The Revelation 12 Sign Compendium

For "Beloved" Since you can't download it, I'll post my whole Revelation study:

The Book of Revelation Unlocked

Before I get into the Book of Revelation, I feel the need to briefly state my understanding of the Feast Days. Messiah fulfilled the spring feast days (Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits - death, burial, and resurrection) at His first coming; and He will fulfill the fall feast days (Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles - gathering of the saints, Battle of Armageddon, and the Wedding Feast) at His second coming. It makes sense to me that the Feast of Trumpets represents the gathering of the saints, the Day of Atonement represents the Battle of Armageddon, and the 7-day Feast of Tabernacles represents the 7-day Wedding Feast.

My understanding is that the exact date of the Feast of Trumpets cannot be determined until someone sights the first sliver of the new moon; so it is a feast that cannot be predicted precisely in advance (the day or the hour). I actually see that as a clue pointing to the Feast of Trumpets being the timing of the gathering of the saints. Whether one believes the Harpazo/Rapture will occur before or after the Tribulation, I don't believe there should be any disagreement as to this interpretation of the Feast Days.

Since the date of the Hebrew New Year is dependent on the observance of a ripe barley harvest, dates cannot be calculated accurately in advance. During the Tribulation period, there will likely not be any barley present to check for ripeness due to the state of turmoil the earth will be in at that time. This will prevent us from knowing the accurate date during that time. We will not be able to predict the day or the hour of the return of the Messiah due to these conditions.

While we can tediously pick apart words and verses of scripture, arguing if they mean this or that; what the timing of the Harpazo/Rapture discussion really boils down to is the timeline of the events in the Book of Revelation.

One point that can be made about the rapture timing is that twice in Revelation we are told that Satan/the antichrist makes war on the remnant of the Woman’s seed/the saints during the Tribulation. Revelation 13:7 states that the antichrist will make war on the saints and prevail during the tribulation. If the saints are being persecuted by Satan/the antichrist during the last half of the tribulation, then the saints are still here during that time. The Harpazo/Rapture will not occur until after the 42 month rule of the antichrist during the second half of the Tribulation is completed.

I don't know how either view of the timing of the Harpazo/Rapture can be definitively proven, other than by looking at how the entire Book of Revelation is laid out on a timeline. I understand that this has been done many times, many ways; so please bear with me.

Although I have never seen the Book of Revelation laid out in this way before, as far as I can tell it fits precisely with all other prophecy.

Revelation Timeline

I believe the Book of Revelation is written in precise chronological order. Certain events, which take place over a long period of time, are placed in the book according to the timing of the conclusion of the event, not the beginning of the event. The events described in Chapters 11-13 are placed in the Revelation at the point in which each of these events conclude, just prior to the bowls of wrath being poured out.

Chapter 12

Chapter 12, which gives us an overview of the entire 7-year Tribulation period, is a good example of a chapter being placed within the Book of Revelation at the point in which the events described therein are completed. The chapter is laid out as follows:

The Sign of the Woman and the Sign of the Dragon
The beginning of the war in Heaven
Satan being cast to earth at the midpoint of the Tribulation
The remnant of Israel being protected in the wilderness during the final 42 months of the Tribulation
Satan/the antichrist being angry that the Woman (remnant of Israel) escaped
Satan/the antichrist persecuting the remnant of Israel’s seed (the saints) during that same 42 months

All of these events take place over 7 years, followed by the Bowls of Wrath and the Battle of Armageddon. Even though none of the plagues/judgments are directly mentioned in Chapter 12, the plagues are directly related to the events of Chapter 12. Just as the Sign of the Woman is an actual astronomical event; so is the Sign of the Dragon, whose tail casts 1/3 of the stars of heaven to earth at the beginning of the Tribulation (possibly representing a meteor storm). Revelation 12:16 describes the earth opening up and swallowing a pursuing flood (probably an army), thereby protecting the Woman (Israel) in her escape to the wilderness at the midpoint of the Tribulation. This miraculous event is caused by an earthquake (the Golden Censer), which is recorded in Revelation 8:2-5. A Golden Censer is filled with fire from the altar, and the fire is cast to the earth resulting in voices, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake. All of the Signs and events depicted as happening in the heavens throughout the Book of Revelation have a direct cause and effect relationship with the events happening on Earth. I would imagine that even the war in heaven in some way directly affects events occurring on the earth. All of the plagues/judgments described in the Book of Revelation fit into the Chapter 12 overview (with the exception of the Bowl Judgments, which take place immediately following the events of Chapter 12).

At the placement of Chapter 12 within the Book of Revelation, the events in this Chapter have all taken place. This is the point in time when the 42 month protection of the woman/remnant of Israel (144,000) ends; and the 42 month persecution of the saints ends. At this time the 7th trumpet will sound, announcing the Harpazo/Rapture. The Bowls of God’s Wrath and the Battle of Armageddon will follow soon after the 7th Trumpet.

Chapter 1

Chapter 1, verse 3 of the Revelation of Christ, the Messiah states, “Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” It is the only book of the Bible to contain such a blessing for the person reading, studying, and holding fast to the knowledge contained within the book. This blessing is repeated in verse 7 of the final chapter of the Revelation. “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”

Chapters 2 & 3

Revelation Chapters 2 & 3 contain the seven letters to the seven Churches in Asia, which are located in modern day Turkey.

Chapters 4 & 5

I believe Revelation Chapters 4 & 5 occur before the events laid out in Chapter 12. In these two chapters John was taken, spiritually, to a place outside of time so that he could witness future events and record them for us. He was not physically removed from the earth. God created time, and He exists outside of time. John’s spirit was allowed to step outside of time briefly so he could witness the Tribulation. The statement, “Come up here to this place, so I can show you the things which are going to take place in the future,” as stated in Revelation 4:1, is in no way representative of the Harpazo/Rapture. During the time John was “in the spirit” on he Day of the Lord (the 7 year Tribulation), one of the events he observed was a future throne room scene with 24 elders (possibly jurors or witnesses to something like a court proceeding) in which only the Messiah is found worthy to open the seals. Although we don't know precisely who these elders are, we can surmise that they were Old Testament Patriarchs/Elders.

Isaiah 24:21-23 also has an interesting reference to the elders. “It shall come to pass in that day that the LORD will punish on high the host of exalted ones, and on the earth the kings of the earth. They will be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and will be shut up in the prison; after many days they will be punished. Then the moon will be disgraced and the sun ashamed; for the LORD of hosts will reign On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem and before His elders, gloriously.”

According to I Thessalonians 4:16-17, “the dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up…” This verse does not mention the Old Testament saints. It says “the dead in Christ,” which means New Testament saints. The Old Testament saints have already been resurrected. As stated in Matthew 27:52-53, “52 the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.” The Old Testament Patriarchs/Elders are before the throne of God right now; along with many, if not all, of the Old Testament saints; and they have been there for nearly 2000 years.

Chapter 6

Isaiah 66:7-8 states that the birth will occur before the travail. “7 Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a male child. 8 Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children.” Notice verse 7 says male child, singular; and verse 8 says children (some translations say “sons”), plural. The Revelation 12 Sign is of a woman in travail; and according to Isaiah, the birth of the male child (Messiah) happens before the 9/23/2017 Sign (travail); and the birth of the children happens “as soon as Zion was in labor.” The Sign represents both the birth of Christ as Conquering King, and the renewing of God's Covenant with Israel. It represents both Israel bringing forth the Messiah, and Zion (the Land) bringing forth her sons (the Nation of Israel). It is Zion (the Covenant Land) that brings forth the children. Zion does not bring forth the Church. Zion, the Land of God’s forever Covenant with Israel, brings forth the Nation of Israel.

Micah 5:2-3 states, “2 (And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall he come forth unto me who is to be Ruler in Israel: whose goings forth are from of old, from the days of eternity.) 3 Therefore will he give them up, until the time when she which travaileth shall have brought forth: and the residue of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.” The Nation of Israel will be “given up” until after the Messiah (male child) is born. The Messiah was born to a human woman, and came to Earth as a suffering servant, nearly 2000 years ago. He will soon be born again (at least symbolically), shortly before the travail (9/23/2017); and return to Earth as a Conquering King!

The birth of the children (representing the renewing of God’s Covenant with Israel) will occur “when she which travaileth shall have brought forth,” and “as soon as Zion was in labor.” In other words, God’s Covenant with Israel will be renewed (including the return of all of the Covenant Land to Israel) after she has brought forth (given birth to) the Messiah (male child); and as soon as the labor begins (the Revelation 12 Sign of 9/23/2017).

The birth of the male child (Messiah), as symbolized in the Revelation 12 Sign cannot have taken place nearly 2000 years ago. Them that were “given up” until after the birth of the male child are the Israelites. Israel was “given up,” will remain “given up,” until after the second (symbolic) birth of the Messiah; “and the residue of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.” God’s Covenant with Israel will be renewed after the symbolic birth of the Messiah as Conquering King.

Something similar to what is described in Psalm 83 will wipe out all of the surrounding enemies of Israel. For the next 3.5 years (the first half of the Tribulation), Israel will have all of the Covenant Land in their possession, will be living in peace and safety, and will be able to build the temple. Additionally, something is likely to happen in the United States on, before, or very soon after 9/23/2017 that will drive the 1/2 of Israel currently living in the US back to the Covenant Land to fulfill the Micah 5:3 prophecy. While Israel is living in peace and safety during the first half of the Tribulation, the rest of the world will be experiencing war and famine. The six Seals listed in Revelation Chapter 6 will take place during this time. With Israel living peacefully and prosperously while the rest of the world will be in turmoil, the nations of the world will become jealous of Israel’s prosperity; and will decide to go and plunder Israel. This will lead to Ezekiel 38 (Gog of Magog), at the midpoint of the Tribulation.

Chapter 7

According to the chronological order theory, Revelation Chapter 7 takes place toward the end of the first 3.5 years, before the midpoint. At this time, before the midpoint events begin, the 144,000 Israelites will be sealed. I believe these are the remnant of Israel who will be protected in the wilderness for 42 months. When studying carefully Chapters 7 and 14, it becomes apparent that these 144,000 are not all men, nor are they virgins in the carnal sense. The word for “men” implies, “a human being, whether male or female.” Revelation 14:4 says that they had not defiled themselves with women. The word translated as “defiled” can mean, “those who have not kept themselves pure from the defilements of sin, who have soiled themselves by fornication and adultery.” The word translated as “virgin” can mean, “a man who has abstained from all uncleanness and whoredom attendant on idolatry.” According to Jeremiah 31:2-4, these are the virgin of Israel, who will survive the sword, and will find grace in the wilderness. I believe these 144,000 are Israelite men and women, who have not defiled themselves by following Satan. They are Israelites who have kept themselves pure for God.

Next, Revelation 7:9-17 describes a great multitude before the throne “which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” This multitude did not come out of the Tribulation; they came out of the many tribulations which occurred prior to the crucifixion. These Old Testament saints were resurrected at the time of the crucifixion, and are currently before the throne of God.

Chapter 8

Revelation Chapter 8 describes the calamitous midpoint events, including an Earthquake that splits the Mount of Olives, allowing a remnant of Israel to escape into the wilderness. Included in this Chapter are the 7th Seal, the golden censer, and the first four Trumpet judgments.

The midpoint of the seven years occurs when Satan and his angels are cast to earth (Revelation 12:9), and the antichrist sets himself up in the temple claiming to be a god. At this point Satan/the antichrist will go after Israel with a vengeance (see Ezekiel 38); but will be stopped miraculously. Revelation 12:16 describes the earth opening up to protect Israel. A flood can be literally water, or it can represent a large group of people, such as an army. This will be similar to the Red Sea crossing, in which Israel was saved and the Egyptian army pursuing them was destroyed when the walls of water on either side of the divide crashed in on them and drowned them. Zechariah 14:4-5 says that Israel will flee through the valley of God's mountain. The earth will open up during an earthquake to allow a remnant of Israel to escape into the wilderness; then will devour the portion of the army that is in close pursuit. Jeremiah 31:2 also mentions a time when a surviving remnant of Israel (those left of the sword) will be protected in the wilderness.

I don't believe Zechariah 14:4-5a is describing the second coming of Christ, but is describing a miraculous event in which God will protect a remnant of Israel. Beginning with the last phrase of verse 5 through verse 9, Zechariah is describing the second coming and the Battle of Armageddon (see Ezekiel 39 and Joel 3:1-17), which will occur 42 months later.

Chapter 9

Chapter 9, describing the 5th and 6th Trumpets, is a continuation of the midpoint events.




Chapter 10

Revelation Chapter 10 includes the Seven Thunders, which may take place at any time during the final 3.5 years. Next is the description of the angel warning that there is NO MORE TIME (the 7th Trumpet is about to sound); and the description of the Little Book (which I believe means the second coming of the Messiah is sweet, but also bitter). This will occur just prior to the 7th Trumpet sounding.

I believe these Seven Thunders may be connected to the “great deception” perpetuated by the antichrist and his false prophet. Revelation 13:13 states that the false prophet “performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.” While scripture states that the antichrist’s false prophet will be able to call down fire from Heaven; it will probably be only a sad imitation of what the two Witnesses of God will be able to do. Like many of the miraculous events throughout scripture; God will use His two Witnesses, along with the laws of physics which He created, to perform miraculous Signs.

The universe is not based solely on gravity, but is based mostly on electromagnetic interaction. In the past, the planets were much closer together than they are today. For example, ancient people were aware of the rings of Saturn, which currently can only be observed with a powerful telescope. When a planetary body is in close proximity with another planetary body, enormous electrical discharges similar to lightning can occur between the planetary bodies. When the atmosphere is supercharged in such a manner, lightning-like arcs of plasma can form from one part of the earth to another. Ancient cultures witnessed this "lightning of the gods," and drew images of what they saw on cave walls and stone tablets. I believe similar events to these will happen soon.

I have a theory as to why God did not allow John to record a description of the Seven Thunders. While God, through His two Witnesses, is performing great Signs and wonders, the antichrist’s false prophet will also be performing signs. We will have to choose, by faith alone, who to believe. We will not have these events described to us in advance; we will only have our faith to rely on to make a decision. Will we trust God and His two Witnesses, or will we trust the antichrist and his false prophet?

Even though we can only guess at what the Seven Thunders will be, there are many clues left for us in scripture so that we may recognize the times in which we are now living, and prepare for the events of which God has warned us. Many people are so terrified of “date setting” that they refuse to look at the clues God left pointing to the timing of the return of the Messiah. They say, “we can't know the day or the hour…Christ said so; so we shouldn't even look at dates.”

Did God not give Israel the seven Feast Days so that they would recognize their Messiah when He came? They were told to act out seven events each year, which would be understood later as a foreshadowing of the Messiah coming as a suffering servant; then returning as Conquering King. They were given many Signs to look for, and were chastised by the Messiah for not recognizing the times in which they were living.

We are told not to even look at the sun, moon, and stars, “because that’s astrology…”
Did God not say that the sun, moon, and stars were first meant to be for marking Signs and appointed times, second to mark days and years, and third to provide light on the earth? (Genesis 1:14) What God states first in scripture (law of first mention) is often of more importance than what follows. The most important function of the sun, moon, and stars is for providing mankind with Signs and for scheduling appointed times (including the 7 Feast Days). Satan has a tendency to try to pervert that which God has created. The existence of a perverted view of the heavens, called astrology, does not make what God created actually perverted. What God created is still good; what Satan chooses to do with God’s creation should be avoided! We need to discern the difference between Biblical Astronomy and astrology. An excellent resource is the book, “Witness of the Stars,” by E.W. Bullinger.

Modern science shows us how the movement of the celestial bodies can cause eclipses and such; therefore we dismiss any possibility that God might have scheduled those eclipses and other celestial events to occur at precisely appointed times, as Signs to get our attention. When modern science is finally able to describe the physics behind many of the miraculous events of the Old Testament, such as the parting of the Red Sea, the pillar of fire in the wilderness, and the shadow of the sun moving backwards; will we deny the importance of those events as well? Those events are all explainable, yet no less miraculous. Will we lose our faith when we realize that scientists can reproduce (on a very small scale) many of those events, and explain how they took place? Even the magicians in Pharaoh’s court were able to reproduce some of the miracles Moses and Aaron performed. Does that make the miracles performed through Moses and Aaron any less miraculous? (Don’t forget, Aaron’s serpent swallowed up the serpents of Pharaoh’s magicians.)

“When the Son of Man comes, will He find that Faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)
Do we have faith in God, or faith in our own understanding?

“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.” (Matthew 24:24-25)
Do not be deceived by men like Pharaoh’s magicians (false prophets).
Learn to recognize God’s Signs so that we will also be able to recognize the lie.

God created the physical world. Is it any surprise that He uses the physics He created to have events occur at miraculously precise times and in miraculously precise ways? God is able to make His creation sing and dance if He chooses, without defying the laws of physics that He put in place. I call that miraculous!

Are we not repeating the same mistake the Israelites made in not recognizing the times in which we are living? Are we too prideful to acknowledge that we may have been mistaken to tenaciously cling to our interpretation of the “can't know the day or the hour” scripture. There is a mountain of evidence that is impossible to ignore pointing to THIS TIME, RIGHT NOW. We need to look at what scripture actually says, not what we've always been told that it says.

The chief priests were so insistent in their denial of the Messiah that they paid the guards to lie about the events that occurred at the tomb after Messiah had been resurrected. Are we willing to deny what we are seeing around us? Will we allow ourselves to be deceived by the antichrist and his false prophet in our stubbornness to hold on to our preconceived beliefs? Will we receive the mark of the beast, claiming that it could not possibly be what was warned of in scripture because we are unwilling to recognize what is plainly before us?

So, back to the Seven Thunders of Revelation Chapter 10…
If the saints are not going to be here to observe all these Great Signs, why did God include this obscure notation of the Seven Thunders? Why did He bother to show the Seven Thunders to John; and have him record their existence, but not their description? Why does it matter? Why are we given a blessing for studying this Book? If we were not going to be here to witness and experience these events, it wouldn’t be important for us to study and understand the timing of the events. If we are going to be taken off the earth before any of it takes place (and all of Revelation is only a punishment for the wicked); why do we need such a detailed description of events that so many are compelled to study and understand?

Because we WILL be here to witness and experience it!

So we can be prepared for what is coming on the earth!

Chapter 11

It is slightly more difficult to place the timing of Revelation Chapter 11.
In keeping with the premise that the entire Book of Revelation is sequential, we must remember that each Chapter is placed at the point at which the events contained therein conclude. The only way to make that work is to treat Revelation Chapter 11 in a way similar to how we treat Chapter 12. Since Chapter 11 precedes Chapter 12, it is reasonable that at least part of Chapter 11 might take place before the events of Chapter 12. With that in mind, it became obvious that the first verse of Chapter 11 (preparation to build the Temple) occurs prior to the Revelation 12 events. These preparations have been taking place for some time, and seem to be accelerating now.

The remainder of Chapter 11 picks up at the midpoint of the Tribulation, describing events that are concluding, just before the Bowls of Wrath are poured out. The second verse of Chapter 11, (“the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months”) begins at the midpoint, during the arrival of the antichrist. Verses 3-12, describing the two witnesses, will also occur during the last half of the Tribulation. The earthquake, described in verse 13, occurs in conjunction with the resurrection of the two Witnesses, just prior to the 7th Trumpet. Verse 14 basically says… look out, because as soon as the 7th Trumpet sounds it’s going to get bad very quickly for those remaining on the earth.

The 7th Trumpet (Revelation 11:15), which I believe will occur on the Feast of Trumpets, must fall between the 6th Trumpet (Chapter 9) and the 1st Bowl (Chapter 16), so is easily placed sequentially in the timeline. The language in Revelation 11:15-19 makes it clear that this is a picture of the Harpazo/Rapture.

This is the point at which the Messiah takes His great power and begins His reign.
This is the time that the dead in Christ (elect) will be judged, found worthy, and resurrected.
This is the time that Christ will reward those, both small and great, that fear His name.
This is the time that He will destroy them that destroy the earth.

Revelation 11:19 describes an amazing sight. “The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” Verse 19 goes on to describe, “lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail,” in connection with the Harpazo/Rapture and the opening of the temple of God in heaven. This is reminiscent of the earthquake and the temple curtain being split during the Crucifixion of Christ. Just as we were given direct access to God through Christ as our High Priest nearly 2000 years ago; we will be given access to the temple of God in heaven and the ark of his testament, following the Harpazo/Rapture.

Chapter 12

Revelation Chapter 12, which covers the entire 7 year Tribulation, was described previously.

Chapter 13

Chapter 13 describes the time of the Antichrist and the false prophet. The false prophet will be to the antichrist what Heinrich Himmler was to Hitler. The false prophet will be the enforcer. His goal will be to make sure that everyone who refuses the mark of the beast (mark of antichrist) will be put to death. There has been much speculation about the mark of the beast. Some have suggested that it will be more than just a means of participating in commerce. It will probably be some kind of microchip that will contain all of a person's personal information, to which authorities will have unrestricted access; and it will likely be a means of tracking people. Once a person receives the mark of the beast, that person is no longer redeemable. That is why I believe it will potentially alter a person's DNA in some manner. It would make sense that if a person's DNA is altered, that person would no longer be fully human; no longer a descendent of Adam, made in the image of God; but, at least partially, man’s creation (with the influenced and assistance of Satan). This is the best explanation I have for why a person cannot repent of receiving the mark of the beast. Once a person's DNA is altered, it cannot be undone.

The image of the beast that has breath (verse 15) sounds like technology that John was unable to fully comprehend. To him an iPhone would appear to be a talking, breathing image. The technology now exists that would allow the government to know what you are or are not watching, such as daily indoctrination/propaganda broadcasts, for example…the ability to know if we are worshiping the image of the beast. There has never been a point in history that this prophecy could have been fulfilled. The technology did not exist that would have allowed it. We are the generation that is seeing these prophecies fulfilled. We are the last generation before the return of the Messiah.

At their placement in Chapter 13, all of the events described have just concluded. The antichrist and the false prophet have already been persecuting the Saints for 42 months (during the last half of the Tribulation), and their 42 months to persecute the saints has ended. The saints were gathered off the earth at the 7th Trumpet, during the Feast of Trumpets (Chapter 11). Next, the Bowls (Chapter 16) will be poured out in very quick succession (during a period of about 10 days, between the Feast of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement); followed by Armageddon on the Day of Atonement (Chapter 19); followed by the Antichrist and the false prophet being thrown into the lake of fire (also Chapter 19).

Chapter 14

The events of Chapter 14 happen immediately following the events described in Chapters 11, 12, & 13. Since they take place over a short period of time, these events are placed at the point in time that they will occur. The 7th Trumpet (Chapter 11) has just sounded and the temple of God has been opened in heaven. The antichrist is no longer persecuting the saints, because they have been Caught Up/Raptured.

At first glance, Revelation 14:1-5 seems to indicate that the 144,000 are now in heaven. Looking closer at the text reveals that they are standing on Mount Sion with the Lamb (Revelation 14:1). In verse 3, the 144,000 sing a new song “before” the throne; and in verse 4, they are without fault “before” the throne of God. “Before” can be translated as “in the sight of.” Here on earth we are always “before” or “in the sight of” God. Also in verse 3, the 144,000 were “redeemed” from the earth; and in verse 4 they were “redeemed” from among men. “Redeemed” means “purchased.” Redeemed does not imply “translated” or taken to heaven. Revelation 14:4 refers to the 144,000 as “redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” The word “firstfruits,” used here does not imply firstfruits of the resurrection. For example, in Romans 16:5, Epaenetus is referred to as “the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ;” he was the first to receive the gospel in that place. Since Revelation 14:1 clearly states that the 144,000 are standing on Mount Sion (which is Mount Zion, in Jerusalem); we should not take the following verses (Revelation 14:2-5) as contradicting that statement.

Paul, in Romans 11:2 states, “God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew.” Paul then goes on to relate the story of Elijah, pleading with God that he is the only faithful one left in Israel, and that the Baal worshipers are seeking his life. God’s response to Elijah is that there are 7,000 “reserved” who have not “bowed the knee to Baal.” Paul concludes this story by stating that there was still, in his day, a remnant of Israel, “according to the election of grace.” Just as there were 7,000 faithful Israelites in the days of Elijah, and there was a remnant of faithful Israelites at the time Paul wrote his letter to the Romans; there are 144,000 faithful Israelites now, in these last days.

Romans 11:16 calls the Israelites (in the last days) who will accept their Messiah, “firstfruits.” These are a “remnant, according to the election of grace.” Paul said that it will be as if they are raised from the dead. Israel, for the most part, has been spiritually dead for nearly 2000 years. Romans 11:15-16 (HCSV) states, “15 For if their rejection brings reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16 Now if the firstfruits offered up are holy, so is the whole batch. And if the root is holy, so are the branches.” These are not firstfruits of the resurrection. They have not died; they are people living during these last days. These are the 144,000 Israelites of Revelation Chapters 7 & 14, that will be sealed before the midpoint of the Tribulation, and will stand on Mount Zion with the Messiah at the end of the Tribulation.

In the story of Elijah, as related in I Kings 19:15-18, God tells Elijah, “15 …Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. 16 Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. 17 It shall be that whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. 18 Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” Just as it was in the days of Elijah, many in Israel will be killed at the midpoint of the Tribulation; but God has reserved a remnant of 144,000 Israelites to be protected in the wilderness during the last half of the Tribulation.

Revelation Chapter 14 continues, describing an angel preaching the gospel, followed by the announcement of the destruction of “Babylon.” Since “Babylon” seems to refer to both the seat of the Harlot religious system and the antichrist government system, there are multiple references to the destruction of “Babylon.” Next, an explicit warning is given to not take the mark of the beast; and a blessing is given for any martyrs who die in the Lord from this point going forward. This would imply that there are some who have not taken the mark of the beast at this point; and there are some who will still be martyred during this very short time between the Harpazo/Rapture and the Battle of Armageddon. There will be very few survivors on the earth following the Battle of Armageddon, and I believe none of the survivors will have received the mark of the beast. These few survivors, along with the 144,000 remnant of Israel, will repopulate the earth during the Millennial Reign. The last event mentioned in Revelation Chapter 14 is the preparation for the reaping of the wicked from the earth.

Chapter 15

The Revelation 12 Sign will occur on 9/23/2017; and there is another Sign that will appear just before the Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath are poured out on the wicked of the earth. Revelation 15:1 describes another Sign in heaven. This is the same Sign (the Sign of the Son of Man) referred to by Christ in Matthew 24:30, which immediately follows the tribulation. Unfortunately, Revelation 15:1 has been poorly translated. John saw a Sign in heaven that was “great and marvelous.” Then he saw seven angels with the seven plagues. These are two separate things being described, and should be two separate sentences.

The word “marvelous,” (Strong’s G2998) is only used 7 times in the New Testament.
Three times in conjunction with the Stone the builders rejected (Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:11, & I Peter 2:9)
Once in conjunction with the Healer (John 9:30)
Once in conjunction with the Sign of the Messiah (Revelation 15:1)
Once in conjunction with the Song of the Lamb (Revelation 15:3)
Once in conjunction with Satan, the imposter of Christ (II Corinthians 11:14)

According to Strong’s, G2998 can be translated as:
Worthy of pious admiration
Passing human comprehension
Causing amazement joined with terror
Marvelous, extraordinary

Six of the seven times G2998 is used it is in reference to the Messiah, and one time it is in reference to the imposter of the Messiah. This word, “marvelous,” is not used in Revelation 15:1 to describe the seven angels or the seven Bowls of God’s Wrath that are about to be poured out. “Marvelous” is describing the same Sign (the Sign of the Son of Man) that Christ mentioned in Matthew 24:30.

Revelation 15:2-5 describes the saints singing praises to God following the Harpazo/Rapture. Verses 6-8 describe the preparation for pouring out the Bowls of God’s wrath on the wicked remaining on the earth, now that the saints have been removed from the earth.

Chapter 16

Revelation Chapter 16 describes the final 7 plagues, the Bowls filled with the Wrath of God. I believe the 7th Trumpet (Harpazo/Rapture) will occur on the Feast of Trumpets; and the Battle of Armageddon, following about ten days later, will occur on the Day of Atonement. Not only does it make sense that the Messiah will fulfill the fall Feast Days in this manner, but it is also obvious, based on the final plagues themselves, that there cannot be much delay in concluding these events. When studying the description of these Bowl Judgments, it is apparent that there would be no life left on Earth if they did not conclude quickly. During the 2nd and 3rd Bowl Judgments; the sea, the rivers, and the aquifers are turned to blood. A person cannot survive for long without a drinkable source of water. These plagues will be poured out very quickly, followed by the Battle of Armageddon on the Day of Atonement.

Revelation 16:15 contains a blessing for those who watch, and keep their garments clean. “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” These words are meant as a warning to those reading and studying this book before these things take place. Once the Bowls are poured out, it is nearly finished. Very few will be left at this point to heed this warning. This verse brings to mind the words of the Messiah, recorded in Luke 21:36, and the words of Paul in his letter to the saints at Thessalonica.

Luke 21:36 - “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”

I Thessalonians 5:1-10 - “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. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”

Chapters 17 & 18

Chapters 17 & 18 are a more explicit description of the destruction (caused by the 7 Bowls) of the Harlot religious system (called Mystery Babylon after the mystery religions that originated with Nimrod), and the Beast government system (also called Babylon - bringing to mind the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, which begins with Babylon and concludes with the Messiah destroying the Beast government system and beginning His reign).

I believe the woman sitting on or riding a scarlet beast, described in Chapter 17, is the Pope/Catholic Church. The Pope had authority over the kings of Europe (the beast/antichrist system) for centuries, and is once again gaining power. It is interesting to note that the symbol for the European Union is Europa, a woman riding a bull.

I don't think any group has murdered more Christians, in the name of Christ, than the Catholic Church. As described in Chapter 17, the Catholic hierarchy is often arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, and is definitely drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. Around 330 AD, after Emperor Constantine (a devout pagan and sun worshiper) supposedly converted to Christianity, he ordered the Sabbath to be changed from the seventh day of the week to Sunday, the first day of the week, in honor of the "venerable day of the sun." During that time, the Catholic Church (the Harlot) began embracing paganism and perverting Christianity with pagan practices.

Since the ancient City of Babylon was never destroyed, but was abandoned, some believe that it must be rebuilt for the prophecy of Revelation 18 (along with Isaiah 13, 14, & 47, and Jeremiah 50-51) to be fulfilled. A more reasonable explanation is that the name “Babylon” symbolically represents specific countries or regions. If you consider the statue of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, described in Daniel Chapter 2, it makes sense that Babylon and Rome are synonymous. The five parts of the statue were Babylon, Medo/Persia, Greece, Rome, and the feet and toes of iron mixed with clay (representing the dispersed Roman Empire).

Each of the empires included in the statue was conquered by the subsequent empire, until Rome, which was never conquered. Rome was split into the Eastern Roman Empire and the Western Roman Empire, represented by the two legs of the statue; then was further divided (feet and toes); and eventually became modern Europe and the Middle-East. What was once called Babylon grew and became Rome. What was the Western Roman Empire became Europe. What was the Eastern Roman Empire became the Middle-East. Babylon symbolically represents modern Europe and/or the Middle-East.

If Europe is the western half of the dispersed Roman Empire (symbolically called Babylon); then the United States is the daughter of Europe/Rome, or symbolically called the daughter of Babylon.

Chapter 19

Revelation 19:1-6 shows many people, the twenty-four elders, and the four beasts worshipping, singing, and praising God. Revelation 19:7-9 states, “the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

The bride is given time to prepare herself following the 7th Trumpet (Harpazo/Rapture, Feast of Trumpets). After the 7th Bowl of Wrath, but just before the Battle of Armageddon (Day of Atonement), the bride is shown as having made herself ready. The next thing to take place after the Day of Atonement is the week long Feast of Tabernacles. I believe the week long wedding feast will occur during the week long Feast of Tabernacles. That, I believe, is a perfect parallel to the Jewish wedding feast customs.

Revelation 19:11-21 describes the Battle of Armageddon. At the end of this battle, the antichrist and the false prophet will be thrown into the lake of fire.

Chapter 20

Chapter 20 begins with Satan being bound for 1,000 years; followed by the beginning of the Millennial Reign of Christ with His saints. I believe the Wedding Feast will occur at this time, during the Feast of Tabernacles. At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be released; the final battle will transpire; and Satan will, at last, be thrown into the lake of fire. Next will come the Great White Throne Judgment, wherein all are judged according to their works. “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

Chapters 21 & 22

Chapters 21 & 22 describe the New Heaven, the New Earth, and the New Jerusalem.

Outline of the Book of Revelation

Chapter 1

Introduction

Chapters 2 & 3

Letters to 7 Churches in Asia (Modern Turkey)

Chapter 4

Throne of God, 24 Elders, and 4 Living Creatures
Heavenly Court - Possibly Judgment of Satan and Fallen Angels

Chapter 5

Only the Messiah is Worthy to Open the Book Sealed with Seven Seals

Chapter 11 - Begins Here

Measure the Temple - Prepare to build the Third Temple

Chapter 12 - Begins Here

The heavenly signs and the war in heaven are described in chapter 12, at the point in time that these events conclude. Here, before the opening of the first seal, is where these events begin.
It appears that the seven-year war in Heaven brings calamitous events to the earth, described throughout the Book of Revelation in the Seal Judgments, Trumpet Judgments, Bowl Judgments, and other judgments mentioned.

Sign of the Woman (Israel) in the Heavens 9/23/2017 - Following the Feast of Trumpets

Sign of the Great Red Dragon (Satan) in the Heavens - During the Sign of the Woman

Beginning of War in Heaven - Following the Sign of the Great Red Dragon (Satan)

Chapter 6 - Following Soon After the Sign of the Woman

1st Seal - White Horse - Conquering Ruler

2nd Seal - Red Horse - War & Rioting

3rd Seal - Black Horse - Famine

4th Seal - Pale Horse - Kill 1/4 of Population

5th Seal - Souls of Martyrs Under Altar

6th Seal - Great Earthquake & Meteor Storm

Chapter 7 - Probably Toward the End of the 1st 3.5 Years, Before the Midpoint Events

144,000 Sealed - 12,000 of Each Tribe of Israel

Multitude of Old Testament Saints in Heaven

Chapter 11 - Resumes Here, at the Midpoint

Holy City Tread Under Foot 42 Months Begins Here

Two Witnesses 1260 Days Begins Here

Chapter 12 - Resumes Here, at the Midpoint

Satan Cast to Earth

Midpoint of the War in Heaven - Now taking place on Earth
Gog of Magog (Ezekiel 38)

Protection of Israel 42 Months Begins Here

Persecution of the Saints Begins Here

Chapter 13 - Begins Here

Antichrist Persecution of the Saints for 42 Months Begins Here
Chapter 17 includes further description of the antichrist

False Prophet 42 Months of Deception Begins Here

Chapter 8 - Calamitous Midpoint Events

7th Seal - Silence in Heaven - Pause before the calamitous midpoint events

Golden Censer - Voices, Thunderings, Lightnings, Earthquake
This is the Earthquake that splits the Mount of Olives, allowing a remnant of
Israel to escape to the wilderness.

1st Trumpet - 1/3 of Trees and Grass Burned

2nd Trumpet - 1/3 of Sea turned to Blood

3rd Trumpet - 1/3 of Rivers Poisoned

4th Trumpet - 1/3 of Sun, Moon, and Stars Darkened

Chapter 9 - Midpoint Events Continued

5th Trumpet - Demons From the Pit of Hell

6th Trumpet - 1/3 of Men Killed

Chapter 10 - Events Begin Here

Seven Thunders - May occur any time during final 3.5 years

There is No More Time - 7th Trumpet is About to Sound

Little Book - The Second Coming of the Messiah is Sweet, but also Bitter

Chapter 11 - Events Ending Here

Holy City Tread Under Foot for 42 Months Ending Here

Two Witnesses 1260 Days Completed - Resurrected just before 7th Trumpet

Great Earthquake - 7,000 in Jerusalem Killed

7th Trumpet - Lightnings, Voices, Thunderings, Earthquake, Great Hail
First Resurrection & Gathering of Saints/Harpazo
Feast of Trumpets 10/3/2024

Chapter 12 - Events Ending Here

All of chapter 12 is written describing events that occur over a 7 year time span. At this point, all these events are concluded, including the end of the war in heaven, and the end of the protection of Israel, and the end of the persecution of the saints.

War in Heaven Ends Here - Satan is out of Time

Protection of Israel Ends Here

Persecution of the Saints Ends Here

Chapter 13 - Events Ending Here

Antichrist Persecuting the Saints for 42 Months of Ends Here

False Prophet 42 Months of Deception Ends Here

Chapter 14 - Events Occur Between Feast of Trumpets and Day of Atonement

144,000 Israelites on Mount Zion

Angel Preaching the Gospel

Destruction of Babylon

Warning! Penalty for Worshiping the Beast or Taking his Mark
Some still have not Received the Mark of the Beast

Martyrs at the End of the Tribulation - Tribulation Saints
During this very short period of time, some will repent

Prepare for Reaping the Wicked of the Earth

Chapter 15 - Events Occur Between Feast of Trumpets and Day of Atonement

Another Sign in Heaven - The Sign of the Son of Man

Tribulation Saints Sing Praises to God

Prepare the Seven Last Plagues - The Wrath of God

Chapter 16 - Just Before the Day of Atonement

Seven Bowl Judgments:

1st Bowl - Grievous Sores

2nd Bowl - Sea Turned to Blood

3rd Bowl - Rivers and Fountains Turned to Blood

4th Bowl - Solar Flare?

5th Bowl - Seat of the Beast Darkened

6th Bowl - Armies Gather for Armageddon

7th Bowl - Great Earthquake, 100 Pound Hail

Chapter 17

Judgment of the Harlot (Catholic Church/Vatican)

Chapter 18

Destruction of Babylon (Europe, USA)

Chapter 19

Bride is Now Prepared for the Wedding Feast

Armageddon - Gog of Magog (Ezekiel 39)
Final Battle of the War in Heaven - Now taking place on Earth
Day of Atonement 10/12/2024

Antichrist & False Prophet cast into Lake of Fire

Chapter 20

Satan Bound 1,000 Years

The Wedding Feast - Fast of Tabernacles 10/17/2024

1,000 Year Reign Begins

Final Battle - Gog of Magog

Satan Cast into Lake of Fire

Second Resurrection & Judgment

Chapter 21

New Heaven, New Earth, New Jerusalem

Chapter 22

Come Lord Jesus

Daniel's 70 Weeks:

Following is an alternative view of Daniel's prophecy of 70 weeks. My understanding of this prophecy is a bit different from what is probably the most common interpretation. Seeing how this prophecy ties in with the Book of Revelation is helpful in understanding the clues God left for us to find.

- Daniel 9:24-27 (LXX - 1851)
24 Seventy weeks have been determined upon thy people, and upon the holy city, for sin to be ended, and to seal up transgressions, and to blot out the iniquities, and to make atonement for iniquities, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal the vision and the prophet, and to anoint the Most Holy.
25 And thou shalt know and understand, that from the going forth of the command for the answer and for the building of Jerusalem until Christ the prince there shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks; and then the time shall return, and the street shall be built, and the wall, and the times shall be exhausted.
26 And after the sixty-two weeks, the anointed one shall be destroyed, and there is no judgment in him: and he shall destroy the city and the sanctuary with the prince that is coming: they shall be cut off with a flood, and to the end of the war which is rapidly completed he shall appoint the city to desolations.
27 And one week shall establish the covenant with many: and in the midst of the week my sacrifice and drink-offering shall be taken away: and on the temple shall be the abomination of desolations; and at the end of time an end shall be put to the desolation.

The above passage is from the 1851 translation of the Septuagint, which gives us a slightly different view of the prophecy.

A little groundwork to make sure we are on the same page:
Verse 24 of Daniel 9 refers to a period of 70 weeks.
Prophetically, a day can represent a year, so a week would equal 7 years.
70 prophetic weeks of years, or 70 x 7 = 490 years.

Daniel 9:25 refers to 7 weeks and 62 weeks. (7 + 62 = 69 weeks)
69 prophetic weeks of years equals 483 years. (69 x 7 = 483 years)
Christ was crucified 483 years after the commandment went forth to rebuild Jerusalem.

After the crucifixion, there seems to be a "gap" between the 69th and 70th weeks.
While there is a long period of time between the 69th and 70th weeks, there is not really a "gap" in the prophecy. The "gap" spoken of by many is included in the prophecy.

The last part of verse 26 states,"and he shall destroy the city and the sanctuary with the prince that is coming: they shall be cut off with a flood, and to the end of the war which is rapidly completed he shall appoint the city to desolations."

In other words, the city (Jerusalem) and the sanctuary (the Temple) will be destroyed; and desolations are appointed to Jerusalem until "the end of the war which is rapidly completed." From the destruction of Jerusalem to the end of a war that will be rapidly completed, Jerusalem will be desolate.

The first 69 weeks of the prophecy will be fulfilled; followed by a period of time that the city (Jerusalem) is appointed to desolations; followed by a war which is rapidly completed; followed by the 70th week.

Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD, and lay desolate for many years.
Jerusalem was actually desolate (tread under foot by Gentiles) prior to 70 AD, under Roman rule.
In 1948, Israel became a nation again, but did not have control of Jerusalem, which was still desolate.

Jerusalem was to lay desolate until "the end of the war which was rapidly completed."
Could verse 26 be referring to the Six Day War of 1967, when Israel recaptured Jerusalem?
The Six Day War was certainly a war that was quickly completed.
As a result of this war, the city of Jerusalem was returned to God's people, its rightful owners.

But what happened immediately following that war?
Israel turned control of the Temple Mount right back to the WAQF, and now the Palestinian Authority.
It appears that at least part of the city is still desolate (tread under foot by Gentiles).
Although the situation seems to be changing over the past few weeks, it is my understanding that if someone were to say the words "Temple Mount" while standing on the Temple Mount, that person would be subject to arrest by the Palestinian Authority.
The UN is still considering a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
God's Holy City is still experiencing appointed desolations.

Starting with the last half of verse 26, Daniel states, "and he shall destroy the city and the sanctuary with the prince that is coming: they shall be cut off with a flood, and to the end of the war which is rapidly completed he shall appoint the city to desolations. 27 And one week shall establish the covenant with many: and in the midst of the week my sacrifice and drink-offering shall be taken away: and on the temple shall be the abomination of desolations; and at the end of time an end shall be put to the desolation".

Verse 27 cannot be referring to a desecration of the second temple. The events in the prophecy are written sequentially. The desecration spoken of occurs after the destruction of the city and the Second Temple; after the city lay desolate for a period of time; after a war that is rapidly completed; and after God's covenant with the descendants of Abraham is re-established.

I believe Daniel 9:27 was referring to a renewal of God's covenant with the descendants of Abraham, not a treaty made between the antichrist and Israel, as is more commonly believed.

- Daniel 9:26-27 (KJV)
26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week 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.

"He" in verse 27 refers to "Messiah." Grammatically, the antecedent to "He" cannot be any noun other than "Messiah." Messiah will confirm the covenant God made with Abraham. He will allow the antichrist to set up the abomination in the temple. Because of the overspreading of abominations, Jerusalem will be made desolate until the consummation (the second coming, Armageddon, the wedding supper, etc.), and the determined judgment (bowls of God's wrath, Revelation 16) will be poured out on the desolate of the world. That's my understanding anyway...

Daniel's prophecy still has one "week," or 7 years, yet to be completed.
It does not appear that the 1967 war was the war mentioned in the last part of Daniel 9:26.
There is a war described in Psalm 83 that has not yet occurred.
I believe the Psalm 83 war could be "the war which is rapidly completed."
Daniel 9:27 seems to indicate that the final 7 year period will begin shortly after this war.
I believe this war is coming very soon, followed by the building of the Third Temple.
Israel will then be living in peace and safety. This sense of peace and safety will lead to the Ezekiel 38 war (Gog of Magog), led by the antichrist.

The covenant God made with Abraham included a promise that a particular piece of land would belong to Abraham's descendants forever. The covenant God made with Abraham is the same covenant spoken of by Daniel in verse 27 that is to be renewed between God and His people. Soon the remainder of the land that God promised to the descendants of Abraham will be returned to Israel.

The 1967 war possibly coincided with the Year of Jubilee, which is a time for land to be returned to its rightful owners. It has now been one Jubilee (50 years) since that war took place. It appears to be time for more land to be returned to God's people.

It has been 70 years since the UN partitioned Palestine in 1947, which allowed Israel to declare its statehood. According to E W Bullinger, the number 7 can stand for spiritual perfection, and the number 10 can stand for completion, or perfection of Divine order; so 70 can stand for complete spiritual perfection. (7 x 10 = 70) Could this be the perfect time for God to renew his covenant with Abraham?

In Luke 21:24, Christ said “Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles is fulfilled.” Daniel 9:26 states that Jerusalem would be appointed to desolations.
Could this be referring to the same period of time?

Leviticus 26 stipulates a 1960 year time of punishment for Israel.
If Israel continued to rebel against God, Leviticus 26 states that they would be punished 7 times the original punishment of 70 years of Babylonian captivity, or 490 years. (7 x 70 = 490)
If they still continued to rebel, this 490 year punishment would be repeated up to 4 times.
7 times the original 70 year punishment, multiplied 4 times = 1960 years. (7 x 70 x 4 = 1960)

The 1960 years of punishment did not necessarily begin in 70 AD.
Jerusalem and the First Temple were destroyed by the Babylonians 19 years after Daniel was carried away into captivity. In other words, Daniel's 70 years of captivity began 19 years before the destruction of the First Temple.

The current 1960 years of punishment could have begun before the destruction of the Second Temple
in 70 AD. For example, Jerusalem and Judea were under direct Roman rule by prefects starting around 6 AD.
There are many historical events during the time between 6 AD and 70 AD that could mark a start date for the 1960 years of punishment for Israel. We do not know when God began counting these 1960 years, but if the punishment began in 64 AD, then it would end in 2024.

Christ connected the times of the Gentiles with Jerusalem being trodden down by the Gentiles.
It appears that the times of the Gentiles and the punishment of Israel were to last 1960 years.

Romans 11:25 says Israel will be blinded to the truth until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in.
The fullness of the Gentiles is another way of saying the completion or end of the times of the Gentiles.
Romans 11:26 & 27 speak of the salvation of Israel and fulfilling God's covenant with Israel.
This covenant fulfillment appears to be at the same time as the end of the times of the Gentiles.
The covenant spoken of in Romans 11 seems to be the same covenant mentioned in Daniel 9:27.

There is a definite distinction made between God's people, Israel, and the Gentiles who are the adopted, grafted in seed of Abraham. Gentile believers are joint heirs to salvation, but did not in any way replace God's people, Israel. An example of this distinction is given in Acts Chapter 15. Circumcision is a symbol of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants. That covenant was made long before the statutes were given to Moses. Circumcision was not part of the ordinances "nailed to the cross." (See Colossians 2:14) The disciples discussed this, as recorded in Acts 15, and determined that although it was necessary for Israel, circumcision was not necessary for Gentile believers. Gentile believers are not Israel.

The Covenant described in Romans 11 is:
Christ, the Deliverer, will take away the sins of Israel.
The land promised to the descendants of Abraham will be returned to Israel.
All the promises God made to Abraham and his descendants will be fulfilled.

I believe this is the Covenant referred to in Daniel 9:27.

This is the Covenant that will be renewed as symbolized in the Revelation 12 Sign.

Thank you for your post! It is encouraging to be reminded that the elect will never be deceived. 
For anyone who chooses to read my paper, there were times when I was writing that I had just listened to a negative video disparaging the Heavenly Signs. I might have been a little too intense as I was writing. That is not directed at any of you. I was just feeling a strong need to remind naysayers of the importance of recognizing the times we now find ourselves in. I pray that my study sheds light on God's word, and is helpful to others in their pursuit of figuring out the puzzle of eschatology. 

Debra, there's a problem with your thought that the church is raptured at the 7th Trumpet: that Rev. 12:5 places the rapture before the 7 years of persecution for the Woman.

Also, as far as 1960 years as punishment for Israel, please read this, it is actually 2,520 lunar years, and they arrived right on time: www.grantjeffrey.com/pdf/JeffBIBLE-EzekVision2.pdf

I will go look at the link you provided. I have always been a little confused as to exactly when the 1960 years takes place (beginning and end). If someone has a better explanation for the Leviticus 26 time of punishment for Israel, I would be grateful to understand it better!

Here are my thoughts on Revelation 12:5 and Revelation 2:26-27. I'm not positive, but I think that is where the theory comes from that the Church is the child represented in the Revelation 12 Sign. This is not meant as an argument, just a further explanation of my interpretation of the passages...

Revelation 12:5 states that the male child was to "Rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her child was caught up to God and His throne."

This imagery is given to us in the Sign of the Woman is so that we may clearly identify the Sign of the Messiah. Only the Messiah was born of a virgin. Christ will rule the whole world, from the throne of David. Just as Moses had 70 elders share the responsibility of ruling Israel; the Church will share the responsibility of ruling with Christ. (II Timothy 2:11-13 and Revelation 2:26-27 & 20:6)

Revelation 2:26-27 states, "And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— ‘ He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels.’"

The Church will be ruling over the remnant of the Gentile nations, not over Israel. The word “nations” used in Revelation 2:26 is Strong’s G1484. According to Strong’s Definitions, it can mean “in the OT, foreign nations not worshipping the true God, pagans, Gentiles,” or “Paul uses the term for Gentile Christians.”

Most of the words have multiple possible meanings, so I could be wrong...  but when I look up the definitions of all the words contained in Revelation 2:26-27, this is what I get out of it:
Those who hold fast to their faith, even unto death; and observe the works appointed to them by Christ; will have authority over the Gentile nations; to rule with a rod of iron the men, formed by God of clay, which have a tendency to be complicit in evil; and to put said evil under foot. 

The Church will be given authority to govern with Christ. I do not believe these verses imply that the Church is the Child represented in the Revelation 12 sign. 

Isaiah 66:7-8 states that the birth will occur before the travail. “7 Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a male child. 8 Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children.” Notice verse 7 says male child, singular; and verse 8 says children, plural (some translations say “sons”). The Revelation 12 Sign is of a woman in travail; and according to Isaiah, the birth of the male child (Messiah) happens before the 9/23/2017 Sign (travail); and the birth of the children happens “as soon as Zion was in labor.” The Sign represents both the birth of Christ as Conquering King, and the renewing of God's Covenant with Israel. It represents both Israel bringing forth the Messiah, and Zion (the Land) bringing forth her sons (the Nation of Israel). It is Zion (the Covenant Land) that brings forth the children. Zion does not bring forth the Church. Zion, the Land of God’s forever Covenant with Israel, brings forth the Nation of Israel.

Micah 5:2-3 states, “2 (And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall he come forth unto me who is to be Ruler in Israel: whose goings forth are from of old, from the days of eternity.) 3 Therefore will he give them up, until the time when she which travaileth shall have brought forth: and the residue of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.” The Nation of Israel will be “given up” until after the Messiah (male child) is born. The Messiah was born to a human woman, and came to Earth as a suffering servant, nearly 2000 years ago. He will soon be born again (at least symbolically), shortly before the travail (9/23/2017); and will return to Earth (7 years later) as a Conquering King!

The birth of the children (representing the renewing of God’s Covenant with Israel) will occur after "she which travaileth shall have brought forth,” (Micah 5:3) and “as soon as Zion was in labor.” (Isaiah 66:8) In other words, God’s Covenant with Israel will be renewed (including the return of all of the Covenant Land to Israel) after she has brought forth (given birth to) the Messiah (male child); and as soon as the labor begins (the Revelation 12 Sign of 9/23/2017).

The birth of the male child (Messiah as Conquering King), that is symbolized in the Revelation 12 Sign, cannot have taken place nearly 2000 years ago. They that were “given up” until after the birth of the male child are the Israelites (Micah 5:3). Israel was “given up” nearly 2000 years ago, and will remain “given up” until after the second (symbolic) birth of the Messiah; then "the residue of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.” (Micah 5:3) God’s Covenant with Israel will be renewed after the symbolic birth of the Messiah as Conquering King.

That is my understanding of the Revelation 12 Sign, and the Male Child that will be symbolically born.


Here is a theory... I would like to throw it out there to see what people think of it...

We know that the Revelation 12 Sign of the Woman in Travail is a real, visible Sign in the Heavens. 
I believe that, whatever the Sign of the Great Red Dragon is, it will also be a real, visible Sign in the Heavens.
Just as the Sign of the Woman is a unique Sign; I believe the Sign of the Dragon will be a unique Sign.
The Constellations that represent Serpents are not unique... they are always present.
We know that the Great Red Dragon represents Satan, as stated in Revelation 12:9-12.
In Genesis 3:15, we are told that God will put enmity between Satan and the woman, and between Satan's seed and the woman's Seed. The woman's Seed will bruise Satan's Head, and Satan will bruise His heel. 

If the Planet Jupiter (the King planet) represents the Child that will be born (the Messiah), and the Dragon represents Satan; will the Dragon (some planetary body, or comet, or whatever), strike the bottom of Jupiter? I don't see how any of the constellations (Serpens, Ophiuchus, etc) could strike Jupiter in any way. Will there be a collision between the South Pole (heel) of Jupiter and the North Pole (head) of the "Dragon?" Should we take it that literally? I think it's possible, based on the literal interpretation of the Sign of the Woman.

The Child (represented by the King Planet, Jupiter) is "caught up to God and His throne." Will Jupiter leave its current orbit for 7 years, and come back at the end of the Tribulation; causing at least some of the devastation represented by the last 7 plagues (Bowls of Wrath)?

It's a theory... I'm not sure if it's a good theory... But it is interesting to think about the possibilities...