This book is an outgrowth of a three weeks’ series of Radio sermons preached by the author over Radio Station, K. L. P. R. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in the year of 1948. The unusual interest, and response created, and shown during these discourses was beyond expectation. The widespread favor in which they were received was certainly gratifying.

Immediately the demand became so great for these messages to be in book form, so that Christians, and friends of truth everywhere could have them for their possession, and further study, the author felt led of the Lord, that it is his duty, to send this timely truth forth on a special mission of enlightenment, and comfort during these perilous days.

Some pulpits, the air waves, and also the press are responsible for much unrest in the christian world of today. Great stress is being laid on suppositional prophecies, and literalizing pictures of supposed future events that will never come to pass. To those who do not know the Scripture, this is serving to bring a dreadful fear, and disturbance of soul and mind, which is robbing many christians of their rightful inheritance of present victory, comfort, and peace.

There is such a vast amount of the false, and so little of the true going out, it is high time the real truth is being sounded to the entire world. The objective of this book is to enlighten, comfort, settle, and stabilize all who read it. We wish to make it clear there is no intention of reflection, hurting, or wounding anyone, but rather to set forth the full truth in a helpful manner. To the genuine, truly born-again child of God, it is desired that you will receive much light, strength, and comfort. And especially, you who are yoked up with organizations, creeds, and ways of man that are antagonistic to the way of the Cross, it is believed you will rejoice for the knowledge of the way of full Truth. Furthermore, we believe, you will be happy to know the way God would have you live, how, when, and where you should spend your time, efforts, and money.

With a great feeling of tenderness, and a heart full of love, and kind thoughts for everyone, we send this book forth as a light and guide during these days of world-wide unrest, and gross confusion. Our prayer is that God will bless this truth to the present and eternal good of all. Yours in the Faith, Lawrence J. Chesnut. I
The Meaning of Armageddon

For a Scriptural basis for this timely, and important study, we use a portion of the revelation God gave to John as recorded in Rev. 16:13–16. John the Revelator, under the Spirit of Prophetic revelation, uttered words that vitally concerns our day, and should be of deep concern to every christian. Let us read, “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which goeth forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.”

It will be necessary, and enlightening to get a proper background of the term “Armageddon.” To do this we are compelled to go back in the Old Testament, and note the various forms and usage there.

The Old Testament meaning was literal. The original word has been variously formed and translated, which we will now consider. There were three terms used to describe its meaning, namely: 1. Har-megiddon, meaning Mount of Assembly. 2. Chormah-Gedehon, meaning, destruction of Army. 3. Mount-Megiddo, meaning place of troops. Here it is described as a mount, where troops (armies) gathered for battle.

This was a remarkable place, for here was the scene of the two greatest victories ever won by Ancient Israel. Here is where Barak conquered the Canaanites. This great battle is recorded in Judges the fourth and fifth chapters. On this same mount, Gideon overcame the Midianites, Judges seventh chapter. This is where Deborah sang her war song, Judges fifth chapter. It is also noted for two great disasters. The death of Saul, I Sam. 31, and Josiah, II Kings 23:29, hence it signifies in Revelation a place of great slaughter, the scene of a terrible retribution upon the wicked. Megiddo was a village in the hill country near Mount Tabor, on the plain of Esdraelon, six miles from Mount Carmel. This was known as a place of great overthrow and slaughter.

II
The Battle Field

For a further insight into the term Armageddon we notice the meaning as given in three of our authorized dictionaries. Webster gives the meaning of Armageddon as, “The place of a mighty battle against evil to be fought on the Great Day of God, used symbolically.” It is further stated that it is “The place of a great battle to be fought out on the Great Day of God between the powers of good and evil, Rev. 16: 16.” Har-Magedon, in prophetic literature, is typical of the sorrows and triumphs of Israel. It also has reference to the battlefield of Megiddo, II Kings 23:29. Armageddon, meaning height of Megiddo. Funk and Wagnalls Comprehensive Standard Dictionary gives the meaning as follows; “The Plain of Esdraelon, the scene of many battles.” It can easily be seen that it had its literal fulfillment back in the Old Testament dispensation, and could not be Biblically literalized at any time, or period there after. It states further, “The Prophetic scene of the great battle at the end of the world,” and cites to Rev. 16:16.

The Bible Dictionary gives it as “Mount of Holiness, and Truth.” From the foregoing it is clear that it had its literal fulfillment in the Old Testament time, and does not have any literal significance for any later time, but rather is used symbolically to picture the great spiritual battles to be fought by Christ and His Church, against the devil and his wicked forces, marshaled in the guise of religion during the New Testament dispensation, and especially the closing, as pictured in Rev. 20:8–9.

Interpreting it spiritually in the New Testament harmonizes perfectly with the prophecy of Isaiah, 76o B. C. Here is the prophecy, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills (Churches, Creeds and Doctrines of men) and all nations shall flow into it. “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths, for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” Isa. 2:2–3.

These scriptures have a spiritual meaning, describing the position, and location of the Church of God, His true Body. Spiritually, God’s true church is high above all sin, the world, and false religions while here on this earth. Jesus in picturing the spiritual location of His people states, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” Matt. 5:14. The christians are living on a high spiritual plain. Yes, where the Saints are living now (spiritually speaking) will be encompassed by Gog and Magog, Rev. 20:8.

III
It is Spiritual

Armageddon (Mount of Holiness) of the New Testament is an antitype of the Megiddo of the Old Testament. Literal battles in the Old Testament are types of spiritual battles in the New Testament. Here (Mount of Holiness and Truth, the great battle field of the New Testament) shall the army of the redeemed put to flight the infernal host as mentioned in Rev. 20:8. Gog and Magog are the combined forces of false religions.

Armageddon is not as some have supposed, a battle fought with lead and steel, but a struggle between the powers of right and wrong. The true Biblical Church of God is a spiritual institution, and is not an army that fights literal battles. Her members are saved from sin and hatred. God’s Word teaches, “Thou shalt not kill.” Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matt. 5:44. This shows the spirit and life of every true christian.

According to God’s Word christians should not kill nor avenge themselves with those who do them wrong. Instead they are to do the opposite. “Do violence to no man,” Luke 3:14. The battles of the church are spiritual in their nature. Paul said under the inspiration of God, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph. 6:12. In II Cor. 10:4, we read, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” The battles of the church in the past have been spiritual, and they are still of a spiritual nature. The church of the New Testament has never resorted to a literal warfare. Millions have laid down their lives for Christ by being consecrated to endure for His sake. The history of the martyrs of the church began with Stephen. As he was dying, he prayed, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” Acts 7:60. This is the spirit, and history of christianity through the centuries, which is in complete harmony with the teachings of Christ, and also indicates the proper attitude of a christian toward his enemy.

The Bible standard for a christian is further stated in Eph. 4:31–32, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ sake hath forgiven you.” Christians are exhorted in Eph. 5:1–2, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love …”

The devil has used, and is still using various means trying to destroy the church, both spiritually, and literally. But God’s people have never resorted to carnal warfare in the New Testament dispensation in order to fight the devil. Evil for evil would make both sides evil. God’s way is, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom. 12:21 . So the taco armies, to fight the battle of Armageddon, which is a spiritual battle, are; on the one side, the Saints of the Most High God, commanded by Jesus and the Spirit of Truth; the other, the false religions of the earth marshalled by the devil and the spirit of paganism.

IV
Battle Periods of the Church

Briefly, we will review the different battles, or periods of time the church has passed through. The first battle of the church was symbolized by a great red Dragon, with seven heads and ten horns. Michael (Christ) and His angels (Church) fought, and the dragon (devil, through paganism) fought and his angels. Rev. 12:7. The meaning here is: Christ and His Church in combat with the devil and his wicked kingdom, in conflict during the early stages of christianity. The devil worked through paganism but failed to destroy the church, instead the truth spread, and in time overthrew paganism. Old Pagan Rome could not withstand the great power of christianity. The devil seeing he could not destroy the church through opposition, began to work in a compromising manner. About 270 A. D. he began to win favor with the rulers, and christianity was made a state and national religion, which was fully developed into popery about 530 A. D.

The devil ruled in the form of Romanism, and according to history it was some 260 years before Catholicism was fully established, which leads to the period when the dark ages had fully developed. For one thousand years, 530 A. D. to 1530 A. D. it was either be a Roman Catholic, or die a martyr, if caught worshipping in a religion other than Catholic. History states that some fifty-five millions were killed in every conceivable manner by Romans.

The dates and periods of time given do not in any way conflict with the one thousand two hundred and threescore days spoken of in Revelation. The dates I have given only make it a little more specific relative to the developments of the then known national and state religion. It is a historical fact that Constantine ascended to the throne near the beginning of the third century. Immediately, religion became a state and national affair. The closing of the period of the morning time church was about 270 A. D. Added to this the one thousand two and threescore days, each day symbolizing a year, would make it twelve hundred and sixty years. Add this to 270, and we have 1530 A. D. as given in the other figure. This is detailed out so the dates might be clear, and make a better connection, and understanding of existing conditions. The date 1530 A. D. definitely marks the beginning of the Protestant era.

The same old dragon that made war with the saints in the morning time has transferred his power and authority on into Protestantism. This leads us to another period in the progress of the church, and that is the spiritual battle of Armageddon. As soon as God sent out His call to gather His people into the unity of faith, the devil sent out his call for a union of federation, Rev. 20:7–8. “And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison. And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog to gather them together to battle; the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.”

Federations are in progress. Denominations are consolidating. World wide conventions are being held to promote the union of false religions. No divine government, or spirituality about them. One look will convince that it is a mass of human organizations, man-made creeds, and machinery. Delegates from Protestantism, including Catholic, Jewish, and heathenism, are participating to help bring together this federation.

War clouds of false religions are blackening the spiritual skies. The moving is plain. Brethren, be of good courage, Jesus says, “I have overcome the world.” Again, we read, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” I John 4:4. “If God be for us, who can be against us.” Rom. 8:31. God has warned His Church to take no part. “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Eph. 5:11.

In the final outcome all the false will be destroyed, “Fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.” Rev. 20:9. Let us go forth with faith and courage. Oneness of all christians in the One Great Body of Christ should be strongly believed, advocated, and practiced. We are opposed to any union of antagonism to Christ, His Word, and His cause. May these facts be an incentive to christians everywhere to band themselves together in the name and power of our Savior Jesus Christ, to battle for the right, and hold in check the false powers that are striving so desperately for supremacy.

V
God’s Army

I. The Gathering

We have considered, and shown that the great battle of Armageddon is a spiritual conflict to be fought here, between Christ and His Church, against the devil and his systems of false religions. In this chapter we will give special consideration to the spiritual location, position, general description, and Captain of the conquering army, which is God’s Army in this great and notable conflict.

First the gathering of this great and mighty spiritual Army will be considered. The prophet Ezekiel gives a true picture of God’s plan concerning the divided condition of the true People of God. It is clear from the time of 1530 A. D. until now that this period has been a great day of sect making, and dividing of God’s true children. This is displeasing to God, and out of harmony with His great plan- Therefore, in this great time of evening light He is sending forth His ministers for a gathering, and unification in One Body, of all true christians everywhere.

Let us notice the plan and call of God. “For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.” Ezek. 34:11–12. The Dark Day referred to here means the period of the reign of Roman Catholicism, from 500 A. D. to 1530 A. D. The Cloudy Day, meaning the reign of Protestantism from 1530 A. D. to 1880 A. D. at which time the One Divine Church, and unity of all of God’s people into one body began to be preached by D. S. Warner and others. We continue with Ezekiel’s prophecy, “And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, (manmade organizations) and will bring them to their own land (Zion, the True Church of God, the Body of Christ) and feed them (with the whole truth) upon the mountains of Israel (holiness), and in the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in a good pasture (the one true Bible Church) and upon the high mountains of Israel (Spiritual Zion) shall their fold be. There shall they lie in a good fold (Bible Church) and in a fat pasture (abundance of spiritual food, the full gospel truth) shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong (deceptive and rebellious leaders, and like followers), I will feed them with judgment.” Ezek. 34:13–16.

Another prophecy of this great and glorious gathering is found in Joel 2:1–2. “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion (preach the Gospel in the true church), and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord (Christ) cometh, for it is nigh at hand; a day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds (Protestant era) and of thick darkness (dark ages, note former explanation), as the morning spread upon the mountains; a great people and a strong, there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.” Through the preaching of the full Gospel by the true Church of God there is pictured here a great gathering together in one body of the true people of God. The fulfillment of this prophecy is to be during these days of this evening light reformation.

II. Manner of Gathering

The method the Lord uses to gather His people together is prophesied by the prophet Jeremiah, “Behold, I will send many fishers (ministers), saith the Lord, and they shall fish (search) for them (by preaching the Gospel), and after I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill (man-made creeds, and organizations) and out of the holes of the rocks.” Jer. 16:16.

The mountains, hills, and holes of the rocks refer to the manmade creeds, systems, and organizations in the guise of religion. God has issued a decree for all His true people to unite in the One great Body, and walk in the glorious light of the one divine Church, His Body. This gathering will be accomplished through the preaching of the full Gospel as commanded by Jesus in His last commission. Matt. 28:19–20. God’s plan is to have “One new man” (Church), composed of all believers in Christ throughout the entire world. We read in Eph. 2:16, “And that He might reconcile both (Jew and Gentile) unto God in one body by the Cross, having slain the enmity thereby.” Again we read, “And this spake He not of himself; but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; and not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.” John 11:51–52. A great prophecy of this gathering is uttered in Gen. 49:10. “The sceptre (power) shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet until Shiloh (Christ) come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”

The only possibility of true Bible unity of christians is “One in Christ.” No move of man, or set of men is powerful enough in effect, and broad enough in scope to bring it to pass. Unity is not the result of forcing a theoretical acceptance. It is the result of the free operation of the supernatural Spirit of God in the human soul. The result of this free, and perfect experience that comes from God is, “One in Christ.”

III. Place of Gathering

"And he gathered them (christians) together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue, Armageddon” Rev. 16:16. At this point, I wish to state, that the thought being considered here is strictly the gathering together in spiritual unity, in the One Divine Church, all the Redeemed of the Lord. The plan of God is universal in its scope, therefore, the literal, or geographical gathering will be determined by the people coming together.

However, I wish to state that the physical and earthly phase will be considered in a succeeding chapter; it being a fact, the redeemed of the Lord under the command of Christ are a visible group of christian people living here on this earth. And the systems and religions of the false, are likewise a force working through a visible group living on this earth. There is without question a literal and earthly phase to be considered. This we will do in due time later in this book.

The place of Armageddon mentioned in Rev. 16:16, means as formerly given the “Mount of Holiness.” This is confirmed by the prophet Isaiah in Isa. 35:8–10. “And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness … the redeemed of the Lord shall walk there.… And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion …” Here is the spiritual gathering place of all the redeemed, living here in this world.

IV. The Captain of God’s Army

Christ is the Captain. He is the perfect One, “And being made perfect He became the author of eternal salvation unto them that obey Him.” Heb. 5:9. There is only one captain, head, or leader, and this one is Christ. Hear His voice, “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd.” John 10:16.

He is faithful, and true, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse, and He (Christ) that sat upon him was called Faithful and true, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” Rev. 19:11. He goes before His army (Church), “And the Lord shall utter His voice before His Army; for the camp is very great; for he is strong that executeth his word, for the day of the Lord (Gospel day) is great and very terrible, who can abide it?” Joel 2:11 The uniform of this army of God is described in Rev. 19:8. “And to her (the Church) was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” This is descriptive of the experience of holiness every christian possesses in this present life.

The weapons of this Army, as stated formerly, are not carnal, or earthly. We will read, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” II Cor. 10:4. This truth is also taught in Matt. 26:51–53, “And behold one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, put up again thy sword into his place; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and He shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels.” Herein is the great strength of the Church of God.

Paul makes a bold statement which confirms the foregoing, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph. 6:12. This is a warfare fought in the realm of the spiritual, by human beings living on this present earth.

Briefly, we will notice the armor of a Christian as recorded in Eph. sixth chapter. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day.… Your loins girt about with truth … the breastplate of righteousness … feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace … the shield of faith … the helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God … praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Eph. 6:13–18. The armor itself of a christian suggests the nature of the battle. This armor is spiritual, likewise the battle is spiritual.

V. General Description of God’s Church

They are a strong people, “The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.” Joel 2:4–5. They cause their enemies much trouble, “Before their face the people shall be pained; All faces (of enemies) shall gather darkness.” Joel 2:6. All march in order, “They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks.” Joel 2:7.

One shall not thrust another, “Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path; and when they fall on the sword they shall not be wounded.” Joel 2:8. They are a pure people, Jesus speaking states, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Matt. 5:8. Again we read of God’s standard of purity. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it (not them) that He might sanctify, (cleanse and empower), and cleanse (purify) it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle (with sickness or decay), or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Eph. 5:25–27

No wonder Solomon, looking with the prophetic eye, and seeing God’s glorious Church of the New Testament equipped in such an efficient and powerful manner, was made to cry out, “Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.” Song of Solomon 6:10. The foregoing is a description of the Church of God, the New Testament Church, the Body of Christ.

VI
The Great Sacrifice, or Slaughter

The prophet Ezekiel gives a clear description of this terrible happening. “And thou son of man, thus saith the Lord God, speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, assemble yourselves and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.” Ezek. 39:17. Again, we read, “Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee; I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.” Ezek. 39:4.

At this point I wish to make it clear that in this chapter we will consider only the great spiritual slaughter that is, and will take place in the realm of the spiritual. This slaughter spoken of here has to do only with the souls of humankind. To this thought we will adhere closely. May I remind again that in a subsequent chapter., the thought of the spiritual, physical, and literal will be given its rightful place.

Many questions may arise in your mind. If so, may we exhort you to study closely all contents as you go, and the proper understanding will come naturally as this book comes to an end. This sacrifice and slaughter is the worst and most tragical, and far-reaching in effect, that this world has ever known. The great slaughter in mind is a spiritual one, which is to take place on the mountains of Israel. The mountains of Israel are used here to identify, and give the location and nature of this great slaughter.

The date of this writing was 587 B. C. It had not as yet happened, hence it is referring to some future time. By studying closely the scriptures, one will at once see it was to be fulfilled some time during the New Testament dispensation. Here in our scripture are some figurative and descriptive words, namely; feathered fowl, beast of the field, ravenous birds of every sort. These terms are used, not to describe some earthly fowl, beast, or bird, but rather to give description, and nature of the wicked spirits of the devil, working through human-beings, to destroy Christ, His Word, and His Church here on earth. The question may be asked, What authority do you have for applying this spiritually? Other places record similar wording, which no doubt, will be accepted without hesitancy. Notice with me the terminology of Jesus. “And he (Jesus) said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I do cast out devils, and do cures today …” Luke 13:32. Jesus did not mean to say that a four legged fox was intelligent, and for the people to go talk to it. But rather, He was referring to King Herod. Read Luke 13:31, and this will be clear. The term is used to denote the spirit and character of Herod.

Let us notice a similar expression used by the Apostle Paul, “Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall; for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law.” Acts 23:3. Paul did not have in mind a white wall of a material, or earthly nature, that had intelligence enough to judge him, and command him to be smitten. No, he did not mean that. He had in mind, and was speaking to the high priest Ananias, Read Acts 23:2. The language here was descriptive. In substance Paul was saying, “You whitewashed hypocrite.” These terms within themselves give sufficient proof of the nature and character of the man.

In Isaiah 35:9, a similar method of language and expression is used to give a picture of the type of people on the highway of holiness. The redeemed shall walk there, meaning saved human beings. It is also stated in the same text, no lion, nor ravenous beast shall go up thereon. This is not designed to teach that a beast like a lion can experience holiness, but does teach the nature and character of those who are not the true people of God, and of those who are. In lieu of the facts considered we feel at liberty to use the same Biblical method of interpretation in interpreting the scriptural text given by Ezekiel. God has issued a decree that every feathered fowl, every beast of the field, and ravenous birds of every sort will be at this great spiritual slaughter. Feathered fowls, “meaning deceptive spirits of all kinds.” “Beasts of the field” meaning beastly spirits, those who are brute-like in nature and habits, abominable, stupid, offensive, degraded, and filthy.

Ravenous birds of every sort, meaning those greedy, devouring, furious, deceptive spirits in the form of christianity, working through professors of religion. God has issued a decree that all of these will be sacrificed, and slaughtered This should give great courage to all christians.

God is now sending forth the full Gospel light and truth. When one hears, or sees the true light, and way of the Bible, he is duty bound and commanded of God to accept it, and walk in all of the light the Lord reveals. The Word of God will either kill, or make alive spiritually, this being determined by the attitude of those hearing it. To receive it means life, to reject it is death. God’s Word says, “To the one we are the savor of death unto death and to the other the savor of life unto life.” 2 Cor. 2:16. In substance this scripture teaches, The Gospel is Salvation to them that receive and believe, and destruction to them that believe it not.

Many according to the Scriptures will be killed by the Sword of God’s truth, upon the mount of Armageddon (mount of holiness), and will be turned to the vultures, which are the wicked spirits of the devil. We are in a day when the full truth is going forth, such as the New Birth, salvation from sin through the blood of Christ, Sanctification of believers, holiness of heart and life, divine physical healing, the Ordinances which are baptism by immersion, Feet Washing, and the Lord’s Supper, the One Divine Church, Unity of all christians in the one true body of Christ (the Church), coming out of and forsaking of sin in all of its forms, the world, and denominationalism with all of its confusion, man-made ways and creeds.

To hear, and see the truth of the Bible on these Biblical doctrines, and refuse to accept and practice it will mean that you will be sacrificed, and given to these wicked spirits of the devil we have mentioned. The Scriptures teach all the truths mentioned, and many more. “Then Jesus said unto them, yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of the light …” John 12:35–36.

While the Lord is mustering His host of the high plains of Armageddon (mount of holiness) in this beautiful evening light, the spirits of the devil are gathering together the host of Babylon in confederation, in opposition to the burning truth of God, and His saints that stand by it. This is the last spiritual conflict. Read Joel 2:2.

The Gog and Magog armies of the false religions being slain, and cut off by the Word of God, compose the great carcass Jesus referred to in Matt. 24:28. The application of this scripture is to teach its true fulfillment just prior to the end of time. According to the Bible, near the closing of time there will be a huge system in the guise of religion, which will bear the label of true christianity, that will bid high for these wicked spirits that reject the true Gospel light, and will marshal them together to make war against the true, to dispose of it, and likely a number of its adherents.

These vultures signify evil spirits which possess, and prey upon these dead formalists, who now swarm and throng the great Babel of sectism. Let us read John the Revelator’s description of Babylon (sectism). “And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” Rev. 18:2–5.

This slaughter is called a great sacrifice because many of them possessed noble attributes, and were used mightily through God one time in their lives, but later departed from God, and took up their abode with the false. It is great because of the far-reaching effect it has on the destiny of the souls of those who reject the truth, and are forsaken by the Lord. When the whole truth was presented they would not get saved from the last spot of sin and sectism, therefore, God had to sacrifice them to have a pure Church.

This sacrifice will take place on the mountains of Israel, the great battlefield of truth. It will include the sacrifice of great men, who reject light, by refusing to walk in it, along with all who refuse to accept, and abide in the truth, even though they were once greatly used of God. Read Ezek. 39:18–20. May the Lord grant we will all keep pace with the glorious light of the Gospel.

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