27. Satan is Released to Deceive the Nations
Rev 9:1-11, Rev 20:7, 1 Cor 15:55-56
When the kingdom of heaven is fully cleansed, Jesus’ prayer will be fulfilled.John 17:20-23 All His disciples will be one, and the world will know that God sent Him.
On that day, the people of the world will be without excuse, so God will send them a strong delusion because, as Paul said, “they did not receive the love of the truth to be saved.”2 Thess 2:9 Satan will be released from the abyss, and demons, like locusts, will torment those who do not have the seal of the living God. These locusts have a sting like that of a scorpion, causing men to long for death.Rev 9:6 For Paul said, “The sting of death is sin.”1 Cor 15:55-56 Men choose death rather than eternal life, and Satan gathers them together at the battle of Armageddon.
28. The Battle of Armageddon
Zech 12:11, Rom 11:25-26, Rev 7:1-8, Rev 16:12-21
John said the nations will gather at Armageddon. The meaning of this goes back to Zechariah 12: When Israel realizes that they have crucified their God, there will be great mourning, “like the mourning … in the valley of Megiddo,”Zech 12:11 which is Armageddon in Greek.
Paul said, “When the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, all Israel will be saved.”Rom 11:25-26
In Revelation 7, four angels hold back the four winds of destruction until the angel from the east, the end-time Church, seals the bond servants of God, numbered as 144,000, or 12,000 from twelve tribes of Israel.
The battle of Armageddon is described with all the imagery of a human battle, including armies of two hundred million men,Rev 9:16 fire and brimstone,Rev 9:17 and hailstones of one hundred pounds,Rev 16:21 which can only be missiles.
29. The Lord’s Day
Zech 14:4-5, Matt 24:15-32, John 5:28-29
Zechariah said the Lord will open a pathway through the Mount of OlivesZech 14:4-5 when the nations attack Jerusalem—the saints will be taken away before the nations attack. In Revelation 16, before the battle begins, Jesus says, “Behold, I am coming as a thief.”Rev 16:15
He will gather the elect from the four corners of the earth.Mark 13:27 Paul said that the dead in Christ will rise first, and we will all meet Him in the air.1 Thess 4:16-17 John said all the nations will weep and mourn, for every eye will see Him.Rev 1:7
Those who have done good will rise to a resurrection of life, and those who do evil will rise to a resurrection of judgment.John 5:28-29 But all those whose names are written in the book of life will be saved.
30. A New Heaven and a New Earth
1 John 3:2, 2 Pet 3:10, Rev 21:1
The apostle Peter said the earth will melt with a fervent heat.2 Pet 3:10 John described a new heaven and a new earth. There was no more sea, no need of salvation.Rev 21:1 In that Day, we shall all be changed. When we see Him, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.1 John 3:2
God promised that he who conquers will drink the spring of water of life without cost: “I will be his God, and he shall be My Son.”Rev 21:7
The seventh trumpet completes God’s salvation plan. The number seven represents completeness. The book of Revelation describes seven seals, seven trumpets, seven bowls of wrath, seven churches, seven spirits, and seven blessings. The first and last blessing is for those who hear this prophecy and obey it.Rev 1:3; Rev 22:7
