Darkness is just light turned inside out.
- Beelzebub
Few if any today appreciate the full context of Scripture. Ironically the meta message, much less the subtleties, of Eternity’s angelic rebellion not only marring heaven’s history but decimating our own are all but lost on the very first generation with the imagination and capabilities to appreciate and recreate such an incredible story.
More important still, it would seem for the first time in perhaps billions of years, the angelic insurrection is about to break out in full scale conflict culminating in the expulsion of Satan and his angels from Heaven to Earth! And end times scenario with filled with death and destruction, dire consequences for an already besieged planet.
War broke out in Heaven. Michael and his Angels fought the Dragon. The Dragon and his Angels fought back, but they were no match for Michael. They were cleared out of Heaven, not a sign of them left. The great Dragon - ancient Serpent, the one called the Devil and Satan, the one who led the whole earth astray - thrown out. And all his Angels thrown out with him, thrown down to earth.
-Revelation 12:7-9 MSG
The Bible is challenging on a variety of levels. Some more so than others. This goes double for prophecy. By their very nature, Scripture’s prophetic Books and passages are wide open to a variety of individual and corporate interpretations. Easily misunderstood, they are often marginalized as irrelevant.
And why not? What do the millennia old writings and rantings of bedouins and shepherds have to do with the scientific age? Uneducated by modern standards, in many ways they knew less than an average elementary school student.
Modern trivializing has a ring of truth. Yet such reasoning makes Biblical prophecy all the more impressive if accurate. Particularly should today’s advances actually be setting the stage for their fulfillment.
Consider John the apostle and the Book of Revelation attributed to him. Even if well educated for his time, which seems unlikely, what could John have really known about the world? What are the chances a Jewish fisherman and religious enthusiast could peer into the future and describe aspects of modern civilization? If the odds against even the beginning of the fulfillment of his predictions proved staggering, might his prophecies merit careful examination?
Israel is a key player in the Bible’s final Book of Revelation. Yet in John's day, the little nation held absolutely zero global interest. Israel had already been ground into powder under the mighty boot of it’s oppressor. Vast and glorious Rome. An empire of 50-90 million, roughly 20% of the world’s population. With it’s capital city the largest in the world. The reign of Imperial Rome would last 1,500 years. At its height, the Roman Empire stretched from north-western Europe to the Near East and encompassed all the lands of the Mediterranean.
For John to suggest Israel would become the center of world wide attention was ludicrous. Even more so after 70 A.D. when the Romans literally wiped it off the map. Yet in 1948 A.D. Israel reappeared in its previous location. Never before or since has a nation having vanished for millennia suddenly reemerged, and in exactly the same place. Sure enough, the tiny country is in the news just about every week. Israel's resurrection as a nation, not to mention it's undeserved notoriety, is unprecedented in human history. Adding to tiny Israel’s miraculous rebirth was the unbridled hostility of hundreds of millions of its immediate neighbors. About the size of San Bernardino County in the Los Angles basin during Israel's original war for independence, it’s population maxed out at about 3 million. The Muslim nations nearby occupied as much or more territory as the continental United States. With a population literally a hundred times that of Israel. Yet in every conflict Israel conquered and grew. Besides Israel's singular reappearance, the Book of Revelation contains a host of previously impossible predictions, all testifying to the validity of John's awesome and awe-full prophecy. These include the description of a nuclear holocaust and fallout, as well as the technology necessary to create and implant an advanced biometric chip dubbed the Mark of the Beast. Both represent then inconceivable scientific achievements now possible, if not probable, for the first time in human history.
The combined odds of this kind of fulfillment of Biblical prophecy are indeed off the charts.
There are a variety of reasons Scriptural prophecy should be more appealing today than ever before. Take modernism for example. Our unique and privileged place in history grants access to both unprecedented free time and entertainment. The proliferation of novels and movies provides several popular genres, many of which synergistically reach their zenith in none other than the Book of Revelation. From action and adventure, to crime and mystery. From thriller and occult, to fantasy and science fiction. Each on a grand global and eternal cosmic scale! John’s revelation has it all and then some.
Just how interesting does God have to make the Bible to deserve of our full attention?
A leading objection to reading, much less studying, Scripture is that the concept of genuine prophecy seems too fantastic. Then again, what isn’t? How about finding a single point of star light is actually an entire galaxy with hundreds of billions of suns? What of hundreds of billions, if not a trillion galaxies comprising a universe nearly 100 billion light years in diameter and almost 14 billion years old? Not to mention all this matter and more may have expanded from a point of cosmic singularity one hundred million trillion times smaller than the diameter of a proton, to about the size of a grapefruit, to our current observable universe!
Not fantastic enough? What about discovering that all this cosmic splendor represents as little as 5% of our universe, the remaining 95% consisting of dark matter and dark energy. Then there’s the incredible odds of fine tuning throughout our universe and galaxy, solar system and planet necessary for human existence. Some estimates put it at well over 1 in 1024,000,000 that you should exist and be able to read or listen to these words.
Again, the simplest math equation 0 + 0 = 0 demonstrates beyond reasonable doubt the existence of a Creator. Given Divine certainty, is Omnity’s ability to communicate foreknowledge of future events played out in space-time, or even the eternity God created and transcends, really that fantastic?
Regardless of rationale, surprisingly few Christians today are interested in the underlying context of Scripture. Prophetic or otherwise. Ironically, both the importance of future prophecy and the meta-message of eternity’s ancient angelic rebellion are lost on the first generation with the wherewithal to appreciate such incredible stories. The Bible reveals Lucifer’s insurrection is not only marring Heaven’s history but decimating our own. More importantly, it would seem for the first time in all eternity a full scale angelic war will soon break out. A war with dire consequences for what will then be an already woefully besieged planet Earth.
Angelic War
In a sense, unfamiliarity with this and other crucial Scriptural concerns is to be expected. Again, the Bible was not written topically. To search out a subject often some theological archeology, not to be confused with Biblical archeology, is required. Passages on an area of interest must be found, carefully examined and assembled without damaging they're meaning. As when viewing a fossilized exhibit, when necessary Scripture anticipates the forwarding of educated guesses to complete the picture.
Revelation 12:7-12, is a colossal find in the world of theological archeology. In a few verses we may be given as much insight into Satan's heavenly rebellion, and it's future effects on Earth, as the rest of the Bible combined:
- “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon: and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. “Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has cone down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” Revelation 12:7-12 NKJV
- Satan and his fallen angels are not on Earth but in Heaven. “And war broke out in heaven…The dragon and his angels fought.”
- They have been in heaven for eons. Perhaps since the Ascension of Christ or even Lucifer’s insurrection: "nor was a place found for them in Heaven any longer.”
- Up to this point Satan the Devil, acts as Accuser or Prosecutor, revealing a trial in Heaven's Supreme Court.
- This and other Scriptures suggest that the original Luciferian rebellion has yet to be completely judged and dealt with.
- Satan, accompanied by his angels, accuses mankind and the church "day and night,” while his demonic cohort carry out his earthly campaign of deception and worse.
- This Heavenly Supreme Court Trial may well have begun with the angelic rebellion, possibly predating the creation of Earth. Or even that of the universe.
- Any such trial would be far from a farce, requiring real rules and consequences. Implying an Agreement and perhaps a Wager.
- The trial ends with full scale war. Likely the first throughout the history of Heaven.
- Only after the Devil's expulsion from Heaven is Christ's Kingdom and power announced.
- Heaven rejoices at Satan and his angels being cast to the Earth.
- Earth is warned of the Devil's wrath and of further Great Tribulation.
1. Assuming a somewhat linear sequence, this description is of a future war taking place before the Antichrist first appears in Revelation’s following chapter. Why would Heaven wait to celebrate Christ’s victory two millennia or more after His ascension?
- “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come.” Revelation 12:10 New King James Version - Emphasis QC’s
- “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” 2 Peter 3:8 New International Version
- “The one who practices sin [separating himself from God, and offending Him by acts of disobedience, indifference, or rebellion] is of the devil [and takes his inner character and moral values from him, not God]; for the devil has sinned and violated God’s law from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 Amplified Bible - Emphasis QC’s
- “Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.” Revelation 12:10 New King James Version - Emphasis QC’s
2. More weighty still are the next two verses. That latter of which may contain one of, if not the most, frightening word placements found throughout the Bible:
- “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” Revelation 12:11-12 New King James Version - Emphasis QC’s
Seals and Trumpets
- Seven Seals opened by Christ (Rev. 6:1)
- White Horse: Conquers (Rev. 6:2-3)
- Red Horse: Global War (Rev. 6:4)
- Black Horse: Global Famine (Rev.6:5-6)
- Pale Horse: Death of 1/4th of Earth’s population (Rev. 6:7-8)
- Martyrs Complain: Multitudes past and future (Rev. 6:9-11)
- Cataclysmic Events: Earthquake, Sun, Moon, Stars fall, Sky rolled up, Mountains & Islands (Rev.6:12-16)
- Divine Protection: Sealing of the 144,000 (Rev. 7:1-4)
- Great Mixed Multitude: Faithful during tribulation (Rev. 7:9-17)
- Heavenly Silence: Incense and prayers poured on Earth (Rev. 8:1-5)
Six of Seven Trumpets Sound (Rev. 8:6)
- 1/3 Earth Burnt: All grass and 1/3 trees (Rev. 8-7)
- 1/3 Seas to Blood: Large asteroid impact also destroys 1/3 of ships (Rev. 8-9)
- 1/3 Waters Poisoned: A star called “Wormwood” poisons fresh water (Rev. 8:10-11)
- 1/3 Light Darkened: Day and night (Rev. 8:12)
- Locusts from Abyss: Unimaginably horrifying and tormenting (Rev. 9:1-7)
- 1/3 of Mankind Killed: 4 Angles loosed (Rev. 9:13-15)
- 200 million man army: Does fallen angel’s bidding (9:16)
- Mighty Angel Roars: Seven thunders reply (Rev. 10:1-3)
- Message of Thunders: sealed up part of Revelation (Rev. 10:4)
- Angel Swears: Mystery finished at 7th trumpet (Rev. 10:5-7)
- John Eats Scroll: To finish prophesying (Rev. 10:10)
- God’s Two Witnesses: Wield unlimited miraculous powers (Rev. 11:1-6)
- Two Witnesses Killed: By Beast before being resurrected into Heaven (Rev. 11:7-14)
Mankind's Place
Here another quantum truth is revealed. In a certain sense, the physical universe, and our place in it, may be an eternal afterthought. The apostle Paul explains that he had been caught away to the Third Heaven or abode of God. Thus our First Heaven clearly holds a lessor place in Scripture’s multiverse.
In the same way, our fallen and fleeting mortal existence would be less than that of a gnat in comparison to both the quantity and quality of life enjoyed by the angelic. Seen in this light, Job appears to be not only the oldest Book of the Bible, but it’s codex.
Few today take seriously Scripture’s revelation that human existence can be attributed to a heavenly courtroom proceeding and procedure with eternal consequences equivalent to a cosmic wager between our Creator and the fallen angelic. Preposterous? Take a moment to consider the untold eons of an angel’s lifespan in comparison to yours and mine. Then add the brilliance and glory implied in angelic majesty:
- “He is especially hard on those…daring even to scoff at the Glorious Ones without so much as trembling, although the angels in heaven who stand in the very presence of the Lord, and are far greater in power and strength than these false teachers, never speak out disrespectfully against these evil Mighty Ones.” 2 Peter 2:10-11 Living Bible
- “…laughing at those in authority over them, even scoffing at the Glorious Ones. Yet Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, when he was arguing with Satan about Moses’ body, did not dare to accuse even Satan, or jeer at him, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you.” But these men mock and curse at anything they do not understand, and like animals, they do whatever they feel like, thereby ruining their souls.” Jude 8-10 Living Bible
This being the case, before excising the cancer of so great an angelic rebellion, God chose to first administer anesthesia. Before enacting so awful a judgment against possibly billions of unimaginably glorious and ancient beings, God would first dare an even more awe-full display of inconceivable mercy:
- “They wondered what the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about, for he told them to write down the events which, since then, have happened to Christ: his suffering, and his great glory afterwards. And they wondered when and to whom all this would happen. They were finally told that these things would not occur during their lifetime, but long years later, during yours. And now at last this Good News has been plainly announced to all of us. It was preached to us in the power of the same heaven-sent Holy Spirit who spoke to them; and it is all so strange and wonderful that even the angels in heaven would give a great deal to know more about it.” 1 Peter 1:11-12 Living Bible - Emphasis QC’s
- “But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.” 1 John 3:2-3 The Message
- “For our earthly bodies, the ones we have now that can die, must be transformed into heavenly bodies that cannot perish but will live forever. When this happens, then at last this Scripture will come true—“Death is swallowed up in victory.” O death, where then your victory? Where then your sting? For sin—the sting that causes death—will all be gone; and the law, which reveals our sins, will no longer be our judge.” 1 Corinthians 15:53-56 Living Bible
- “Don’t you know that someday we Christians are going to judge and govern the world? So why can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? Don’t you realize that we Christians will judge and reward the very angels in heaven? So you should be able to decide your problems down here on earth easily enough.” 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 Living Bible
- “Are not all the angels ministering spirits sent out [by God] to serve (accompany, protect) those who will inherit salvation? [Of course they are!]” Hebrews 1:14 Amplified Bible
- “To everyone who overcomes—who to the very end keeps on doing things that please me—I will give power over the nations. You will rule them with a rod of iron just as my Father gave me the authority to rule them; they will be shattered like a pot of clay that is broken into tiny pieces. And I will give you the Morning Star! “Let all who can hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 2:26-29 Living Bible
- “That is what is meant by the Scriptures which say that no mere man has ever seen, heard, or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 Living Bible
- “Each thing was made for Him. He is the center. Because we are with Him, each of us is at the center. It is not as in a city of the Darkened World where they say that each must live for all. In His city all things are made for each. When He died in the Wounded World He died not for me, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, he would have done no less. Each thing, from the single grain of dust to the strongest eldil (angel), is the end and the final cause of all creation and the mirror in which the beam of His brightness comes to rest and so returns to Him. Blessed be He! In the plan of the Great Dance plans without number interlock, and each movement becomes in its season the breaking into flower of the whole design to which all else had been directed. Thus each is equally at the center and none are there by being equals, but some by giving place and some by receiving it, the small things by their smallness and the great by their greatness, and all the patterns linked and looped together by the unions of a kneeling with a sceptred love. Blessed be He!”
- “It’s crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we’ve heard so that we don’t drift off. If the old message delivered by the angels was valid and nobody got away with anything, do you think we can risk neglecting this latest message, this magnificent salvation? First of all, it was delivered in person by the Master, then accurately passed on to us by those who heard it from him. All the while God was validating it with gifts through the Holy Spirit, all sorts of signs and miracles, as he saw fit.” Hebrews 2:1-4 The Message
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