末世：哈米吉多顿

多年来，关于哈米吉多顿的解释至少有六种主流观点：
1）王国论
这种观点认为，“七王”象征着曾经压迫上帝子民的历代世界帝国，例如埃及、亚述、巴比伦、米底波斯、希腊以及未来的罗马。人们常常认为，最终的“第八个”王国是复兴的罗马帝国。

2）罗马皇帝论
另一种解释认为，“七王”指的就是罗马皇帝。这些罗马皇帝分别是尤利乌斯·凯撒、奥古斯都、提比略、卡利古拉和克劳狄乌斯。这种观点认为，“第八位”是一位未来的统治者，他象征着兽，可能是复活的尼禄。

3）诗篇 83
有些人将启示录 17 章中的“十角”解读为与诗篇 83 篇中提到的联盟相关的统治者。如今，这些地区通常与约旦、黎巴嫩、叙利亚、伊拉克、沙特阿拉伯和巴勒斯坦领土等国家联系在一起，这些国家被视为在末世联合起来对抗以色列。从这个角度来看，持续不断的中东冲突引起了人们的关注。

4）西欧
一些观点认为，最终的西欧超级大国，其根基在于罗马帝国的遗产，就是“兽”或北方之王，它率领全球军队前往哈米吉多顿与基督决战。

5）全球主义势力（美国）
另一些观点则认为，美国在这个西方“兽”体系中扮演着重要角色，可能就是《启示录》13章中的“第二兽”；这个超级大国强制推行“兽印”，并支持最终在哈米吉多顿决战中对抗基督的全球秩序。

6）全球联盟
更广泛地说，在这些解读中，西欧和美国的势力通常都被视为反对基督的更广泛联盟的一部分。

五大帝国覆灭
确切地说，哈米吉多顿之战是但以理关于巨像、四兽和七十个七的异象的延续。事实上，巨像和兽的异象是对同一预言的平行描述。

在那个异象中，罗马帝国由铁的两条腿代表，预言帝国最终分裂为西罗马帝国和东罗马帝国。这进一步延伸到西欧和东欧。

因此，在但以理关于巨像和兽的异象中，出现的是五只兽，而不是四只。它们描绘了世界权力通过五个连续帝国的更迭：巴比伦、米底波斯、希腊、两条腿；即西罗马和东罗马。西罗马和东罗马的兴衰时间并不相同。这表明它们并非由同一兽的体系所掌控，而应被视为两个不同的帝国。西罗马迅速衰落，而东罗马则延续了数个世纪。最终，他们演变成了拜占庭帝国。

启示录17:10确实宣告：“五个已经倾覆，一个还在，一个还没有到来。” 这五个倾覆的王国是巴比伦、米底波斯、希腊，以及罗马帝国的两条腿—西罗马帝国和东罗马帝国。第六个王国将从东方兴起，参与哈米吉多顿之战。最后的一只兽将爆发歌革和玛各之战。

十个脚趾
但以理书2:42-45和但以理书第7章，正如AMPC译本所揭示，雕像的十个脚趾由铁和泥土混合而成，代表末世的十位君王。

这十个君王，也就是这十个脚趾，最终将被那块石头击碎，这块石头能粉碎铁、铜、泥土、银和金。虽然巴比伦、波斯、希腊和罗马这些金属所象征的帝国早已覆灭，但预言表明，巴比伦体系本身会一直延续到脚趾（即十个王国）被摧毁为止。因此，重点不在于孤立的统治者或兽像，而在于贯穿各个国家的庞大兽性体系，这个体系最终将被彻底清除。

所以，当信徒试图解读哈米吉多顿之战时，他们的理解必须与雕像异象中所揭示的全部真理相符。埃及和亚述都不能被纳入这个预言中，因为它们不属于这个神圣雕像框架的一部分。这个框架只有巴比伦、米底波斯、希腊，以及罗马帝国的两条腿—西罗马帝国和东罗马帝国。并没提出埃及和亚述。

来自东方的君王
启示录16:12宣告：“幼发拉底大河干涸，为聚集在哈米吉多顿的东方君王预备道路。”
的确，神亲自动工，使幼发拉底大河干涸，为东方的列国预备哈米吉多顿之战。本质上，神是在邀请东方列国参与这场战争。然而，许多人声称即将到来的强权将来自西欧或美洲。圣经对此无法一致。只需看看世界地图上幼发拉底大河的位置，就能分辨出谁位于东方。

以此为基础，我们现在将踏上期待已久的末日之旅。

哈米吉多顿
哈米吉多顿是神圣力量与邪恶势力（或毁灭者）之间最终决战的地点之一。在解读圣经时，必须认识到《启示录》多次以两次叙述的方式呈现了末世事件。换句话说，末世事件的展开是以两个或多个平行顺序呈现的。例如：

十四万四千人分别在第7章和第14章中被提及。
同样，哈米吉多顿也以平行形式出现在《启示录》9:11和16:16中。
雕像和四兽

圣经总是在不同经节多次揭示预言事件。因此，为了更全面地理解，最好将平行事件合并在一起。关于同一末世事件如何在《启示录》中两次被揭示的更多细节，将在后续章节中单独讨论。

哈米吉多顿之战的目的
启示录 9:20-21 和启示录 16:9 揭示了上帝使幼发拉底河干涸的原因，是为了邀请那些心硬如铁、亵渎神明、悖逆上帝、崇拜异教神明的人在哈米吉多顿或“审判谷”与祂决战。

预言间隙与大灾难
根据时代论的“预言间隙”神学观点，教会时代被插入到但以理书第69个七年和第70个七年之间。这意味着但以理书最后七年的时间在教会时代停止或暂停。只有在被提之后，第70个七年才会以其预定的狂暴展开。

基于这种教义，被提预计会发生在：
1) 灾前，
2) 灾中，或
3) 灾后。

但以理的七十个七
然而，在之前基于但以理书第9章和启示录第12章的“末世：但以理的七十个七”研究中，已经确定，我们已经进入了但以理的七十个七。确切地说，我们现在正接近预言的七年时期中前三年半的结点。这表明教会时代并非位于但以理的第六十九个七和第七十个七之间的停顿或是所谓的“预言间隙”。鉴于此，我们已经进入了大灾难时期，最终将在哈米吉多顿大战之前以基督的救赎而告终。但以理的七十个七中并不存在间隙或停顿。

确切地说，我们正处于十趾时代。这些脚趾看起来比头、身和腿都小，然而，它们的大小并不代表王国时期的持续时间。的确，脚趾虽然体积小，但其存在时间却比巴比伦、米底波斯和希腊的时代还要长。脚趾时代至今已持续了2000多年。同样，七年和七十周也都是象征性的，并非以实际数目来衡量。

当然，十趾或十王只有在哈米吉多顿大战之后才会获得他们的王国（启示录 17:12）。他们将在兽从无底坑中升起，准备歌革和玛各之战的那一刻获得权柄和将它们的权柄给于那只龙。（启示录 20:7-8）。

如果将十趾（即未来的十位君王）视为东西罗马或欧洲的延伸，那么东西欧将在歌革和玛各之战中与北方王结盟，放弃他们的权力和权威。然而，过去的地理边界不能用同样的视角来解读未来的走向。归根结底，正是巴比伦式的、兽性的体系在颠覆世界，尤其压制基督教。

因此，《启示录》17:8 所说的“先前有，如今没有，将来还要从无底坑里上来，归于无底坑”指的是撒旦/兽和将来要出现的十个脚趾/王（《启示录》17:12-13），他们将与歌革和玛各交战，而不是指哈米吉多顿之战。

被提
在启示录14:14-20中，一位人子和一位天使奉祂的命令，各自用镰刀收割庄稼。从圣经的角度来看，这些收割的场景象征着“被提”。关于被提的更多细节将在后续章节中讨论。

重要的是，这段经文确立了以下几点：
– 被提发生在启示录14:14-20。
– 然而，哈米吉多顿之战发生在启示录16:16，稍晚一些。

美国人与被提
本质上，哈米吉多顿之战发生在被提之后。届时，真正的信徒已被提。被提标志着主的再来，拯救祂受压迫的子民并审判世界。

顺便一提，“世界日益黑暗，教会日益光明”的说法并不成立。如果教会真的越来越光明，基督就没有必要再来救赎祂受压迫的子民了。

被提将聚集全世界的真信徒，也包括美国人。这有助于解释为什么圣经在末世没有明确提及美国。因此，圣经并没有暗示美国会在哈米吉多顿大战之前消失，也没有暗示美国没有记载在圣经记中。圣经所肯定的是，被提发生在哈米吉多顿大战之前。

当然，并非所有美国人都拥有真正的信仰，圣经也清楚地表明，在末世，全世界的信徒，而不仅仅是美国的信徒，都会离弃信仰。

朱红色女人
圣经中特别提到一位“坐在水面上的女人”，她象征着一个国家。这位女人很可能是聚集起来准备迎接哈米吉多顿大战的东方诸国的领袖。

她并非指象征“假先知”的第三只青蛙。启示录17:1-4描述的是一位身穿紫色或朱红色衣服的女人坐在朱红色的兽上。因此，女人和兽都穿着朱红色、紫色或红色的衣服。

这位大淫妇的一些身份和特征如下：

身穿紫色或朱红色衣服
坐在水中，象征着民族、语言和方言
一个拥有7个头、10个角的国度。这7个头后来被解释为7座山或7位君王。

有趣的是，东方有一座城市，它被描绘成一个以紫色为主色调的国家或王国。它的中文名字是紫禁城，也叫故宫。顾名思义，它就是“紫色的禁城”，位于中国首都北京的中心地带。不仅如此，这座建筑也以红色（紫色）和黄色为主色调。它曾是明清两代的皇家宫殿。

天主教会
有一种教义认为“身穿朱红色长袍的大淫妇”代表天主教会。当我们继续阅读《启示录》16:13时，使徒约翰在他的异象中看到三个污秽的、形似青蛙的灵从以下三个人的口中出来：
– 龙（撒旦），
– 兽，以及
– 假先知。

这三个形象被称为“灵”，它们既非人类实体，也非世俗的国度。这表明，在哈米吉多顿大战中，三种灵性力量联合起来。它们各自扮演着不同的角色，并面临着不同的命运。在哈米吉多顿大战结束时，那兽和那假先知将被擒拿，所有接受“兽印记”的人将被活活地扔进燃烧着硫磺的火湖里（《启示录》19:20）。

而那条龙，也就是撒旦，或者说古蛇，将被囚禁在无底坑中一千年。然而，一千年之后，它将被释放出来，迷惑地上的列国，引诱他们与歌革和玛各争战（启示录 20:1-8）。

亵渎者
此外，那位身份不明的东方大淫妇坐在水面上，象征着对不同国家、语言和民族积极迫害信徒或圣徒。启示录17:6将她描述为“喝圣徒的血，就是为耶稣作见证的殉道者的血”。这头朱红色的兽，身披亵渎之物，与祂的名相悖，正如启示录17:3所记载。

反教会
多年来，东方某国关闭了数千间教堂。外国传教士被驱逐，圣经被篡改，人们被禁止参加礼拜。一些信徒在拘留期间或遭受酷刑后死亡；另一些人则面临终身监禁；她是一位压迫基督教信大淫妇，也是真正的反基督者。她控诉来自不同国家、说着不同语言的基督徒，以及那些在该国积极传扬基督信仰的人。

象征着龙
此外，这个匿名的东方大国几个世纪以来一直被象征着“龙”，并受到“龙”的崇拜。在《圣经》中，龙代表撒旦。

主要海港和丰富的资源
《启示录》18:11-13揭示了另一个线索，表明这个匿名的王国拥有巨大的财富，从事黄金、白银、宝石、珍珠、细麻布、丝绸、肉桂、铜、铁、象牙、乳香、香油、葡萄酒、小麦、牛羊、战车等货物的海运，甚至还涉及贩卖人口（《启示录》18:17）。

显然，这个匿名的东方国家应该拥有一个规模庞大，甚至可能是世界级的海港。作为一个国家，它拥有丰富的稀土资源、农业资源和珍贵宝石。这个位于东方大国拥有主要海港的身份不难辨认。

两亿大军
《启示录》预言，一支两亿人的军队将集结起来参加最后的决战（启示录 9:16）。

鉴于现代科技和人工智能的进步，如此庞大的军队可能不仅包括人类士兵，还可能包括机器人、无人机和自动驾驶出租车等。

然而，使徒约翰所看到的异象是幼发拉底河干涸，以此来激励一支两亿人的军队参加哈米吉多顿之战。这表明经文指的是两亿陆军。如果这支军队的部署是基于技术的机器人、无人机和自动驾驶出租车等，那么就不需要让幼发拉底河干涸了。

如果没有那个人口众多的东方匿名国家的参与，很难集结一支两亿人的强大军队来应对这场决定性的战役。再说，东方人口如此众多，不难看出这位“红衣女子”的身份。

巴比伦体系
纵观历史，巴比伦、米底波斯、希腊和罗马兴衰更迭，它们都曾征服以色列。它们的疆界几经变迁，时而扩张，时而收缩，但历史表明，这些压迫者从未局限于某个国家或地区。真正的问题在于邪恶兽性体系本身。

这些兽性王国虽各具特色，但运作方式却有相似之处，其核心特征也十分相似。这些特征体现在：
– 霸权主义和统治
– 中央集权统治
– 王朝继承
– 中央集权军事力量
– 军队的绝对忠诚
– 中央集权资源
– 背弃上帝，压迫祂的子民
– 活在罪恶、属灵的黑暗和悖逆之中

当一个幅员辽阔的国家或由多个邦国和省份组成的联邦以统一的声音、单一的资源和单一的中央目标进行统治，并以霸权主义、支配和军事统一为特征时，它就如同巴别塔的建造者一般。在如此的骄傲和野心驱使下，他们高举自己的名号，与上帝为敌，亵渎祂的名。

事实上，建立在支配基础上的体系比建立在私营企业基础上的国家拥有更大的权力。这反映了巴比伦、米底-波斯、希腊和罗马曾经的征服方式，揭示了巴比伦体系更深层的含义。

如果此处的“女人”代表一个国家，那么巴比伦式的兽性体系可能超越了单纯的政治结构和权力。它是一个政治组织。

的确，圣经宣称，朱红色的女人骑在朱红色的兽上，朱红色的兽驮着她（启示录 17:3, 7）。这描绘了属灵的兽性体系与政治秩序交织在一起的联盟。因此，象征着国家的女人栖息在象征政治权力的精神巨兽之上。反过来，政党又承载着国家本身。

七头/七座山
如果那位“红衣女子”的确就是上文提到的紫色宫殿，那么这个匿名的东方国家实际上拥有许多属灵的山，以及祭坛，鲜血在此流淌，活人在此献祭，以敬拜众多异教神明。上帝的圣名遭到亵渎和亵渎，祂的子民世世代代遭受迫害。

启示录17:2、5、9概括道：“那七头十角的妇人与她行淫；她的名字是：

大巴比伦
娼妓之母
世上一切可憎之物的母

因此，主必审判列国和最大的淫乱之城，就是地上的大城。这些山象征着淫乱和根深蒂固的宗教堡垒。”

结论
诚然，预言描述了东方势力在哈米吉多顿的集结，但经文强调并着重描述了“朱红色女人”，她坐在众水之上，被七头十角的兽驮着。这个女人被定义为：

一个国家，而非一个宗教团体。
很可能，这个国家就是东方的领袖。
拥有两亿步兵。
通过海上运输积累财富，拥有丰富的矿产、农业等资源。
坐众水上，迫害不同民族、不同语言的基督徒，背叛上帝。敌基督。
喝醉了圣徒的血和为耶穌作见证之人的血。
大巴比伦，淫妇之母，世上一切可憎之物的母。

总之，根据以上几点，辨别幼发拉底河以东的“朱红色女人”并不难。
启示录18:4中“从她里面出来”的命令是对被提前后所有信徒的紧急警告，提醒信徒远离巴比伦体系和国家的属灵和道德败坏。虽然肉体的“兽印”可能尚未成为强制性的，但兽和国家；巴比伦体系本身已经在当今世界显现。这考验着我们的忠诚，迫使我们做出选择。“从她里面出来”。不要成为敌基督的管道。Amenbible

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As a Christian, I have been asking:-
– What to believe in?
– What is the gospel?

Of course, different Christians believing God differently. For instance:-
– Some belief in godly career direction.
– Some looking for a godly life partner
– Some are struggling in finance and need a godly financial breakthrough.
– Some are seeking peace
– Some just inspire to worship God, etc.

Should we continue with the list, perhaps we can safely and surely say that at different stages in life, we are having different needs or checklists.

THE CRUCIAL QUESTION

But, when Christians are saying that they believe in the bible or Jesus, what does it mean exactly? If we are believing in the gospel, what exactly to believe in? What are the gospel and baptism? And what is their interrelationship then?

Before we look into the “Crucial Question”, let’s look at how and what apostle Paul warned the Corinthians churches in Second Corinthians chapter 11.

According to Paul, Eve fell, lured away because she entertained the smooth tongue of slightly seductive words from the snake. Paul continued by saying that should the believers tolerate the snake’s clever lies as Eve was, is like accepting:-
– a different Jesus
– a different Spirit
– a different Gospel.

The full context is as below:-

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬-4 ‭GNT
‬‬3 I am afraid that your minds will be corrupted and that you will abandon your full and pure devotion to Christ—in the same way that Eve was deceived by the snake’s clever lies.
4 For you gladly tolerate anyone who comes to you and preaches a DIFFERENT Jesus, not the one we preached; and you accept a spirit and a gospel completely different from the Spirit and the GOSPEL you received from us! (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT‬‬)

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT | amenbible.com

Apparently, Eve only tolerated the snake slightly. She might never have thought of being fallen away from God’s presence with just a slight belief being deviated from His word.

Paul was making a compare and contrast in the Book of Second Corinthians. A slight twist in God’s word or a slight difference in believing God’s word is treated as:-
– minds being corrupted
– being abandoned from pure devotion to Christ
– deceived by Satan.

And, to Paul, a slight difference is not God’s word at all but it is Satan’s truth. Similarly, a slight unbelieving is total devastation and destruction.

With that in mind, we shall then look into “The Crucial Question”, on what exactly the gospel, baptism, and belief are and their interrelationship.

Of course, modern-day teaching is saying:-
– the gospel is “GOOD NEWS.”
– any preaching on poverty, suffering for Christ, or the wrath of God is not “Good News”. Thus, that teaching is not from God.
– the gospel is the “Gospel of Grace.”
– whatever believers need, Christ has not just paid it all, but also fully supplied it all. It only needs faith for the believers to take from God all the blessedness and good gifts.
– baptism is merely a public declaration that they are Christ’s followers. It is just symbolism. Nothing significant.

There are many verses talking about baptism, the gospel, and belief. However let’s look at Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3 below:-

Mark 1:1-5, GNT
1 This is the GOOD NEWS about JESUS CHRIST, the Son of God. 2 It began as the prophet Isaiah had written: “God said, ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.’ 3 Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” 4 So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. “TURN AWAY FROM YOUR SINS and be baptized,” he told the people, “and GOD WILL FORGIVE YOUR SINS.” 5 Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. THEY CONFESSED THEIR SINS, and he baptized them in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:1-5, GNT)

Matthew 3:1-3 GNT
1 At that time John the Baptist came to the desert of Judea and started preaching. 2 “Turn away from your sins,” he said, “because the Kingdom of heaven is near!”
3 John was the man the prophet Isaiah was talking about when he said, “Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” (Matthew 3:1-3, GNT
—
6 They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan. (Matthew 3:6, GNT)

Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3:1-3 | amenbible.com

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS?
What do these two portions of scripture highlight?
Firstly, from Mark’s account, the gospel begins or starts from John the Baptist in preparing the path for Jesus’ earthly ministry.

That means the gospel is not just merely a simple verse or phrase of “GOOD NEWS” that can be covered. In brief, the gospel covers the entire life of Jesus and His mission to release the Holy Spirit for mankind.

Secondly, in any case, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are known as the Gospel Books. It involves the story of the entire life of Jesus, His callings, His way of doing things, and His mission.

Thus, believers/ preachers have to draw the integrated meaning from all four gospel Books, look at different angles and perspectives to understand the purpose of Christ, and comprehend His gospel.

Should we just take a verse or half a verse to draw its definition, we would say:-

The thief who was crucified with Jesus never went through water baptism. He never produced any good work/ fruit after believing in Christ at the cross.
Romans 10:8-9 only requires the mouth to declare and the heart to believe that God raised Jesus from death and shall be saved.
John 3:16. Just believe alone.
Don’t need evidence of fruits and good work for full salvation.
Water baptism is insignificant.
Once saved, always saved, by reciting the sinner’s player alone.
Similarly, there are many disputes and wrong teaching of cessationism of prophesying, tongues, and healing.
Bible readers will discover many of the scriptures, verses can never identify or even against each other and etc
Should that be the case, the bible is full of contradictions, errors, and disputable.
People like to cover up those disputes by suggesting not just 4 Gospel books but need to add in some more books like “The Gospel from Thomas” etc

THE BOOKS OF THE GOSPELS
Nevertheless, based on past studies, prove that fruits, good works, and conduct of believers are paramount for full salvation. Do revisit these studies, if needed:-
– END TIMES:- THE BOOK OF LIFE OPENS
– JESUS IS MY FRIEND – PART 1

There again, if we go back to both Matthew and Mark’s accounts, the gospel is a call for non-believers to turn away from their sins by confessing them and be baptized subsequently. The scripture continues by telling us “AND GOD WILL FORGIVE YOUR SINS.”

Putting Mark 1 and Matthew 3 into perspective, it is never the case for non-believers to declare all their sins are being forgiven at the salvation call prior to admitting and confessing their sins first.

And, baptism is not just symbolism or mere public declaration as Christ’s followers alone. It has to turn away from its sins first.

Besides, Jesus was commanding His disciples to baptize those who want to give their lives to Jesus in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Perhaps, this is the only commanding verse in the entire bible where three Names (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) appear at the same time. It shows the seriousness and importance of baptism. That suggests baptism is not just symbolic. It is renouncing sinful living.

Please do not read that verse by saying believers are protected by the trinity God. Because they have to abandon their sins first. And the next verse, in Matthew 28:20, is saying, “AND TEACH THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU.” This is another commanding verse for the obedience of God’s people after they have received baptism. It is not a protection verse.

Should we take the Great Commandment from Mark’s account, it states clearly that:
– Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16, GNT)
– It is a “AND” condition for believing and baptism in order to be saved.

The scripture reference as below:-

Matthew 28:19-20, GNT
19 Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: BAPTIZE THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT,
20 and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, GNT)

Mark 16:15-18, GNT
15 He said to them, “Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people.
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.
17 Believers will be given the power to perform miracles: they will drive out demons in my name; they will speak in strange tongues;
18 if they pick up snakes or drink any poison, they will not be harmed; they will place their hands on sick people, and these will get well.” (Mark 16:15-18, GNT)

Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-18 | amenbible.com

BE BAPTIZED
Let’s look at another verse to confirm Mark’s teaching below:-

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4-5; 8‬ ‭GNT
‬‬4 And when they came together, he gave them this order: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift I told you about, the gift my Father promised.
5 John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

8 But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4-5; 8‬ ‭GNT‬‬

Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4-5; 8‬ | amenbible.com

Obviously, some scholars are saying Mark 16 was added in verses. They are saying the original manuscript comes without those verses. Nevertheless, these verses are in line with Acts 1:8 which says the power of the Holy Spirit will manifest until “THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.”

And we saw many spiritual powers and breakthroughs happen in the book of Acts. Unless we believe that “THE ENDS OF THE EARTH” is already over if not, the spiritual power will continue to manifest.

That is not in line with cessationism theology that says all the healing, prophecy, and speaking in Tongues are over. Besides, our next and future generations do need those manifestations to believe and witness Him too. Spiritual powers and wonders had not ended in the first century and are not going to end in our generation. Rather, it has to be till “THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.”

On one extreme, people are saying that God/ Jesus never comes to prosper believers. Prosperity is a bad word, to some denominations.

Nevertheless, apostle John did pray for Gaius to be prospered in 3 John 1:2 [Recap: 3 JOHN (PROSPER IN ALL THINGS)]

Besides, God did prosper Abraham, Isaac, King David, and King Solomon in the Old Testament.

On top of that, in Deuteronomy, Moses reminded God’s people that He was the one who gave power for them to become rich. We are serving the same God, regardless of the old or New Testament. Those blessings and prosperity are not just spiritual, but tangible ones.

SEEK YE FIRST
Of course, on the other extreme, it is wrong to camp on prosperity and guarantee all believers to be wealthy and healthy universally.

At least we don’t see monetary prosperity for all first-century apostles. Indeed, the apostle Paul was living by tents-making to earn his living (Acts 18:3).

There again, there are many verses talking about how God provides for His people. One of the famous scriptures is known as “Seek Ye first.”

Matthew 6:33, GNT
33 Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with WHAT HE REQUIRES OF YOU, and he will provide you with all these other things.

Matthew 6:33, NIV
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33, AMPC
33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

Matthew 6:33 | amenbible.com

Modern teaching likes to camp the above verse on Christ’s righteousness. It is not about believers’ righteousness, they said. According to their teaching should the believers behold His glory, His imputed righteousness, God will give them all things.

On the other hand, some interpret Matthew 6:33 as spiritual blessings, got nothing to do with bodily, earthly blessings.

But the context is talking about the physical beauty of those flowers and the earthly edible food for those birds.

Furthermore, it is saying “Do not worry about what you eat, or wear.” It is not about spiritual beauty and spiritual food. Jesus did not talk about spiritual beauty and food. Rather, Jesus was referring to physical wellness and not future spiritual glory.

In addition, the context is not referring to God shall provide for the “Need and not the want” of the believers. The author was comparing and contrasting to a super wealthy King Soloman, who was living not just in need but a luxurious life. The fact is, rich or poor, God is their provider.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MATTHEW 6:33
From “CAST YOUR NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE”, shows that the resurrected Jesus was concerned about the continuity of His earthly evangelism and mission. Jesus was beseeching His people to continue in the propagation of God’s kingdom. Personally, I believe this is the meaning of “Seek first His kingdom.”

And based on GNT and AMPC, the second part of the context talk about His requirements for the believers. It is not about His imputed righteousness. It is about believers’ right doing. [Further reading about the word righteousness can be found here]

SLIGHT UNBELIEVING IS NOT BELIEVING. SLIGHT TWISTED TRUTH IS NOT THE TRUTH
In summary, scripture does not contradict itself. Should believe need to paraphrase, alter the bible’s original context, interpret every verse with the lens of grace, and see Jesus fulfilled or supplied in every verse, that is not believing. THAT IS SELECTIVELY BELIEVED.

And should we need to interpret verses by saying cessation; all the healing, prophecy, and speaking in Tongues are over, that is not inclined with God’s word. That is not just doubt, but strips Church’s power and reduces it to be like any earthly social community; without godly, spiritual powers. That is partial believing and constitutes unbelieving.

CONCLUSION
May the Lord help me/us in believing Him and His word absolutely, simply like a child/ Children.

By upholding and endorsing paraphrasing or cessation theologies, it will bring ruin to God’s words, and strip His spiritual powers and His truth. Let God be God. He is having personal assignments, plans, and purposes for each and every one. He is holding on to every believer’s destination.

Certainly, God is the One who blesses and prospers all His people. Nevertheless, Jesus’ primary first earthly mission was to point the way for believers to seek God’s kingdom, live a godly life, and bear witness to His kingdom with His spiritual powers till the ends to come.

Yes, the bible does mention of “Gospel of Grace.’ It means by grace people are giving the gospel. It doesn’t mean Jesus came to pour out His financial blessings for nothing. Jesus also said, “Come follow me; take up your cross, etc.”

Jesus’ primary role is not here to bless and bless; supply and supply His people for nothing. His spiritual powers are manifesting with a purpose.

In conclusion, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are known as the Gospel Books. The gospel is not just merely a simple verse or phrase of:
– GOOD NEWS
– Gospel of Grace
that can be covered. Truly, the gospel is covering the entire life of Jesus and His mission to release the Holy Spirit for mankind. Believers have to embrace His heart to seek God’s kingdom in witnessing His glory.

Again, Eve might not know that she could be fallen away from God’s presence with just a slight belief deviating from His word. Nevertheless, her story is written to forewarn believers from adopting her step.

Believe absolutely. And not selectively or partially. Amenbible.
Read:-
RIGHTLY DIVIDE HIS WORD (1)
BALAAM
AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD

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January 28, 2026

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CAST YOUR NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE

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There is a beautiful story on miraculous catches of fish in John 21:2-11.

BACKGROUND IN JOHN CHAPTER 20
Perhaps, it is good to look at the background of the story a chapter prior to the miraculous catches of fish; in chapter 20, before drawing a conclusion. Because of space, I shall not attach any verse from John 20. Individuals are encouraged to read their own bible in John chapter 20. A short outline of the story of John 20 unveils below:

– Early in the morning, Mary Magdalene visited the tomb. But she found that the tomb’s entrance was open. She ran to inform Jesus’ disciples (Peter and John) in John 20:1-2.

– The disciples went to the tomb. And the bible records verses 8 to 10 as below:-

(John 20:8-10, GNT)
8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed.
(9 They still did not understand the scripture which said that he must rise from death.)
10 Then the disciples went back home.

John 20:8-10, GNT | Amenbible

– Ironically, those disciples believed Jesus wasn’t in the tomb. In other words, it was an emptied tomb.

– Let me repeat again that yes, they believed the tomb was emptied. But after believing that it was an empty tomb, they chose to go home (John 20:8-10). Their hearts weren’t warmed by the fact that Jesus was being resurrected.

– Apparently, after being with Jesus for 3 ½ years, they did not know His way of teaching. They had not understood from Jesus’ sharing that He must rise from death.

– Indeed, Mary Magdalene returned with those disciples a second time. But she remained there and wept outside the tomb even when the disciples went back to their home.

– Obviously, from John 20:13 to 16, Magdalene couldn’t recognize the resurrected Lord who appeared to her.

– Jesus revealed Himself and wanted Mary Magdalene to inform His disciples that: ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ (John 20:17, NIV). Magdalene took heed of Jesus’ instruction in verse 18, by informing His disciples. This time around, she told them not only that the tomb was emptied, but that she had seen the resurrected Jesus physically.

– The following verses on John 20:19 to 29 tell us that Jesus went and appeared twice to His disciples. However, Thomas wasn’t with them in the first round then. On His second visit, Jesus allowed Thomas to put his finger into His wounded hands and told Thomas: “Stop your doubting, and believe!” In a matter of fact, He was clearing Thomas’ doubt.

– Without a doubt, the above demonstrated that the resurrected Jesus:-
1) was very much concerned about His disciples and the continuity of His earthly mission work.
2) wasn’t recognized by Magdalene and His disciples. That means the resurrected Jesus could be totally different bodily.

– Based on John 21:14, the miraculous catch of fish was the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples.

John‬ ‭21‬:‭12-‭14‬ ‭GNT‬‬
12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.
13 So Jesus went over, took the bread, and gave it to them; he did the same with the fish.
14 This, then, was the THIRD TIME Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from death.

John‬ ‭21‬:‭12-‭14‬ ‭GNT‬‬ | Amenbible

With that, we should have completed the short exposition in John 20.

Just to highlight that there are numerous sermons saying that the resurrected Jesus came to declare peace not just to Jesus’ earthly disciples but it includes new covenant believers.

Thus, believers should have all the peace needed in life no matter whatsoever circumstances they are undergoing, they said. Furthermore, they are saying should you are receiving the right gospel, it shall be living troubleless, carefree lives.

However, let’s look at Luke’s account, below:-

(Luke 24:36-46, GNT)
36 While the two were telling them this, suddenly the Lord himself stood among them and said to them, “PEACE BE WITH YOU.”
37 They were TERRIFIED, thinking that they were SEEING A GHOST.
38 But he said to them, “Why are you alarmed? Why are these doubts coming up in your minds?
39 Look at my hands and my feet, and see that it is I myself. Feel me, and you will know, FOR A GHOST DOESN’T HAVE FLESH AND BONES, as you can see I have.”
40 He said this and showed them his hands and his feet.
41 They still could not believe, they were so full of joy and wonder; so he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”
42 They gave him a piece of cooked fish,
43 which HE TOOK AND ATE IN THEIR PRESENCE.
44 Then he said to them, “These are the very things I told you about while I was still with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the prophets, and the Psalms had to come true.”
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
46 and said to them, “This is what is written: the Messiah must suffer and must rise from death three days later,

Luke 24:36-46, GNT | Amenbible

Prominently, Luke’s account tells us that Jesus was there to claim His dismayed disciples that He was not a ghost by saying “Peace be with you” and by eating with those disciples.” A ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones”, said Jesus. In any case, a ghost can’t eat. The idea of eating with the disciples was to demonstrate that He wasn’t a ghost

Jesus did not tell the believers peace from all the troubled, tribulations, and the unwanted world, as what the modern-day teaching like to claim. He said “Peace be with you” to claim the terrified disciples that He wasn’t a ghost.

From there, the story of miracle catches of fish unfolding in chapter 21 as below:

‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭2‬-‭11‬ ‭GNT‬‬
2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael (the one from Cana in Galilee), the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples of Jesus were all together.
3 Simon Peter said to the others, “I am going fishing.”
“We will come with you,” they told him. So they went out in a boat, but all that night they did not catch a thing.
4 “As the sun was rising, Jesus stood at the water’s edge, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.
5 Then he asked them, “Young men, haven’t you caught anything?” “Not a thing,” they answered.
6 He said to them, “Throw your net out on the RIGHT SIDE of the boat, and you will catch some.” So they threw the net out and COULD NOT PULL IT BACK in, because they had caught so many fish.
7 The DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken his clothes off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples came to shore in the boat, pulling the net full of fish. They were not very far from land, about a hundred yards away.
9 When they stepped ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish on it and some bread.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”
11 Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore full of big fish, A HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THREE in all; even though there were so many, STILL THE NET DID NOT TEAR.”

John‬ ‭21‬:‭2‬-‭11‬ ‭GNT‬‬ | Amenbible

Indeed, this is not just a lovely but a marvelous, candid story. Jesus appeared to them a third to reinstate His identity and strengthen their faith. As a matter of fact, after appearing to them a second time, they had yet to revive their vision and mission of spreading His gospel. They setback to their old habit as fishermen rather than their call as fishers of men (Mark 1:17).

RECEIVE GOD’S WORD WITH REVELATION
Nevertheless, I am very puzzled by some of the modern-day teachings. Among those, there is a teaching saying that believers need to “Receive God’s word with revelation (Let’s give a short name as RGWR)”.

The meaning of “RGWR ” is not the same as “Rhema Word”. It is not the same as God giving Spiritual revelation with certain insight, inspiration, vision, and dreams for upcoming events ahead either.

Rather, the “Receiving God’s Word with Revelation (RGWR)” is focusing on certain words or verses in the bible to draw their meaning.

For instance, in ‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭4‬-‭11, the “RGWR” is citing 4 Revelation Words as below:-

1) Right Side
The “Right Side” is deemed as the key to the miraculous catch of fish (Verse 6). To RGWR, the right side speaks for God’s favor, honor, etc, they say.
2) Empowerment
The appearance of Jesus empowered Peter to pull the net on the seashore (verse 11) that few strong guys couldn’t drag in the fishing net from the sea (Verse 6)
3) 153
Not only that, the other Revelation Word for RGWR is “153 fishes”, in verse 11. To them, in Greek/ Hebrew, “153” represents:
# victory,
# I am God,
# I the God,
# wisdom, etc
4) The disciple whom Jesus loved
The next Revelation Word for RGWR is “The disciple whom Jesus loved” (verse 7).
It is a form of self-boosting and self-declaring the love of Jesus. Based on this verse, many teachings and believers are self-declaring that they are “THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED” among the Christian community.

MY PERSONAL FINDINGS AND SUMMARY
In the light of seeking His truth, my personal study on this RGWR is as follows:-

(1) RIGHT-SIDE
Truly, there are quite many verses talking about the “Right Hand” in the bible. Some of the verses of “Right Hand” speak for God’s favour and honour”. But John 21 is talking about “Right SIDE”, not “Right HAND”.

And there aren’t any connecting elements on the “Right Side” as God’s favour or honor in the bible.

However, there is a similar or parallel event in the miraculous catches of fish in Luke 5: 1-6. The context in Luke 5:4-6 as follows:

(Luke 5:4-6, NIV)
4 When He (Jesus) had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “PUT OUT INTO DEEP WATER, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. “

Luke 5:4-6, NIV | Amenbible

Should we compare and contrast both scriptures in John 21 and Luke 5, we would find out that there are commonalities and differences between these two events, as below:

There isn’t any mention of the “right side” in Luke’s story.
In Luke 5, those people were not Jesus’s followers yet.
Whereas, John 21, was about the downcast of Jesus’ earthly disciples after Jesus was crucified on the cross.
There were miraculous catches of fish in both stories.
In Luke 5, Jesus told the pre-disciples to “put out into deep water and let down the nets” (Verse 4).
Whilst in John 21 verse 6, Jesus told His disciples “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”
With two different instructions given by Jesus, both stories resulted in miracle catches of fish.
And in Luke 5, there wasn’t recorded the exact number of fish caught.

(2) 153
Neither do I comprehend Greek nor Hebrew. Thus, I can’t really explain the meaning of 153. However, I am skeptical about those explanations of the figurative of 153 as victorious, I am God, I the God or wisdom, etc. The Bible doesn’t show another 153 for further study and comparison.

Nevertheless, in Genesis 14:14, it is recorded that Abram rescued his nephew with 318 trained men. I don’t hear any consistent explanation of the meaning of 318 from those same group of bible teachers who teach 153. Thus, no comment.

On the other hand, it seems that Jewish should be the ones demonstrating higher proficiency in the Hebrew language. But most of them have not come to know Jesus as their personal savior.

Since Jewish can master the Hebrew language greater than any non-Jewish but have not come to know the Lord, is the bible originally written in Hebrew that important?

Furthermore, those bible teachers who come up with the explanation of 153 might not be able to communicate and command the Hebrew language in day-to-day conversation. Can they really teach the Hebrew language correctly?

Besides, many scholars are saying that there are differences between modern Hebrew and ancient (Biblical) Hebrew. It is just like modern English versus ancient English. There were drastic differences between the two in terms of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling.

Hence, I can only say that the bible is very precise in small detail. Even the exact number of 153 fish being caught and 318 trained men are being recorded.

(3) THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED
Should we continue the story in John 21:15-19, we would notice that Jesus appeared to Peter first after the miraculous catch of 153 fishes. Importantly, Jesus did not appear to the “disciple whom Jesus loved” first. And Jesus appointed Peter as the chief of those disciples. Not John.

The point here is, we can self-declare or proclaim “I am the disciple whom Jesus loved”. But Jesus did not appoint John as the chief. Three times, Jesus did not entrust His sheep/ lamb to “THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED”. In life, usually, we entrust important tasks to our closest friend, especially as the will’s executor or an administrator.

And the resurrected Jesus could be so different bodily that all His disciples and Mary Magdalene can’t recognize Him. That includes “The disciple whom Jesus loved.”

When Peter knew it was Jesus, he was the first to react and jump into the sea and not John… “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” That speaks for his heart for Jesus rather than John.

(4) EMPOWERMENT

Physics would suggest that it is easier to drag a fishing net on the seashore than in the sea that is subject to gravity force and sea tiding. It is not the appearance of Jesus that empowered Peter with physical strength per se.

CONCLUSION
Personally, I believe it is not the “Right Side” or left side that is paramount in life. The most important thing in life is to hear the instruction from Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They know where the fishes are in the river and ocean.

The Holy Spirit might be revealing and asking individuals to move into the “Right side” or “launch their vessel into the deeper ocean.” Similarly, the Holy Spirit might want individuals to switch careers, change ministry, or relocate to another country. Pure obedience to His instructions is the key to success. I pray that I would take heed and be attentive to His calling.

In conclusion, personally, I believe the “Receiving God’s Word with Revelation (RGWR)” teaching alters the meaning of John 20 and 21. At least, it does not portray these two chapters of scripture rightly.

I would describe John 20 and 21 as Jesus’ appearance to those eye-witnessed disciples:-
– to reinstate His identity,
– strengthen the disciples’ faith,
– focus on His written word and
– urging them to continue spreading His gospel on the earth.

Those disciples were with Jesus physically for 3 ½ years, but they weren’t recognized His way from the bible. Much more can happen to new covenant believers. We can be very familiar with the stories but without knowing the Savior’s heart. I pray that may the Lord unveils my and our eyes to Him from the written word.

Last but not least, it is good to check the biblical meaning by reading the bible, chapter by chapter; verse by verse on the whole portion of the entire message rather than trying to draw His truth with just a few so-called Revelation Words.

Jesus always spent time in His earthly ministry alone with God the Father was an example for believers. Private devotion to Jesus and the Holy Spirit is paramount as a Christian. Hear Him daily.

We all want the presence of the Lord to help us, prosper us, and guide us. But altering the biblical meaning by replacing it with a few so-called Revelation Words might be diluting His truth. Amenbible

END TIMES: ARMAGEDDON

Through the years, there are at least 6 dominant interpretive streams on Armageddon:

1) Kingdoms View
Under this view, the “SEVEN KINGS” are symbolic of successive world empires that oppressed God’s people such as Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and the future Rome. Often, people are saying the final “EIGHTH” kingdom is a revived Roman Empire.

2) Roman Emperors
Another interpretation is that the “SEVEN KINGS” are literal Roman emperors. These Roman emperors are Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius. This view suggests that the “EIGHTH” is a future ruler who embodies the beast, possibly a revived Nero

3) Psalm 83
Some interpret Revelation 17’s ‘Ten Horns’ as rulers tied to the coalition in Psalm 83. Today, these geographies are often linked to nations like Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the Palestinian territories, seen as united against Israel in the end times. In this light, ongoing Middle East conflicts draw attention.

4) West Europe
Some perspectives see a final West European superpower, rooted in the legacy of the Roman Empire, as the “Beast” or King of the North, leading global armies to Armageddon against Christ.

5) Globalist Power (USA)
Other views suggest the United States functions within this Western “Beast” system, possibly as the “SECOND BEAST” of Revelation 13; the superpower enforcing the “MARK OF THE BEAST” and supporting the global order that ultimately fights at Armageddon.

6) Worldwide Coalition
More broadly, both Western European and American forces are often understood as part of the wider alliance opposing Christ in these interpretations.

FIVE (5) HAVE FALLEN
To be exact, the Armageddon is the continuity of Daniel’s visions of the statue, the four beasts and 70 weeks prophesies. Indeed, visions of statue and beast are parallel accounts of the same prophecy.

In that vision, the Roman Empire is represented by the two legs of iron and part iron/ clay, prophesying the empire’s eventual split into the Western and Eastern Roman Empires. It further extends to Western and Eastern Europe.

Thus, in Daniel’s visions of the statue and beasts, it is about 5 beasts (Empires) instead of 4. They depict the transition of world power through five successive empires: Babylon,Medo-Persia,Greece, the 2 legs of West Rome and East Rome. Both West Rome and East Rome never started and ended at the same timeline. It shows that they weren’t empowered by the same beast system and have to be counted as two different dominions. West Rome fell swiftly, East Rome endured for centuries. Eventually, they transformed into Byzantium

Indeed, Revelation 17:10 declares: ‘Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come.’

The five fallen kingdoms are Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and the two divisions of Rome .i.e. West and East. The sixth shall arise from the East, contending in the battle of Armageddon. The final manifestation will be the gathering of nations in the war of Gog and Magog.

TEN TOES
Daniel 2:42–45 and Daniel chapter 7 disclose that the statue’s ten toes, formed of iron mixed with clay, represent the final ten kings, as clarified in the AMPC translation.

These kings or the Ten Toes will ultimately be struck by the Stone, which shatters iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold alike. Though the empires symbolized by these metals of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome have long since fallen, the prophecy reveals that the Babylonian system itself persists until the destruction of the toes, or ten kingdoms. The emphasis, therefore, is not on isolated rulers or beasts, but on the overarching beastly system that manifests across successive nations, and which will, in the end, be utterly removed.

Hence, when believers seek to interpret Armageddon, the understanding must align with the full truth revealed in the vision of the Statue. Both Egypt and Assyria cannot be inserted into this prophecy, for they do not form part of its divine framework.

KINGS FROM THE EAST
Revelation 16:12 declares, “Drying up on the great river Euphrates, prepared the way for the kings from the East gathering for the battle of Armageddon.”

Truly, God Himself is at work in the drying of the great river Euphrates in preparing the Armageddon for EAST kingdoms. Essentially, God is inviting the East kingdoms for the battle. Yet many claim the coming power will arise from Western Europe or America. Scripture, it can’t align. Just look at the world map in relation to the great river Euphrates, and discern who lies to the East.

With these pretext, we shall now chart into the long-anticipated Apocalyptic journey.

THE ARMAGEDDON
Armageddon is the site of one of the final battles between divine forces and the powers of evil, or the destroyer. When interpreting Scripture, it is important to recognize that the book of Revelation presents its narrative twice. In other words, the unfolding of end-time events is given in parallel sequences. For example:

The 144,000 are described both in Chapter 7 and again in Chapter 14.
Likewise, Armageddon appears in parallel form in Revelation 9:11 and Revelation 16:16.
Statue and 4 beasts

The bible always reveals prophetic events more than once. Hence, it is good to put parallel events into one for complete understanding. Greater detail on how the same end-time event is revealed twice within the Book of Revelation shall be discussed separately.

PURPOSE OF ARMAGEDDON
Revelation 9:20-21 and Revelation 16:9 reveal the reason God drying the river of the great Euphrates is to invite people who constantly hardened their hearts, blaspheme, rebellion, worshiped pagan gods to fight Him at the Armageddon or “THE JUDGMENT VALLEY.”

PROPHETIC GAP & TRIBULATION
Under the dispensationalist view of “Prophetic Gap” theology teaches that the Church Age is inserted between Daniel’s 69th and 70th weeks. That means Daniel’s last seven years’ time clock halts or pauses in the Church Age. Only after the Rapture will the 70th week unfold in its destined fury.

Based on this teaching, the Rapture is then expected to happen either:
1) pre-tribulation,
2) mid-tribulation, or
3) post-tribulation.

DANIEL’S 70 WEEKS
Nevertheless, in the previous study of “End Times: Daniel’s 70” that bases on Daniel chapter 9 and Revelation 12, we are established that we have already entered into Daniel’s 70th week. To be exact, we are now approaching the end of the first 3 1⁄2 years of the seven-year period foretold. This indicates that Church Age does not stand in between Daniel’s 69th and 70th weeks known as “Prophetic Gap”. In light of this, we have already entered into a period of great tribulation that will culminate in Christ’s redemption in the Armageddon. There isn’t a gap or pause in Daniel’s 70 weeks

Precisely, we are in the era of ten toes. Those toes appear smaller than the head, body and legs, however, their size does not imply duration of the kingdom period. Indeed, the toes are small in size, but last longer than the era of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece. The toe era has lasted more than 2,000 years now. Similarly, the 7 years and 70 weeks are all symbolic representations, not measured by physical size or duration.

Of course, the Ten Toes or Ten Kings will only receive their kingdoms after Armageddon (Revelation 17:12). They gain their authority at the very moment the beast rises from the Abyss, preparing for the Gog and Magog war (Revelation 20:7-8).

If the Ten Toes, which are the Ten future Kings, are seen as extensions of Western and Eastern Rome, or Europe, then East and West Europe shall surrender their power and authority, in coalition with the King of the North during the Gog and Magog war. Yet former geographical boundaries cannot be interpreted in the same locations for what lies ahead. Above all, it is the Babylonian, beastly system that subverts the world, especially oppressing Christianity.

Hence, Revelation 17:8’s “once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction” is referring to the Satan/ beast and the future Ten Toes/ Kings (Revelation 17:12-13) that comes out for Gog and Magog war. It is not referring to the battle of Armageddon.

THE RAPTURE
In Revelation 14:14-20 a son of man and an angel are each harvesting with their sickles at His commands. Scriptural, these gatherings of the harvests are the picture of “RAPTURE”. Greater detail on Rapture shall be discussed separately.

Importantly, it establishes: –
– The Rapture is taking place in Revelation 14:14-20.
– However, the Armageddon happens in Revelation 16:16; slightly later.

AMERICANS & THE RAPTURE
In essence, Armageddon comes after the Rapture. By then, true believers will already have been taken up. The Rapture marks the Lord’s return to rescue His oppressed people and to judge the world.

In a side-note, the teaching that says ‘The World Grows Darker While The Church Shines Brighter” does not hold. If the church were truly growing brighter and brighter, there would be no need for Christ to come and redeem His oppressed people.

The Rapture will gather true believers worldwide, Americans as well. This helps explain why the United States is not explicitly mentioned in Scripture in the last days.

Hence, Scripture does not suggest that the United States will vanish before Armageddon, nor that its existence is absent from the biblical record. What it affirms is that the Rapture precedes Armageddon.

Of course, not all Americans live in authentic faith, and the Word makes clear that in the last days, believers worldwide; not only in America will fall away.

THE SCARLET WOMAN
Specifically, the Bible showcases a “WOMAN SITTING ON THE WATERS” as a nation. Likely that woman is the leader of the Eastern Kingdoms gathering for the Armageddon war.

Her role is not referring to the role of third frogs that symbolizes the “False Prophet.” Revelation 17:1-4 is saying a woman in purple or scarlet is sitting on the scarlet beast. Therefore, two figurative; the woman and the beast are clothed in scarlet, purple, or red.

Some of the identities and characteristics of the Woman is known as: –

Clothed in purple or scarlet
That seated in waters which are nationals, many languages, and tongue
a kingdom that has 7 heads, 10 horns. The 7 heads are explained as 7 mountains or 7 kings subsequently.

Interestingly, as a nation or kingdom, there is a city in the East that is described in purple colour. The Chinese name is known as Zijincheng (紫禁城) or Forbidden City. It literally means “PURPLE FORBIDDEN CITY,” and it is located in the center of Beijing, the capital of China. Not only that, the building is coloured predominantly in red (purple) and yellow. It was an imperial or Royal palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

CATHOLIC CHURCH
There is teaching saying the “Scarlet Robed Woman” is the Catholic Church. As we continue to read Revelation 16:13, Apostle John saw in his vision three unclean, frog-like spirits emerging from the mouths of:
– the Dragon (Satan),
– the Beast, and
– the False Prophet.

These three figures are designated as ‘spirit’; they are neither human entities nor earthly kingdoms. This reveals that three spiritual forces unite in the great conflict of Armageddon. Each plays a distinct role and faces a different destiny. At the end of the Armageddon, that beast and that false prophet will be seized, together with those who received the “Mark of the Beast” shall be cast alive into the lake of burning sulfur (Revelation 19:20).

While the dragon; which is Satan, or the ancient serpent will be bound in the Abyss for a thousand years. Yet after the millennium, he will be released to deceive the nations across the earth, leading them into the battle of Gog and Magog (Revelation 20:1–8).

THE BLASPHEMER
Moreover, the unidentified Eastern Woman sits upon the waters, representing dominion over diverse nations, languages, and peoples while actively persecuting the faithful or the saints. She is described in Revelation 17:6 as one who “Drinks The Blood Of The Saints, The Martyrs Who Bear Witness To Jesus.” This scarlet beast, clothed in blasphemous and opposing His Name as noted in Revelation 17:3.

ANTI CHURCHES
Through the years, one of the East Nations has been closing down thousands of churches. Foreign missionaries expelled, Bibles rewritten, children banned from worship. Some believers died in custody or under torture; others faced lifelong imprisonment; a real Christianity faith prosecutor, and the real anti-Christ. She is prosecuting Christians across nationalities, languages, people who are actively ministering His faith in that country.

SYMBOLIZES AS THE DRAGON
Besides, that unnamed Eastern Nation is being symbolized and the worshiping of the “DRAGON” for centuries. In the Bible, the dragon is Satan.

MAJOR SEAPORT & VAST RESOURCES
Revelation 18:11–13 unveils another clue that this unnamed kingdom possesses immense wealth, engaging in the cargoes and sea shipments of goods such as gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, silk, cinnamon, bronze, iron, ivory, incense, fragrant oil, wine, wheat, cattle, sheep, chariots and even extending to the trafficking of human lives (Revelation 18:17).

Obviously, this Unnamed East Country should own a huge, if not world class seaport. As a country, she owns vast rare earths, agriculture, and precise stones. The identity of this major seaport in the Eastern region is not difficult to discern.

200 MILLION ARMY
The Book of Revelation foretells that an army of 200 million will assemble for the final battle (Revelation 9:16).

In light of modern advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, such a vast force could encompass not only human soldiers but also robots, drones and Auto Taxi.

However, the vision given to Apostle John is that the drying of the great river Euphrates to encourage a 200 million strong army matching to the Armageddon war. This shows that the scripture is referring to 200 million land forces. If the deployment is on technologies, then, it doesn’t need to dry the great river Euphrates.

Without the participation of that unnamed Eastern nation that has a huge population, it would be difficult to muster a formidable 200 million-strong army for this climactic conflict. Again, it is not difficult to discern who this Scarlet Woman is with the huge population in the East.

BABYLON SYSTEM
Throughout the ages, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome rose and fell, each in turn subjugating Israel. Their borders shifted, expanding and contracting yet history reveals that these oppression were never limited to a nation or place. The true issue is the embodiment of the evil beastly system itself.

These beastly embodied kingdoms, though distinct, operated with similarities and shared a fundamental characteristic at their core. It lies in:

– Hegemonism and Domination
– Centralized ruling,
– Dynastic Succession
– Centralized military power
– Unyielding loyalty of the army
– Central resources
– Against God and oppressed His people

When a vast nation or a federation of states and provinces rules with one voice, one resource, and one centralized purpose, marked by hegemonism, domination, and military unity, it mirrors the builders of the Tower of Babel. In such pride and ambition, they raise their own name, against God and profane His name.

In reality, systems founded on dominance wield greater power than nations built upon private enterprise. This reflects how Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome once conquered, unveiling the deeper meaning of the Babylonian system.

If the Woman in the context represents a nation, then the Babylonian-beastly system may diverge from mere political structures and powers.

Indeed, Scripture declares that the scarlet woman sits upon the scarlet beast, and the scarlet beast carries her (Revelation 17:3, 7). This portrays the coalition of the spiritual beastly system interwoven with political order. Thus, the Woman—symbolizing the nation—rests upon the spiritual beast, which is political power. In turn, the political party bears the nation itself.

SEVEN HEADS/ HILLS
If that ‘scarlet woman’ is indeed the purple-palace mentioned above, then that unnamed Eastern nation literally has many spiritual hills or heads and altars where blood is shed and human sacrifices are offered in devotion to many pagan gods. The holy Name of God has been profaned and blasphemed, and His people have endured persecution for generations.

Revelation 17:2; 5; 9 summarizes: “The woman with seven heads and ten horns, committed adultery with her; her name: –
– Babylon The Great
– The Mother Of Prostitutes
– And Of The Abominations Of The Earth

Therefore, the Lord is bringing judgment upon the kingdoms and the greatest adultery, the great city of the earth. Indeed, those hills symbolize adulterous and entrenched religious strongholds.

CONCLUSION
Certainly, the prophecy describes the assembling of Eastern forces at Armageddon, yet the scriptures emphasize and focus on “Scarlet Woman,” seated upon many waters and borne by the beast with seven heads and ten horns. This woman is labelled as:-

As a nation not a religious group.
Likely, this nation is the Eastern Leader
Formatting 200 millions foot troops
Making wealth from sea shipments with vast minerals, agriculture etc.
Sitting on the water or prosecuting Christians across nationalities, languages and rebelling against God. The anti-Christ.
Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abomination
Operating by “ centralized resources, marked by hegemonism, domination, and military unity” that subvert the God kingdom and His people.
Having many spiritual hills; religious that profaned and blasphemed, imprisoning, beheading and persecuting His people generations.

In conclusion, with the pointers above, it is not different to discern who is the “Scarlet Woman” in the East of the great river Euphrates.

In Revelation 18:4, the command to “come out of her” serves as an urgent warning for both pre and post rapture believers to distance themselves from the spiritual and moral corruption of the Babylonian system and nation.

While the physical “Mark of the Beast” may not yet be mandatory, the beast and national; the Babylon system itself, is already manifesting in our world today. This presents a test of loyalty, forcing us to choose sides. Come out of her. Don’t become a channel for the Antichrist. Amenbible

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As a Christian, I have been asking:-
– What to believe in?
– What is the gospel?

Of course, different Christians believing God differently. For instance:-
– Some belief in godly career direction.
– Some looking for a godly life partner
– Some are struggling in finance and need a godly financial breakthrough.
– Some are seeking peace
– Some just inspire to worship God, etc.

Should we continue with the list, perhaps we can safely and surely say that at different stages in life, we are having different needs or checklists.

THE CRUCIAL QUESTION

But, when Christians are saying that they believe in the bible or Jesus, what does it mean exactly? If we are believing in the gospel, what exactly to believe in? What are the gospel and baptism? And what is their interrelationship then?

Before we look into the “Crucial Question”, let’s look at how and what apostle Paul warned the Corinthians churches in Second Corinthians chapter 11.

According to Paul, Eve fell, lured away because she entertained the smooth tongue of slightly seductive words from the snake. Paul continued by saying that should the believers tolerate the snake’s clever lies as Eve was, is like accepting:-
– a different Jesus
– a different Spirit
– a different Gospel.

The full context is as below:-

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬-4 ‭GNT
‬‬3 I am afraid that your minds will be corrupted and that you will abandon your full and pure devotion to Christ—in the same way that Eve was deceived by the snake’s clever lies.
4 For you gladly tolerate anyone who comes to you and preaches a DIFFERENT Jesus, not the one we preached; and you accept a spirit and a gospel completely different from the Spirit and the GOSPEL you received from us! (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT‬‬)

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT | amenbible.com

Apparently, Eve only tolerated the snake slightly. She might never have thought of being fallen away from God’s presence with just a slight belief being deviated from His word.

Paul was making a compare and contrast in the Book of Second Corinthians. A slight twist in God’s word or a slight difference in believing God’s word is treated as:-
– minds being corrupted
– being abandoned from pure devotion to Christ
– deceived by Satan.

And, to Paul, a slight difference is not God’s word at all but it is Satan’s truth. Similarly, a slight unbelieving is total devastation and destruction.

With that in mind, we shall then look into “The Crucial Question”, on what exactly the gospel, baptism, and belief are and their interrelationship.

Of course, modern-day teaching is saying:-
– the gospel is “GOOD NEWS.”
– any preaching on poverty, suffering for Christ, or the wrath of God is not “Good News”. Thus, that teaching is not from God.
– the gospel is the “Gospel of Grace.”
– whatever believers need, Christ has not just paid it all, but also fully supplied it all. It only needs faith for the believers to take from God all the blessedness and good gifts.
– baptism is merely a public declaration that they are Christ’s followers. It is just symbolism. Nothing significant.

There are many verses talking about baptism, the gospel, and belief. However let’s look at Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3 below:-

Mark 1:1-5, GNT
1 This is the GOOD NEWS about JESUS CHRIST, the Son of God. 2 It began as the prophet Isaiah had written: “God said, ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.’ 3 Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” 4 So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. “TURN AWAY FROM YOUR SINS and be baptized,” he told the people, “and GOD WILL FORGIVE YOUR SINS.” 5 Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. THEY CONFESSED THEIR SINS, and he baptized them in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:1-5, GNT)

Matthew 3:1-3 GNT
1 At that time John the Baptist came to the desert of Judea and started preaching. 2 “Turn away from your sins,” he said, “because the Kingdom of heaven is near!”
3 John was the man the prophet Isaiah was talking about when he said, “Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” (Matthew 3:1-3, GNT
—
6 They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan. (Matthew 3:6, GNT)

Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3:1-3 | amenbible.com

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS?
What do these two portions of scripture highlight?
Firstly, from Mark’s account, the gospel begins or starts from John the Baptist in preparing the path for Jesus’ earthly ministry.

That means the gospel is not just merely a simple verse or phrase of “GOOD NEWS” that can be covered. In brief, the gospel covers the entire life of Jesus and His mission to release the Holy Spirit for mankind.

Secondly, in any case, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are known as the Gospel Books. It involves the story of the entire life of Jesus, His callings, His way of doing things, and His mission.

Thus, believers/ preachers have to draw the integrated meaning from all four gospel Books, look at different angles and perspectives to understand the purpose of Christ, and comprehend His gospel.

Should we just take a verse or half a verse to draw its definition, we would say:-

The thief who was crucified with Jesus never went through water baptism. He never produced any good work/ fruit after believing in Christ at the cross.
Romans 10:8-9 only requires the mouth to declare and the heart to believe that God raised Jesus from death and shall be saved.
John 3:16. Just believe alone.
Don’t need evidence of fruits and good work for full salvation.
Water baptism is insignificant.
Once saved, always saved, by reciting the sinner’s player alone.
Similarly, there are many disputes and wrong teaching of cessationism of prophesying, tongues, and healing.
Bible readers will discover many of the scriptures, verses can never identify or even against each other and etc
Should that be the case, the bible is full of contradictions, errors, and disputable.
People like to cover up those disputes by suggesting not just 4 Gospel books but need to add in some more books like “The Gospel from Thomas” etc