And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and be will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."?Rev. 21:2, 3. "And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.... And showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God."?Verses 9, 10. Heaven is frequently in scripture termed a city. See Rev. 22:14, Heb. 11:16, 13:14. It is a place where we have a "building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."?2 Cor. 5:1. It is the place of our future inheritance. 1 Pet. 1:4. This place we shall enter after this earth and the works therein are burned up. 2 Pet. 3:7-13. Therefore be it understood that in this chapter we do not deny that there a place and state of future rewards in an immortal and glorified body in heaven, which is the place of God's throne and home of the angels.
Our object is to treat directly on that which John saw coming down from God out of heaven. A thing which came "out of heaven" cannot be heaven itself. But was this, as many suppose, a literal city? Let the Word answer. It came down "prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." Here is a sufficient hint to the wise, that this city is not a literal thing, but represents a spiritual bride; I e., the bride of Christ. The angel promised to show John Ӵhe bride, the Lamb's wife," and accordingly showed him that this holy Jerusalem descending out of heaven from God." It is an undeniable fact that this holy Jerusalem is the bride, the Lamb's wife. Such is the positive testimony of these two texts at the head of this chapter.
The bride, the Lamb's wife, is the church of God. Prophesying of the church in this dispensation (Isa. 54: 1-4), Isaiah says, "Thy maker is thy husband; the Lord of hosts is his name and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel."?Isa. 54:5. In the early twilight of this Christian era, John the Baptist affirmed of Christ: "He that hath the bride is the bridegroom."?John 3:29. "Where. fore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ, that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God."?Rom. 7:4. That first husband was the law. He emphasized his demands with "Thou shalt." If the Jewish church failed to obey him, he was ready to stone her to death. Surely such was not a happy union. Yet this woman was bound to that husband as long as he lived. But in the course of time that husband died?the law was abrogated, and passed away? and she was married to another. This second husband loves her. He gave his life for her. Instead of emphasizing his demands with "Thou shalt," he tenderly says to her, "If you love me, you will keep my words." This second husband is Christ; him who is raised from the dead.
The object of this union is "that we should bring forth fruit unto God." The fruit of matrimony is offspring. Not in a future age, but now Zion travails and brings forth children unto God. Isa. 66:8-13. "Of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her."? Ps. 87:5. The whole church are "workers together with God" in the salvation of lost souls. In A. D. 30 Jesus had a bride and was himself a bridegroom. John 3:29. And like a true companion his wife joined heart and soul with him in the great cause which drew him to earth. Accordingly in A. D. 96 we hear "the Spirit and the bride say, Come."?Rev. 22:17. "But Jerusalem which is above [above the law dispensation and the world] is free, which is the mother of us all." Gal. 4:26. Every convert of the cross from the dawn of this dispensation to its close is a "new-born babe" in the family of God. This being true, if Christ and the church?the spiritual Jerusalem~ are not now married, we who are her offspring are bastards, and not legitimate sons of God. "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave hinself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it in the washing of water by the Word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth add cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."?Eph. 5:23-32.
This language is very clear and conclusive. The marriage relation is that which now exists between Christ and his church. "The husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church." As the man and his wife are one flesh, "we are members of his body of his flesh, and of his bones." And that we might know that we are indeed married to Christ now, he was unwilling to drop the mysteries of this wonderful relation without reassuring us that the marriage of the Lamb had already come. "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." So Christ and the church are livng in the beautiful bond of matrimony. The marriage of man and wife in a most striking manner illustrates our union with Christ. The following are some of the points of agreement between the two. First. In taking a husband a woman leaves the house of her father and mother, l ~ all its endearing attractions. She leaves all others n earth to cleave to and love him. So says Christ: whosoever forsaketh not father, mother, and all that he hath can not be my disciple." Second. The bride must even leave her former name, and be called by the name of her husband. So does Christ write his new name upon us, and henceforth, whatsoever we do in word or deed, we do in his name. Third. The marriage relation sealed under a covenant of fidelity for life; the husband to love, cherish, and protect; the wife to love, honor, and obey. So does the Christian enter into an everlasting covenant with God in Christ to abandon all for his sake, to love, trust, and obey him in all things. And God places himself under covenant obligations to love us for Christ's sake, to preserve us from all evil, and supply all our needs. Thus we see that all the prominent features of the marriage state are fulfilled in our present relation to God when saved in Jesus, and he that is not really married to Jesus has not left all for his sake, and is not saved in God. Jesus Christ will soon return, not to consummate his marriage with the church, but to receive his wife. Rev. 19:7,: 8, 1 Thess. 4:16, 17. So it is a positive fact that the church of God is the wife of Christ, and she is the holy Jerusalem. The new Jerusalem is the church of God.
Such terms as "Zion," "city of God," "holy city," "Jerusalem," "new Jerusalem," "heavenly Jerusalem," etc. are frequently found in the prophecies, and throughout the New Testament. Now do these terms apply to a literal city yet to descend upon earth, or to the people or church of God in this dispensation? Let the Word answer. Paul writing to the Hebrew brethren in A. D. 64 testifies thus: "Ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem." And this he denominates "the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven."?12:22, 23. In the name of Jesus we ask: What can be plainer? The heavenly Jerusalem is the church, and in this dispensation we have come "unto" it, and are living in it. "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill."?Matt. 5:14. "The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the Lord, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel."?Isa. 60:14. The people of God in this dispensation were to be called "the Zion, the city of the Lord." So they are called. Matt. 5 :8; Heb. 12 :22, 23. "For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jeru salem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name.... Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shalt thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah [my delight is in her], and thy land Beulah [married]: for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. ... And as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee. I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silent, and give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth."?Isa. 62:1-7. "And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken."?Ver. 12. There is no possible evasion of the fact that the prophet here speaks of the New Testament church. The "holy people," who are "redeemed" by the blood of Christ are here called "Zion, Jerusalem, A city not forsaken." In verses 4 and 5 it is said that Zion would be married unto the Lord. "And as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee." This is all present truth. It is also said that the mouth of the Lord should name the church. Turn to John 17:6, 11,12, 26 and read the fulfillment of this. The watchmen on Zion's walls are God's holy ministry who proclaim the everlasting gospel.
In Isa. 52:1, 2 the holy city is called Zion and Jerusalem. The same is commanded: "Awake, put on thy strength"; "put on thy beautiful garments"; "shake thyself"; "arise and sit down," etc. How could a literal city do this? What sense could attach to these words if Jersalem be not God's church? But remembering that the new and holy Jerusalem, which is here prophesied of, is the bride of Christ, this language is natural and sensible. Thus we could multiply scriptures which clearly teach that the heavenly Jerusalem is the church, but we deem it unnecessary. One clear proof text is as good as a thousand. Yet if there are any still unsettled on this point we ask you to closely read the following texts. Ps. 87:5, 6; Isa.1:21-27; 4:3-5; 12:5, 6; 26:1; 33:5, 14; Joel 2:1, 32.
Again, as soon as the new Jerusalem came down it was announced: "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them."?Rev. 21:3. Surely this is plain. Does God dwell with his people now? Christ said, "If a man love me, ... my Father will love him and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."?John 14 :23; 16 :13-16. "If we love one another God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit."?1 John 4:12, 13. "Ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."?2 Cor. 6:16. His name was called "Immanuel" for the very purpose of announcing that fact. The word signifies "God with us." Truly God was in Christ and dwelt among us, and by the Holy Spirit has taken up his permanent abode in the church. Since the day of Pentecost the tabernacle of God is with men. Hence at that time the new Jerusalem came down to earth.
But, says one, in what sense is the church a city which descended from heaven? In Rev. 17:1-5, sect Babylon is seen in the figure of a woman?called a "great whore"? with her harlot daughters. So in Rev. 12:1 the true church is seen in the figure of a pure woman, clothed with the sun. In Rev. 17:18 and 18:1-24 Babylon is called a "great city" which is said to be full of darkness and a "habitation of devils." So in Rev. 21:1-27 the church is called the "holy city," which is said to be full of light and glory. Every fully saved man and woman is a house in this city. 2 Cor. 6 :16; 1 Cor. 3 :16, 17. Sect Babylon, or the Antichrist beast religion, is said to "ascend out of the bottomless pit" (Rev. 17 :8); while the true church "came down from God out of heaven" (Rev. 21 :2-10); namely, the one is Antichrist, the other genuine. The one is of hellish origin, the other of heavenly, divine origin. The one shall finally be cast down to perdition, from whence it emanated (Rev. 17:8; 19:20); the other will in the last day ascend to heaven, from which it emanated. 1 Thess. 4 :16, 17.
1. In the new Jerusalem all things are made new. Rev. 21:5.
2. This is true of God's people, or the church. 2 Cor. 5:17. We have in this dispensation a new church, new people, '`new name," new kingdom, New Testament, "new creation," "new heart," "new spirit," "new and living way"; we "walk in newness of life" and "serve in newness of spirit." Behold, all things are become new.
1. In the new Jerusalem such as thirst can drink of water of life freely. Ver. 6.
2. This is true in the church of God. John 4:10-14; . 12:1-3; Rev. 22:17.
1. In the new Jerusalem "he that overcometh shall inherit all things."?Ver. 7.
2. This is true in the church of God. Rom. 8:32; 1 or 3:21-23.
1. The new Jerusalem had the glory of God. Ver. 11.
2. So has the church. John 17:22.
1. The new Jerusalem had a wall "great and high." Verse 12.
2. So has the church. Isa. 26:1; Zech. 2:5.
1. The new Jerusalem had gates which were continually p~. Verses 12, 25.
2. This is true of God's church. Isa. 60 :18; Heb. 13:15.
1. This city had twelve foundations. Ver. 14.
2. So has the church. Eph. 2:19, 20.
1. None but saved people dwell in the new Jerusalem. verses 24, 27.
2. This is true of the church of God. John 10 :9.
Beloved, in the light of God, these are the same. But why is the church called new Jerusalem? The following are some of the points of agreement between old Jerusalem and the church of God, as type and antitype. First, it was the dwelling-place of God on earth. Now the church p the habitation of God through the Spirit. Eph. 2:22.
Jerusalem was the temple of God; the church is now his holy temple. 2 Cor. 6:16. In Jerusalem God recorded his name; his church is also called by his name. In Jerusalem was the place of continual sacrifice unto God; "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an ho' priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."?1 Pet. 2:5. As therefore, the church of God has taken the place of old Jerusalem as the present dwelling-place and temple of God, and place of all offerings, she is called the new Jerusalem.
Chapter 9
The Ancient Of Days
The burden of Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Dan. 2 was to show the time of the establishing of Christ's kingdom upon earth, and the glory of the same before the great apostasy. This has already been considered in a previous chapter. We will now come to consider the vision shown to Daniel, recorded in chapter 7. Here the burden of what was revealed was not only to show the time of the establishing of Christ's kingdom but the great apostasy and final glory and triumph of the church before the end. Daniel saw in a night vision four great beasts. The first was like a lion; the second, like a bear; the third, like a leopard; and the fourth was "dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly, and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool, his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened."?Verses 2-10. This vision troubled Daniel; so he asked an angel its meaning. The answer was: "These great beasts, which are four, are four king' [kingdoms], which shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom, forever, even forever and ever."?Verses 17, 18. These four kings represent the four universal monarchies which reigned one after another in ancient times; namely, Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Roman Immediately after speaking of these four kingdoms he says, "But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom and possess it." This was fulfilled during the reign of Rome by the coming of Christ, and the establishing of his kingdom in the hearts of men. "And here was given him [Christ] dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, and nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."?Ver. 14.
Some in their blindness think that this has never been fulfilled. They say Christ has never received such a kingdom. Let us see. John testifies that Jesus Christ is now "the Prince [archon?chief, highest in rank] of the kings of the earth," and hath "glory and dominion forever and ever." Yea, he "hath made us kings and priests unto God," by washing us in his blood. Rev. 1:5, 6. In the very opening of the plan of redemption Jesus Christ is seen a king crowned, and riding forth conquering and to conquer. Rev. 6:2. "But we see Jesus who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor."?Heb. 2:9. "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in heavenly places, far above '11 principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also Ln that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church."?Eph. 1:20-22. "Who is gone into heaven, and In on the right hand of God; angels and authorities, and powers being made subject unto him."?1 Pet. 3:22. "Unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom." Heb. 1:8. "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power."?Col. 2:10. Thus we could multiply scriptures to prove that Jesus Christ is now seated on the throne, crowned a universal king.
These with many other scriptures prove that Jesus is the sovereign, universal King, and "only potentate." He only is the Christ of God; he is the Savior of men, "neither there salvation in any other." "Ask of me," saith God in the covenant made with his Son in the untold ages of the past. "Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen [Gentile nations] for mine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." Not only is the Lord over all the earth, but when he bringeth the first-begotten into the world, he saith, "And let all the angels of God worship him." Jesus Christ is "King of kings" and "Lord of lords," King eternal over all heaven and earth; yea, throughout the vast universe, "angels and authorities being made subject unto him." He is the "head of all principality and power." He says, "All power in heaven and in earth is given unto me;" and, "Behold, I give unto you [my subjects, my people] power to tread on serpents, and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy." His kingdom therefore is an exclusive kingdom; it leaves no place for another; it is the stone that breaks all other powers to pieces, and fills the whole earth. "To him, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."
Daniel next desired a more explicit interpretation of the fourth beast, which devoured, brake in pieces; and stamped the residue with his feet, also of his ten horns, and of the other little horn which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn which had eyes, and a mouth that spake great things. Verses 19, 20. The angel answered: "The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces." ?Ver. 23. This was Pagan Rome. She was the fourth universal kingdom which reigned on earth. Pagan Rome perfectly fulfilled this description. She was tyrannical in the extreme. She had reached the summit of her glory and power when Christ came and established the kingdom of God. "And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise."?Ver. 24. These are the ten minor kingdoms which grew out of the Roman Empire. They were:
<1. Huns
2. Ostrogoths
3. Visigoths
4. Franks
5. Vandals
6. Suevi
7.Burgundians
8. Heruli
9. Anglo-Saxons
10. Lombards
The little horn which arose, was interpreted to be a king diverse from the rest, "and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time."?Verses 24, 25. This was Popery. The description has been fulfilled to the letter in the Papacy. Papal Rome really grew out of old heathen Rome. She teas changed times and laws. Speaking words against the Most High has been fulfilled in the great assumptions of the Pope (considered in another chapter). The making war against and wearing out the saints of the Most High has fulfilled in the bloody persecutions of the dark ages, and following the Reformation. Immediately after the Reformation, history states that Protestant blood ran in some of the cities of Germany like water after a dashing rain storm. It is estimated that fifty-five millions of people suffered martyrdom at the hands of Papal Rome. The three kings subdued by Popery were:
1. Heruli
2. Vandals
3. Ostrogoths
The reign of Popery in Daniel's vision was limited to time, and times, and the dividing of time." This signified three and one-half years, or forty-two months. Counting thirty days to the month, we have 1,260 days. 1,260 days equal 1,260 years. See Numbers 14:34; Ezek. 4:6. The Papacy was substantially set up about A. D. 270. Counting forward 1,260 years brings us to the sixteenth century Reformation, at which the temporal power of be Pope was broken. During the long reign of the beast religion the thrones of iniquity have been established. The great apostasy has for centuries hid from clear view the Kingdom of God on earth. The rubbish of sectism has covered it over. Human authority has been exercised over the people of God. Popes, synods, conferences, etc., have presumed to "sit in the temple of God showing, themselves to be God," by taking the government of his church, or kingdom, upon them; by making creeds, laws, and rules to govern the people of God. The reign on earth during this long period largely ceased. But in Daniel's vision he was permitted to look clear down to the end of the beast religion, and he saw the glorious triumph of the church, or kingdom, in the end. "I beheld, and the same horn [Popery] made war with the saints, and prevailed against them until the ancient of days came and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High; and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom."?Verses 21, 22. This is but a repetition of the vision referred to in verses 8-10.
Now mark the fact that the return of the "ancient of days," etc., is clearly spoken of as something that was to follow the reign of the little horn. Thank God we are living in that very time. The thrones of iniquity are being cast down. The ancient days?old apostolic times are returning. The human rubbish of Babel confusion is being consumed by the burning judgments of truth now going forth. The bands and straps of men, which have bound for centuries the people of God, are being broken. The galling yokes of sectism are being destroyed because of the anointing. God's people are thus made free, and overcome by the blood of the Lamb. A mighty host is being gathered to the heights of Zion. The saints again possess the kingdom. The Lord is sitting upon the "throne of his holiness." Ps. 47:8. That throne is like a "fiery flame." It is located in our hearts. Luke 17:20, 21. The truly sanctified understand this. Holiness is frequently in scripture compared to a consuming fire. The Holy Spirit within is called the "Spirit of burning." As Christ sways the scepter of his kingdom, and his righteous judgments go forth like a "fiery stream" against the works of darkness and hell, the kingdom of Satan is again seen crumbling before it. Yea, beloved, the kingdom of God again triumphs upon the earth. The thousands who are being redeemed through his blood in this glorious "evening time" fall before him and do him homage. The books of prophecy and revelation, which for centuries have been closed to the clear understanding of the people, are now being opened, so that we are made to see "wondrous things out of his law."
But, says one, "Does not this judgment which consumes the beast religion take place the instant of Christ's coming?" This is the Adventist theory; for they locate the establishing of the kingdom at Christ's second advent. But their whole theory is utterly refuted in the angel's interpretation of the vision. Immediately after speaking of the great apostasy he says, "But judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end."?Ver. 26. Behold, how clear! The saints now possess the kingdom, and by faithfully executing the judgments written, they take away the dominion of the beast, and the whole apostasy is consumed, and his consumption continues "unto the end." This consumption of the great apostasy, which was to take place in the end of this age, is spoken of elsewhere. Isa.. 10:16-27; Isa. 1:21-28; Isa. 4:2-5; 2 Thess. 2:8. It is also a fact that at the time of the Reformation the consuming of Popery began, but the whole apostasy was to be consumed just prior to the end, and then destroyed 'with the brightness of his coming." 2 Thess. 2:8; Isa. 10:25; 2 Thess. 1:7-10. The prophet Jeremiah told us how his consumption would be effected. "Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and his people wood, and it shall devour them."?Jer. 5 :14. "Is not my word fire?" When the word of God is accompanied by the "Spirit of burning" every false religion is consumed, and nothing but the pure gold remains. Dear reader, this is "present truth."
Behold, mighty angels are flying,
All chosen and faithful and called,
To rescue the dead and the dying,
In Babylon cages enthralled.
The ransomed are homeward returning,
With joy everlasting and songs,
Long ages in Egypt sojourning,
Held bound in the fetters and thongs.
The "evening" is light as the "morning,"
The clouds are all vanished away;
The bride in white raiment adorning,
God's remnant in battle array.
The saints are joyful in glory,
Rehearsing, again and again,
The wonderful, wonderful story,
The love of the Lamb that was slain.
The armies of heaven are advancing,
They follow the faithful and true.
On fiery "white horses" they're prancing,
The armies of hell to subdue.
The "beast" and his image are fighting,
Defending their creeds and their cliques;
Sectarian foes are uniting,
Six hundred and sixty and six.
While Jesus the battle is waging,
'Gainst Babel confusion and sin,
And Satan is foaming and raging,
Our Savior is reigning within.
The wolf and the lamb and the lion,
Made one in the dear Savior's love,
Are feeding together in Zion,
As pure as in heaven above.
And when this great battle is ended,
When Jesus shall come for his own,
By myriads of angels attended,
We'll meet bound our Father's white throne
And part nevermore, never, never;
With loved ones and saved ones we'll sing,
And praise him forever and ever,
Our Savior, our God, and our King."
Chapter 10
The Binding And Loosing Of The Dragon
Throughout the book of Revelation there are three Antichrist religions spoken of. These are symbolized by a "dragon," a "beast," and "his image," or "the false prophet." They are: the Pagan, symbolized by the "dragon ;" the Papal, symbolized by "the beast ;" and the Protestant, symbolized by the "image" or "false prophet." These religions have always been antagonistic to the true church of God. "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars; and she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days."?Rev. 12:1-6.
"And there appeared a great wonder in heaven." By turning to Rev. 4:1, 2 the reader will observe that John, "in the Spirit," was caught up into heaven and was shown things that were to transpire upon the earth. While there, he saw in symbols what would be on the earth in reality. The woman here described represents the true church of God?the bride of Christ?in her primitive unity and purity. She was "clothed with the sun," a striking emblem of Jesus Christ, the Sun of righteousness, the light and glory of the church. She was clothed with his light, purity, and power. The twelve stars in her crown represent the twelve apostles. Her travail in birth, and pain to be delivered, represent the earnest labor of the apostolic church for the salvation of the world. The fruit of matrimony is offspring. The church sustains the same relation to Christ that a wife does to her husband: and like a true companion she joined heart and soul with him in the great cause which drew him to earth. Thus the whole church is a unit made up of "workers together with God" in the salvation of lost souls. Both "the Spirit and the bride say, Come." "As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children."?Isa. 66:8. She "is the mother of us all."?Gal. 4:26. It is said that she "brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron." This man child stands for the great and mighty host of children who were brought forth by the pristine church, just as the man of sin in 2 Thess. 2 stands for the great apostasy. This child was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. This is the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy concerning the church, that "the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever."?Dan. 7:18. The Lord himself applies the foregoing language to his people, in Rev. 2:26, 27?"He that overcometh . . . to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron." Thank God, they overcame; yea were "more than conquerors."
But it is said that John saw another wonder in heaven ?a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads." This dragon represents Rome under the Pagan religion. The seven heads represent the seven supreme forms of government which the Roman Empire had which were as follows: the regal power, the dictatorship, the decemvirate, the consular, the triumvirate, the imperial, and the patriciate. The angel said to John: "Five are fallen, and one is [The sixth head, or that which existed in John's time, was the imperial power of the heathen Caesars.], and the other is not yet come." ?Rev. 17:9, 10. The ten horns of the dragon represent the ten kingdoms which grew out of the Roman empire. An exposition of these has been given in the preceding chapter. The "tail" of the dragon signifies the latter end of his reign. The casting down of the stars doubtless refers to the thousands of bright luminaries who were martyred during the reign of Paganism; for it is said that the dragon stood before the woman to devour her child as soon as it was born. This alludes to the bloody persecutions of Pagan Rome, which terminated near the end of the third century. But as fast as they were daughtered, the souls of the martyrs ascended to Paradise, or, as the Revelator saw it, the child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. Immediately following this, it is said that "the woman fled into the wilderness." This 'wilderness" signifies the great apostasy into which the church went. It is a fact that the apostasy rapidly developed at the end of the Pagan persecutions. The Papacy was substantially set up about A. D. 270. Every history of the church records a rapid decline in all the virtues of the same at that time. The woman, or church, was to remain in this wilderness "a thousand two hundred and threescore days." This is not to be understood in a literal sense; for 1260 natural days would be but three years and a half. In scripture a day is frequently used to signify a year. In Gen. 29 we read of Jacob serving Laban seven years for Rachel. And when the time was fulfilled, Laban gave him Leah, Rachel's older sister, instead. This displeased Jacob; for he loved Rachel. "And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the first-born. Fulfill her week, and we will give this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week; and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also."?Verses 26-28. Here the reader will observe that seven years are called "a week." "After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, . . . even forty years."?Num. 14 :34.
I have appointed thee each day for a year."?Ezek. 4:6. Applying this rule, the 1260 days represent 1260 years. As before stated the Papacy was substantially set up about A. D. 270. Counting forward 1260 years brings us to A. D. 1530, when the first Protestant creed was formed?the Augsburgh Contession?in Germany. It is also a fact that about that time the Reformation was rapidly spreading, and thousands of people dropped the doctrines of the Papacy for the truths advocated by the reformers. Thus after twelve hundred and sixty long years in the dark wilderness of Popery, the church comes out into clearer light. This is one description. Again we are taken over the same ground.
"And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.... And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, unto her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent."?Verses 7-14. Some teachers assert that his war took place in the eternal heavens, the place of God's throne. They say this is the true origin of Beelzebub. Such is preposterous in the extreme. The "war in heaven" is to be understood the same way as the wonders which appeared in heaven. Verses 1 and 3, namely, John while in the Spirit (Rev. 4:1, 2) saw in vision and symbols what took place on the earth in reality.
But who is Michael ? "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil, he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee."?Jude 9. Jude calls him the archangel?chief or head of the angelic host. This in a sense is true of Christ. See Heb. 1 3-6; 1 Pet. 3:22. But Jude further states that Michael, when contending with the devil, said, "The Lord rebuke thee." This contention is recorded in Zech. 3 1, 2. We will give it as rendered in the Septuagint Version. "And the Lord showed me Jesus the High Priest standing before the angel the Lord, and the devil stood on his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said to the devil, The Lord rebuke thee, O devil." This is clear. Michael is Jesus?the Lord. Daniel calls Michael "the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people."?Dan. 12:1.
Hear the fulfillment of this prophecy: "The God of our fathers hath raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand l to be a prince and a Savior for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."?Acts 5:30, 31. Further proof is not necessary. Michael is the Lord Jesus Christ. As before proved, the dragon represents Paganism, or Rome under the Pagan religion. Now, if by the dragon be meant Beelzebub himself, then we are led to the conclusion that the great apostate Spirit is a monster having seven heads and ten horns, and also that he has a tail, with which he drags after him the third part of the stars of heaven. God never created such an angel, nor can it be proved that Satan now has such an appearance. The appelations "old serpent," "devil," and "Satan" must, therefore, l understood figuratively. Paganism is called "the devil," because its religion was purely of devilish origin. Paul says that "the things which the Gentiles [heathen nations] sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils.... and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye can not drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils."?1 Cor. 10:20, l 1. It is called "Satan," which is a Hebrew word signifying n adversary, from its great opposition to and persecution of the Christian church. It is also called "that old serpent which deceiveth the whole world, from its subtlety against the Christians, and its causing the whole Roman world, as far as it was in its power, to embrace the absurdities of Pagnism. At the ushering in of this gospel dispensation, Paganism was the universal religion. Even the Jews as a nation had accepted it; forsaking the God of their fathers, they were worshiping idols. Rome held universal sway. Paganism held the highest position on earth when Christ appeared to save the world. But he who is called Michael, because he is like God, he and his angels (messengers?ministry) waged war against this dragon in his high places. Being victorious he proved to the world that Pag anism had no right to such a high seat. Therefore Christ cast him down, and set up his kingdom instead.
It is said that "the dragon fought [opposed Christianity] and his angels [Paganism's adherents, messengers or advocates], and prevailed not [were not able to conquer that kingdom which 'broke in pieces' and 'consumed all others ]; neither was their place found any more in heaven [Paganism no longer held the highest throne of honor.]: and the great dragon was cast out [Christianity prevailed.] ... And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven Now is come salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ." This represents the glorious triumph of the gospel over heathen darkness in the beginning of the Christian era, the victory Christianity obtained over Paganism, a song Or triumph of the church of God over heathen idolatry. "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb; ... and they loved not their lives unto death." Here is given the reason why the followers of Christ prevailed at this time against all their adversaries. It was because they fought against the dragon in the armor of God. "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb," by proclaiming salvation to sinners through Christ crucified, and by their continual inter cessions at the throne of grace for the conversion of the heathen world. All this they did at the peril of their lives.
It is further said that when the dragon saw he we, cast down, "he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child." This refers to the Pagan persecutions against the church. When Rome saw her religion crumbling and falling before the increasing light of the gospel which was rapidly filling the earth, she tried to save herself by slaughtering the Christians; but this only increased the work of God, and watchfires were kindled in every land. The then known world was being rapidly girdled with salvation, which caused heathen Rome finally to totter and fall. Next the woman fled into the wilderness "for a time, and times, and half a time." This wilderness is the same as that spoken of in Ver. 6, which was before proved to signify the great apostasy. In Ver, 6 it is said that the woman remained in the wilderness "a thousand two hundred and threescore days," which, as before proved, signifies 1260 years. Here it is said she remained for "a time, and times, and half a time," or three and one-half times. A time signifies a year. See Dan. 4:23, 25. Three and one-half times, then, equal three and one-half years, or forty-two months: and counting thirty days to the month according to the Jewish calendar we have 1260 days, or years. It is further said that "the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." ?Ver. 17. "The remnant of her seed" refers to the few who faithfully stood for the truth down through the dark ages. The dragon, being conquered (cast down) and his power broken by Christianity, became wroth at the woman, or church, and through his son?the "beast"?made war against the remnant of her seed.
"And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose nanes are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."?Rev. 13:1-8. This beast represents the Papacy. It will be seen that the beast resembles the old dragon in some respects. The dragon had ten horns, so had the beast. These horns are the same. As before observed, they represent the ten kingdoms that grew out of he Roman empire. But how could the ten kingdoms of Pagan Rome serve as the horns of Papal Rome? Answer: These gave their "power and strength to the beast." See Rev. 17 :12, 13, 17. Thus the dragon gave to the beast his power. By the removal of the seat of Pagan government from Rome to Constantinople, leaving Rome in the hands of Popery, the dragon gave the beast his seat, and great authority.
It is said that all the world wondered after the beast. This refers to the universality of the domain of the Papacy. "And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast." Papal Rome has many rites which she borrowed from Pagan Rome. Among others, doing penance, use of holy water, so prominent in Papal worship, worshipping images, etc. Roman Catholics in observing these things simply worship the old dragon?Paganism. The prophecy that there was given him a mouth speaking great things was fulfilled in the uttering of the following great blasphemies by the mouth of the Pope of Rome: "I am King of kings, and Lord of lords; holy father; vicegerent of the Son of God. I am infallible. I have power to forgive sins; to release from purgatory; to damn and to save." "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them." This was fulfilled in the great persecutions of the "dark ages."
The forty-two months that the beast was to reign, counting thirty days to the month, are equal to 1260 days. This, counting a day for a year (Ezek. 4:6), equals 1260 years. As before observed, the 1260 years extend to 1530, when the first Protestant creed was formed. "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight l of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by the sword and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their forehead: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six."?Rev. 13:11-18.
This second beast which arose and exercised all the power of the first beast (Popery) before him, represents Protestantism. Just as Popery exercised universal authority, so does Protestantism today. This is in reality a Protestant world. The two horns of this beast, like the ten horns of the first beast, must be two temporal powers which have stood back of Protestantism. These are Egland and Germany. Their being lamb-like signifies tolerance of these nations. This beast came up out the earth. All Protestant sects are earth-born. Not one of them is of divine origin. "And he spake as a dragon." Some of the dregs of Paganism can even be traced into Protestantism. The causing the people to worship the first beast (Popery) is fulfilled by the Protestant sects adopting in their creeds many rites and doctrines of the Papacy. By observing these, Protestant people worship Popery. Among other things that Protestants have brought out of Catholicism are: Sprinkling for baptism; infant damnation unless baptized; water baptism for the forgiveness of past sins; all outside the pales of the church ( ?) are lost. The coming down of fire from heaven has been fulfilled in the different spiritual reformations that took place during the reign of Protestantism, when torrents of Holy Spirit fire fell upon the people. After the fire it is said that the people became deceived, and made "an image to the beast [Papacy], which had the wound by the sword [Note.?This wound was inflicted by the Reformation when the temporal power of the Pope was broken.] and did live."
Beloved, here is the truth of the foregoing. The Reformation under Luther was spiritual. Watch-fires were kindled throughout Germany and other European countries until thousands who had been bound in Papal darkness were made free in Christ. The blessings of God rested upon the labors of those early reformers. But in time many of them became exalted because God was favoring and prospering them; so they came together and organized a sect, which was simply an image to the old Papal beast. The result was an immediate decline in spirituality. Thus it was in the Wesleyan reformation. For almost fifty years the world shook under their labors. Torrents of the Holy Spirit fire fell in their meetings. But after a while they organized and made an image to the beast. As soon as they did this their power and spirituality began to decline. The various branches of Methodism today are spiritually dead. When the pure word is presented to them, showing that in order to be clear they must separate from formality and confusion and stand complete in Christ, they begin to argue in favor of their religion on the grounds that God did in the past work among them. As one writer states it, "Why don't they boast of what Protestantism is today? Alas! They are ashamed of it. Or at least they ought to be." So it has been clear down through the ages of Protestantism. Time and again men would receive an increase of light upon some point of scripture and start a spiritual reformation. But as soon as they would receive a following, instead of abiding alone in Christ, they would organize a sect?an image to the beast. This was always followed by spiritual dearth. History records the fact that some of these Protestant sects became persecuting powers and even put to death those who would not submit to their doctrines.
It might be asked, How can the second beast apply to Protestantism and the image be made to apply to the same thing? In Rev. 13:1-8 Papal Rome is symbolized by a beast having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his heads the names of blasphemy. In Rev. 17:3 we have the same beast, but this time a woman upon it. What is said of the beast is said of the woman. Rev. 13 :7, 17:6 18:24. The woman represents the Roman Catholic sect while the beast represents the power of Roman Catholicism, or the Papacy. So with the second beast and the "image" to the first beast. The second beast represents Protestantism as a whole, or the religion of Protestantism, while the "image" represents the sect institution.
The mark in the forehead signifies the sectarian education and teaching which inculcates the doctrines of the various sects in the minds of their adherents. The mark in the right hand may signify the receiving of members into the sect. The number 666 applies to the number of sects that were to make up Protestantism. This is not to be understood strictly in a literal sense, but symbolically. Protestantism is elsewhere called "the false prophet." Compare Rev. 19:20 with Rev. 13:14. We have been as brief as possible on this chapter.
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