For many years, the Book of Revelation seemed to be a mystery to me, and though my heart burned within me as I would read through it periodically, I wondered if I would ever know and understand what is entailed therein by the many terms and descriptions of events and sequences of time. I saw how that many professed Biblical teachers and theologians had many differing view points: Which of the events described therein are past/present/future? Which of the terms are literal and which are metaphorical? When does the rapture take place? Where are we now in the course of events described?..... It was scarce to even find two professing men of God who shared the same viewpoint in all regards!
Yet, concerning Biblical prophecy pertaining to the end of the world, inspired Scripture states through the Apostle John (to whom was given the Testimony of Jesus Christ):
"2 [John] Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 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." (Rev. 1:2-3)
Likewise, the Old Testament Prophet Daniel says concerning the prophecies of the Last Days:
" Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." (Dan. 12:10)
Thus the right questions need to be asked! How can a Christian keep those things written in the Book of Revelation without first reading, hearing with Spiritual ears, which is to UNDERSTAND as one who is wise--just as Daniel states! Furthermore, it is evident that those who overcome the dragon, that is, the old serpent, the devil, Satan, who deceives the whole world (Rev. 12:9) do so by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of their Testimony, that is, the Testimony which they possess as Treasure in their earthen vessels! (2 Cor. 4:7, Rev. 12:11, 12:17, 19:10)
Speaking in context of apocalyptic worldwide judgment, the Prophet Isaiah says:
"And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.' (Isa. 33:6)
Truth be told, as I have come to understand through pastors according to God's own heart who have loved me as their own souls (much could be said!), and God the Holy Ghost bringing to life through the written Word and Doctrine ALL of the essential terms, metaphors, and Spiritual and physical entities described in the Book of Revelation are ABUNDANTLY declared, elaborated, and interpreted by Old Testament Prophets! And all of these are pertaining to God's usage of a last resort Divine chastisement to purify His backslidden people and recover for Himself a clean and spotless Bride that follows the Lamb wherever He goes: BABYLON! The Day of the LORD through and upon Babylon, which is, in other words, the Doctrine of the Last Days/End of the World, is a Doctrine forged explicitly as early as the the Book of Deuteronomy by the Prophet Moses in his last words to the children of the Exodus generation (Deut. 30-32)! Everything from the Seals, the Trumpets, the Vials, the Beast, the Dragon, the Antichrist, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the Two Olive Trees (The Two Witnesses), the Measuring Line/Reed, the experience of Tribulation Prophets, the Doctrine of Babylon, the Doctrine of the Wilderness, the Doctrine of the Bride of Christ, the Everlasting Gospel preached by the angel flying through heaven, the prophecies pertaining to Gog and Magog... and many more are abundantly spoken of in similar or nearly the exact same prophetic language all throughout the Old Testament!
Dear Friends, would you please search this matter out for yourself!
-Preethi
No comments:
Post a Comment