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Your edifices of higher learning and boasts of towering academics have resulted in many blunders... CONCERNING THE GOLIATH OF SCHOLARSHIP To those who feel that what I have put forth in this website better represents the truth of what God has revealed to us concerning the last days, it should not be surprising that the Goliath of scholarship will be in opposition to it. Interestingly, this giant is also in opposition to itself. In one of its fists, it is wielding a pre-trib spear with a good point, but an untrue shaft. In the other, it's gripping a worn out post-trib shield. And, on its breastplate of scholastics, there is everything in between. I've spent some time in its camp, but now there is a great valley between us. And now, I feel compelled to challenge this giant in the name of the Lord. I believe I have a little something for it. "Is there not a cause?" That being said... TO THE GOLIATH OF SCHOLARSHIP: Your edifices of higher learning and boasts of towering academics have resulted in many blunders. In that brook between us, as I've knelt down there, I've found a few things, smoothed in the Divine tumbler of true devotion and prayer. You may disdain my stature, But God is my strength. With what's in my scrip * you have a fatal appointment. * (1 Sam. 17:40) bACK tO TOP NEXT

This website concerns a very different pre-trib rapture view, one which is largely made possible by a different understanding of the Seven Sealed Book, spoken of in The Revelation. This website concerns God's coming judgment upon this world and a preceding event that is far bigger than anything that has happened since Jesus came the first time—His return for the rapture of the Church. Closely connected with this, it also concerns the Seven Year Tribulation Period and a pre -tribulation or "pre -trib" rapture view that is very different from the common pre-trib view and the other popular views (mid-trib, post-trib, and pre-wrath). It is a view that is largely made evident by a different understanding of the Seven Sealed Book or Scroll spoken of in Revelation 5:1, an understanding that I believe will be seen to be a major key to unlocking the mysteries of The Revelation and other last days' prophecies. For those new to this site or just starting to delve into their own study of the last days, there are some helpful directions further below. Unlike most websites, this work is the complete text of a book, so I would recommend reading it as such (especially what is found in THE KEYS ) so that everything will be understood in context. As to my background, I grew up with the common pre-trib view and quite naturally accepted it. While the title of my work would indicate that I no longer agree with the whole of that view, I still embrace the bottom-line of it that Jesus can come for the rapture of the Church at any moment. Now, I just come to this conclusion by some different understandings. When young, I never questioned the view I was hearing and probably never would have if it had not been for some of the mixed signals I received from the scholars who championed it. One of those mixed signals relates to the things Jesus warned His disciples of in the opening of His Olivet Discourse (e.g., Matt. 24:4-11). As a pre-teen, I remember listening intently to preachers speak of how the "wars and rumors of wars" and "earthquakes in divers places" and other things that He spoke of had been being fulfilled and were being fulfilled even in our day. In my mind, it easily seemed to be so. But, in time, I discovered that the prevailing "scholarly" position of the pre-trib view is that what Jesus here warned of did not even pertain to us of the Church Age, but to future Jews who would go through the Seven Year Tribulation Period. I have remained unable to grasp that there has not been any true fulfillment of these things and won't be until sometime yet future . Cons ider my Appendix #4 . Another of the mixed signals that I received related to something else Jesus spoke of in His Olivet Discourse about one being "taken" and the other being "left" (e.g., Matt. 24:40-41). This is easily the first thing I remember hearing preachers in my past point out about the rapture. In my thinking, what they would say always aligned perfectly with what Jesus said. But, again, I found that the prevailing "scholarly" position was that this is not what Jesus was talking about at all, and further, that He did not even speak about the rapture in His Olivet Discourse. I beg your pardon if this seems a little too "country," but I'm here reminded of something else I grew up with, a saying that goes like this: "That dog just won't hunt for me." An understanding of Jesus' discourse that will hold up is the particular focus of my PROPOSITION K . Later, as I began to have more questions than answers, I found myself studying Scripture much closer and discovering things that I never saw brought out in any of the popular views. In the end, I came to the conclusions that now make up this website. As I pointed out earlier, one of these conclusions is the bottom-line of the common pre-trib view. Whatever one's first impressions may be of my work, it aligns with the pre-trib position (even the "scholarly" one!) that Jesus can return for the rapture of His Church at any moment—even before the reader finishes this sentence. I would now like to invite you to prayerfully consider a few of the things that I just alluded to that have not been brought out in any of the popular views. I trust that by these the need will be seen to take yet another look at what God has seen fit to reveal to us in His Word about what lies ahead. First of all, by way of a question that has long intrigued many, have you ever wondered where the United States fits in Bible prophecy? Relating to a prophecy in Revelation 8:6-13, which hardly receives due attention (see PROPOSITION 3 ) , did you know that there is support here that the Americas will not be in the picture of the Seven Year Tribulation Period? It is needful to realize that this seven year period is actually Daniel's 70th Week, the last week of years in Daniel's Seventy Weeks' prophecy (Dan. 9:24-27). If you are familiar with this prophecy ( click here if not ) , you will know that what is in the Americas was not in the picture of the fulfilling of the first 69 weeks, as what is in our Western Hemisphere had not in that time been discovered. This dovetails with a fact has often been put forth concerning Christ's Church, as it too was not in the picture of the first 69 weeks. That such an early first-century setting could once again come into being for the fulfillment of the final week is certainly a huge and captivating thought, is it not? Though huge, it should not be overly surprising to find that God is going to effect something comparable to a WORLD STAGE RESET prior to the fulfilling of Daniel's 70th Week. In tune with the foregoing, such a reset would bring the world's focus to bear upon Israel and the lands of the Bible days—ONCE AGAIN—AS THE CASE WAS FOR THE FIRST 69 WEEKS. O n a different note, but relating to what I have just been drawing attention to, have you ever wondered how that "every eye" (Rev. 1:7) on the face of the earth will be able to simultaneously see Christ at His Second Coming or Second Advent? Hint: It has nothing to do with His being seen in this manner by modern technology, televisions, or cell phones. SPOILER ALERT! See SPECIAL OBSERVATION near the bottom of PROPOSITION 6 . Changing directions, let me call your attention to that event Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:29-31, which begins, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall..." Have you ever given much thought to the similarities between what Jesus here said and what John saw with the opening of the 6th Seal (Rev. 6:12-7:17)? Luke's parallel account of what Jesus said even reads like a paraphrase of that event (cp. Lk. 21:25-27 with Rev. 6:12-17). Question: Just what is it that the people see with the opening of the 6th Seal that causes them to exclaim to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb " (Rev. 6:16)? Interestingly, what Jesus spoke of in the aforementioned Matthew 24:29-31 reference supports that what they are seeing is the appearance of "THE SIGN of the Son of man in heaven." Because He says here that He will be seen "with power and great glory" (vs. 30), all have interpreted this to be of His Second Advent, but is it? Suffice it for now to say that whether it be on the order of a glimpse for a "sign " appearance or at the time of His Second Advent, the NEXT TIME Jesus is seen, He will be seen "with power and great glory"! Looking again at Matthew 24:29-31, what about Jesus' use of that word "after" in His opening, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days..."? This is something that all who defend the post-trib view have seized upon, which is quite understandable, especially if the tribulation that Jesus is here speaking of is that of Daniel's 70th Week. But is it? If it wasn't for what we find in The Revelation, especially relating to the 6th Seal, I might never have had this question. BUT, WE HAVE THE REVELATION! Moreover, relating to the prior seals and how they connect with other things of which Jesus spoke, the testimony of history supports something quite different than what is usually put forth. Changing directions one more time, let me call your attention to Revelation 11:2-3, where we find the first mentioning in the New Testament of two 3-1/2 year timeframes. By these timeframes and the context, we know that what John begins to write of at this time connects with that seven year period of Daniel's 70th Week. I can almost hear someone ask, "Is there any such evidence as to where in The Revelation this week of years will actually begin?" It could certainly be supposed that this would be indicated by something showing that the Antichrist has confirmed his infamous seven year covenant with Israel that he is prophesied to make (Dan. 9:27). But, is there any evidence of this to be found? I submit that there is, right before our very eyes. In Revelation 11:1, the verse just before t he mentioning of those timeframes that I just pointed out, John is instructed thus: "Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein." Question: Just because "worship" is going on at this time in "the temple of God," does this mean that it is God who is being worshiped? My mind goes to that "man of sin" and "son of perdition" Paul spoke of in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Of this man, he wrote the following: "Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God " (2 Thess. 2:4). Has something been being missed here? Yes, and more than this. Curiously, what I have put forth above has not been factored into the common pre-trib view, nor the other prevalent views. The consequences of such oversights can easily be the misinterpreting of many scriptures, especially by those who try to defend the common pre-trib view. What's more, I suspect that this has often resulted in this view being rejected in favor of one of the other views. Yet, Scripture consistently supports that "bottom-line" of the common pre-trib view that Jesus may come for His Church at any time. The goal of my work is the setting forth of understandings that will truly align with what has been revealed to us in Scripture about the last days and the rapture. These understandings make for a rapture view that is different from the common views, a view that I believe to be so solid and compelling that the common views will have to be rethought or abandoned. Where to from here? My encouragement would be for the reader to be obedient to God's counsel in what I embrace as my life Scripture (Pro. 3:5-6) and to be sensitive to the "Spirit of Truth" concerning "all truth " and especially of the "things to come" (Jn.16:13). FOR NEW VISITORS Because most who discover this website will do so as the result of a search concerning its subject matter, I have worded it in a way that supposes that the reader will be somewhat familiar with the subject. However, I have not forgotten about those less familiar or those who probably would have never known about this site if they had not known me. If this is you, please study the page I have entitled, TO THOSE WHO KNOW ME . For those who become curious concerning how and when this differing view came to be, consider my original BOOK PREFACE and BOOK INTRODUCTION . Anything h ighlighted in red is a link, and all of these (like the navigation links) are internal to this site. Click on the link or touch it if you have a touch screen, and the link will open. Depending on the device and other technological issues (ugh!), I have sometimes seen navigation delays, so please be patient! Since I again made mention of my book, I would like to reinforce that it (and much more) is what now makes up this website. Because of this and misgivings about merchandising, I have chosen to make hardcopies of my book no longer available. There are also no solicitations or advertisements connected with this site, nor will there ever be. I have been much delighted to live in a time when I can provide my life's work freely to anyone who may be helped by it. In my heart and mind, this website belongs to God, and as long as He enables me, I will ever be at work seeking to make it more what He would have it to be, all for the cause of Christ and His Kingdom purposes. For those who may have never had an interest in rapture views, it is hoped that my work will still be found to be rewarding, for it is about more than a view, it is a Bible study. It must be realized that a correct understanding of what the Bible teaches about the timing of the rapture (relative to other things/not date setting) is essential to correctly understanding much of what it teaches about other aspects of the last days. Moreover, the importance of being ready for the rapture exceeds (by far!) anything else of importance relating to this present world, as it could happen at this very moment. I have divided the main elements of my different view into 36 propositions or key truths that bear upon the timing of the rapture. These propositions are the headings for 36 of the main chapters in this website and are shown in THE KEYS sections of the menu. A survey of the list of these propositions (A-Z and 1-10 ) wi ll give you a bird's-eye view of my understandings. A study of the chapters will be like getting a bug's-eye view of them. Finally, if you find some of what I've spoken of in this introduction to be difficult to grasp in your first visit (or second or third!), don't give up or be too hard on yourself. Everything is explained more fully in the chapters, so go easy on yourself, at least for now! In the menu, you will also find other helps, often expressed from different angles. Personally, I would recommend starting with PROPOSITION A , which is like the true beginning. I hope you will proceed prayerfully in your quest for the truth and that what you find here will be of help to you in better understanding what God has revealed to us about these last days in which we live. bACK tO top the keys part i INTRODUCTION

The book sealed with seven seals could rightly be entitled, THE DAY OF THE LORD... Every book has a title or could be given one that is appropriate for it. Of course, the book "sealed with seven seals" (Rev. 5:1) could rightly be entitled THE SEVEN SEALED BOOK, but this title would hold no hint concerning its content, other than the obvious suggestion that what's between its covers must be quite important! Add to this that John saw Almighty God holding it in His "right hand," and the thought that it "must be quite important" becomes quite an understatement! Pertaining to my present proposition, what originally caught my attention concerning THE DAY OF THE LORD being a fitting title for this book is how my understanding was helped when I began to think in these terms. Because of the convergence of the prophetic puzzle pieces at the place where we see this book about to be opened (and other evidences), I submit that the time of God's "Day of the Lord" judgment is what this book is all about. As far as the actual beginning of the Day of the Lord, consider again Joel's prophecy, quoted by Peter on the Day of Pentecost. In Acts chapter two we read, "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable Day of the Lord come" (vs. 20). As evidenced by John's seeing of these identical celestial signs at the time of the opening of the 6th Seal, this part of Joel's prophecy will be fulfilled when this seal is opened (Rev. 6:12). Moreover, we see this happening just before the people cry in their distress that the "great Day of His Wrath is come" (Rev. 6:17). Any perceived problem concerning this happening before the last or 7th Seal is opened is alleviated when it is realized that both the 6th and 7th seals will be opened the same day. This means that the day the 6th Seal is opened, the time of the "great Day of His Wrath" or the "great and notable Day of the Lord" will have begun indeed. That both the 6th and 7th seals will be opened the same day is made apparent by some things relating to what we find in Revelation 7:1-8. In this part of the interlude chapter between the 6th and 7th seals, John sees four angels that are instructed to wait on the specific destruction they are about to effect (earth, sea, and trees /vs. 3) until the 144,000 Jews of verses 4-8 are sealed. This sealing is not something that will take a month, a week, a day, or even an hour. When we are saved, our sealing happens immediately. Then, shortly after the 7th Seal is opened (Rev. 8:1), we see evidences of these four angels following through on the specific destructive activity that they had been ready to effect (earth, sea, and trees /vss. 7-8). The way it looks, these angels receive their cue to follow through on this as the first of seven other angels (vs. 6) sound their trumpets. As far as the ending of the Day of the Lord, Peter speaks to this in his second epistle. In 2 Peter 3:10-13, we find that in the time of God's Day of the Lord judgment, "the heavens shall pass away with a great noise" and "the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (vs. 10). John writes of this happening in Revelation 20:11, at the same time that the Last or "Great White Throne" Judgment is about to take place. We know that the time of God's Day of the Lord judgment will end after all the unsaved are "cast into the Lake of Fire" (Rev. 20:15), for right after this, John begins his account of that "Happily Ever After" part for God and all of His saved (Rev. 21-22). In short, what the foregoing shows is that the time of God's Day of the Lord judgment will begin the very day that the 6th and 7th seals are opened, at which time we can rightly gather that the Lamb will open the book. Then, once this time of God's judgment begins, it will continue until His destruction of this present world and judgment of the unsaved at the Last Judgment. This is very helpful to realize. Back to the book itself, as I indicated in the opening paragraph, the very nature of such a sealed book being held in the "right hand" of Almighty God bespeaks that its opening must represent something unfathomably major. With all that begins to take place the day it is unsealed, this is certainly substantiated. On that day (which could be today), the bottom is going to drop out of things in this world, on a level like unto what happened in the days of Noah. Interestingly, the finality of what John began to see at this time will not be a judgment by water but by fire. For me, the severity of such a judgment, for both this world and the unsaved, is unimaginable. Truly, THE DAY OF THE LORD would be a fitting title for the book sealed with seven seals. From a little different angle, when it is realized that what is between the covers of the Seven Sealed Book is an account of what will happen from the time after the rapture until the destruction of this world and the doom of the unsaved, a more thought provoking title for it might be, THE END. In any case, my understanding has been greatly helped by thinking in these terms, and I believe that yours will be too. Finally, for an interesting perspective on the book with seven seals, try to imagine each page in it as representing one year of time. Whereas seven pages would represent the Antichrist's rule during the seven years of Daniel's 70th Week, Christ's Millennial Reign would be represented by a thousand pages. This shows the time of the Antichrist's rule as being merely "a drop in the bucket" so to speak, occurring in the transition time between the last day of the Church Age and the day that Christ returns to reign. The time of the Antichrist's rule is really short-lived, for it falls between the days just mentioned (both literally and utterly). When Christ comes again for every eye to see, the battle for supremacy will be no contest, and long will be the rule of the true King of kings, and Lord of lords! bACK tO TOP PART I HOME next key PROPOSITION H The book sealed with seven seals could rightly be entitled, THE DAY OF THE LORD.

The rapture closes the Church Age and will occur right before the Day of the Lord begins... The rapture closes the Church Age and will occur right before the Day of the Lord commences. Finally, the coming Day of the Lord is going to be a time of God's judgment upon this world that will begin with sudden destruction, accompanied by tribulation that will escalate into the greatest time of tribulation that has ever been, as it includes Daniel's 70th Week. But, it also includes Christ's Second Advent, His Millennial Reign, and more, as we will be seeing. With the rapture, the Church will escape the time of God's judgment (and the tribulation and wrath related to it), but will return with Christ at His Second Advent to reign with Him and all of the saved upon this earth for a thousand years. NOTE : Not all mentions of God's "Day of the LORD" judgment spoken of in the Bible are of His last days' Day of the LORD judgment. For example, in the first half of Joel's prophecy, everything spoken of concerning the Day of the LORD has to do with God's judgment that came upon the Israelites in the 8th and 6th centuries B.C. (see 1:15; 2:1, 11). These judgments were because of their continued rebellion and idolatry. Initially, God used the Assyrians against the Northern Kingdom (Israel), then later, the Babylonians against the Southern Kingdom (Judah). The entire book of Lamentations is of Jeremiah's grief over these judgments of God upon the Israelites. There is much in the Old Testament (especially the prophets) concerning God's Day of the LORD judgments that came in those days, both of warnings and the results. Later, in the last half of Joel's prophecy (beginning in 2:28), the focus concerns God's Day of the LORD judgment that is coming in the last days. Helpful to bear in mind is that this is the place in Joel's prophecy from which Peter began to quote on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21). Of course, it is the time of God's Day of the Lord judgment that he quotes of there (vs. 20) that is the one of our concern relating to the rapture. bACK tO TOP PART I HOME next key PROPOSITION F It should be understood that the Church Age, or era of the New Testament Church, will close with the rapture, when the Church will be gathered out of this world. This will take place right before the beginning of the time of God's judgment that is coming upon this world, the time of His last days' "Day of the Lord" judgment (see NOTE at bottom). This is in accord with the common pre-trib view. That the rapture will happen just before the beginning of God's last days' judgment is shown in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, as chapter four is ending and chapter five begins. Being mindful that the chapter and verse divisions in the Bible were not a part of the original manuscripts, but were helps that were added hundreds of years later, consider Paul's words from 4:16-18 and 5:1-4 as shown... 16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up (the rapture) together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the DAY OF THE LORD so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape (i.e., shall not be raptured with the Church) . 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. It may be wondered, "Just how long before the time of God's judgment begins will it be that the rapture will take place?" The evidence of Scripture is that it will take place just before, ON THE SAME DAY. While we will be looking at this much further, especially when focusing upon the 6th and 7th seals, it all becomes more apparent as we bring the related prophetic puzzle pieces together. For now, some of the key pieces include those Paul gave us above with what we find in Acts 2:20, which interlocks with what we find in Revelation 6:12-17, which interlocks with what we find in Matthew 24:29-31. Thinking in terms of a timeline, whereas Christ began to build His Church while He walked upon this earth, what could be called the "Inauguration of the Church Age" happened on the Day of Pentecost, when He poured "out of [His] Spirit" upon it (Acts 2:1-18). Accordingly, the Church Age encompasses the time of the Church from that day to this present time and will continue until Christ returns to receive it unto Himself at the rapture. Following is an illustration showing the relation of the rapture to the Church Age, the Day of Pentecost, and the Day of the Lord:

The Revelation reveals things that were "at hand" to begin to take place, even in John's day... The Revelation reveals things that were "at hand" to begin to take place, even in that day. On the basis of how the book of The Revelation opens, Christians, even in John's day, would have had good reason to be on alert for what was revealed to him to begin to take place. John was shown many things that were going to happen. For most anything that is going to happen, there is the time when it will begin to happen. Look with me at the opening three verses of The Revelation and consider for yourself if it would not have been appropriate for early Christians to have been curious over what was about to start taking place: 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to shew unto His servants things which must SHORTLY come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John: 2 Who bare record of the Word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is AT HAND . It has been over 1900 years since John recorded these words. This is not a short amount of time. But, the stated purpose of The Revelation is to show unto Christ's servants "things which must shortly come to pass." And, as if to put some emphasis upon the word "shortly," these words follow: "for the time is at hand." I believe the simplicity of these words has been too often overlooked or dismissed—much to Satan's delight. We know that first-century Christians were mindful that Christ could return at any time. This was their "blessed hope" (Tit. 2:13)! But, it should not surprise us to find that some of what was revealed in The Revelation concerned things that were going to happen in the meantime. When John received The Revelation, he was told, " What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia" (Rev. 1:11). John did as he was told, and in accord with the way The Revelation opens, the members of these churches would have had good reason to be on alert for at least some of what was revealed to him to begin to take place. Said another way, from early in what has become known as the Church Age, Christians were informed concerning some things that would be taking place—even in their day. Also connected to this is just what things readers of The Revelation could have expected to see. A few verses later, in Revelation 1:19, John is given these instructions: "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. " We know that whatever is spoken of in the past tense or the present tense cannot shortly come to pass. It is only whatever is spoken of in the future tense that can shortly come to pass. Where are the future tense things spoken of, or what is it that John was told would be hereafter? The beginning of this category of things is not to be found until sometime after chapter four, as indicated in its opening verse: 1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in Heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be HEREAFTER . At this verse, the first-century churches had their cue for where to begin looking for information concerning those things that were at hand to come to pass. Beginning with the next verse, John beholds God on His throne and the worship He is receiving from twenty-four elders and four beasts that are before Him. But, there is nothing here about what shall be hereafter. Rather, this is part of the prelude to the revealing of what was to be hereafter. This continues to the close of chapter four. Chapter five then opens with John's account of a mysterious book God is holding in His right hand, "sealed with seven seals" (vs. 1). This is followed by a question posed by an angel concerning who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof. No one is found worthy to do this, but "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David" (vs. 5), who is none other than "the Lamb of God" or Jesus Christ! The scene is then of the worship He receives of all who are in Heaven, but again, there is nothing here about what shall be hereafter. This also is part of the prelude to the revealing of what was to be hereafter and continues to the close of chapter five. It is not until chapter six, when the Lamb actually begins to open the seals of that Seven Sealed Book, that John is shown something that will go into the category of what was to be hereafter and at hand to come to pass. Here, the Lamb opens the 1st Seal and John sees a white horse go forth, upon which is a rider with a bow. John records of this rider that "he went forth conquering, and to conquer" (vs. 2). After this, another seal is opened and another horse with a rider goes forth, and the same continues until there are four horsemen that have gone forth on differing campaigns. To sum up the foregoing, our first key truth revolves around a couple of statements that are made in the opening verses of The Revelation. First of all, that it was given to show unto the servants of Christ "things which must shortly come to pass." Secondly, the statement, "for the time is at hand" for that that was to be revealed to come to pass. Coupled with this, prior to chapter six, there is nothing revealed that will rightly go into the category of something that could have been looked for to come to pass. Therefore, it only remains that if Christians were going to be on the lookout for some things to begin to happen, the only appropriate place to look concerning those things would have been towards the seals of that Seven Sealed Book and what those seals represented. This, in turn, would mean that at least one or more of the seals was about to be opened. I think of how with most movies, it is really helpful to catch the first five minutes. This is like those first five minutes! bACK tO top PART I HOME next key PROPOSITION A

Because of the word "hereafter" in Revelation 4:1, we can know that the seals were not opened prior to the giving of The Revelation, but... APPENDIX #6 bACK tO TOP next Because of the word "hereafter" in Revelation 4:1, my position would have to be that none of the seals were opened prior to the giving of The Revelation. But, if the first four seals connect with what Jesus warned of in the opening of His Olivet Discourse (e.g., Matt. 24:4-9), and what He there warned of began to happen before the opening of any seals (as I put forth), how is this seeming discrepancy to be understood? First of all, we know that Satan has always worked in ways that are similar, meaning, ways that are consistent with the realm of evil and what he is. Also, as a created being, whatever his abilities and liberties, these have always been subject to Almighty God. This being understood, it should not surprise us to find evidences of his activity and things that will align with what Jesus warned of taking place before the giving of The Revelation. But, there are also evidences of a development relating to all of this that is consistent with the time that John received The Revelation, something that easily aligns with what we see with the opening of the first four seals. The development I am speaking of may best be realized by a consideration of the horses John saw with the opening of the first seals. Try to imagine what the activity of the four riders might have been, before they were given their horses. While the character of the riders would have remained the same both before and after they received their mounts, with their mounts, they would have went from being footmen to being horsemen, to apply a physical realm analogy. This would at least translate into an ability to cover greater distances more swiftly. With the first-century spread of the Gospel and the growth of the Church, Satan would have certainly savored any concession of God that would have allowed him to more effectively counter this. With the ever increasing population and expansion of people on the earth, it is easy to envision him negotiating with God for an ability increase and/or some change in his liberties. It must be remembered that he nor his cohorts would have any abilities or liberties outside of what has been granted to them by God. I submit that what is revealed to us with the opening of the first four seals is a behind the scenes look at the abilities and liberties he negotiated for, which he began to utilize as soon as Christ began to open the seals. In accord with what I have put forth throughout this website, both Scripture and history supports that Christ began to open the seals as early as late in the first century (95-100 A.D.) and that the four horsemen have been riding their steeds down through the corridors of history—even unto our day—bent on accomplishing Satan's sadistic desires. There are also other things of relevance that bear upon the difference or development of which I am speaking. From a first-century perspective, it has been helpful for me to think in terms of the generation of the Church, which later became what we refer to as the Church Age. There was no concept of a Church "Age" until sometime after the deaths of the apostles, and John was the last of the apostles. The more I have thought on this, the more I have come to see The Revelation as being given to John for the express sake of the Church from that time forward, just before his passing. Now, in retrospect, and according to the understandings I have put forth in this website, it can be seen that The Revelation was every bit as relevant for Christians then as it is in our day. In other words, it was every bit as relevant for the seven churches in Asia that it was initially given to as it has been for any church in any century since. In accord with all the foregoing, I see the four entities of the first four seals as being active in the same way they were before the opening of the seals, only without the benefit of the horses, so to speak. This would be kind of like what it was with Jesse James and the James-Younger Gang. Whether on foot or horseback, they were the same outlaws. Thinking in these terms, it is not difficult to see that there is indeed a real connection between what Jesus warned of in the opening of His Olivet Discourse and the first four seals. This also makes it easier to understand how that the earliest Christians would have seen evidences of these things before any of the seals were actually opened (e.g., 2 Thess. 2:7; 1 Jn. 4:1-3). In the centuries since John's receiving of The Revelation, these things have happened on an increasingly larger scale, all attributable to the opening of the first four seals near the close of the first century. This would have been very near, and possibly after, the time of John's passing, or post-Apostolic. ( origin is PROPOSITION L )

The account of Daniel's 70th Week runs from Revelation 11:1 through Christ's Second Coming in Revelation 19:11-21... The fulfilling of Daniel's 70th Week, as revealed in The Revelation, runs from 11:1 through 19:21. bACK tO TOP PART 11 HOME next KEY PROPOSITION 8 From the opening of the 7th Seal through Revelation chapter 10, whereas much is shown to take place, there is no clear evidence indicating that any of this (or anything prior) is part of the time of Daniel's 70th Week. Rather, according to what we have seen, it becomes clearer that what has taken place has been leading up to this seven year period. But, after John writes of the "little book open" that he sees in the angel's hand (10:1-2) and of his experience relating to it (10:8-10), real evidences of Daniel's 70th Week immediately begin to appear. This should not surprise us, if the little book just mentioned is the little book of Daniel, as I showed in the preceding proposition. As we saw there, it is in Revelation 11:2-3 that we find the first mentioning of the two 3-1/2 year time frames that make up the 70th Week. Once the account of this week of years begins, the evidences of it continue until Christ's Second Advent, the account of which is given in 19:11-21. Concerning the actual beginning of Daniel's 70th Week, the covenant that the Antichrist is prophesied to make with Israel is widely accepted to be what will mark its start (Dan. 9:27). It could rightly be supposed that there would be some evidence of this to be found in The Revelation, either occurring or having occurred. Well, there is. Look with me at the opening verse of chapter 11: 1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure THE TEMPLE OF GOD, and the altar, and THEM THAT WORSHIP therein. Some things about this verse that relate to Daniel's 70th Week really need to be noted. One, "the temple of God" is in existence here. If the rapture were to occur today, we know that the temple will not suddenly be in existence tomorrow, but the rebuilding of it will soon begin. Perhaps the temple will be rebuilt before the rapture, but I'm inclined to doubt it. If not, it will be rebuilt soon afterwards. Similarly, if the rapture were to occur today, it is doubtful that the Antichrist would be able to confirm his infamous covenant with Israel tomorrow, but he would begin his rise to power. As a little sidebar (for the moment), his rise to power may begin with the sounding of the 5th Trumpet, when it is said that the "bottomless pit" will be "opened" (Rev. 9:1-2). This easily connects with what we find just a few verses later in Revelation 11 concerning the beast and the two witnesses. Consider... 7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast THAT ASCENDETH OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. Something else that needs to be noted from Revelation 11:1 is that "worship" is taking place in the temple of God. I submit, however, that the worship occurring at this time is not worship of Almighty God. Realize that just because the account says this is the temple of God, this doesn't mean that it is God who is being worshipped. Consider Paul's words in the following verses from 2 Thessalonians chapter two: 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is WORSHIPPED; so that he AS GOD sitteth in THE TEMPLE OF GOD, shewing himself THAT HE IS GOD. Paul's words support that the worship spoken of in Revelation 11:1 will be towards that "man of sin" or the "son of perdition" of whom he writes, also known as the Antichrist or the "beast." The beast is not spoken of at all in The Revelation until this same chapter, in verse seven (see above). This is that "prince that shall come" spoken of in Daniel's prophecy of 70 weeks (Dan. 9:24-27), of whom we find these words concerning: 27 And he (the Antichrist) SHALL CONFIRM THE COVENANT WITH MANY FOR ONE WEEK (7 years) : and in the midst of the week (after 3-1/2 years) he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. In His Olivet Discourse, Jesus spoke about this person and the severe circumstances of his time. Consider the following from Matthew's account, in chapter 24: 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by DANIEL the prophet, STAND IN THE HOLY PLACE, (whoso readeth let him understand: ) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. Looking back at The Revelation, we find explicit examples of the worship that is happening on the earth during Daniel's 70th Week and to whom it is directed. All of this bears out what I have been trying to show. As you read the following, try to imagine what kind of person the Antichrist will be and what kind of promises he might make to garner the support he will need to become the world leader at that time. We know that the covenant he will make with Israel will be a sham. There has never been a politician like this one, nor with his degree of support. The Antichrist will bask in the worship he receives. Consider from Revelation 13: 4 And they worshipped the dragon (Satan) which gave power unto the beast (the Antichrist) : and they WORSHIPPED THE BEAST, saying, who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall WORSHIP HIM (the beast or Antichrist) , whose names are not written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 12 And he (the false prophet /the Antichrist's cohort) exerciseth all the power of the first beast (the Antichrist) before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to WORSHIP THE FIRST BEAST, whose deadly wound was healed. 15 And he (again, the false prophet) had power to give life unto the image of the beast (an idol of the Antichrst) , that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not WORSHIP THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST should be killed. While on this subject, the fate of those who worship the Antichrist is declared in the next chapter. Consider, from Revelation 14: 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man WORSHIP THE BEAST and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who WORSHIP THE BEAST and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. But, some will not succumb to worshipping the Antichrist, even to the point of martyrdom. John sees these in Heaven later, worshipping God and afterwards taking part in Christ's thousand year reign upon the earth, as he records in the following references from The Revelation: CHAPTER 15 2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. 3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints. 4 Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? for Thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and WORSHIP BEFORE THEE; for Thy judgments are made manifest. CHAPTER 20 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which HAD NOT WORSHIPPED the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. It is hoped that what we have been looking at will establish for the reader that the worship mentioned by the angel back in Revelation 11:1 is toward the Antichrist, and the actual account of Daniel's 70th Week begins with this first verse as well. Also, don't forget: This is the very next verse following Revelation chapter 10, which is all about that "little book open" (10:2), which Scripture clearly supports to be the little book of Daniel. A lot more happens in the interval between the commencement of Daniel's 70th Week and the conclusion of it with Christ's Second Advent. Hopefully, the following closer look at Satan and his activity during that time will suffice for this study. Presently, Satan is referred to as "the god of this world" ( 2 Cor. 4:3-4). However, with John's account of the sounding of the 7th Trumpet, it is heralded, "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever" (Rev. 11:15). In Revelation 12, we see the beginning of the last days' overthrow of Satan (a.k.a. "the dragon") and his kingdom, along with his retaliation. According to what John heard at this time, Satan is to be cast down to a point below where he is now active as the "accuser of our brethren" (vs. 10). When Satan first revolted, God cast him out of His Heaven or the "Third Heaven" ( 2 Cor. 12:1-2). Satan does not now dwell in God's Heaven, as he once did. Rather, he is now the "prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2) or the first and second heavens, where the fowls fly (Gen. 1:20) and the stars are seen (Isa. 13:10). From here, in the spiritual realm, his approach to God is very limited, meaning, he can get about as close to God as darkness can to light! It is from this realm that he is allowed to accuse the children of God, as in the case of Job (Job 1:6-12 and 2:1-6). But, in the future, Satan is going to be cast further down, even "unto the earth" (Rev. 12:12-13). At that time he will mount his last days' offensive against God and all that is of God, "having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time" (vs. 12). The main focus of Satan's wrath during this time we are considering will be the nation of Israel and the 144,000 (Rev. 12:13-17), not the Church, for the Church will have been gathered out of this world. It is also evident that the time of this aspect of his overthrow and rebellion will be near the beginning of the last 3-1/2 years of Daniel's 70th Week (vs. 14). According to what John is seeing at this time, Satan's dominion as "the god of this world" can be broken down into the sky, the sea, and the earth. These together make up this world. In Revelation 12, we saw his overthrow initiated and he was cast out of his domain in the sky. In chapter 13, verse one, we see the rise of the "beast" (or Antichrist ) out of his domain in the sea to rule the revived political empire later referred to as "Babylon the great" (18:2). In verse 11, we also see the rise of "another beast" (the "false prophet"/compare 19:20) out of his domain in the earth to rule the religious system later referred to as "the great whore" (17:1). Grouping together what we are here looking at, Satan's activity in this world during Daniel's 70th Week can be seen to operate through three main personages (an unholy satanic trinity) and in three major realms as follows: THE PERSONAGES The Dragon (or Satan) The Beast (or Antichrist) The False Prophet THE CORRESPONDING REALMS Spiritual—Darkness Political—Mystery Babylon Religious—The Great Whore There are many other prophecies that relate to what we see unfolding in this section of The Revelation. Close attention should be given to those of Daniel, especially chapter seven, which dovetails remarkably with Revelation 13. Consider also Paul's prophecy of that "man of sin" and "son of perdition" in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10 and Jesus' words concerning the "abomination of desolation" in Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14—all referring to the Antichrist. Moving forward to the end of Daniel's 70th Week, the focus of Revelation 19 is the rejoicing in Heaven over the destruction of the Antichrist's empire, the event of Christ's Second Advent, and the Battle of Armageddon. In Revelation 14:14-20, 16:12-21, and 17:12-14 we have references and/or previews corresponding with this time. There is no evidence that this battle will be any contest, as the following portion of the account shows, from Revelation 19: 19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him that sat on the horse, and against His army. 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of Him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of His mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

The "Sign" Return of Christ includes the rapture and will occur after the opening of the 6th Seal... The Sign Appearance of Christ includes the rapture and occurs after the opening of the 6th Seal. Let's recap some in view of the above chart. In accord with what I have put forth so far, Christ opened the first four seals as early as late in the first century, not long after John received The Revelation. This means that the particular liberties granted to Satan and exercised by the four horsemen for the post- Apostolic era of the Church (see Appendix #6 ) , have been forces to be reckoned with by the Church (and the world) since that time. Hence, the first four seals are shown to have been opened early in the Church Age. Like unto a major battle, many in our ranks have suffered and died as martyrs. With Christ's opening of the 5 th Seal , John receives a vision of the cry of these martyrs for justice. Because their question, "How long?" reflects that a significant period of time has transpired, and because they are assured that it will be yet "a little season" before their blood is avenged, this fits His opening of this seal nearer the end of the Church Age, closer to the time of the rapture. This means that He may have already opened it as well, and I submit that He has. The martyrs are informed that during this little season, more will be killed "as they were." This certainly fits the seven year period of Daniel's 70th Week ("a little season") and what will happen to the two witnesses, the 144,000, and those who refuse allegiance to the Antichrist. Though we do not know how much longer the Church Age will last, we know that it will end with the rapture, which is shown to occur after the opening of the 6th Seal. Therefore, as the rapture could happen today, so can Christ's opening of this seal. I can almost envision the Lord, upon opening this seal, coming for His Church. When He does, He will "descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thess. 4:16-17). This will take place "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye" (1 Cor. 15:52), hence, part of the reason for my understanding that the appearance that He will make at this time will be on the order of a glimpse. As John beheld with the opening of the 6th Seal, the signs heralding the time of the last days' Day of the Lord judgment will be seen at this time (Rev. 6:12), in accord with Joel's prophecy. It reads thus: "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible Day of the LORD come" (Joel 2:31). These signs could be said to occur in the wake of the resurrection and the rapture of the Church. Note that this view is reinforced by Peter's appeal to this prophecy on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21, esp. vs. 20). It is amazing that Joel's prophecy gives defining marks of both the beginning and the ending of the Church Age—TO THE VERY DAY. For example, while the Church Age began on THE DAY of Pentecost, it will end on THE DAY that the Church is raptured, which is THE DAY that the 6th Seal will be opened, which is THE DAY that God's Day of the Lord judgment will begin. Talk about precision—Thank you Joel! Also, at this same time, the bottom is going to drop out of things in this world, to the tune of the rest of John's account of the 6th Seal (Rev. 6:13-17) and what will follow. Obviously, it is not until the 7th Seal is opened that the Seven Sealed Book can actually unfold. But, because of the absence of any mention of a time frame (and other evidences), this opening of the 7th Seal can also occur the same day that the Church is gathered to glory and the 144,000 Jews are sealed. After this last seal is opened, John writes, "there was silence in Heaven about the space of half an hour" (Rev. 8:1). Try to imagine the drama and suspense of this book being now ready to unfold. It easily fits that everything within the covers of the Seven Sealed Book pertains to the period of the last days' Day of the Lord judgment, hence, THE DAY OF THE LORD would be a fitting title for this book, as I have proposed ( PROPOSITION H ) . O n the same day as the rapture, when God's Day of the Lord judgment begins, John sees seven angels that are given seven trumpets and of what occurs after each trumpet is sounded. This will be a big focus of PART II. For now, what happens relating to the first five trumpets and some of the 6th Trumpet period connects with preparations for the fulfilling of Daniel's 70th Week. Important to note is that it is during the 6th Trumpet period (Rev. 9:13 thru 11:14) that we find the first numerical evidences in The Revelation (and all of the New Testament) pointing to this seven year period (Rev. 11:2-3). According to Revelation 11:3-14, the midpoint of this "week" of years will mark the close of the 6th Trumpet period (note the "is past" of vs. 14). Finally, the 7th Trumpet (Rev. 11:15-19) will herald that period that will result in COMPLETE CLOSURE FOR THIS WORLD ( PROPOSITION 10 ) . This period will take in the l ast half of Daniel's 70th Week and will continue through the Last Judgment, commonly referred to as the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). The highlight of this period will be Christ's Second Advent, the Battle of Armageddon, and His Millennial Reign (Rev. 19:11-20:6). After the Last Judgment, time, as we now know it, will end, and eternity, as we will know it, will begin. From another angle, the last days' Day of the Lord judgment will bring to an end this world and time as we know it, after which, we will enter eternity. Revelation 21 begins John's account of that and what it holds for God's children. Let's read some of that together: 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. bACK tO TOP PART I HOME next key PROPOSITION W The title of my work could easily and rightly be, THE SIXTH SEAL RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH . One reason I d id not choose this title was to avoid the possibility of my view being too quickly confused with other 6th Seal rapture views, from which it greatly differs. Another is the difficulty some may initially have of seeing a work so titled being able to represent a pr e- trib r apture view. Of course, this difficulty can arise because of what is so commonly believed about the seals, that being that they represent judgments of God that will take place during the time of Daniel's 70th Week. I hope that what I have shown so far has convinced the reader otherwise and of the need for this belief to be rethought. Moreover, I am hopeful that the title I have chosen—THE SEVEN SEALED BOOK and a diffe rent pre-trib rapture vi ew—will result in more openness (at least initially) to what I am trying to show. Though Scripture does not state explicitly that the rapture will occur after the opening of the 6th Seal, we can accept the possibility as so if the evidence and other related prophecies bear this out. It's like putting two and two together and coming up with four. It may be wondered why such math has not netted the same answer for others. As I have come to see it, a primary reason is that the equation used by others has been skewed by some of the long accepted misinterpretations that have been put forth by scholars, most especially of Matthew 24:29-31. The extent of our study of what Jesus here said has resulted in my referring to this as our focal passage (see propositions T , U , and V ). I can certainly see Satan delighting in a passage such as this being misinterpreted. On the matter of whether my own understanding of these verses is correct, in keeping with what I have said before, I merely enjoin the reader to prayerfully consider what I have tried to show and to come to his or her own conclusion. Moving forward, because of another commonly held pre-trib belief that Christ will be invisible at His return for the Church (please don't start throwing tomatoes at me yet!), perhaps the greatest obstacle for some in accepting that this will happen with the opening of the 6th Seal is His being seen at this time. If this is an obstacle for the reader (which I could understand), I hope that before this thought is too quickly rejected that you will hear me out, as what I am going to show is much closer to what is commonly believed than it may at first be perceived. First of all, let's look again at that part of John's account that relates to this, from Revelation 6: 15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, FALL ON US, AND HIDE US FROM THE FACE OF HIM THAT SITTETH ON THE THRONE, AND FROM THE WRATH OF THE LAMB: 17 FOR THE GREAT DAY OF HIS WRATH IS COME; AND WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO STAND? Having been raised under the tutelage of prevailing pre-trib rapture thought, the thing of people seeing Christ at this time has been an obstacle for me as well. It's not that Scripture plainly points in a different direction (to be clarified in the next proposition), but my upbringing did, and so much so, that I used to wonder if Christ is actually even being seen here. I mean, it's not too difficult to envision these people being caught so unawares by the magnitude of what is happening that they cannot contain their sudden fear that the Lord is responsible, nor their dread of the possibility of facing Him. We know that many have reacted similarly in the face of far less catastrophes! To be sure, this may well be the nature of the reaction of some who will be left behind, especially those on our side of the earth. However, something more literally in tune with the account and other scriptures is that Christ is indeed being seen here, but during a "sign" (Matt. 24:30) appearance that He will make in the sky over Israel. This would mean that the people left behind who do see or glimpse Him will be those who are in Israel's hemisphere. Understood this way, at the time of this event, no one left behind in our hemisphere will witness this appearance, which means that the experience for the unsaved over here will no doubt be as is so commonly imagined (like in the LEFT BEHIND book and movie s eries). But, what about the unsaved over there, on Israel's side of the earth? In my concept of what we find in Scripture, to whatever extent Jesus reveals Himself to those left behind in Israel's hemisphere, the sight will be like nothing they have ever seen. Trying to envision God, "the Majesty" (Heb. 1:3), on His throne, and the Lamb "in the midst of the throne" (Rev. 7:17), I wonder. Realizing that the Lamb is Jesus Christ and that He is "the image of the invisible God" (Col. 1:15), and that in Him "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily " (Col. 2:9), I wonder. Wondering, I feel I can almost glimpse the brightness that they must be seeing and the form of a throne with Christ in the midst. I can almost see these people having to turn away from such glory—glory brighter than the sun and a whole lot closer! In my concept, they will only get a glimpse, AND THEN HE WILL BE GONE. In harmony with what Jesus Himself said concerning the appearance of "the sign of the Son of man in heaven" (Matt. 24:30), I see this to be just that: Of a sign appearance that He is going to make, which will include the gathering or rapture of the Church (Matt. 24:31). Our focus on this and its implications will continue into the following proposition. For now, whatever one believes, John's account of the 6th Seal certainly supports an appearance of Christ at this time. When it is understood that Christ will make an appearance after He opens the 6th Seal, how can we be certain whether this will be for the sign appearance I am drawing attention to and His gathering of the Church? While the complexity of prophecy can make for some difficulties in our comprehending, there is only one other option with this, and that makes things a lot easier. The only other option is that this is His return as the King of kings, and Lord of lords for the Battle of Armageddon (and everything that follows that), of which we have an undeniable account thirteen chapters later, beginning in Revelation 19:11. As a result of my findings, I have come to the conclusion that to believe Christ's appearance after the opening of the 6th Seal is the same as His return in Revelation 19 is a scripturally indefensible position. There are just too many evidences to the contrary, not to mention the fact that the 7th Seal would still be intact, along with everything that will happen after it is opened. So, this is where we are: If you look at The Revelation from the standpoint of my different view, you will see the following two events relating to Christ's future return. One, the event of a sign appearance that He will make with His opening of the 6th Seal, at which time the rapture will occur (Rev. 6:12-7:17/ Matt. 24:29-31), and two, the event of His Second Advent some seven years later, at which time the Battle of Armageddon will occur (Rev. 19:11-21/ Matt. 24:26-28). Also, as will be brought out more the further we continue, you will see Daniel's 70th Week take place in between. This makes for a solid pre- trib (or pre- Daniel's 70th Week) rapture view, and in a most basic sense, similar to the common view, except I show the first four seals (and the probability of the fifth) being already open and the rapture occurring at the time that the 6th Seal is opened. This would be a good place to consider my chart below (the first chart I ever did). It illustrates the big picture of the rapture view I am putting forth and how it relates to the Day of the Lord, the Seven Sealed Book, and eternity:

The first four trumpets will effect the destruction of the "third part" of the earth not in Israel's hemisphere... The first four trumpets will effect the destruction of the lands that are not in Israel's hemisphere. bACK tO TOP PART II HOME next KEY PROPOSITION 3 As the first four trumpets are sounded, one-third of the earth suffers devastation by what appears to stem from an extensive meteor bombardment, followed by the impact of a couple of much more massive objects. John likens one of these to "a great mountain burning with fire" and refers to the other as "a great star from heaven." Here is his account of this from Revelation 8: 7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the THIRD PART of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. 8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the THIRD PART of the sea became blood; 9 And the THIRD PART of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the THIRD PART of the ships were destroyed. 10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the THIRD PART of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; 11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the THIRD PART of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. 12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the THIRD PART of the sun was smitten, and the THIRD PART of the moon, and the THIRD PART of the stars; so as the THIRD PART of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a THIRD PART of it, and the night likewise. What John is here describing results in the devastation of a "third part" of the earth's land and water masses and the diminishing of day and nighttime light by as much. With such a large percentage of destruction, I have wondered if what he describes as being "a great mountain" (vs. 8) could be a mountain range, such as the Rockies or the Appalachians. Also, the casting into the sea (or ocean) of a great mountain large enough to wreck havoc on a scale of what he here describes would be devastating for the continent as well. Try to imagine a mountain range being cast into one of the oceans and what this would mean for the area from which it came. When I think of the great mountain that John speaks of and the possibility of this relating to the Rocky mountain range (just as an example), it is certainly conceivable that what he is describing could be the result of nuclear explosions hurling this into the ocean, especially with so much of the United States' nuclear arsenal being located in that vicinity. Also, for the great star (or asteroid) impact of verse 10 to adversely affect one-third of the earth's rivers and drinkable water sources would involve the disturbing of an enormous amount of land mass or masses. What John is describing clearly bespeaks an unimaginable amount of destruction. In my late twenties, when studying John's account of this, I (like everyone else at that time) only envisioned cataclysms occurring all around the earth, resulting in a cumulative destruction of one-third of it, and this may be what he is describing. But, one day it occurred to me that there is another equally as valid possibility. What if he is describing a cataclysm occurring TO ONE SIDE OF THE EARTH, resulting in a concentrated destruction of one-third of it? The thing of a great mountain being hurled into the sea would certainly fit a concentrated destruction and an asteroid impact even more so. The possibility and implications of such a concentrated destruction has engaged my thinking ever since. In the previous proposition I mentioned that the land area we normally consider to be in Israel's hemisphere represents two-thirds of the land area of the earth. But, what about the rest of the earth's land area, or the other one-third? If this happens to be the "third part" destroyed with the sounding of the first four trumpets, it concerns us what this "third part" is. This is the subject of my next proposition. NOTES : Concerning what John wrote about "hail and fire mingled with blood " (Rev. 8:7), we find no similar phenomena happening in the Bible days where that something "mingled with blood" was observed to fall from the sky. But, in our day, there is an average of well over a gallon of blood in every adult flying in a plane. Jet airliners carrying 300-500 passengers are common. Easy internet searches reveal that there are some 7,500-15,000 planes in the sky at any given time. Images of maps depicting these over the United States show them to be so numerous that they look like grains of sand that have been poured all over the map. Explosions and/or collisions of these would result in tons of debris raining down, "mingled with blood." Another modern day possibility lending to what John saw has to do with all the satellites that are presently in orbit around the earth. Also an easy internet search, images depicting these resemble grains of sand as well, sprinkled in abundance all around the earth. It's not hard to imagine what the result would be of something happening that would disturb the orbits of these satellites, causing them to re-enter the atmosphere. With many meteors (which look like falling stars) being as small as a pea, there's no telling what a large number of satellites would look like on their re-entry. Things seem ripe in our day for something to happen that would exactly fit what John tried to describe. I am reminded of what he wrote concerning what he beheld when the 6th Seal was opened: "And the stars (meteors, satellites?) of heaven (the sky) fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind" (Rev. 6:13).

Whatever one's beliefs about the last days, the most important concern is that one is ready, whatever may come... ONE MORE THING I guess you could call this a little heart to heart. Over the years of my studying God's Word and feeling compelled by Him to continue the developing of what is now to be found on this website, I have often wondered what His real purpose has been for having led me as I feel that He has. Of course, we all know that sound doctrine is of the highest interest to God. And, when I would think of this, I would experience some degree of satisfaction that this is what it has all been about. But, I consistently had lingering thoughts that there was something more, something of even greater interest to God. More recently, I have felt that I know. I am now deeply convicted that it connects with an effort of the Lord's to convince those who have put off being saved to be saved before it is too late—to not be counting on a supposed option that may not in reality exist. This effort, as it connects with this website, might best be understood by what I have written in PROPOSITION 5, especially what I have there highlighted in blue, just beyond the midpoint of the page. (click here ) Whether I am correctly understanding some of the Bible's prophecies concerning the last days remains to be seen. Of much greater importance is whether we are saved, whatever may come. If you have never been saved or are unsure, and you have felt that God may be trying to get your attention about this, be mindful that salvation is a matter of eternal concern. My first encouragement would be to not allow your heart to become hardened toward God. He loves us more than we know, and He made an unquestionable demonstration of this by what He did for us through Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. In consideration of this, I would urge you to keep your mind open and your heart soft toward Him. The matter of salvation and how to be saved has been explained a lot of different ways by a lot of different people. I have tried to explain it a lot of different ways myself. Hopefully, what I am feeling led to share at this time will resonate with all who read it. The night I began writing this (12-18-20), it happened to be seven days until Christmas. What a season! What a day! With all the exchanging of gifts that happens at this time, I have often thought that what God really wants more than anything else is to make an exchange with us. Can you imagine that? He started it all on that first Christmas by giving to humanity the greatest gift that is conceivable to give—Himself—in the person of Jesus Christ. It fails me to adequately describe all that is so special about God's gift to us, but it springs from His love. Call it eternal life, salvation, forgiveness of sins, or peace. Call it satisfaction, purpose, hope, or joy. Call it security, vision, abundance, or happiness. Call it whatever else that may be thought of that is in the category of priceless—it all springs from His love. Interestingly, the Bible tells us that "God is love" (1 Jn. 4:16). Moreover, His gift of love was found that first Christmas, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. God came in this manner, in the likeness of fallen humanity, for the purpose of becoming the supreme sacrifice and ransom for our corrupted condition. He who knew no sin became sin for us. Moreover, the sufficiency of what He did for us was confirmed for us by Christ's resurrection on the first Easter morning. This is the message of the Gospel. With God having done what He did for us, what is it that He would like for us to do? Very simply, the same thing anyone else would like—for us to receive His gift. But, what about that exchange I mentioned? The season of Christmas is so characterized by the exchange of gifts. Is there anything that God would like to have in exchange? Yes. Our love. Our heart. Said another way, God gave to us His love, His heart, Himself. And, what He would most like from us is our love, our heart, our self. When this exchange takes place, the result is a love story that will never, ever, end. This is just the way that true love goes, especially with God. How does this exchange of which I am speaking take place? I think of a painting that I have long been familiar with that shows a depiction of Jesus Christ knocking on a door. Can you remember having ever seen this picture? You can easily find it on the internet. Just search "Jesus knocking on the door" and it will come right up. I have been surprised at the number of people that can relate to having seen this picture, but have never noticed what is unusual about it. Have you noticed what is unusual about it? The peculiarity is that there is no knob to be seen on the door. Did the artist make a mistake? No. The picture is depicting the great truth that Christ wants to come into our life and that He even knocks on the door of our heart, but He can't let Himself in. There is a knob to the door, but it is on the in side. This is the way that God made us, and it all has to do with the nature of love. I'm kinda hoping that maybe it won't be necessary for me to elaborate any further on this picture, except to say that receiving Christ into our life is as simple as opening the door of our heart to Him when He is knocking. If you sense that He is knocking on the door of your heart at this time, you can open it to Him even now. If there has ever been a "prime time," it is when Jesus Christ is knocking on the door of one's heart. As an unsaved person, it is at this time that God is making His personal offer of Himself (and salvation) to us. By the very nature of His wisdom and timing, if we open our heart to Him at this time, we are realizing our need, and our response will be what He is seeking—a repentant heart with faith towards Him in our willingness to receive Him as our Savior. Do you realize your need to be saved? The Bible says that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). We have all been corrupted because of the sin of our first parents, Adam and Eve. In Romans 5:12 we read, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Any sin we commit is evidence against us of our corrupted fallen condition. Do you realize what God has done for you (and all of us!) concerning this? The Bible says, "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). The very night before He was crucified, Jesus said, "I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me" (Jn. 14:6). The inspiration for the painting that I spoke of earlier was this that Jesus said: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man (or person) hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me" (Rev. 3:20). While it is understood that this invitation given by Jesus is being gleaned from a letter addressed to a church (Rev. 3:14-21), His invitation is to "any man" (or person) and is quite reflective of His manner. What remains to be done resides in the decision of one's will. We can receive Christ, or we can turn Him away. So, how do we receive Christ? An example would be that when He is dealing with you, to acknowledge to Him your realization that you are a corrupted fallen creature (i.e., a sinner) and your acceptance of what He has done for you through Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. Then, simply let Him know that you want Him to come into your heart and life and save you. What happens when we receive Him? I can think of no comment that quite captures the specialness of Jesus entering one's heart, as did the remark a young boy is said to have made when asked if he knew what Jesus did when He comes in. The young boy's remark was this: "Yeah, He just comes in, closes the door behind Him, and stays!" If you have invited Christ into your heart, you may wonder, "Where to from here?" I would first of all recommend this that has long been my life Scripture: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths " (Pro. 3:5-6). Feel free to make this your life Scripture as well, if you would like. Beyond this, as with any relationship, it is of the utmost importance to communicate with God. Basically, this happens when we read and study the Bible (God's Word to us) and when we pray (our words to God). Further, it is important to find a good church home where you can sense God's presence and have the support of other brothers and sisters in Christ. And further still, know that God has a very special purpose for all of His children (you included!) and that we experience the most fulfillment in our lives when we seek to accomplish this in our walk with Him as followers, or disciples, of His. For me, it has always been hard to find satisfaction that I have said enough. I sometimes feel that I will never be finished with this website or with all that I would like to say. In bringing my thoughts to a close for now, the importance of understanding truth, or sound doctrine, would be hard to overemphasize. While I would certainly encourage you to consider my listing of WHAT I BELIEVE , my greater encouragement would be that you seek Christ's Spirit concerning truth, being ever mindful of His promise (Jn. 16:13). Finally, if this website has been a help to you in coming to Christ, or in any other way, it would surely be a blessing for me if you would let me know. I assure you, there will never be any strings attached or solicitations made in connection with me or this website. Hope to see you in glory! "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Eph. 3:20-21) To contact

The geographical setting for Daniel's 70th Week will be the same as it was for the first 69 weeks... When I think of Daniel's 70th Week, I have often thought of it being like the final sequel to the first 69 weeks. Relating to the Church, by what patterns alone normally suggest, it has often been reasoned that because it was not a part (or in the setting) of the first 69 weeks of this prophecy, it will not be a part of the last week. Because this reasoning is consistently supported by Scripture, it has been easy for me to accept it by faith as being a fact. Obviously, this also supports a pre-trib or pre-Daniel's 70th Week rapture of the Church. Intriguingly, there is scriptural evidence of something more to be considered here, also relating to patterns, something that has never been brought to light in any other view that I am aware of. Years ago, while contemplating John's account of what happens with the sounding of the first four trumpets (Rev. 8), my mind was drawn to the "third part" destruction he there wrote of and what this might mean for the geographical setting of Daniel's 70th Week. Question: What was the geographical setting for the other 69 weeks? Answer: Israel and the lands of the earth in its hemisphere. In other words, the setting for the fulfilling of the other 69 weeks was the lands on Israel's side of the ear th, meaning, the lands of the Bible days. It could be said that, from Heaven's perspective, this was the stage upon which the first 69 weeks played out. Similar to the line of thinking that I spoke of in the preceding paragraph, does it not seem reasonable that this would also be the stage for the last or 70th Week? Of course it does. So, what does this have to do with the third part d estruction that John wrote of? I'm believing that when you see it, you won't be able to unsee it. For those who are not geography buffs, what lands are in Israel's hemisphere? Generally speaking, if you were to look at a globe of the earth towards the equator and the continents that are on Israel's side of the earth, the half of the globe that you would be looking at represents the hemisphere of which it is a part. Said another way, whenever the sun is high in the sky over Israel's side of the earth, this would include all of the earth that is illuminated by it at that time. It is easy to see that this would include Europe, Africa, and Asia. Not quite as noticeable is that it would also include Australia and part of Antarctica. By nature, this is also the way things were in the Bible days. Today, the side of the earth of which Israel is a part is commonly referred to as the Eastern Hemisphere. An important thing to be realized is that the lands we normally consider to be in Israel's hemisphere represent two-thirds of the land area of the earth. Related to the chronology of The Revelation and what results with the sounding of the first four trumpets, this percentage is very significant. Let's continue to the next proposition... bACK tO TOP PART 11 HOME next KEY PROPOSITION 2 The geographical setting for Daniel's 70th Week will be the same as it was for the first 69 weeks.

A complete chronological outline of The Revelation, showing a very different view of the pre-trib rapture of the Church... A CHRONOLOGICAL OUTLINE OF THE REVELATION INTRODUCTION A. The Revelation of Christ, to shew us things that were to come to pass (1:1) B. Of the Apostle John's bearing record of what was revealed to him (1:2) C. Of blessing for regard of prophecy, for the things were about to begin (1:3) JOHN, TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN ASIA A. John's salutation to the seven churches which were in Asia (1:4-8) B. The setting of the experience he had while on the Isle of Patmos (1:9-10) C. The instruction he was given to write what he saw to the seven churches (1:11) D. His seeing Jesus in the midst of seven candlesticks, holding seven stars (1:12-18) E. The mystery of the seven stars and seven candlesticks explained (1:19-20) THE LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES ( see Appendix #9 ) LETTER #1— "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write..." (2:1-7) The Message: "I know thy works..." The Call: "He that hath an ear, let him hear..." The Promise: "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree of Life..." LETTER #2— "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write..." (2:8-11) The Message: "I know thy works..." The Call: "He that hath an ear, let him hear..." The Promise: "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." LETTER #3— "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write..." (2:12-17) The Message: "I know thy works..." The Call: "He that hath an ear, let him hear..." The Promise: "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna..." LETTER #4— "And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write..." (2:18-29) The Message: "I know thy works..." The Promise: "And he that overcometh...to him will I give power over the nations..." The Call: "He that hath an ear, let him hear..." LETTER #5— "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write..." (3:1-6) The Message: "I know thy works..." The Promise: "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment..." The Call: "He that hath an ear, let him hear..." LETTER #6— "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write..." (3:7-13) The Message: "I know thy works..." The Promise: "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God..." The Call: "He that hath an ear, let him hear..." LETTER #7— "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write..." (3:14-22) The Message: "I know thy works..." The Promise: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne..." The Call: "He that hath an ear, let him hear..." JOHN'S INVITE TO A CEREMONY IN HEAVEN A. That he's to be shown what must be "hereafter" (4:1-2a) B. The appearance of God on His throne (4:2b-3) C. The twenty-four elders and four beasts (4:4-8a) ( see Appendix #10 ) D. The worship of the beasts and elders toward God (4:8b-11) THE SEVEN SEALED BOOK AND THE LAMB'S RECEIVING OF IT A. The Seven Sealed Book and the search for one to open it (5:1-4) B. The prevailing of the Lamb of God to open the book (5:5-7) C. The praise to the Lamb by the beasts, elders, angels, and all (5:8-14) THE OPENING OF THE FIRST SIX SEALS SEAL #1— (6:1-2) A rider with a bow goes forth upon a white horse / DECEPTION Satan's Church Age scheme to conquer truth by deceivers and false Christs Compare—Matt. 24:4-5; Mk. 13:5-6; Lk. 21:8 SEAL #2— (6:3-4) A rider with a great sword goes forth upon a red horse / WARS Satan's Church Age scheme to take away peace and bring about wars Compare—Matt. 24:6-7a; Mk. 13:7-8a; Lk. 21:9-10 SEAL #3— (6:5-6) A rider with a pair of balances goes forth upon a black horse / POVERTY Satan's Church Age scheme to effect poverty for most, but luxury for some Compare—Matt. 24:7b-8; Mk. 13:8b; Lk. 21:11a SEAL #4— (6:7-8) A rider named "Death" goes forth upon a pale horse with Hell following/ MARTYRDOM Satan's Church Age scheme to martyr Christians, but with a specified limit Compare—Matt. 24:9-10; Mk. 13:9-12; Lk. 21:12-16 SEAL #5— (6:9-11) John's seeing of the souls of Church Age martyrs under the altar The cry for justice of those who have been martyred Reassurance of nearing justice, after the fulfilling of further martyrdom Consider—Rev. 11:7-10; Rev. 12:11; Rev. 13:7, 15; Rev. 20:4 SEAL #6— (6:12-17) CHRIST'S SIGN APPEARANCE AND THE RAPTURE— Compare Matt. 24:29-31; Mk. 13:24-27; Lk. 21:25-27; Acts 2:19-20; and 1 Thess. 4:13-5:11 A great earthquake, sun blackened, moon appears red, stars falling... Of mankind's terror, frenzy, and fear of the wrath of God Of those in Israel's hemisphere who glimpse Christ's Sign Appearance INTERLUDE BETWEEN THE SIXTH AND SEVENTH SEALS A. The readying of the angels for the opening of the 7th Seal (7:1) B. The sealing of 144,000 Jews, 12,000 from each tribe (7:2-8) C. John's seeing of a great multitude (the Church) in Heaven (7:9-17) THE OPENING OF THE SEVENTH SEAL A. The silence in Heaven after the opening of the 7th Seal (8:1) B. The giving of seven trumpets to the seven angels (8:2) C. The giving of a golden censer to another angel (8:3-5) D. The seven angels prepare themselves to sound the trumpets (8:6) THE SOUNDING OF THE SEVEN TRUMPETS TRUMPET #1— (8:7) Hail and fire mingled with blood is cast upon the earth 1/3 part of trees and all remaining green grass burnt up TRUMPET #2— (8:8-9) A great fiery mountain is cast into the sea (or ocean) 1/3 part of sea (or ocean) becomes blood and devastation TRUMPET #3— (8:10-11) A great star (or asteroid) called "Wormwood" impacts Earth 1/3 part of rivers and underground water is polluted TRUMPET #4— (8:12-13) 1/3 part of day and night time illumination affected Angel's announcement of three coming "WOES " TRUMPET #5— (9:1-12) Five month locust torment / Earth can stabilize some A description of the locusts and their king First "woe" is past before Trumpet #6 is sounded TRUMPET #6— (9:13-21) An army of 200 million allowed beyond Euphrates A war wherein the third part of men are killed Idol worship of Eastern religions alluded to INTERLUDE CONCERNING LITTLE BOOK NOW OPEN—DANIEL A. The stage is now reset for Daniel's 70th Week /Angel makes proclamation (10:1-6) B. The significance of the 7th Trumpet/ Of John's eating of the little book (10:7-11) TRUMPET #6—(Continued) —FOCUS BROUGHT TO BEAR UPON JERUSALEM (11:1-14) Of the temple and the worship that is going on there Of the Gentile nations' treading the Holy City under foot First mention of TWO 3-1/2 YEAR TIME FRAMES (11:2-3) The two witnesses / Compare Zech. 4:11-14 and Matt. 17:1-4 First explicit mention of the "beast" (11:7) or Antichrist Second "woe" is past before Trumpet #7 is sounded TRUMPET #7—THE HERALDING OF THE SEVENTH TRUMPET PERIOD (11:15-19) The proclamation that all kingdoms belong to Christ The praises to God for the exercise of His sovereignty Of the Lord's reign and rewarding of His children Of the Lord's wrath and judgment upon the ungodly DETAILS OF THE PERIOD HERALDED BY THE SEVENTH TRUMPET (REV. 12)— SPIRITUAL REALM SCENE OF SATAN'S ACTIVITY DISCLOSED Satan's activity against Israel (vs.1/ Gen. 37:9-11) leading up to this time (vss. 1-6) The war in the heavenlies resulting in Satan being cast down unto the earth (vss. 7-9) Satan's activity against Israel / Beginning of last half of Daniel's 70th Week (vss. 10-17) OVERLAPS— (vs. 3 with 17:3); (vs. 10 with 11:15); (vs. 12 with 11:14) (REV. 13)— PHYSICAL REALM SCENE OF SATAN'S ACTIVITY DISCLOSED Satan's rise in the political realm as the beast of his revived Babylon empire (vss. 1-10) Satan's rise in the religious realm as the false prophet of his harlot church (vss. 11-14) Satan's despotic rule through the beast (Antichrist) and the false prophet (vss. 15-18) OVERLAPS— (vs. 1 with 12:3); (vss. 1-3ff with 17:7-12ff); (vs. 7 with 12:11) (REV. 14)—TRIUMPH OF THE 144,000 SAINTS DISCLOSED Scene of the 144,000 saints in Heaven, and a last call for world to turn to God (vss. 1-7) The doom of all who worship the beast / The reaping of the earth, and God's wrath (vss. 8-20) OVERLAPS— (vs. 7 with 11:18); (vs. 8 with 16:19 and 18:2ff) (REV. 15)—TRIUMPH OF DANIEL'S 70TH WEEK MARTYRS DISCLOSED Scene of Daniel's 70th Week martyrs in Heaven, and their song (vss. 1-4) Preparation for the pouring out of the seven vials of God's wrath (vss. 5-8) OVERLAPS— (vs. 2 with 13:15, 14:9-13, and 20:4); (vss. 5-8 with 11:18 and 16:1-21) (REV. 16)—SEVEN VIALS OF GOD'S WRATH DISCLOSED Angels instructed to pour out the seven vials of God's wrath upon the earth (vs. 1) The results of the pouring out of God's wrath upon the earth (vss. 2-21) OVERLAPS— (vss. 14-16 with 19:19); (vss. 17-21 with 11:18-19); (vs. 19 with 14:7-8, 20) (REV. 17)—JUDGMENT OF THE GREAT WHORE DISCLOSED John's seeing of the woman upon the scarlet coloured beast, and his wonder (vss. 1-6) The mystery surrounding the woman and the beast explained, and her fate (vss. 7-18) OVERLAPS— (vs. 8 with 13:3-4, 8); (vs. 14 with 19:11-14ff) (REV. 18)—JUDGMENT OF BABYLON THE GREAT DISCLOSED The fall of Babylon the great, and the lament of those who were loyal to it (vss. 1-19) The call to rejoice over the fall of Babylon / The finality of its destruction (vss. 20-24) OVERLAPS— (vs. 5 with 16:19); (vs. 8 with 16:17-21); (vss. 10, 17, and 19 with 14:7-8) (REV. 19)—THE SECOND ADVENT OF CHRIST DISCLOSED Scene of rejoicing in preparation for Christ's return / The Second Advent of Christ (vss. 1-16) The Battle of Armageddon, and the doom of the beast and the false prophet (vss. 17-21) OVERLAPS— (vss. 1-6 with 11:15-17); (vs. 15ff with 14:17-20) (REV. 20)—CHRIST'S REIGN AND LAST JUDGMENT DISCLOSED The binding of Satan, Christ's thousand year reign, and Satan's ultimate doom (vss. 1-10) The "Great White Throne Judgment" and ultimate doom of the lost (vss. 11-15) OVERLAPS— (vss. 4-6 with 11:15); (vs. 12 with 11:18) JOHN'S SEEING OF HEAVEN / CONCLUSION OF THE REVELATION A. John's seeing of the New Sky, the New Earth, and the New Jerusalem in God's Heaven (21:1-2) B. The declaration of God's presence with mankind and the making of all things new (21:3-8) C. Of the New Jerusalem of the New Earth in God's Heaven, and its magnificence (21:9-27) D. The River of Life, the Tree of Life, and other wonders characteristic of God's Heaven (22:1-5) E. Of t he sureness of The Revelation, other promises, and related blessings and cursings (22:6-19) F. Of Christ's declaration, "Surely I come quickly," and John's concluding words (22:20-21) (Continued) bACK tO TOP next