The Book Of Revelation

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< > Chapter Six The last few years of this Age. Rev.4v1 to 20v3 The seven trumpets. Rev.8 and 9. and 11v15-19 The seven trumpets are stated in Rev.8v2-6. to be the direct response of God to the prayers of His people on earth. From these verses we see the close link between the angels of God, and the Church of God and its prayers. Heb.1v14. Our heavenly Father and the heavenly hosts take very definite action on the behalf of the Church during the great tribulation, the world cannot do what it likes to the children of God and get away with it. The trumpets are judgements on the world for their evil treatment of God's saints, the wicked know this but do not repent. Rev.8v13. 9v20,21. Ex.9v13-35. The seven trumpets do not come out of, or follow on, the seven seals, for the second coming of Christ occurs and the end of the age occurs at the sixth and seventh seals and the seventh trumpet. The fifth and sixth trumpets themselves take over 18 months to run their course, so the trumpets must start several years before the sounding of the seventh trumpet and the sixth and seventh seals on the last day. This stepping back in time and viewing the events of the last few years of this age from various aspects, occurs several times in Revelation. The ministry of the two witnesses is shown to run at the same time as the seven trumpets by the account of the ministry of the two witnesses being placed between the sixth and seven trumpet. When these trumpets are blown God intervenes in the affairs of men in the great tribulation in answer to the prayers of the saints. The first four are distinguished from the latter three by the fact that the first four deal with nature as it effects man, and the latter three with man himself, and they are particularly terrible and are called “woes.” There is no reason why we should not interpret the effects of these trumpets literally, for the plagues of Egypt came true as Moses had promised and these plagues will too. Like the Egyptian plagues, the first four of the trumpet plagues and judgements will effect a limited area in the Middle East around Palestine, for, “the earth” can mean “the land,” that is, the land of Palestine. The First Trumpet. Rev.8v7. At this trumpet hail, fire and blood rain from Heaven and destroy all green grass and the third part of the trees. This can be taken literally, for what God has done before, He can do again. Ex.9v17-35. This will result in the loss of both fuel and food. The Second Trumpet. Rev.8v8,9. This does not say that it was a mountain, but “as it were a great mountain burning with fire,” that is, something resembling one for size and burning with fiery heat, it could be a great meteorite, or a guided missile. The water turning to blood has happened before. Exod.7v19,20. Ps.46v2. Whatever this great fiery object is, will deprive a great many people of fish and destroy a large number of ships, and will seriously effect life in the area where it falls. The sea here probably means the Mediterranean, and it will probably fall on the Eastern end; “the earth can mean, “the land,” that is, the land of Palestine. The Third Trumpet. Rev.8v10,11. In the previous trumpet, the waters of the sea were polluted, at this trumpet a third of the waters on land are affected. The great star like a blazing torch could be a meteorite, or even a missile of some kind. It is called Wormwood because of its bitter effect on the water, which unlike the normal wormwood, is said to be poisonous. The Old Testament refers to wormwood in seven places Deut.29v18. Prov.5v4. Jer.9v15. 23v15. Lam.3v15,19. Amos.5v7. The Fourth Trumpet. Rev.8v12,13. A third of the heavenly luminaries are darkened in the sense that they do not shine for a third part of the day. This is not the darkening of the sun on the last day, which occurs about 2 years later. Mt.24v29. Rev.6v12,13. Acts.2v19,20. The Fifth trumpet. Rev.9v1-12. This trumpet lasts for 5 months. Rev.9v5,10. The star falling with great speed and force from heaven to earth, is obviously the angel of Rev.9v2,11., “the angel of the bottomless pit,” called “Abaddon,” and “Apollyon,” both of which mean destruction. “Fallen,” is “peptokota,” the perfect active participle of “pipto,” to fall, so the angel is already down. “Pipto” is probably used to show the speed and force of the angel's descent. “Given,” is “edothe,” the aorist passive indicative of “didomi,” Rienecker states that this is the theological or divine passive and indicates that God is the one who gives the key. This refutes the theory, put forward by some, that this could be Satan, who was cast out of Heaven 2 years before by the archangel Michael and his angels, Satan is not imprisoned in the Abyss until the end of the Tribulation. Rev.12v7-14. 20v1-3. This cannot be a wicked angel, for the key of the Abyss belongs to Jesus, and He would certainly not entrust it to an evil angel. Rev.1v18. There is very little difference between falling, alighting and descending, and the angel of Rev.9v1., could descend like the angel of Rev.20v1.. “The Abyss,” is a part of Hades where unbelievers and wicked angels are imprisoned. Lk.8v31. Mt.8v29. See Rev.9v1,2,11. 11v7. 17v8. 20v1,3. Jesus went into the abyss to pay the penalty of our sins. Rom.10v7. Eph.4v9. The angel sets free an enormous number of evil spirits from the Abyss to try and torment those who do not have the seal (“sphragida”) of God on their foreheads. Rev.9v4. They are likened to a plague of locusts and scorpions, because of their number and the suffering they cause. Locusts are dreaded as much as an earthquake, or the eruption of a volcano, in the lands they menace. God will release evil spirits who have been confined in the abyss, to inflict the wicked who are persecuting the Church in the great tribulation. Those who have chosen evil will taste its bitter fruit, a suffering as great as that of the bite of a scorpion. God limits the attack of these evil angels on the wicked, to a period of 5 months. Those who have chosen to follow Satan into evil, will find out how wicked and cruel evil spirits can be. The Sixth Trumpet. Rev.9v13-21. This trumpet lasts for 13 months, and during this time appalling bloodshed and destruction is caused by a great army of 200,000,000. Rev.9v15,16. This is an earthly army, not an angelic one, and it is composed of the kings of the East who make their way to fight in the Middle East in the last months of the great tribulation. This is also referred to in the sixth Vial, which states that these armies are gathered for destruction at Armageddon. Rev.16v12-14. 9v14. The slow progress of this army to the Middle East indicates that great battles take place on the way to the Middle East. A third part of mankind are said to be killed by this army, some of these deaths could be through war and pillage in the lands which this army conquers, as it goes to the Middle East. There is a perfect description of the killing agents now used in modern warfare, heads that roar like lions, obviously speaks of guns on tanks, or armoured gun carriers; smoke clearly refers to the use of poison gas, or nerve gas; and brimstone, obviously refers to exploding shells, napalm, or fire storm weapons. Rev.9v17-21. What an horrific picture! It bodes ill for all the nations through which this army passes. One is greatly concerned for Christian communities in South Korea and elsewhere, who will be faced up with this army. There is an urgent need for Christian leaders in these countries to seek for power judgement gifts, like those of the two witnesses, in order to protect the Christians in their care. Most of the details about the seven trumpets can be taken literally, however, it is impossible at this time to exactly apply some of the details. However, if we are alive when the trumpets sound, we will recognise the fulfilment of them, and we will realise that what is happening is under the direct control of God and brought to pass in His will. So while the worldling will be full of fear at the events that are happening, instructed Christians will have peace in their hearts. Lk.21v25-27. The tragedy is that even the calamities of these days will not make men who love evil repent. How terrible is the hardening power of sin. Rev.9v20,21. There is a real connection between idolatry and immorality, the idolater really worships demons. Deut.32v17. 1Cor.10v20 Is.44v9-20. SORCERY AND WITCHCRAFT. "Pharmakeia." In Rev.9v21., the A.V., T.R., and Mcde, read, “of their sorceries,” “ek ton pharmakeion auton.” “Pharmakeion,” is the genitive plural of the noun “pharmakeia.” Codex A reads “pharmakion.” The manuscripts Mab, p47, Aleph, C, Hodges and Farstad, and the Critical Texts; read, “ek ton pharmakon auton,” “of their drugs,” and probably refers to the practice of drugs being used in sorcery, magic and enchantment. “Pharmakon” means “drug,” and “pharmakeia,” the use of drugs. Plato uses “pharmakeia” in a good sense to speak of medical treatment, but advises that drugs should not be used in diseases that were not serious, or they could complicate matters. “Pharmakeia,” was also used to describe the misuse of drugs in murder by poisoning. The word “pharmakeia” only occurs in Gal.5v20. Rev.9v21. and Rev.18v23.. The adjective “pharmakos,” is used as a noun to describe a person who dealt in drugs, a sorcerer, enchanter, and magician, who used drugs and potions, to make spells, charms and enchantments, it speaks of a person “devoted to magical arts.” “Pharmakeus,” “sorcerers,” only occurs in Rev.21v8.; and “pharmakos,” “sorcerers,” only in Rev.22v15.. “Mageia,” “sorceries,” only occurs in Acts.8v11. and “mageuo,” “sorcery,” only in Acts.8v9.. “Magos,” is translated as “wise men” in Mt.2v1,7,16., and “sorcerer” in Acts.13v6,8.. In the time of Paul, sorcery and witchcraft were very similar to their modern equivalents; images of people were made and destroyed, and curses were put upon people by invoking the powers of darkness. In Paul's time, divination, astrology and the use of the occult powers forbidden in Deut.18v10-22., were rife, and a common practice. People were full of fear and used amulets and charms in an effort to protect themselves from witchcraft, sorcery, magical spells and the evil eye. That magical practices were rife in Paul's time, can be seen from the large number of books on magic that were burnt in the revival at Ephesus, the value of these books approached one hundred thousand pounds at today's valuation. Acts.19v19. “Pharmakeia” is used in the Septuagint of the Egyptian sorcerers Jannes and Jambres, who opposed Moses. Ex.7v11,12,22. 8v18. 2Tim.3v8. They had very real evil power, and even turned sticks into snakes by the power of Satan. The manifestation of this kind of evil power was one of the chief obstacles to the spread of the Gospel in the early Church, and this is why miracles were so essential, they were needed to confirm the truth of the Gospel. Philip and Paul compelled the Gentiles to believe in Jesus, by doing greater miracles than the sorcerers and occultists. Acts.8v4-13. 13v6-12. 19v11-20. Rom.15v18-21. When Balaam tried to curse Israel by sorcery, God would not allow it, and made him bless them; so Balaam corrupted the Israelites by using beautiful women to seduce them to immorality and idolatry. He died under divine judgement. Num.23v23. Josh.13v22. Jude.v11. Rev.2v14. Witchcraft and sorcery are repeatedly condemned and forbidden in the Scriptures, and God warns that eternal punishment awaits those who do not repent of their occult practices. Exod.22v18. Lev.19v31. 20v6,27. Deut.18v10-22. Is.2v6. 47v9,12. 57v3. Jer.27v9. Dan.2v2,27. Mal.3v5. Rev.9v21. 21v8. 22v15. Micah.5v12. Paul puts witchcraft and sorcery in the works of the flesh; because they both arise from the desire to possess, and manifest, spiritual power while still indulging in the sins of the flesh. People reject God, and go into idolatry, witchcraft and sorcery, so that they can experience spiritual power and still indulge in the desires of the flesh, free from the constraint of righteousness and God, and so God gives them up to their lusts, and the reprobate mind that they desire. Rom.1v18-32. N.B. v24,26,28. However, God's love and protecting mercy is around mankind, in spite of their depravity, and their rejection of Him. Jesus said that God is good and kind even to the unthankful and evil. Luke.6v35,36. Mt.5v45. The Seraphim ceaselessly praise and worship God for His continual caring dedicated holiness, and protecting love for His creation. Is.6v1-5. Rev.4v8-11. Paul told the idol worshippers at Lystra how kind and good God had been to them. Acts.14v16,17. 17v30. Paul says God restrains the powers of darkness, and protects mankind from their most evil plans and malice. 2Thes.2v7. Because of God's restraint on the powers of darkness, only a small fraction of worldly people were possessed by evil spirits in Paul's day, even though they were so addicted to occultism, in the form of charms and magic. This fact of God's protecting mercy also explains why witchdoctors do not have to be exorcised when they hear the Gospel and become Christians. W.F.P. Burton, said that none of the many witch-doctors he had seen converted needed exorcism when they became Christians, when they had faith in Jesus and His atoning blood, the power of God automatically set them free from the power of Satan. Col.1v12-14. Titus.3v5. The Seventh Trumpet. Rev.11v15-19. At this trumpet, “The kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ.” Rev.11v15. Zech.14v9. Dan.7v13,14. Mt.25v14-30. Lk.19v11-27. Is.24v21-23. Rev.10v5-7. The saints of the Old Testament and New Testament are raised from the dead. Rev.11v18. Ezek.37v1-28. Hosea.13v14. Dan.12v1-3. Is.24v21. 25v7-9. 26v19-21. 1Thes.4v13,14. 1Cor.15v23,24,51-53. Lk.14v14. Jn.5v28,29. When this trumpet sounds, the New Testament saints are caught up to meet Jesus, 1 Thes.4v16,17. Mt.24v31., and they are judged and rewarded. Rev.11v18. 1Cor.3v12-15. 2Cor.5v9-11. The wicked are destroyed at this trumpet. The words, “And the nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come,” are taken from Psalm two, and it speaks of God's judgement on the last act of rebellion against God by man before the Millennial kingdom is set up. God judges the wicked who have brought an holocaust upon the world and made it unfit to live in. God destroys those who “destroy the earth.” A tremendous picture of this wrath is revealed in the Scriptures. Is.42v13-17. 63v1-6. Rev.6v12-17. 11v19. 19v11-20. Compare Gen.6v11.. These seven trumpets herald in the kingdom of God, and as the events they introduce appear, we shall expectantly wait for the sounding of the seventh trumpet which ushers in the kingdom of God. The elders burst out in a song of thanksgiving to God for taking up His power and reigning, they rejoice that Antichrist's reign of sin and death is over. We read in Rev.15v5-8., that no one could enter into the Temple of God in Heaven until the seven vials were poured out; in Rev.11v19., we read that the Temple is opened again, so the seven last plagues have been poured out. It seems that God intended the earthly temple to be a pattern of the heavenly one. Heb.8v5. 9v23. The ark of the covenant is seen in the Temple and it shows the faithfulness of God to His covenant with Israel and His Church. The promises made both to Israel and the Church of a kingdom will be fulfilled at the seventh trumpet. Rev.10v7. Heb.9v4. 10v1. 12v26-29. Certain natural and supernatural happenings that occur at the seventh trumpet, are mentioned elsewhere in Revelation. “Lightnings.” Rev.4v5. 8v5. 16v18. “Voices.” Rev.4v5. 10v3.,4. 16v18. Thunderings.” Rev.4v5. 8v5.7v10. 10v3,4. 14v2. 16v18. 19v6. “Earthquake.” Rev.6v12,14. 16v18-20. Zech.14v4,5. Acts.1v10-12. “Great hail.” Rev.16v21. < >
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Chapter Six

The last few years of this Age. Rev.4v1 to 20v3

The seven trumpets. Rev.8 and 9. and 11v15-19

The seven trumpets are stated in Rev.8v2-6. to be the direct response of God to the prayers of His people on earth. From these verses we see the close link between the angels of God, and the Church of God and its prayers. Heb.1v14. Our heavenly Father and the heavenly hosts take very definite action on the behalf of the Church during the great tribulation, the world cannot do what it likes to the children of God and get away with it. The trumpets are judgements on the world for their evil treatment of God's saints, the wicked know this but do not repent. Rev.8v13. 9v20,21. Ex.9v13-35. The seven trumpets do not come out of, or follow on, the seven seals, for the second coming of Christ occurs and the end of the age occurs at the sixth and seventh seals and the seventh trumpet. The fifth and sixth trumpets themselves take over 18 months to run their course, so the trumpets must start several years before the sounding of the seventh trumpet and the sixth and seventh seals on the last day. This stepping back in time and viewing the events of the last few years of this age from various aspects, occurs several times in Revelation. The ministry of the two witnesses is shown to run at the same time as the seven trumpets by the account of the ministry of the two witnesses being placed between the sixth and seven trumpet.

When these trumpets are blown God intervenes in the affairs of men in the great tribulation in answer to the prayers of the saints. The first four are distinguished from the latter three by the fact that the first four deal with nature as it effects man, and the latter three with man himself, and they are particularly terrible and are called “woes.” There is no reason why we should not interpret the effects of these trumpets literally, for the plagues of Egypt came true as Moses had promised and these plagues will too. Like the Egyptian plagues, the first four of the trumpet plagues and judgements will effect a limited area in the Middle East around Palestine, for, “the earth” can mean “the land,” that is, the land of Palestine.

The First Trumpet. Rev.8v7.
At this trumpet hail, fire and blood rain from Heaven and destroy all green grass and the third part of the trees. This can be taken literally, for what God has done before, He can do again. Ex.9v17-35. This will result in the loss of both fuel and food.

The Second Trumpet. Rev.8v8,9.
This does not say that it was a mountain, but “as it were a great mountain burning with fire,” that is, something resembling one for size and burning with fiery heat, it could be a great meteorite, or a guided missile. The water turning to blood has happened before. Exod.7v19,20. Ps.46v2. Whatever this great fiery object is, will deprive a great many people of fish and destroy a large number of ships, and will seriously effect life in the area where it falls. The sea here probably means the Mediterranean, and it will probably fall on the Eastern end; “the earth can mean, “the land,” that is, the land of Palestine.

The Third Trumpet. Rev.8v10,11.
In the previous trumpet, the waters of the sea were polluted, at this trumpet a third of the waters on land are affected. The great star like a blazing torch could be a meteorite, or even a missile of some kind. It is called Wormwood because of its bitter effect on the water, which unlike the normal wormwood, is said to be poisonous. The Old Testament refers to wormwood in seven places Deut.29v18. Prov.5v4. Jer.9v15. 23v15. Lam.3v15,19. Amos.5v7.

The Fourth Trumpet. Rev.8v12,13.
A third of the heavenly luminaries are darkened in the sense that they do not shine for a third part of the day. This is not the darkening of the sun on the last day, which occurs about 2 years later. Mt.24v29. Rev.6v12,13. Acts.2v19,20.

The Fifth trumpet. Rev.9v1-12.
This trumpet lasts for 5 months. Rev.9v5,10. The star falling with great speed and force from heaven to earth, is obviously the angel of Rev.9v2,11., “the angel of the bottomless pit,” called “Abaddon,” and “Apollyon,” both of which mean destruction. “Fallen,” is “peptokota,” the perfect active participle of “pipto,” to fall, so the angel is already down. “Pipto” is probably used to show the speed and force of the angel's descent. “Given,” is “edothe,” the aorist passive indicative of “didomi,” Rienecker states that this is the theological or divine passive and indicates that God is the one who gives the key. This refutes the theory, put forward by some, that this could be Satan, who was cast out of Heaven 2 years before by the archangel Michael and his angels, Satan is not imprisoned in the Abyss until the end of the Tribulation. Rev.12v7-14. 20v1-3. This cannot be a wicked angel, for the key of the Abyss belongs to Jesus, and He would certainly not entrust it to an evil angel. Rev.1v18. There is very little difference between falling, alighting and descending, and the angel of Rev.9v1., could descend like the angel of Rev.20v1.. “The Abyss,” is a part of Hades where unbelievers and wicked angels are imprisoned. Lk.8v31. Mt.8v29. See Rev.9v1,2,11. 11v7. 17v8. 20v1,3. Jesus went into the abyss to pay the penalty of our sins. Rom.10v7. Eph.4v9.

The angel sets free an enormous number of evil spirits from the Abyss to try and torment those who do not have the seal (“sphragida”) of God on their foreheads. Rev.9v4. They are likened to a plague of locusts and scorpions, because of their number and the suffering they cause. Locusts are dreaded as much as an earthquake, or the eruption of a volcano, in the lands they menace. God will release evil spirits who have been confined in the abyss, to inflict the wicked who are persecuting the Church in the great tribulation.

Those who have chosen evil will taste its bitter fruit, a suffering as great as that of the bite of a scorpion. God limits the attack of these evil angels on the wicked, to a period of 5 months. Those who have chosen to follow Satan into evil, will find out how wicked and cruel evil spirits can be.

The Sixth Trumpet. Rev.9v13-21.
This trumpet lasts for 13 months, and during this time appalling bloodshed and destruction is caused by a great army of 200,000,000. Rev.9v15,16. This is an earthly army, not an angelic one, and it is composed of the kings of the East who make their way to fight in the Middle East in the last months of the great tribulation. This is also referred to in the sixth Vial, which states that these armies are gathered for destruction at Armageddon. Rev.16v12-14. 9v14. The slow progress of this army to the Middle East indicates that great battles take place on the way to the Middle East. A third part of mankind are said to be killed by this army, some of these deaths could be through war and pillage in the lands which this army conquers, as it goes to the Middle East. There is a perfect description of the killing agents now used in modern warfare, heads that roar like lions, obviously speaks of guns on tanks, or armoured gun carriers; smoke clearly refers to the use of poison gas, or nerve gas; and brimstone, obviously refers to exploding shells, napalm, or fire storm weapons. Rev.9v17-21. What an horrific picture! It bodes ill for all the nations through which this army passes. One is greatly concerned for Christian communities in South Korea and elsewhere, who will be faced up with this army. There is an urgent need for Christian leaders in these countries to seek for power judgement gifts, like those of the two witnesses, in order to protect the Christians in their care.

Most of the details about the seven trumpets can be taken literally, however, it is impossible at this time to exactly apply some of the details. However, if we are alive when the trumpets sound, we will recognise the fulfilment of them, and we will realise that what is happening is under the direct control of God and brought to pass in His will. So while the worldling will be full of fear at the events that are happening, instructed Christians will have peace in their hearts. Lk.21v25-27. The tragedy is that even the calamities of these days will not make men who love evil repent. How terrible is the hardening power of sin. Rev.9v20,21. There is a real connection between idolatry and immorality, the idolater really worships demons. Deut.32v17. 1Cor.10v20 Is.44v9-20.

SORCERY AND WITCHCRAFT. "Pharmakeia."
In Rev.9v21., the A.V., T.R., and Mcde, read, “of their sorceries,” “ek ton pharmakeion auton.” “Pharmakeion,” is the genitive plural of the noun “pharmakeia.” Codex A reads “pharmakion.” The manuscripts Mab, p47, Aleph, C, Hodges and Farstad, and the Critical Texts; read, “ek ton pharmakon auton,” “of their drugs,” and probably refers to the practice of drugs being used in sorcery, magic and enchantment. “Pharmakon” means “drug,” and “pharmakeia,” the use of drugs. Plato uses “pharmakeia” in a good sense to speak of medical treatment, but advises that drugs should not be used in diseases that were not serious, or they could complicate matters. “Pharmakeia,” was also used to describe the misuse of drugs in murder by poisoning. The word “pharmakeia” only occurs in Gal.5v20. Rev.9v21. and Rev.18v23.. The adjective “pharmakos,” is used as a noun to describe a person who dealt in drugs, a sorcerer, enchanter, and magician, who used drugs and potions, to make spells, charms and enchantments, it speaks of a person “devoted to magical arts.” “Pharmakeus,” “sorcerers,” only occurs in Rev.21v8.; and “pharmakos,” “sorcerers,” only in Rev.22v15.. “Mageia,” “sorceries,” only occurs in Acts.8v11. and “mageuo,” “sorcery,” only in Acts.8v9.. “Magos,” is translated as “wise men” in Mt.2v1,7,16., and “sorcerer” in Acts.13v6,8..

In the time of Paul, sorcery and witchcraft were very similar to their modern equivalents; images of people were made and destroyed, and curses were put upon people by invoking the powers of darkness. In Paul's time, divination, astrology and the use of the occult powers forbidden in Deut.18v10-22., were rife, and a common practice. People were full of fear and used amulets and charms in an effort to protect themselves from witchcraft, sorcery, magical spells and the evil eye. That magical practices were rife in Paul's time, can be seen from the large number of books on magic that were burnt in the revival at Ephesus, the value of these books approached one hundred thousand pounds at today's valuation. Acts.19v19. “Pharmakeia” is used in the Septuagint of the Egyptian sorcerers Jannes and Jambres, who opposed Moses. Ex.7v11,12,22. 8v18. 2Tim.3v8. They had very real evil power, and even turned sticks into snakes by the power of Satan. The manifestation of this kind of evil power was one of the chief obstacles to the spread of the Gospel in the early Church, and this is why miracles were so essential, they were needed to confirm the truth of the Gospel. Philip and Paul compelled the Gentiles to believe in Jesus, by doing greater miracles than the sorcerers and occultists. Acts.8v4-13. 13v6-12. 19v11-20. Rom.15v18-21.

When Balaam tried to curse Israel by sorcery, God would not allow it, and made him bless them; so Balaam corrupted the Israelites by using beautiful women to seduce them to immorality and idolatry. He died under divine judgement. Num.23v23. Josh.13v22. Jude.v11. Rev.2v14. Witchcraft and sorcery are repeatedly condemned and forbidden in the Scriptures, and God warns that eternal punishment awaits those who do not repent of their occult practices. Exod.22v18. Lev.19v31. 20v6,27. Deut.18v10-22. Is.2v6. 47v9,12. 57v3. Jer.27v9. Dan.2v2,27. Mal.3v5. Rev.9v21. 21v8. 22v15. Micah.5v12.

Paul puts witchcraft and sorcery in the works of the flesh; because they both arise from the desire to possess, and manifest, spiritual power while still indulging in the sins of the flesh. People reject God, and go into idolatry, witchcraft and sorcery, so that they can experience spiritual power and still indulge in the desires of the flesh, free from the constraint of righteousness and God, and so God gives them up to their lusts, and the reprobate mind that they desire. Rom.1v18-32. N.B. v24,26,28. However, God's love and protecting mercy is around mankind, in spite of their depravity, and their rejection of Him. Jesus said that God is good and kind even to the unthankful and evil. Luke.6v35,36. Mt.5v45. The Seraphim ceaselessly praise and worship God for His continual caring dedicated holiness, and protecting love for His creation. Is.6v1-5. Rev.4v8-11. Paul told the idol worshippers at Lystra how kind and good God had been to them. Acts.14v16,17. 17v30. Paul says God restrains the powers of darkness, and protects mankind from their most evil plans and malice. 2Thes.2v7. Because of God's restraint on the powers of darkness, only a small fraction of worldly people were possessed by evil spirits in Paul's day, even though they were so addicted to occultism, in the form of charms and magic. This fact of God's protecting mercy also explains why witchdoctors do not have to be exorcised when they hear the Gospel and become Christians. W.F.P. Burton, said that none of the many witch-doctors he had seen converted needed exorcism when they became Christians, when they had faith in Jesus and His atoning blood, the power of God automatically set them free from the power of Satan. Col.1v12-14. Titus.3v5.

The Seventh Trumpet. Rev.11v15-19.
At this trumpet, “The kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ.” Rev.11v15. Zech.14v9. Dan.7v13,14. Mt.25v14-30. Lk.19v11-27. Is.24v21-23. Rev.10v5-7. The saints of the Old Testament and New Testament are raised from the dead. Rev.11v18. Ezek.37v1-28. Hosea.13v14. Dan.12v1-3. Is.24v21. 25v7-9. 26v19-21. 1Thes.4v13,14. 1Cor.15v23,24,51-53. Lk.14v14. Jn.5v28,29. When this trumpet sounds, the New Testament saints are caught up to meet Jesus, 1 Thes.4v16,17. Mt.24v31., and they are judged and rewarded. Rev.11v18. 1Cor.3v12-15. 2Cor.5v9-11. The wicked are destroyed at this trumpet. The words, “And the nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come,” are taken from Psalm two, and it speaks of God's judgement on the last act of rebellion against God by man before the Millennial kingdom is set up. God judges the wicked who have brought an holocaust upon the world and made it unfit to live in. God destroys those who “destroy the earth.” A tremendous picture of this wrath is revealed in the Scriptures. Is.42v13-17. 63v1-6. Rev.6v12-17. 11v19. 19v11-20. Compare Gen.6v11.. These seven trumpets herald in the kingdom of God, and as the events they introduce appear, we shall expectantly wait for the sounding of the seventh trumpet which ushers in the kingdom of God.

The elders burst out in a song of thanksgiving to God for taking up His power and reigning, they rejoice that Antichrist's reign of sin and death is over. We read in Rev.15v5-8., that no one could enter into the Temple of God in Heaven until the seven vials were poured out; in Rev.11v19., we read that the Temple is opened again, so the seven last plagues have been poured out. It seems that God intended the earthly temple to be a pattern of the heavenly one. Heb.8v5. 9v23. The ark of the covenant is seen in the Temple and it shows the faithfulness of God to His covenant with Israel and His Church. The promises made both to Israel and the Church of a kingdom will be fulfilled at the seventh trumpet. Rev.10v7. Heb.9v4. 10v1. 12v26-29. Certain natural and supernatural happenings that occur at the seventh trumpet, are mentioned elsewhere in Revelation. “Lightnings.” Rev.4v5. 8v5. 16v18. “Voices.” Rev.4v5. 10v3.,4. 16v18. Thunderings.” Rev.4v5. 8v5.7v10. 10v3,4. 14v2. 16v18. 19v6. “Earthquake.” Rev.6v12,14. 16v18-20. Zech.14v4,5. Acts.1v10-12. “Great hail.” Rev.16v21.

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