time of famine and pestilence which will bring about great death. Jesus Christ also spoke of famine and pestilence following on the heels of war (Mt. 24:7).

The Great Tribulation
At this point, the fifth seal is opened, revealing a time of great tribulation which will include religious persecution unlike any ever seen before (Rev. 6:9-11). When describing this seal in the "Olivet Prophecy," Jesus said:

Jesus went on to say that this time of tribulation would be so fierce that unless He intervened, the earth and its inhabitants would be utterly destroyed.

The great tribulation is a time of unimaginable persecution on both the physical descendants of Israel and God’s true Church. It is referred to in the scriptures as "Jacob’s trouble."

This persecution is inflicted by Satan himself because he knows that he has but a short time (Rev. 12:12). It is important to understand that the great tribulation described in the fifth seal is not God’s wrath, but rather Satan’s wrath. It is unspeakably merciless and cruel and is directed at those whom God has used to accomplish His purpose.
The great tribulation will result in the descendants of Israel going into one final captivity. This captivity will be so great that the horror of the holocaust will pale by comparison. Additionally, God’s Church will experience an assault designed to eradicate it from the face of the earth but there is a way of escape.

A Place of Safety
Although God’s people will suffer great persecution in the last days, many of them will be miraculously delivered. The twelfth chapter of Revelation indicates that a part of God’s true Church will be taken to a special place where it will be nourished for three and a half years.

John went on to state that during this flight, the Church will be pursued by a great flood cast out of the mouth of the serpent (Satan the devil) (Rev. 12:15). This flood may very well be a great army, much the same as that of Pharaoh which pursued the Israelites during the exodus. John then states that God miraculously intervenes and just as the Red Sea swallowed Pharaoh’s host, the earth will swallow this great flood pursuing God’s Church.

John continues his chronicle of this event by indicating that when the Satan is thwarted in his effort to capture the Church, he will become enraged and "make war" with the remnant of God’s people (Rev. 12:17). This remnant is not identified by name but it is very possible it is the Church at Laodicea. In chapter three of Revelation, Laodicea is characterized as being spiritually lethargic (Rev. 3:16). God then warns this era of His Church that He will chastise them.

In this case, God may allow Satan’s persecution to wake up this lethargic Church. In order for this to happen, this Church will have to go through horrible persecution and even death. This vicious persecution is characterized as "the great tribulation."

The Sixth Seal
It is at this point that the book of Revelation introduces a sixth seal. This sixth seal pictures a time when the heavens will be radically shaken. At this time, the sun will become "black as sackcloth: and the moon shall become "as blood" (Rev. 6:12). It is also a time when great natural disasters such as earthquakes will reach an unimaginable intensity. The book of Revelation indicates that these heavenly signs would drive the mightiest of men to great fear and even cause them to desire death rather than face what was coming (Rev. 6:15-16).
Jesus also spoke of a time when there would be great astronomical signs. When giving the "Olivet Prophecy," Jesus quoted the words of the prophet Joel which described great wonders in the heavens (Joel 2:30-31).

The Day of God’s Wrath
    The stage is now set for the seventh seal. This seal contains God’s wrath on a rebellious, God-rejecting world. The scope of God’s punishment is unimaginable but Revelation 6:17 describes it in part: "For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"
    As we begin chapter seven, the awesome and frightening seventh seal is about to be opened. This seal signals the beginning of the last year of man’s rule on this earth and it is called "The Day of the Lord."
    Earlier, we learned that the Day of the Lord refers to a prophetic day. A prophetic day actually lasts one year (Isa. 61:2). It is therefore clear that this seventh seal describes the final year of a three-and-a-half year period the Bible refers to as the great tribulation. This is the last year before Christ’s triumphant return in which He will set up His millennial Kingdom.
    At this time, when God prepares to unleash His wrath, the apostle John reveals the following.

    These four angels are situated in the north, south, east and west. Poised in these four strategic positions, these angels will insure that the coming plagues contained in this seventh seal will cover the entire earth; nothing will escape.
    It is important to understand that John states these four angels hold back "four winds of the earth." But what are these winds? Throughout the scriptures, wind is a symbol God uses to represent spirit. Even the word for spirit in Greek (pneuma) means "a breeze" or "a blast of air."
    It is interesting to note that when Jesus met with Nicodemus and spoke of being born again, He indicated that those who were born again would be like the wind (Jn. 3:7). It follows then, that these four winds are likely spirit forces unleashed by four angelic beings. If this is the case, it would mean that the four angels described in Revelation 7:1 are actually holding back the spiritual powers which will carry out God’s wrath over the entire earth and all of its population.

The 144,000
    John then explains that at this time, a special angel arises from the east. This angel instructs the other four angels to withhold God’s wrath until His servants are sealed in their foreheads. This sealing protects them from the devastation which will be unleashed by these four angels. The seventh chapter of Revelation indicates that the number of those who are sealed is exactly 144,000.
    Bible authorities have differed greatly in their view concerning the identity of this unique people. Some have taught that the 144,000 are comprised exclusively of "Jews" while others have identified them as "modern-day Israel." Still others believe that these people are survivors of the great tribulation. Some have suggested that they represent God’s Church throughout the ages.
    Recently, it has been suggested that there are actually two separate ranks of 144,000 with one group consisting of physical Israelites protected by God during the tribulation and the other consisting of those who will be changed into spirit beings at the return of Christ. One leading religious denomination contends that the 144,000 occupy heaven while the balance of the saved will reside on earth for all eternity.
    The scriptures do, however, identify certain aspects of the 144,000 that are indisputable. First, this community of servants are a holy people who will be respected and admired for all eternity. The scriptures also reveal that they represent only a very small segment of those who will ultimately be a part of God’s Kingdom forever. Additionally, the scriptures reveal that this esteemed company represents God’s firstfruits (Rev. 14:4).
    There is an intricate story woven through the scriptures regarding the identity and ultimate destiny of these people. However, for the sake of this booklet, it is only necessary to understand that they are protected from God’s wrath by a unique seal placed on their foreheads.

Key Five: Understanding God’s Wrath
    Many students of the Bible mistakenly believe that the great tribulation mentioned in the scriptures represents God’s punishment on the world. This is not true. The great tribulation described in Matthew 24:9 and Revelation 6:9 comprises the fifth seal John saw opened. God’s wrath on this world takes place during the seventh and last seal. At that time, God will unleash tremendous plagues on the earth. This period of time is called "the day of the Lord" and as was mentioned earlier, represents the final year of man’s rule on earth.
    The apostle John introduces the eighth chapter of Revelation by describing the opening of the seventh and last seal of a book God holds in His right hand. He states that once this seal is opened, there will be silence in heaven for the space of about one half hour (Rev. 8:1). John then describes seven angelic beings standing before God and receiving seven trumpets. When blown, these trumpets will bring forth enormous devastation upon the earth.
    These seven trumpet plagues pummel a God-rejecting world with such force that virtually billions of people will die. However, it is important to understand that there still remains a great hope for them. This hope will be revealed later in this booklet.
    The first three trumpet plagues cause unimaginable devastation on the ecological balance of the earth. Fire and blood rain down upon the earth as well as its oceans and rivers.
    At the conclusion of these three plagues, virtually all grass will be "burnt up" and one third of all the trees on earth will be consumed by fire (Rev. 8:7-11). Additionally, the oceans will be so damaged that one third of all sea creatures will die and one third of the ships that travel on them will be destroyed. And as unbelievable as it may sound, this is only the beginning.
    When the fourth angel sounds his trumpet, one third of the heavens are darkened. This includes a third part of the sun and moon. Once this occurs, John indicates that an angel will fly through the midst of heaven and cry with a loud voice:

These three woes comprise the fifth, sixth and seventh trumpets sounded by God’s messengers.

The Three Woes
    Chapter nine of Revelation describes the fifth and sixth trumpet plagues. These plagues are also identified as the first and second "woes." These woes represent a massive military attack and a corresponding counterattack.
    Involved in this war is an army of 200 million soldiers which do great battle. To put the size of this army into perspective, it will be over 400 times the size of the coalition forces mobilized during the Persian Gulf War. As a result, this military conflict will cause such devastation that one third of all mankind will be killed (verse 18).
    Amazingly, however, those who survive will still refuse to repent. Rather, they remain defiant against God and His law (verses 20-21).

The Two Witnesses
Prior to describing the seventh and last trump, the apostle John introduces two witnesses who will prophesy against the earth for 1260 days, or three and a half years (Rev. 11:1-3). John indicates that these servants of God have the power to perform great miracles (Rev. 11:6). He also states that anyone attempting to harm them will be dealt with severely.

    John then explains that at the end of the 1260 days, these two witnesses will be killed by a beast which ascends out of a bottomless pit. Once these witnesses are murdered, an evil society will "rejoice" and actually send gifts to one another to celebrate their deaths (Rev. 11:9-10).
    It is important to understand that although the two witnesses are first mentioned just prior to the seventh seal, they actually appear on the world scene much earlier. Revelation 11:1-3 indicates that they prophecy against the earth for 1260 days (three and a half years).
    When the seventh seal is opened, the world has only one year (360 days) until Christ will return with His saints and establish His Kingdom.. This being the case, the two witnesses actually become prominent figures two and a half years before the seventh seal is opened. This would be just prior to the opening of the fifth seal.
    Revelation eleven is best understood as an insert chapter designed to introduce two prominent figures who will live during the end time. However, it is reasonable to conclude that their greatest miracles will occur at the end of their testimony.

Who Are the Two Witnesses?
    This question has perhaps drawn more speculation from the religious community than any other question pertaining to the book of Revelation. The popular view is that they will be Moses and Elijah resurrected from the dead. This, however, is simply speculation that is actually contradicted in the book of Revelation.
    In Revelation 11:4, the two witnesses are characterized as "two olive trees" and "two candlesticks." This is not the only place that mentions olive trees and candlesticks. The great prophet Zechariah records an event in which he saw a vision that included two olive trees (Zech. 4:2-3). An angel informed Zechariah that the olive trees were "the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth" (verse 13).
    It has been suggested that Joshua the High Priest described in Zechariah 3 and Zerubbabel the governor described in Zechariah 4 are types of the two witnesses. If this is the case, one of the witnesses (pictured by Joshua) will probably emerge from the ministry in God’s true Church. Apparently, at some time in this man’s life, a great sin was committed. However, as a result of his repentance, God forgives the sin and uses him as an indicting witness against the world.

The second witness (pictured as Zerubbabel) may come from an administrative or civil background. This would be similar to Moses, whose roots could be traced to the palace of Pharaoh. If this is the case, this second witness will be a man with administrative talents. This will compliment the pastoral skills of the first witness.
It also appears that these two witnesses are not men of prominence but instead are relatively obscure. God indicates that their strength does not come from their credentials but rather from the presence of God’s spirit within them (Zech. 4:6).

Two Candlesticks
    The two witnesses are also characterized as "two candlesticks" (Rev. 11:4). In Revelation 1:20, candlesticks are identified as God’s New Testament Churches. This being the case, it is possible that these two witnesses emerge from the final two eras of God’s Church. As was mentioned earlier, these two eras are pictured as the Church at Philadelphia and the Church at Laodicea.
    God gives these two men great power and it is clear that they level a strong indictment against mankind for rejecting God and refusing to obey Him. However, the scriptures also reveal that for the most part, their testimony falls on deaf ears. So defiant are the nations of the earth that when these witnesses are eventually killed, there will be joy in the streets and a great celebration by a God-rejecting world (Rev. 11:7-10).
    The depravity of the world at this time is so great that the bodies of these witnesses will be left in the street for all to see. After three and a half days, God’s power is once again revealed in them. This power is reflected when God raises the two witnesses to life, resulting in great fear falling upon everyone who sees them (Rev. 11:11). Immediately after this event, the two witnesses ascend to heaven in a cloud in plain view of those who rejoiced at their death.
    John goes on to explain that in the very same hour, a tremendous earthquake strikes the city in which the witnesses were slain. The result of this earthquake will be tremendous. John indicates that one-tenth of the city will be destroyed and 7000 men will die. This event concludes what the Bible calls "the second woe." But there is one woe left to come.

The Last Trump
Once the second woe is past, a seventh angel sounds his trumpet, causing great voices in heaven to declare, "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever." This blast from the seventh and last trump will usher in one of the greatest events in human history. Once this trump is sounded, all the dead in Christ will be resurrected and changed into incorruptible spirit beings. The apostle Paul describes this event when writing to the Church at Corinth:

When writing to the Church at Thessalonica, Paul explained that at the sound of the last trump, God’s children would be raised and meet Jesus Christ in the air.

Once this spectacular conversion from matter to spirit takes place in God’s resurrected saints, the last phase of God’s punishment is unleashed.

The Seven Last Plagues
    The sixteenth chapter of Revelation describes seven angels with seven vials pouring out seven last plagues upon the earth. This takes place during the final days of man’s defiance toward God.
    The devastation inflicted by these plagues is unimaginable. Virtually everything in the sea is killed. Additionally, the sun becomes so hot that it actually scorches men with fire, causing them to blaspheme the name of God (Rev. 16:8).
    At the very end of these plagues, mankind prepares to wage an unthinkable battle against God and gathers into a place called Armageddon. At this point, a seventh angel appears and pours out of his vial the seventh and last plague. This plague is described as containing thunderings and lightnings and a great earthquake unlike any that has ever occurred.
    According to the book of Revelation, this earthquake will be so devastating that every island will be removed and every mountain will be leveled. Finally, great hail from heaven will be showered down upon man. However, man will still refuse to repent and will continue to blaspheme God. This concludes the seventh and final plague unleashed upon the earth by seven angelic beings.
    These "trumpet plagues" and "vial plagues" represent God’s wrath upon the earth. They take place over a period of one year. At their conclusion, Jesus Christ and His saints will return to secure the earth and prepare to restore His millennial government (Rev. 19:16-20:4).

Who Is the Beast?
    Numerous theories have been advanced concerning the identity of the creature John saw. Some contend the beast is the United Nations. Others believe it will take the form of a mega-corporation that dominates global markets. Recently, a movie was produced depicting the beast as a multi-billionaire industrialist who appeared to have his heart set on making the world better but really desired total world power.
    The key to understanding the identity of this beast is to let the Bible interpret its own symbols. This is made possible because other prophetic books depict terrible beasts and reveal their identity.
    Consider the book of Daniel. The seventh chapter of Daniel describes four beasts which are later identified as great kingdoms that dominate the earth (Dan. 7:17). These kingdoms began with the Chaldean empire. This magnificent kingdom flourished over 2500 years ago under the leadership of Nebuchadnezzar. The Chaldean empire was pictured a as beast that looked like a lion with eagles’ wings (Dan. 7:4).
    The second beast Daniel saw in vision looked like a bear (Dan 7:5). This beast pictures the Medo-Persian empire under the leadership of Darius the Mede and Cyrus the Great. This empire conquered the Chaldean empire and was a prominent kingdom in the world for over two hundred years.
    Daniel then saw a third beast which looked like a leopard with four heads and four wings (Dan. 7:6). This beast represents the powerful Greco-Macedonian armies of Alexander the Great which began in 333 B.C. and dominated the world. It is interesting to note that upon the death of Alexander the Great, the Greco-Macedonian empire was split into fourths, with each of these smaller kingdoms being presided over by one of his military subordinates.
    The fourth great beast described by Daniel was unlike any of the prior beasts. It was described as "dreadful and terrible and strong exceedingly" (Dan. 7:7). Daniel indicates that this fourth beast "devoured and broke in pieces" these preceding kingdoms. Clearly, the fourth beast Daniel saw was the powerful Roman empire which flourished under the rule of the Caesars.

The Beast of Revelation 13
    There is a great similarity between the beast John describes in Revelation 13 and the last beast Daniel saw. The Roman empire was far more powerful than the Chaldean empire, Medo-Persian empire, or the Greco-Macedonian empire. Its dominion blanketed the world and its influence is still felt to this very day.
    During the height of Rome, the New Testament Church was born and it was at this time that the apostle John wrote the book of Revelation. With this in mind, it is possible to determine the identity of the beast described by John.
    There is compelling evidence within the scriptures that indicate that the great beast John saw was a restoration of the Roman empire. This restoration will take place in the last days. At that time, a confederation of nations will unify under the leadership of a great dictator and a leading religious figure.
    The fact that this end-time beast power is a restored Roman empire is clearly demonstrated with the words John uses when describing it. Consider what John records about this beast.

With this information, it is clear that the kingdom John saw can be identified by the number 666. Additionally, the ruler of that kingdom can also be identified by this number. It is interesting to note that the founder and first king of Rome was a man named Romulus. This king as well as his kingdom and subjects all bore the name "Roman."
The prominent language used in the New Testament was Greek and clearly, John wrote the book of Revelation in this language. The Greek word for "Roman" used at this time was lateinos. Additionally, it is interesting to note that when the New Testament was written, Greek letters were also used as numbers. In other words, many Greek letters had a numerical equivalent. With this in mind, consider the Greek word lateinos (Latin man / Roman) and its numerical equivalent.

    It is important to understand that the word lateinos has nothing to do with race, nor is it referring to the Hispanic culture. The term lateinos pertains to the Latin world dominated by the Roman empire. It should also be noted that Greek writers often referred to the Roman empire as "the Latin kingdom" (Latine Basileia). This term also has a numeric value of 666. Therefore, when John describes this great beast coming out of the sea, he is describing a government of enormous power and influence.
    However, the number 666 is also identified as "the number of a man." This being the case, this number stands as an identifying mark of the political leader that governs the beast. With this in mind, it is interesting to note that the name Romulus in Hebrew is Romiith and the numerical equivalent of this name is 666.
    Romulus was not the only leader of Rome whose name adds up to 666. Emperor Nero, who died 25 years before John wrote the book of Revelation, also has that distinction. Nero was an emperor of unspeakable cruelty. He was responsible for the first official persecution of Christians by the Roman empire. During his reign, many of the apostles were martyred. Nero has been identified as a type of the end-time ruler which will preside over the beast. It is interesting to note that when the Greek form of his name (Neron Kaeser) is spelled out in Hebrew characters, its numerical value is also 666.
    The specific identity of the beast cannot be known for certain at this point. However, it is clear that it will dominate the Western world much the same as the Roman empire dominated the Mediterranean world. Additionally, this world dominating government and its leader will be aided by a great religious leader identified as "the image of the beast" (Rev. 13:11-14). The beast as well as the image of the beast will stand as the great military and economic power in the world and will impose an apostate religion on all its subjects.
    The ultimate fate of these two leaders is dreadful. The apostle John indicates that after Christ returns to earth, they will be crushed and cast alive into a lake of fire and brimstone (Rev. 19:20).

Key Seven: Understanding the Mark of the Beast
In Revelation 13:16-17, John records that a special mark is given to those who worship the beast. John goes on to state that without this mark, it would be impossible to engage in any commercial business. In other words, without this mark, a person would be unable to "buy and sell."

    In the world today, everyone seems to have an opinion on this mark. Theories have ranged from computer chips implanted in people to social security numbers or special identification cards. Some have suggested that this mark is a bar code which is scanned at places of business. Even the religious community has advanced numerous theories concerning it. Understanding this mark is vital to grasping the true meaning of the book of Revelation and how the last days of man’s rule on earth will play out.
    It is important to understand that the book of Revelation is written mostly in symbols. The right hand symbolizes labor, or work, while the forehead symbolizes the mind (what is believed). Clearly, the mark of the beast pertains to that which is believed in the mind and obeyed with the hand.
    With this understanding, consider the following characteristics of what John calls "the mark of the beast."

Clearly, the most significant characteristic of this mark is that God promises great consequences to those who have it and great rewards to those who refuse to receive it (Rev. 15:2; 20:4).

God Has a Mark
It is interesting to note that God also has a mark. This mark is His law. During the days of Moses, the children of Israel were commanded to keep God’s law and to teach it diligently to their children. At one point, God indicated that His law was a "sign" between Him and His people.

The Hebrew word for "sign" in this verse is owth and can be translated as "signal" or "mark." Therefore, God’s law is a sign that identifies who His people are.

The Sign of the Sabbath
    It is also interesting to note that within God’s law, there is a specific commandment that is identified as God’s mark. This commandment concerns the keeping of God’s Sabbath.
    The book of Genesis indicates that God created the Sabbath on the seventh day of creation (Gen. 2:1-3). At that time, He sanctified it and made it holy. The word sanctify means "to set apart for a holy purpose."
    The scriptures declare that God had a specific purpose for creating the Sabbath and He explained that purpose to the children of Israel. While Israel was in the wilderness, God informed them that the Sabbath would be an identifying mark on His people. He also informed them that if they honored the Sabbath, they would know who God was as well as His plan for them.

Once again, the Hebrew word for "sign" in this passage can be translated as "mark." Clearly, the Sabbath is God’s mark on His people. It is a sign that identifies them as worshiping the true Creator.

God’s Annual Sabbaths
It is also interesting to note that when speaking to Moses, God said, "Verily, My Sabbaths (plural) you shall keep" (Ex. 31:13). It is important to understand that in addition to the weekly Sabbath, God also created seven annual Sabbaths. These Holy Days are outlined in the twenty-third chapter of Leviticus and were kept by the children of Israel during the Old Covenant and the New Testament Church under the leadership of Peter and the apostles.
While speaking to Moses regarding the keeping of the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread, God made an unusual observation concerning how these Sabbaths would be remembered.

Clearly, God’s weekly and annual Sabbaths are profoundly important to Him. These days, which God calls "holy convocations" (Lev. 23:2), link His children to Him and reveal His great plan of salvation for all mankind. Additionally, these days stand as a perpetual covenant between God and His Old Testament and New Testament Church.

The Sabbath Was Never Sunday
Contrary to popular belief, the Sabbath was never changed to Sunday. This is a fact that is even acknowledged by biblical scholars and leaders within the religious community. Consider the words of the Catholic church, which acknowledges that it alone is responsible for changing the worship of God from Saturday to Sunday.

    Here, in plain words, the Catholic church identifies Sunday as its "mark of authority." Additionally, this statement declares that the authority of the Catholic church transcends the authority of the scriptures. In other words, the church is claiming to have the power to contradict and override God’s word.
    The Catholic church also believes that despite all the differences between it and the Protestant world, the fact that Protestants observe Sunday as their day of worship is actually a form of homage paid by them to the Catholic church.
    The observance of Sunday by Protestants is an homage they pay, in spite of themselves, to the authority of the [Catholic] Church. (Plain Talk About the Protestantism of Today, p. 213)
    The fact that the Sabbath has never been changed to Sunday is incontrovertible. This truth is expressed without ambiguity by James Cardinal Gibbons in his work Faith of Our Fathers.

The Test Commandment
The Sabbath has rightly been characterized as God’s test commandment. It is the one commandment that can affect man’s ability to work. It is interesting to note that the greatest persecution inflicted on God’s people may have been over their observance of the Sabbath.
During the fourth century, the Sabbath became so abhorrent to those who professed to be God’s servants that a law was enacted outlawing it. In 363, the local Council of Laodicea passed the following decree.

Anyone branded "anathema from Christ" was subject to death and that is exactly what happened. As a result of this decree, God’s people suffered great persecution and even martyrdom.

Professing Christianity Accepts the Mark
    It is interesting that the Sabbath is the only commandment that professing Christians will not accept. Those who do are often labeled as religious extremists or fanatics.
    It is hard to imagine that millions of people who claim to believe in the Bible would actually accept the mark of the beast. But this is exactly what John is recording. These "believers" have accepted the authority of the church over the authority of scripture. The observance of Sunday as the Sabbath is evidence of this fact.
    The Bible clearly states that God’s seventh day Sabbath was kept by the great heroes of faith such as Moses, David, Nehemiah, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. The scriptures also declare that Jesus Christ and the apostles honored God’s Sabbath. Jesus is even identified as the Lord of the Sabbath (Mk. 2:27-28).
    When speaking to His disciples, Jesus indicated that the Sabbath would be kept at the very end of the world (Mt. 24:20) and the great prophet Isaiah was inspired to write that the Sabbath would be kept during the millennium (Isa. 66:23).
    Clearly, God’s Sabbath is His identifying mark. This being the case, it is logical that the mark of the beast would be one that contradicts God’s mark.
    What is the mark of the beast? It is a sign that a God-rejecting government will impose on all people. That sign will reject God’s authority and replace it with the power of an apostate religious leader and a government headed by a tyrannical dictator known as the beast.

Key Eight: Understanding the Identity of Babylon the Great
The apostle John begins the seventeenth chapter of Revelation by indicating that he was invited to witness the judgment of a woman described as "the great whore" (Rev. 17:1). John goes on to provide a very detailed description of this woman. Consider the following.

She sat upon many waters (verse 1). These waters are later identified as "people and multitudes and nations and tongues" (verse 15).
The kingdoms of the earth committed fornication with her (verse 2).
The inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication (verse 2)
She sat on a scarlet colored beast full of the names of blaspheme (verse 3).
She was decked with gold and precious stones (verse 4).
She had a cup in her hand full of abominations (verse 4).
Her name was MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH (verse 5).
She was drunken with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus (verse 6).
Her sins reached all the way to heaven (Rev. 18:5).
She glorified herself (Rev. 18:7).

Just who is this woman called "the mother of harlots"? Understanding her identity is essential to grasping the true meaning of the prophecies recorded in the book of Revelation.

A Great False Church
    Throughout the scriptures, God’s true Church is pictured as a woman who will one day be the bride of Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:22-32; Rev. 19:5-9). As a bride, God’s Church will be arrayed in "fine linen, clean and white" (Rev. 19:8).
    However, the woman John describes in Revelation 17 and 18 is far different. Unlike the bride of Christ, this woman is characterized as "a whore" dressed in scarlet. This woman represents a great fallen church that exerts enormous influence on the religions of this world. Additionally, this fallen church is intimately associated with a great beast described in Revelation 13. This great beast had seven heads and ten horns and rises out of the sea (Rev. 13:1).
    As was mentioned earlier, this great beast rising out of the sea is a resurrected Roman empire. When describing this resurrected empire, the apostle John says that a second beast came out of the earth and caused all people to worship it. This second beast was likened to a lamb that spoke as a dragon. In other words, it had the appearance of being Christian ("like a lamb") but really was the instrument of Satan ("spoke like a dragon").
    Is it possible that "Babylon the Great" described in Revelation 17 and 18 is the same as this second beast described in Revelation 13:11-17? The answer is yes! Both the second beast of Revelation 13 and the "great whore" of Revelation 17 and 18 are one and the same. It is an apostate political and religious system that dominates the earth.

The Original Babylon
    It is important to understand that Babylon the Great is not some new system that emerges at the end time, but rather is the perpetuation of a false system that has existed for thousands of years. It originated in the land of Shinar (currently Iraq) under the influence of a man named Nimrod. The Bible indicates that Nimrod was a man who acted in defiance of God. Even his name comes from the Hebrew marad which means "to rebel."
    While in Shinar, Nimrod persuaded the people to build a great tower that would reach to heaven (Gen.11:4). This tower was designed to keep the people from dispersing into other lands. Additionally, Nimrod actually thought that such a tower would protect man from the effects of another flood, should God decide to send one. Clearly, this enterprise was born out of arrogance and stood as an act of defiance against God.
    In addition to presiding over the construction of the tower of Babel, Nimrod also promoted a great false religious system known as the Babylonian Mysteries. This system would become the foundation of all pagan beliefs, including sun worship, reincarnation, and the deifying of nature. Out of it has come witchcraft, sorcery and the practice of every imaginable evil, including human sacrifice. Tragically, the effects of the Babylonian mystery religion fill Christian churches around the world. Its holy seasons such as Christmas and Easter find their origin not in the scriptures, but rather in pagan religions which have descended directly from Babel.
    The Bible indicates that God intervened and prevented the completion of Nimrod’s tower. However, the great pagan system that emerged from it continued and would ultimately flourish. That system has reached every part of civilization today. The false teachings that originated in Babel have permeated this world’s culture, politics, governments, and its religions.
    The term "Babylon" is used by God to describe man’s civilization, and throughout the scriptures, God warns His people to come out of that system.

The Mother of Harlots
    The apostle John provides a fairly comprehensive description of the woman God calls "the mother of harlots." Clearly, this woman is a great false church but which church is it?
    It is hard to imagine that Babylon the Great is anything other than the church at Rome. Consider the following.
    John indicates that this "great whore" sits upon many waters which are later identified as a multitude of people (Rev. 17:1, 15). The Roman Catholic church stands head and shoulders above the rest of professing Christianity with respect to size. The most conservative estimates number her membership at one billion people. No other Christian denomination or sect comes close.
    John also states that the kingdoms of the earth committed "fornication with her" (Rev. 17:2). In addition to being the seat of the largest ecclesiastical body in all of Christianity, the Vatican is also a sovereign territory and maintains official diplomatic relations with all the leading governments on earth. No other religious dignitary in history has been afforded the recognition given to the Pope. His movements are tracked with great interest by every major news agency in the world.
    Additionally, the leaders in government openly recognize his influence. Even today, governments seek alliances with the Vatican. Her influence is powerfully felt around the world, including the Middle East, and that influence is destined to grow more prominent.
    Babylon the Great is also characterized as "the mother of harlots" (Rev. 17:5). In other words, this great false church has given birth to other false churches.
    As much as the Protestant world would like to distance themselves from Catholicism, it cannot. Not only does its history inextricably tie it to the mother church, but its theology does, as well. The doctrines of the trinity, the immortality of the soul, and the concept of an ever-tortuous hell do not come from the scriptures, but rather from the church at Rome.
    Additionally, the Protestant world’s observance of holidays such as Christmas and Easter are relics carried over from the Catholic church – relics which the Catholic church adopted from the pagan world. Even the honoring of Sunday as the Sabbath comes not from the scriptures, but rather from the Catholic church and stands as her "mark of authority" over the Protestant world.
    The woman who symbolizes Babylon the Great is also described as "arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls..." (Rev. 17:4). She is later described as "glorifying herself."
    The pageantry and ceremony displayed by the Catholic church is unmatched, even by the greatest governments on earth. Its cathedrals stand as great monuments to their religion and its liturgy is so elaborate that it possesses its own language. Even the vestments of its priests reflect a hierarchy within the church. Clearly, no religion on earth approaches the splendor of the Vatican when it comes to its protocol of worship.
    One of the most vile characteristics of Babylon the Great is recorded in Revelation 17:6. There it says "she was drunken with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus."
    Tragically, the greatest persecution ever inflicted on Christianity has come from the church at Rome. This church has imposed the death penalty to keepers of the Passover and the seventh day Sabbath during the late Roman empire. Additionally, those who refused to yield to its system were declared heretics. Those receiving such a brand were persecuted not only by the church but by the governments it influenced.
    When describing this system, the great prophet Daniel indicated that it made war with the saints and prevailed against them (Dan. 7:21). However, Daniel went on to say that once Jesus Christ returned, judgment would be given to the saints and they would possess the Kingdom forever (Dan. 7:22, 27).
    Clearly, Babylon the Great stands as a symbol of a God-rejecting world. Those who yield to it will be severely punished while those who refuse to partake of its sins will be spared God’s judgment (Rev. 18:4).

Key Nine: Understanding the Marriage of the Lamb
The nineteenth chapter of Revelation describes a great wedding between Jesus Christ and His Church. Throughout the scriptures, the relationship between Jesus and His Church is characterized as that of a groom and his bride. Even John the Baptist saw Jesus as a bridegroom and rejoiced at that fact.

The apostle Paul also saw this relationship and used it to encourage the Church. When writing to the Church at Ephesus, Paul exhorted husbands and wives to use the relationship of Christ and the Church as a model for their marriages.

Paul went on to say that the institution of marriage, which was created at the very beginning (Gen. 2:24; Mt. 19:4-6) was designed to picture a divine relationship between Christ and His Church.

    Paul’s words make it clear that marriage is a divine institution with profound significance. With this in mind, it should be easier to understand Jesus’ words: "What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder" (Mt. 19:6).
    Clearly, Jesus saw the connection between marriage and the ultimate relationship He would enjoy with His Church. On more than one occasion during His earthly ministry, Jesus used marriage to illustrate important lessons about His Kingdom.
    The parable of the ten virgins (Mt. 25:1-13) as well as the parable of the wedding feast (Mt. 22:1-14) reflect an appeal by Jesus to His followers to always be ready and not take the marriage or the relationship it pictures lightly.
    Additionally, it is clear that to attend such an event is a distinction of unimaginable honor. When writing about this wedding, the apostle John records the following:

This great wedding stands as one of the defining moments in the history of the universe and is the conclusion of a vital component of God’s plan of salvation. His bride, the Church, is comprised of His firstfruits. This community of faithful are resurrected at the last trump (1Cor. 15:51-52). At that time, the dead in Christ shall be raised and those who are alive will be changed. They will then meet Christ in the air and be His constant companion (1Thes. 4:16-17).

Christ’s Triumphant Return
    After the marriage of the Lamb, Jesus Christ prepares to return to the earth with great power and glory. At this time, heaven opens, revealing Jesus sitting on a white horse (Rev. 19:11). Although He is the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6), He is now returning to earth as a great warrior.
    Revelation 19:14 indicates that He will be accompanied by a great army clothed in fine linen, clean and white. This army will also be riding on white horses and follow the King of kings as He seizes control of the earth. The scriptures indicate that this great army consists of His saints (Jude 14) as well as a contingent of angels (Mt. 25:31).
    As Jesus descends, the great armies of the earth prepare to fight against Him. Jesus and those servants accompanying Him overwhelm these armies and establish His millennial Kingdom.
    However, just before the Kingdom is established, the beast and the false prophet are cast alive into a lake of fire and brimstone. Once this occurs, one