When reading the Bible, we see soaring above all else, God’s standard, and requirement of purity. “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Matt. 5:8. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness (sanctification, purity) without which no man shall see the Lord.” (Heb. 12:14. God has decreed that His Army or Church, must be pure and holy in this life. “And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion (the New Testament Church, the Church of God), and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem (The Church).
“When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment (preaching of the pure Word of God) and by the spirit of burning (the Holy Spirit). And the Lord shall create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion (Church), and upon her assemblies, a cloud of smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory shall be a defense.” Isa. 4:3–5. God’s church is a pure church. Anything that is not pure and holy cannot be the true Bible Church.
Another reason for this sacrifice is the careless condition of many professed followers of the Lord. The careless, indifferent, lukewarm, and indolent condition will not be tolerated by the Lord on and on. Let us read the Word of God, “And I will send fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles; and they shall know that I am the Lord; So I will make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more. And the heathen (sinners) shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One of Israel”. Ezek. 39:6–7. This is a great and timely lesson for all to see.
The unfaithful will be sacrificed. The Bible gives direct command to “commit the Word to faithful men”. Furthermore, all christians are required to be faithful. In Jeremiah 23:1–2 we read, “Woe be to the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep (christians) of my pasture! (church) saith the Lord. Therefore, thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock and driven them away, and have not visited them; behold I will visit on you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.” To fail to preach the pure, unadulterated, unified message of the Bible, and exist along with a superficial message that will permit pollution of God’s people with the world and sin, and allow division, is committing the terrible sin of unfaithfulness. The judgment on such is pronounced in the above scriptures. Unfaithfulness to God is described, and pictured by Peter in a more detailed manner. “For if after they have escaped the pollutions (sin) of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered them.” II Pet. 2:20–22. Here is shown that to turn again to the world leaving the holy commandment of God, is a sad state that carries with it severe judgment. The world here is understood to mean, those methods, ways and spirits, that rob of spirituality, that which causes a departing from the Lord.
Those who have no love for, or reject any part of Bible truth, will be sacrificed by the Lord. The Word of the Lord gives the manner in which this will happen. Here it is, “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” II Thess. 2:11–12. The results of this condition is pictured by the prophet Jeremiah. “And Babylon (sectism) shall become heaps, a dwelling place for dragons (wicked, devilish spirits) and an astonishment, and a hissing (sinful sounding, poisoned, spoiled) without an inhabitant (void of real true christians). They shall roar together like lions; (noisy, destructive in sound), they shall yell like lion whelps (much demonstration). In their heat (height of activity) I will make their feast (sacrifice them) and I will make them drunken, that they may rejoice, and sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the Lord. I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter, like rams with he goats.” Jer. 51:37–40.
Here is a true picture of the spiritual condition of those who reject the truth. Much could be said here, but it is hoped, that through the aid of the Holy Spirit the reader will get the full scriptural meaning. Here we have shown the exact condition of many religious professors of our day.
Wild beasts (beastly spirits) and feathered fowls (deceptive spirits) shall prey upon the carcasses of those who reject the full Gospel, and are slain thereby. God, through the prophet Ezekiel, gave us light on this our day, the last days of this evening light, when there is so much sect making, confusion, and gross sins of all kinds in the name of religion, when he said, “And thou Son of man, thus saith the Lord God; Speak unto every feathered fowl (deceptive spirit) and every beast of the field (depraved, corrupted spirits of so-called religionists), Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side (from all directions, and places) to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel …” Ezek. 39:17. This scripture has been explained previously, therefore, to go into it at length here would be superfluous. It is hoped that the reader will get the spiritual meaning intended by the Lord.
John, the Revelator, through a revelation from God gives an account of this dreadful time, when he states, “And I saw an Angel (Christ through his ministry, and Church) standing in the sun (New Covenant) and He cried with a loud voice; saying, to all fowls (deceptive spirits) that fly in the midst of heaven (professed christianity), Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the Great God” Rev. 19:17. This is speaking of the judgment of God coming on religious professors, who reject God’s full truth of the Gospel, and are antagonistic to Christ and His glorious plan of Salvation. This is not a description of God’s Church, but shows what will finally become of those who reject light and truth.
These are not slain physically, by carnal combat, but spiritually by the Sword of the Lord, the Word of God. God has said, “For by fire (Holy Ghost), and by His Sword (His Word) will the Lord plead with all flesh; and the slain of the Lord shall be many.” Isa. 66:16. This speaks of the awful tragedy that occurs in the heart and life of those who fail to walk in all the will and way of God. To think, the slain of the Lord shall be many. O, how terrible. This is a day when a large number are losing their “first love” for God. Rev. 2:1–5. The meaning of this is, they have and are losing their original love, zeal, enthusiasm, fervency, and burden for the work of the Lord, and the salvation of mankind. God is calling those who are guilty to repent of this sad state, or He will send judgment.
The awful state of “Lukewarmness” described in Rev. 3:15–16, is another condition the Lord frowns upon with great abhorrence. He has warned that all in this lukewarm condition who do not repent, and become firebrands for God will be cast forth, meaning cut off from God. This state will not be tolerated long by the Lord.
James states, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not to him it is sin.” Jas. 4:17. Those who are not doing all the known will of God are committing sin. This half-hearted service to God is a sin that must be repented of, or it will cut off from God, and will ultimately land the soul in hell.
Isaiah gives the result of walking behind light, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear; But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that he will not hear.” Isa. 59:1–2. May the Lord create in every heart the knowledge of the value of walking in all the glorious light and truth of the Gospel. This chapter is closed with a prayer that the Lord will save all from the awful sleep of sin, spiritual lukewarmness, and coldness that is clamoring for admittance into the glorious freedom of His blood bought Church; and preserve us exclusively for His own until our race here on this earth is finished, and we hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of the Lord prepared from the foundation of the world.”
VIII
What is Gog and Magog?
We enter now on some very difficult things in the minds of the majority of the professed christian world. An earnest endeavor will be made to stay strictly with the Word of God, and recorded facts of history. We will read some of the Word of the Lord that deals directly with this thought. “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 go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Rev. 16:13–14
Here we have three unclean (foul) spirit-like frogs. The frogs symbolize the nature, mannerism, and character of these three spirits. It does not give all the facts, but it does make clear some truth for the subject at hand. The explanation of these three spirits, who they are, and their time of reigning is given is Rev. 16:13. They are, namely, The Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet. We note from the scripture that these spirits actually were one spirit, only changing its form of appearance, and operation when necessity demanded it.
The first spirit came out of the mouth of the dragon. The dragon here is symbolic, or represents pagan Rome, which came into existence in the imperial form in 27 B. C., and continued into the third century, at which time it disintegrated, and marked the end of Pagan Rome proper. This gives us the time of reign by the spirit of the dragon (Pagan Rome). Its duration was between three and four hundred years.
Pagan Rome denied God, and was bitterly opposed to any form of the Christian religion. History speaking here, in addition to the Bible, relates that many died a martyr’s death, during its reign, for Christ and His cause at the iron hand of this godless ruling power. Despite the severe persecution, and the hand of death being wielded freely by paganism, the Gospel of Christ was preached, with such power, that it won the hearts of a multitude, which grew into a mighty influence, that moved with such boldness, and was emerged in and endued with such unconquerable power of God that paganism was unable to withstand, and crumbled and fell under the mighty influence of christianity. Since this anti-god power was unable to withstand Christ and His Church, we see it laying off the cloak of paganism, and robing up with the spirit of Papalism, which is pictured in the book of Revelation as the second spirit, or the spirit of the Beast.
The difference between paganism, and papalism is: Paganism was anti-god, or denied God, and Papalism put on a profession of christianity. Papalism came into full dress and power in the fifth century. The reign of Papalism was from the fifth century until the fifteenth century A. D. This is the period the book of Revelation calls the “One Thousand Years,” known in history, and prophecy as the “Dark Ages.”
Even though papalism did robe up in the form of christianity, it possessed the same anti-christian spirit and attitude as the dragon, (Pagan Rome) did. The same deadly, murderous spirit controlled, as it did its predecessor. So bitter, merciless, and deadly was the spirit against the followers of Christ, that history states that from fifty-five to sixty million christians died a martyr’s death in every conceivable way, because they would not give up Christ. It is almost unbelievable that such an enormous number were killed for the cause of Christ during the reign of this papal power. One can at once see it is the same old spirit of Pagan Rome, dressed up in the cloak of religion, increased into a more deadly organization. To refuse to accept, or compromise with it meant death, if found out and caught by the adherents to this power. Much more could be said on this, but study closely the dragon with seven heads and ten horns of the book of Revelation—when it ended, and how it transferred its power to the beast (mentioned also in Revelation) which is Pagan Rome, giving its power to Papal Rome, and you have the proper connection given of the Lord.
We now consider the third spirit, the spirit out of the mouth of the false prophet. The two former spirits have been dealt with, which brings us up to the fifteenth century. This third spirit began during the fifteenth century, and will continue until the end of time. It is the false prophet age, which means false prophesying, resulting in gross sect making, confusion, and wickedness of every description in the name of christianity. The Word of God says, “But evil men and seducers (deceivers) shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Tim. 3:13. One need not be an expert to see that these days are upon us now. The fulfillment of this prophecy is not in full bloom as yet, but is coming to pass as prophesied.
The organization, and vehicle on which the false prophets ride, and perform their mission is through Protestantism. This may appear to be a terrible indictment, but it is scripturally true nevertheless. Jesus speaking of this age said, “If possible, would deceive the very elect.” These prophets are working mightily, and feverishly today in sheep’s clothing. They are ravening wolves, spiritually speaking, in the form and profession of Gospel ministers. The Word of God makes this statement, “This know also, that in the last days perilous (hazardous, dangerous) times shall come” 2 Tim. 3:1. The reason for this pathetic spiritual condition is given in 2 Tim. 3:2–5.
The three great powers of formal religion, that will be instrumental in the hands of the devil to gather together Gog and Magog, is Paganism, Popery, and Protestantism. The foregoing harmonizes with Rev. 16:19–21. The great City consisting of three parts is here given by the Bible. But note, the cities of the nations fell, resulting in a merging that was called “Great Babylon,” Rev. 16: 19. This merging in the full sense of the term has not yet occurred, but it is in the making, and is forming. In due time as the Bible has prophesied, and foretold, the consolidation is coming. Gog and Magog are the combined forces of all false religions. They are systems that have a profession of christianity and yet are antagonistic to Christ, His Word, and His Church.
May the Lord help every true, born-again child of God, that belongs to sectism or denominationalism, to see they belong to a system, or organization that in days to come will help to make up that great system of false religion that will try to hang christianity on the scaffold of its deceptive and deadly power. The message of God is to all christians connected with manmade ways, systems, organizations, and churches, to “Come out from among them, and be not a partaker of her sins.” The judgment of God is going to fall on these systems. Christians, obey the voice of God and “Come out of her.” If you do not you will receive the same judgment.
God has a church free from all sectism, the world, and sin. Praise God. If you are saved from sin you are a member. Do not join anything. God has already put you in, through the door, which is Christ. John 10:9. Remain free from all man-made ways, and creeds, and rejoice in the great freedom of the Gospel.
IX
The Gathering of Gog and Magog
I. The Manner of Gathering
The manner in which they will be gathered is by the adherents of the three unclean spirits, and their final merging and formation. In addition to this let us look at Rev. 20:8. The formation given here states, “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.”
Here is a picture of the three false spirits going out to all parts of the world. Their purpose is to deceive the nations, and gather together all worshipers of, and adherents to this great mass of false religions into one great body; to attempt to gain power enough to accomplish its desired goal, that of destroying the true. Furthermore, it is brought forth in this text that the objective of their gathering is for the great final battle. We note the size of the army of Gog and Magog is numberless, “as the sand of the sea.” The nature, and place of this battle will be considered at length later, therefore, we will let this thought rest at this point.
II. Time of Gathering
It will be here on this earth during the latter days. This fact is proven by the Word of God. Together we read, “Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they (professed christians) will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into fables.” 2 Tim. 4:2–4.
Paul states, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy; without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof, from such turn away.” 2 Tim. 3:1–5.
Without the least degree of doubt, we can truthfully say, this time is upon us now. The spiritual condition of the world in general is terrible, and spirituality is at a very low ebb. It is a fulfillment of the Bible. Never has there been a time when the nominal church professed higher, and denied more. Analyze the above scriptures and see if all of them are not being fulfilled. Peter gives an account of this time in 2 Pet. 2:1–3. From the scriptures can be seen the time of gathering is in the “latter days” here on this earth. If in doubt of the truth of these statements, raise the spiritual shutter, look out, the moving is on.
III. The Place of Gathering
The place is given in Rev. 16:16, “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue, Armageddon” (mount of holiness). Again, we read, Rev. 20:9, “And they (Gog and Magog) went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints, and the beloved City.…” The Place of gathering of these false religions will be around the true Church of God. The people who compose it are living on the mount of holiness, experiencing holiness of heart and life, here on this earth. Adherents to and worshippers of Gog and Magog will be great haters of the true saints of God, who believe in and practice holiness. There are many holiness fighters at the present, but they are becoming more numerous, and bold, and will wax worse and worse until the end of time. Opposers of holiness are now a part of this great system of false religion. The great central truth of the Bible is Christ and holiness. God’s true people never oppose holiness, nor any other part of the Word of God knowingly. It is the only road to heaven.
IV. The Armor of Gog and Magog
The prophet Ezekiel gives a clear description of the armor and weapons of Gog and Magog. Ezek. 38:2–4. Pictured here is an army … all of them clothed with all sorts of armor, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords”. Their Captain is the devil, Rev. 20:7–8. With this kind of leadership, character, spirit, and equipment, most anything can be expected. The present general status of denominationalism is a gross state of error, division, and confusion. Concerning the kingdom of the devil, Jesus gives us some very encouraging words, “And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end” Mark 3:24–25.
The prophet Isaiah gave a true picture of the spiritual condition of those not of the truth, or the true way. “It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty; or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite; so shall the multitude of all the nations be that fight against Mount Zion (True Church)” Isa. 29:8.
Despite the terrible divided condition of sectism today, and being at war among themselves, there is one thing they are agreed upon, and that is to set themselves against the full Gospel Truth, and God’s true Church. This feeling of dislike will be intensified, and become more open, as rapidly as the false is able to gain sufficient influence and power in places of authority as to feel secure. This is borne out by the scriptures. However, do not misunderstand, and think that I am saying the false will gain sufficient power to overthrow the true. Never. The words of Jesus give us great hope, “The gates of hell shall not prevail against her (The Church)” Matt. 16:18.
The true and the false are strongly arrayed against each other, and we need not expect harmony. It would be tragical if this should happen. The determination to win will be strengthened as the battle grows more intense. But with all this, God has promised definite, present, final, and eternal victory to His blood-bought Church. Be encouraged, brethren, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” I John 4:4. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” I John 5:4.
X
The Final Conflict
I. The Army of Heaven, The True Church of God
It is evident beyond all question, there are two distinct religious movements operating at the present time, namely, the true, and the false. It has always been, and will always be. Both of them are just as visible as the people who represent them are visible. The difference between them is as marked as the difference between day and night, or light and darkness. The true has its origin from God, and is controlled by His Spirit. The false originates with man, and is controlled by man. The one is going upward with God, the other downward with the devil. The history of these two has been one constant conflict since the beginning. This being true, we can expect the conflict to continue as long as time shall be, only to become more furious.
The great unanswered, and puzzling question with many today is the nature of this “Armageddon” warfare. There is hardly a religious movement of our day, but what is preaching and teaching it as a great physical and literal combat, that is to happen in the future. This great literal combat as advocated by many will never be. The Bible does not teach it that way.
It is shown beyond all question in the preceding chapters of this book there is going to be an Armageddon battle. This, I think, all will agree without hesitancy. But the question to settle is, What is the nature of it, and where will this great battle be fought, and by whom? The only unquestionable authority is the Word of God. To it we will now go for the answer.
The account of this is clearly given in Rev. 19:11–16, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; And he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood; And his name is called, The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God, and he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords”. Now to the explanation of these scriptures. In verge 11, a white horse is spoken of. The horse is used here as a symbol of an army, warrior, and a warfare. He (Christ) that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness (not carnal, literal combat) he doth judge and make war. His warfare is on the plane of righteousness, and not physical combat. Verses eleven and twelve, have reference to Christ, and are self-explanatory.
The armies spoken of in verse 14 are the Saints of God that compose God’s true Church here on earth. They were also on white horses, meaning they too, were in this righteous warfare with Christ their Captain. The … fine linen, white and clean, is the righteousness of the Saints. “And to her (the Church) was granted that she (the Church) should be arrayed in fine line, (righteousness) clean and white (pure and bright) for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints.” Rev. 19:8.
In Rev. 19:15 it shows the Word of Christ going forth from His mouth. The power of it is given in Heb. 4:12, “For the Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword …” This sword is, “The Word of God” Eph. 6:17. It shall smite the nations; and He (Christ) shall rule them (His People) with a rod of iron (His Word); And He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness, and wrath of Almighty God. That is, He sends judgment on all that refuse to obey His word, and reject it. Verse 16 speaks of Christ being “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords”.
From these scriptures we see that God’s true Church will never be engaged in a physical, literal warfare with earthly weapons. From the time Jesus came and built His Church has he sanctioned, or allowed His Church to go to physical carnal combat? In the case of Peter cutting off the high priest’s servant’s ear Jesus said to Peter, “Put up again thy sword into his place, for all they that take the sword (literal weapons) 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” Matt. 26:52–53
The prophecy of Joel concerning the Church of God, the body of Christ, states, “Neither shall one thrust another …” Joel 2:8. The uniform of a christian is the robe of Salvation, the righteousness of God. The armor of a christian is a spiritual armor, which includes, “loins girt about with truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace, the helmet of Salvation, the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and the shield of faith”, Ephesians, the sixth chapter. This is a spiritual armor for a spiritual combat.
We hear the voice ringing out to His glorious Church in 2 Cor. 10:4, saying, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds”. Mighty through God. More powerful than anything the world has to offer. The nature of the christian warfare is recorded in Eph. 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, (human beings) but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”. It is shown here that the christian warfare is spiritual, and is far greater and more powerful than any literal combat.
We are exhorted to “Recompense to no man evil for evil.” Rom. 12:17. “Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him, if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom. 12:20–21. The Word of God further teaches, “Dearly beloved, (Christians) avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.” Rom. 12:19.
Jesus says, “Love your enemies, bless them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.” Matt. 5:44. The church that Jesus built, the body of Christ has lived by this standard, and followed this course since its beginning, and will continue unto the end.
The Old Ship Zion (The Church) has weathered many storms, and has always come through more than a conqueror, riding the high waves of victory, shouting “Hosanna” to Christ the matchless King. Jesus declared, “Upon this Rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell (methods, powers, and ways of men and devils) shall not prevail against her.” Matt. 16:18. The message of God to His Church, “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” Ex. 14:14.
The past is a good criterion to judge the future course of the Church. The only change we can expect in the True Church of God is much growth numerically, and a waxing much more powerful and brilliant in the truth and way of God. She will continue to go as destined by the Lord, and will arrive on heaven’s shore on scheduled time. Praise God for this hope and assurance.
II. The Armies of the Beast, Or False Religions
We will now consider the final forming and actions of the army of the beast, meaning false religions. Their character, and mannerisms are clear in the Bible. The Bible states in Rev. 19:19, “And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him (Christ) that sat on the horse, and against his army.” God revealed to John the Revelator that all false religions would gather themselves together near the end of time to make war against Christ and His Church. One may be assured according to the Scriptures, that the time is coming when all false religions will agree on one thing, and that is to dispose of Christ and His Church. Another picture is given in 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. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed (encircled, surrounded) the camp of the Saints about, and the beloved City (The Church) and fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.”
Here we have the best description to be found given of the condition near the end of the world. The purpose of the gathering of Gog and Magog is clear, which is to make war upon, to hinder, and destroy the true Church of God, which He (Christ) purchased with His own Blood. The first step after being loosed out of his prison after the thousand years, Satan went forth to deceive the nations, using his false systems in the guise of religion. Without close observation, it can be seen these false systems are working feverishly, and overtime accomplishing their mission. To say they are making marked progress cannot be denied.
The great question in many minds is, Will these false religions (Gog and Magog) ever join themselves, and use carnal, literal weapons? To this it can be said, you can expect anything when possible by the false. The history of Paganism, Papalism, and Communism will reveal something of the course of Gog and Magog in the future. It is true the beast’s, and false prophet’s powers are antagonistic to, and an avowed enemy to Communism at the present, but according to the Scriptures the merging day is coming. At the present the beast powers (Papalism) and Communistic powers are tenaciously at each other’s throat. The battle is raging with much fury between them.
From the teaching of the Scriptures the Old Pagan power will continue until the end of the world. Just as fast as it is conquered in one form, it will arise with another cloak. The religious cloak of Gog and Magog will be somewhat different than anything prior to it. What it will be in name is not given in the Scriptures other than Gog and Magog, etc. What difference does it make what suit it wears, if it still possesses the same spirit and character? Here is one thing we may be assured of, since the beast (Papalism) spoken of in Revelation is the mother of all Protestantism, the way the Mother goes the Daughters (Protestantism) will tag along. Do not let this cast a gloom over you if you are a christian, but let it serve to free you from these false ways, if you are not already free, and fortified against becoming a promoter of something that is an avowed enemy to Bible Christianity.
As to the tactics, ways, and mannerisms that will be used by the false movements, they are numerous. They are using every conceivable way to get power. One of the most successful approaches of today is the lowering of the standard of religion so low that one can become a member without disturbing him in his sin. These low standards by nominal christianity are gaining adherents, which ultimately means strength numerically. This group is, and will continue, to band themselves together to put in their kind.
There is a great effort being made by both Papal and Communistic powers to gain control of the government. Herein lies our danger. We have little to fear, unless this is accomplished. Should this occur, severe persecution is in store for christianity. For example look at Russia, and other countries where christianity has been dethroned from its rightful place in the government. This is the threatening thing the world is facing today. Unless christians everywhere arise in the strength of Almighty God, this will come to pass. The great trend of the world is against God, His Word, His Church, and all forms of true Christianity. Christians everywhere should become awakened, and greatly stirred. Dreadful days are upon the world, all because of a landslide backsliding, and wholesale compromise by the many so-called christians, resulting in nations rejecting God.
The unanswered question remaining in the minds of many is, “What will be the final move against christianity by Gog and Magog?” The best answer to this will be found in the history of state and national religion. For example, note the results to the three Hebrew children, Daniel, and others of that day who refused to bow to the King, (National Religion). Consider the attitude and actions of Paganism (National Religion) during the days of Christ and the early church, how it was so severely persecuted, and many christians were put to death, and a jubilant time was had while they were dying the most inhuman deaths that could be conceived. One more example, is Papalism during the “dark ages.” Millions were martyred in the most merciless manner because they believed in, and would not deny Christ. Similar things would occur throughout the entire world now if certain powers could gain control. The history of false religionists is, win by deception if possible, but if unable by this method, use force. And this in whatever degree necessary to win. This can only be done when the false wins sufficient government control, that justice cannot be meted out. Without question, christians are being persecuted today, but as the end nears it will become more severe.
No doubt your soul is stirred, and you are wanting to know how things will end. To this we will let the Word of God answer. The beast and his armies will be taken by the Lord. The recorded word is given in Rev. 19:20. “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them (nations), that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image (Protestantism). These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” God will send judgment upon them before He will permit them to destroy His Church. God is not going to allow His glorious Redeemed Church to suffer something she has passed through in the past. It is true christians will be persecuted severely, but not to the extent of past centuries, particularly as to length of time.
Again, we read, Rev. 20:9 “And they (Gog and Magog) went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the Saints about, and the beloved City, and fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.” Notice, this does not say God permitted Gog and Magog to destroy His Church. But when they were all set to destroy it, God sent His judgment, and destroyed the false in hell. This fire means the judgment of God, on the Great Day, at the end of the World. Notice immediately following this happening, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever, and ever.” Rev. 20:10. According to the scriptures God will never allow His Church to go through another Dark Age experience. Time will end before He will permit it. Daniel gives us a prophecy of this same time, “I beheld then, because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake; I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed and given to the burning flame.” Dan. 7:11.
King Jesus thus triumphant over the armies of earth and hell at this time delivers up His glorious Kingdom to the Father, “Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father when He shall have put down all rule, and all authority, and power. For He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” I Cor. 15:24–26. Then the army (Church) in Armageddon’s height (Mount of Holiness) is now released from duty and caught up to forever be with the Lord.
The Bible states, “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” I Thes. 4:16–18.
Politically, there will be wars and rumors of wars. Socially, Jesus said, “As it was in the days of Noe so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noe entered the Ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matt. 24:37–39.
Economically, there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, etc. Matt. 24:7. The battle of Armageddon will not be a great literal battle fought with lead and steel, by carnal kingdoms as some would have you believe. It is a far greater battle. It is one between the true and false church, holiness, and sin, right and wrong.
The true Church, moving forward under the direct command of God, possessed with the great power of the Holy Spirit cannot be conquered. The Old Ship of Zion is sailing the high sea of victory. Her cargo is holy men and women. Jesus is at the helm steering her clear of all the breakers. She is being attacked by many torpedoes of compromise, but she is puncture proof, and secure from the devil. She is timed to round the beautiful harbor, and dock on heaven’s shore the last Great Day. Her passengers, the Redeemed of the Lord, will unite in one great heavenly anthem of praise, joy, and victory that shall never end.
May the Lord bless this truth to the heart of each reader, reveal His glorious light of the Gospel, and unite all of the Redeemed of the Lord into one Great Divine Church, His body, that a powerful warfare may be waged against the false that is so severely threatening our freedom, and grant that we may preserve the spiritual, political, social, and economical freedom we now enjoy.
Yours in Him,
Lawrence J. Chesnut
[ The End ]