Present Truth of Armageddon

We have heard that there will be a battle called Armageddon in the future, just before the Second Coming of Jesus. My question is, are we there yet?

We have learnt that when the four angels “which are bound in the great river Euphrates (Rev. 9:14), and who have power to “hurt” the earth, (Rev 7:3) and who will perform the command of God by immediately releasing their hold of the four winds (Rev. 7:1 & 9:15). Then the seven-bowls/vials of (Rev 16:1) judgment will occur. These will be the most severe and catastrophic events that this poor world has ever experienced.

But in the mercy of God, the seven trumpet trumpeters must hasten in giving the warning of the coming seven-bowls/vials judgment. These trumpeters are the sealed saints of God who will blow the seven trumpets because they know the mind of God. Amos 3:7 tells us, “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”

These trumpeters of God are to participate in pronouncing the judgment of the seven last plagues. We may say that the trumpeters are prophesying by foretelling the coming events of the seven last plagues. Notice that in Rev.11:6 we are told that “These have power to shut heaven that it rain not in the days of their prophecy…” which indicates that the trumpeters are prophesying. Those only, who have the word of God, are represented by the metaphor of the two witnesses,(Rev 11:3) and will be allowed to participate in this movement of end-time prophecy.

God’s Word declares to us in Joel 2:28 saying, “…your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:”

In Rev.10:7 we are reminded that “… in the days of the voice of the seventh angel when he shall begin to sound…”which is telling us that the seventh trumpeter will announce the coming seven last plagues. We can determine that not only the seventh trumpeter, but all seven trumpeters are to announce the coming judgment of the seven last plagues. Notice that the each trumpet’s sound depicts the “hurt” that is brought upon the earth, which announces of the close of human probation.

Having said this, the battle of Armageddon proclaimed by the trumpeters is not for the world only but it will also involve the church of God. Hence we are told in Rev 16:15 Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garment, less he walk naked. This message is given to the church of God in the middle of or during the activity of Armageddon Rev 16:16. Saying in other words, “Hold that fast which thou hast that no man take thy crown.” Ref. Rev 3:11.

The battle of Armageddon takes place by the river Euphrates (Rev. 16:12), which is the boundary. References - Gen. 15:18, 2:14, Rev. 9:14

Armageddon is truly a threefold religious union joining together the three unclean spirits of, the dragon, the beast and the false prophets (Rev. 16:13).

Dragon --- represents --- paganism;
Beast --- represents --- the Papacy;
False prophets --- represents --- apostate Protestantism.

Their insinuative agenda is to seek for the peace of the world but their underline objective/purpose is to slaughter the people of God.

Dan. 8:23-25 “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.”

King Josiah died in Megiddo, when he opposed Pharaoh Neco the Egyptian king.
Pharaoh Necho, was determined to wage war against Assyria, but king Josiah went against him. Necho said that he was sent by God to fight against another army and told king Josiah not to interfere with his battle plans. Necho demanded that he go through the land peacefully and forbear thee from meddling with God who is with me that He destroy thee not. Ref. 2 Chron 35:21. In the plains of Megiddo the king Josiah was killed, but he is a “type” of the last day faithful people who “turn to the LORD with all his heart, …soul… and might.”

2 Chron. 35:22 "Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo."

2 King 23:25, 29 "And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him. In his days Pharaoh-nechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him."

Notice now that Armageddon and Megiddo are interrelated by the river Euphrates. There was “a great mourning in Jerusalem (Zech. 12:11)” because of the death of King Josiah.

Observe also that there was another event in Megiddo. Judge 5:19 "The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money."

In Megiddo there was "no gain of money". Today, our world is in a great battle for money without boundaries and weapons of war are used to reach this objective. Many are anxious to rise to the top to gain more money. However, in the battle of Armageddon the Scriptures teach us in Rev 13:16-17,”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 foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that hath the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” That is when Satan would have reached his full battle plan to deceive masterfully that there will be no gain of money at the end. Look up the following, (Dan 6:5-9; Matt. 4:8-10).

We have been told in inspiration that "Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world. ... Little by little he has prepared the way for his masterpiece of deception in the development of Spiritualism. He has not yet reached the full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the last remnant of time. Says the prophet: I saw three unclean spirits like frogs; ... they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." Except those who are kept by the power of God, through faith in His word, the whole world will be swept into the ranks of this delusion. The people are fast being lulled to a fatal security, to be awakened only by the outpouring of the wrath of God." (Great Controversy, pp. 561-562)

The Papacy/Beast has created economic manipulation by using IBRD (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) and IMF (International Monetary Funds) to enforce the mark of beast globally.

What’s their policy? The NEW WORLD ORDER?

We find another interrelated event in the valley of Megiddo and the valley of Jehoshaphat.

Zechariah 12:11 "In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mouring of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. Let us notice that" Zechariah 12:11 describes Megiddo as a "valley."

"I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, when they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. Here we have a description of the “valley" of Jehoshaphat as a place of judgment recorded in Joel 3:2.

The prophet Joel here describes this event of God's judgment as taking place in a valley:
"Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision." (Joel 3:12, 14)

Armageddon and Megiddo interrelates at the river Euphrates. We have also discovered that the valley of Megiddo is interrelated with valley of Jehoshaphat. Therefore Armageddon is interrelated with the valley of Jehoshaphat also.
This has triangular correlation; Armageddon --- Megiddo --- Jehoshaphat

The seduction by the three unclean spirits are working “Behind the scenes” to destroy and to “hurt” everyone who is unaware.
The individual name of the destroyer is Abaddon or Apollyon (Rev.9:11 “a king over them”). When the destroyers are finally “gathered together” (the dragon, the beast, the false prophets), the new name becomes “Armageddon (Rev. 16:16)”.

The evil forces are already so tightly united in their ecumenical movement, which is a clear indication that the shadow of the sixth plague is evidently here. Soon they will declare that “as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed” (Rev. 13:15).

1. Megiddo-----depicted in Rev 13 -is the power of the beast that oppresses God's people with economy, religion and politics.
2. Jehoshaphat----- depicted in Rev 14 - three angels messages (Judgment)
3. Armageddon -----spiritual battle in Rev 16 - gathering the kings of the earth

What kind of events occurs in Megiddo/Armageddon?

1. Megiddo------ Rev 13:16; the mark of the beast enforced /unable to buy or sell
2. Jehoshaphat-------Rev 14:7; call to worship the Creator/hour of judgment has come
3. Armageddon------ Rev 16:16; Activities of the three unclean spirits/kings of the earth as they are gathered together in the final battle of Armageddon with God's remnant people.

The essence of the battle is between the Seal of God and the Mark of the Beast. Dan.3:12-17; Rev.12:10-11.

The purpose of the harlot is:

1. In Rev 13 is to give the mark of the beast on forehead and hand.
2. In Rev 14 is to hinder the true worship of God that is portrayed by 3 angel messages.
3. In Rev 16 is to make their powers strong to come against SDA by gathering the kings of the earth.

The harlot attempts:

1. Rev 13 -- Economy; caused all to receive mark of the beast not the Seal of God
2. Rev 14 - Judgment; harlot is against the commemoration of creation and salvation of God
3. Rev 16 - Three religious powers united in bundles (Matt 13:30) but to receive the plagues.

The shadows of Armageddon are overspread the earth already.
They gathered them together into the situation ROOM called in the Hebrew tongue, Armageddon.

1. Megiddo --- economic issues/the wars of economy -present event
2. Armageddon--- united religious powers-------------------- present event
3. Jehoshaphat ---God's judgment------------------------- present event in heaven

Are we a little blown away by the events unfolded intensely one after the other? “Why so severe?” “What about the saints? What about us?” Have a faith God that His judgment is going on in heaven simultaneously as the events culminate to the final showdown. Many will fall away in faith so visibly while the Antichrist set up the stage on the world scene. We must take a firm stand for truth regardless of the cost. Rev. 16:15 “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”

There might seem to be a global prosperity, unity of the nations, world peace, and the justice movement by the harlot’s Babylonian system. But it is only a temporary counterfeit.

God’s judgment is announced in the seven trumpets. Consider the sixth trumpet, which announces that men will be killed or punished by fire, smoke and brimstone that are targeting the three unclean spirits. (Rev. 9:15,20).

Why?

Because man has gathered the entire world together "to the battle of that great day of God Almighty" (Rev. 16:14). They are earning their just punishment.
There is a voice from the temple in the sixth trumpet saying loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates (Rev. 9:14) then the angel of the sixth bowl pours out the plague upon the great river Euphrates (Rev. 16:12). The armies of the Lord (Rev. 19:14), which are numbered "two hundred thousand thousand" (Rev. 9:16) are now commissioned to slay "the third part of men" (Rev. 9:15) that dwell on the earth (Rev. 8:13).
It is clear that the mediation of Jesus Christ in the heavenly sanctuary has ceased when the command went out from the temple to slay men with the plague. It will not take ‘391 years’ to "slay the third part of men (Rev. 9:15)" on earth, instead it will be done at the same time when the wrath of God is poured out in the seven last plagues.
The intensity of the plague by fire, smoke and brimstone is depicted as "the heads of horses/as the heads of Lions" (Rev. 9:17) in their ferocity. We are further told that the three unclean spirits are working miracles, to gather the whole world together to the great day of God Almighty (Rev. 16:14), this inevitably will usher the world into the punishment of the sixth plague. Therefore to unlock the sixth plagues, we must pair up/connect ‘the fire’ to unclean spirit of the dragon, ‘the smoke’ to unclean spirit of the beast, and ‘the brimstone’ to unclean spirit of the false prophets.

The sixth plague ushers in the event involving the entire world. Indeed, this is the second woe that is announced in the fifth trumpet! The intensity of warning, for the fifth plague, is in the image of "the heads of the horses that were as the heads of lions" (Rev. 9:17) in ferocity of the battle.

The Antichrist’s rage is ferocious and it is to kill as many people as possible when God releases the “hold” on the earth.

The four angels…were released to kill a third of mankind. (Rev. 9:15)

The slain of the LORD shall be from one end of the earth to the other... (Jer. 25:33)

The LORD makes the earth empty [of people]…3The land shall be entirely emptied…

The inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men are left. (Isa. 24:1-6)

The battle of Armageddon is here already. We just have not seen the climax of the end. Now is the time to watch and keep our garments, lest we walk naked, and see shame, not at the end, of course not!

"I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth. . . . And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God; and he cried . . . saying, Hurt not the earth . . . till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." These angels now hold the winds of strife, waiting for the church of God to prepare for his coming. The sealing angel goes through Jerusalem (the church) to place the seal of the living God on the foreheads of the faithful, and while this work goes forward, Turkey stands as a national guidepost to the world, that men may know what is going on in the sanctuary above. {1901 SNH, SDP 248.1}

God's eye is upon his people, and he never leaves himself without a witness in the world. No man knows when Turkey will take its departure from Europe, but when that move is made, earth's history will be short. Then it will be said, "He that is unjust let him be unjust still, . . . and he that is righteous let him be righteous still." To-day is "the day of preparation." The fate of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome is recorded for the edification Margin of the nations of to-day, and the lessons taught by all center in the events just before us. While the world watches Turkey, let the servant of God watch the movements of his great High Priest, whose ministry for sin is almost over. Margin {1901 SNH, SDP 248.2}

The four angels are holding the four winds of the earth until the completion of the sealing of God.

When their holding is released, "hurt" will occur upon the earth, the sea and the trees. All the seven trumpets are talking about the "hurt", which indicate that the probation has closed.

The Seven Trumpets;
#1. trees, all green grass burnt up - trees and grass depict mankind; burnt up
indicates "hurt".
#2. sea creatures died - life in the sea "hurt".
#3. rivers and foundtains of water caused many men died-polluted drinking water
"hurt" mankind.
#4. celestial bodies darkened-heaven showing signs of times
#5. demonic activities "hurt men" (Rev. 9:10).
#6. "with them they do hurt" (Rev. 9:19).
#7. announcement of "kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Chirst" (Rev. 11:15)-"destroy them which destroy the earth" (Rev. 11:18)

The Seven Trumpets are the message of imminent close of the probation. At the same time in another aspect it foretells the coming seven last plagues.

Sister Karen,

I am curious how you see the holding of the four winds in regards to the sealing of God's people--ie. the 144,000?

Do you see this seal as the Sabbath seal or something else upon the 144k?

The Chapter 7 of the Book of Revelation reveals to us all the redeemed saints of God. The multitudes are from diverse nations that are resurrected and the 144K are from one nation.

Since the 144K are the only alive ones of the saints at the time of Jesus' Second Coming, they would be in one faith, one Spirit, one Lord, one baptism etc. I have no doubt that 144K have the Sabbath seal.

The purpose of the holding the four winds is "till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads" (Rev. 7:3). when the four angels loose their hold (Rev. 9:14) the "hurt" of the earth, the sea, and the trees (Rev. 7:3) will occur as the all of Seven Trumpets have depicted.

The 144K won't be hurt by the release of the four angels. There is a command that they should not be hurt because they have the seal of God. "And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads." (Rev. 9:4).

The 144K have the word of truth of God. They have such power to strike the earth with all plagues in the days of their prophecy (Rev. 11:6) and they won't be hurt.
"And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed." (Rev. 11:5).

Karen-Since the 144K are the only alive ones of the saints at the time of Jesus' Second Coming, they would be in one faith, one Spirit, one Lord, one baptism etc. I have no doubt that 144K have the Sabbath seal.

Yes I would agree, but this would be a primary seal, in other words a foundational seal. The seal that the elect of God (144K) will have must be the following as well--

"Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those "that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done" in the church. Their love for purity and the honor and glory of God is such, and they have so clear a view of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that they are represented as being in agony, even sighing and crying. Read the ninth chapter of Ezekiel." (Testimonies, vol. 3, p.267)

Note: this "mark" is the seal.


"Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed.
There are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God in their foreheads. They had the light of truth, they knew their Master's will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works." (Testimonies, vol. 5, p.213-214)

"Duty to Reprove Sin -- If wrongs are apparent among His people, and if the servants of God pass on indifferent to them, they virtually sustain and justify the sinner, and are alike guilty and will just as surely receive the displeasure of God; for they will be made responsible for the sins of the guilty.

In vision I have been pointed to many instances where the displeasure of God has been incurred by a neglect on the part of His servants to deal with the wrongs and sins existing among them. Those who have excused these wrongs have been thought by the people to be very amiable and lovely in disposition, simply because they shunned to discharge a plain Scriptural duty. The task was not agreeable to their feelings; therefore they avoided it." (Testimonies, vol. 3, p.266)

So the 144,000 will be found to be exemplary in that they not only keep the Sabbath , have corresponding works, they sigh and cry for the abominations done in the church. How few really do this! No wonder Inspirations says only 144,000!

How many people speak up to the pastor about sins done in the midst? How many people truly sorrow to see young ladies with mini-shirts go prancing by in the sanctuary? How many "lift up their voice like a trumpet to show the house of Judah their sins"? FEW.

"Talk to souls in peril and get them to behold Jesus upon the cross, dying to make it possible for Him to pardon. Talk to the sinner with your own heart overflowing with the tender, pitying love of Christ. Let there be deep earnestness; but not a harsh, loud note should be heard from the one who is trying to win the soul to look and live" - Maranatha pg 105

Rev. 19:14 "And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean."

Who are the ones that belong to the armies of Jesus? Like the Gedeon's army, Jesus would have His armies to make war with the beast.

Rev. 13:4 "…Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?"

The above question is answered in the Chap. 14 of Revelation.

"And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads."

Rev. 19:11 "…behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteouseness he doth judge and make war."

It is mandated that the 144K will blow the seven trumpets to bring the final collapse of the Great City Babylon. Therefore, understanding the seven trumpets message in a right perspective is essential. The message of the seven trumpets judgment is for present and for future.

Are you saying now that the trumpets come after probation closes?
So then the trumpets according to that new idea are no longer "warnings" or calls to repentance?

Also isn't Revelation 19 the second coming of Jesus?
Are you now saying it isn't the second coming, but rather the 144,000 as an army to bring down Babylon? (After probation has closed?)


Rev. 19:14 "And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean"

Who belongs to this army coming to make war with the beast and his image?



Rev. 13:4 "…Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?"

Rev. 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings:



Rev. 19:11 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.
19:16 And he has on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.






The problem comes in when we try to make Revelation one continuous sequence when in actuality it is like the book of Daniel -- a series of pictures taking us over the same time periods several times each time with a different objective.
Chapters 1-11 take us three times from the time of John the prophet to the end.
Chapter 12 gives an overview of the whole Great Controversy.
Chapters 13-22 focus on the last days and take us from the wounded beast healing through to final victory of Christ and restoration of all things.

It is Christ Himself that breaks the power of Babylon.

The commission for God's people is to give the call to "Come out of Babylon".

Karen, I've mentioned before that I believe the trumpets are future events based mainly on statements in the SOP that "trumpet after trumpet" will sound. Today I found this article on the seven trumpets by James White that I thought you'd be interested in. I'm still reading it myself but I just want to draw your attention to the first part where White approaches the trumpets as harbingers of the fall of the fourth world empire - pagan and papal Rome.

It strikes me that this is a good template for us to use but that we should especially apply it to the future when the mortal wound is healed. If the trumpets herald the fall of the fourth beast, and I personally believe James White is right, then they apply especially to that time when Papal Rome again dominates the world and all the world wonders after the beast. So then, the thing to watch for first would be the healing of the mortal wound. I will hazard a guess that, notwithstanding that all the world is already mesmerized by the papacy, that the trumpets may not sound until the Papacy regains civil authority as the corrector of heretics; and, as soon as that begins to occur, particularly in the US, in the nullifying of the First Amendment through a state sponsored establishment of "Christianity" the Lord will begin sounding the warning.

When you're able, have a look at the article and please let me know your thoughts.