The General Index for the Four Beasts Reexamined

1. For further study on the topic of Michael/Jesus, please see Chapters 1-3 in my book, Jesus: The Alpha and The Omega.

2. For further discussion on the fall of the Roman Empire and the identity of the ten horns on the fourth beast in Daniel 7, please see Chapter 3 in my book, Daniel: unlocked for the Final Generation.

3. Even though ancient Babylon was a great empire (605-538 B.C.), one can factually argue that ancient Babylon (and Medo-Persia, Grecia, and Rome) did not rule over the whole world. However, ancient Babylon did rule over that part of the world where God’s people lived and using this point of reference, one can say that Babylon was a world empire. Starting with ancient Babylon, each succeeding empire became geographically larger and larger until finally, during the time period of the feet, the whole world is represented as “a divided kingdom” made up of many nations that are both strong and weak. (Daniel 2:41) At the end, ten kings will rule the whole world during the final days of Earth’s history. Compare Daniel 2:42 with Revelation 17:12-14.

4. Although Islam today is often associated with the sixth century A.D. influence of Mohammed, the title, Islam, as used here, includes the ancient Arabic faith from which Mohammedism grew. Even though many Christians believe Mohammed was the founder of Islam, it must be emphasized that Mohammed did not invent the Islamic faith. Rather, he united, organized, clarified, and expanded the beliefs of the nomadic Arabians. Moslems believe in forced conversions, so Islam spread through the Middle East as a result of the Ottoman conquests. Mohammed is considered by Moslems to be the last, and therefore the greatest of God’s messengers. Moslems trace the origin of their faith back to Abraham, Ishmael, and his twelve sons. Moslems regard Abraham as the father of their faith, not Mohammed. (See Genesis 21:13 and Genesis 25:16.)

5. The Greek word for Earth is ge and it is translated “land” about fifty times in the New Testament    

6. For a discussion on the importance of “the north,” please see Chapter 4 in my book, Daniel: Unlocked for the Final Generation.

7. The Bible does not indicate the length of time that the Godhead spent trying to resolve Lucifer’s feelings and behavior. I am speculating that it was thousands of years because the Godhead has spent thousands of years resolving the sin problem with human beings. I am sure that God loves angels as much as He loves us; therefore He gave them every opportunity to repent.

Rule Three of Apocalyptic Prophecy indicates there are three types of language in apocalyptic prophecy: analogous, literal, and symbolic. If an element is thought to be symbolic, the Bible will interpret the symbol with a relevant text. In other words, if something is to be treated as a symbol, the Bible will define the symbol so that everyone who reads the Bible will have the same conclusion. The bible is its own interpreter. For example, the woman who wears a crown of twelve stars. The twelve stars are not symbols of twelve angels. Look at the text: “In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword….” (Revelation 1:16) Then Revelation 1:20 says, “…. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches….” We see here that the seven stars in Revelation 1:16 are the seven angels because Revelation 1:20 defines the symbol. In other words, Revelation 1:20 is relevant to Revelation 1:16. Now, look at this text: “I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind.” (Revelation 6:12,13) Are the sun, moon, and stars in this passage literal or symbolic? The answer is literal because there is no relevant text that defines them as symbols. In summary, the Bible must speak for itself. When it does not define a symbol with a relevant text, no one has the authority to make the element symbolic.)

8. Please read Chapters 7 and 8 in my book, Jesus: The Alpha and The Omega, for a discussion on who constitutes Israel in the book of Revelation.

9. The 144,000 will begin their ministry proclaiming, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” (Revelation 14:7, italics mine) True worship is prompted by the Holy Spirit and is the natural response of loving obedience. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15) “Do not be like Cain [who was offended because God showed no respect for his offerings], who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother [because of jealousy]. And why did he murder him? Because his won actions were evil [he presumed to worship God by offering fruit instead of a sacrificial lamb] and his brother’s [actions] were righteous [because he did as God commanded].” (1 John 3:12, insertions mine) Even though laws regarding the sacredness of the seventh day will be implemented in Israel, the Jewish dilemma will be the worship of Jesus Christ. The 144,000 will proclaim, “Worship Jesus Christ on His Sabbath Day! Worship the Creator, the One who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything that exists.”

(Colossians 1:16) God’s people will not worship the Sabbath. They will worship Jesus Christ on His Sabbath. Remember, the Ten Commandments define how love is to be expressed. There is no commandment to worship the law of God. The first angel’s message will be a demand to worship our Creator who is twice entitled to our love and worship – once through creation and once through redemption.

[top]