| EYE OPENING WORDS
FROM:
http://bibleprophecy.net/rev13.htm
Christians should try to be like their Savior. The Savior is represented
as a Lamb. (See, for instance, John 1:29) The description "like a lamb" would
fit few countries in the history of this world. The U.S. has been the strongest
professing Christian country in history. We talk about "manifest destiny"
here, the strong Christianity of the Founders, the influence of Christianity
on our laws and values, and the fact that from here more missionaries have
and are being sent out than from any other nation. Plainly the U.S. has been
a "Christian country." But the prophecy also says that this nation would
"speak as a dragon." The dragon is a scriptural symbol of Satan. (See Rev.
12:9) A nation "speaks" through its actions. The lamblike horns and dragon
voice of this symbolic beast point to a striking contradiction between its
professions and practice. In contrast to America's record of helping the
oppressed is an often shameful record of abuse, for example the enslavement
of blacks and hypocritical persecution and treaty-breaking with the native
Indians. But the prophecy is meant especially for our time. (A look at the
history of religious liberty in previous American centuries is a good background
for this study.)
The current antiChristian practices of the present administration are
perhaps the beginning of an increasingly satanic policy mindset. If the religious
right should gain power in reaction to the current leftist drift of the country's
highest office, it will likely follow the pattern of all other fundamentalist
regimes in history, whether Cromwellian, American Puritan, Catholic, or
Islamic--it will develop a spirit of intolerance and persecution. This would
be directly contrary to the principles of American government, the genius
of its free institutions and the grand protections of the US Constitution.
To show the fate of America--the purpose of this short article--a verse by
verse commentary on the last half of Revelation 13 follows:
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and
causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast,
whose deadly wound was healed.
The US will be equal in power to the Papal-Third World-Communist
conglomerate. The US will somehow be involved in an effort to "worship" the
Papal beast, whose deadly wound--whether it be the shooting of John Paul
II or the loss of power and prestige at the tim of the French Revolution--is
now plainly healed, with the Pope the world's leading moral figure by the
admission of American, Communist and Third World leaders.
13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from
heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
The US dropped fire out of the sky on Hiroshima and Nagasaki almost 50
years ago, and a new era of war and diplomacy was begun. The "fire" power
of atomic weaponry was exhibited "in the sight of men" all around the earth.
Laser weapons--not yet demonstrated but sure to be used soon against Syria,
Iraq, Iran, North Korea or other terrorist centers--will also do "great
wonders."
14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles
which he had power to do in the sight 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 a sword, and did live.
It is a deception to think that because someone has more power than you--in
this case the US with its atomic arsenal--that you should follow them. Yet
this verse reveals to us that America will lead the way in erecting a
governmental structure that will practically--in its ultimate effect--bring
homage to the Papacy, the beast wounded and healed. Perhaps we are seeing
the first steps of America's departure from its long history as a Protestant
power, formed to be free of the ecclesiastical evils characterizing the Papacy's
intrusions into European history, in the recent union between the religious
right and leading Catholics. Prophecy predicts it, here, in verse 14.
15 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.
The US will have the power to help the "image of the beast"--this
governmental apparatus which in some as yet unidentified way gives homage
to the Papacy--to have what political scientists call 'legitimacy"--it will
"speak" and be followed, respected and obeyed, and it will provide that all
who do not honor it will be killed, the ultimate coercion, the ultimate tool
of Satan--"Do things my way or die." I would suggest that the reason that
the US is here pictured as urging people to worship a government other than
itself--probably the UN or a body that might replace the UN--is because it
has at this point, after its "fire" power has been displayed as related in
the last verse, been economically humbled as related in my exposition of
Daniel 8. While the US will still be existing as a nation at this point,
it will be operating on a momentum, as every great power that eventually
decayed away, that will gradually reveal its vacuous power. In such a situation
submission to a world government would be much more psychologically likely
than at the present when we are still "number one."
16 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:
Here the "he", still the U.S., will be responsible for bringing in the
government that will demand a mark to be placed on all inhabitants of planet
earth. The Greek word from which our English word "mark" is derived means
"sharpened to a point." This is interesting since the latest technology designed
to help governments monitor their citizens is a lithium-based computer chip
which can be injected into humans with a hypodermic needle. The chip can
store volumes of information and can be programmed, unlike the former
laser-tattoo technology.
17 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.
The day will come when remaining true to God will mean going underground
from the superstructure's commercial system. Buying and selling in the economic
system of the coming one-world government will be treason to the Kingdom
of Heaven. The Bible says that whoever takes the mark will be separated from
God. Read it in Revelation 14:9-10:
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any
man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead,
or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured
out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented
with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence
of the Lamb:
With a warning like this we do well to try to become intelligent in regards
to the beast and his mark. Here is the last verse of Revelation 13:
18 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."
The fabled number "666" properly understood, reveals the mystery of the
antichrist. Proceed to this
666-link only in the spirit
of a seeker, please.
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| A definite date for the birth of Antichrist was communicated by the
American clairvoyant Jeanne Dixon in her book My Life and Prophecies. In
this book she refers to a vision she had of the birth of Antichrist at sunrise
on February 5 1962, at a place in the Middle East - a matter of hours after
a total eclipse of the Sun in the sidereal sign of Capricorn. There was indeed
a most spectacular alignment of planets in Capricorn at this time of birth
of Antichrist as indicated by Jeanne Dixon, with Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus,
the Sun, Mercury and the Moon aligned with the Moon's Node in Capricorn.
The last time such a grand conjunction of the seven visible planets occurred
was in 1524.
On February 5, 1962 the sun was also in total eclipse, and you could
see the conjunction of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn all within
13 degrees of the eclipsed Sun!
When the Moon is in the Seventh House
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars.
This is the Dawning of the Age of Aquarius!
In her biography of Jeane Dixon, Ruth Montgomery explains that Jeane
Dixon knew that an important vision was soon to come to her, because the
light bulbs in the chandelier in her bedroom began crackling. This sound
continued for three days. By that time, Jeane was certain that a vision of
the highest consequence was about to be given to her. At times the
light bulbs would increase and decrease in brightness as the crackling sounds
within them continued unabated. On the third morning, she walked over to
her bedroom window—and received her vision:
"Stepping out of the brightness of the sun's rays, hand in hand, were
a Pharaoh and Queen Nefertiti. Cradled in the Queen's other arn was a baby,
his ragged, soiled clothing in startling contrast to the gorgeously arrayed
royal couple.
“ ‘The eyes of this child were all-knowing,' Jeane says softly.
'They were full of wisdom and knowledge.'
"A little to one side of Queen Nefertiti, Jean could glimpse a pyramid.
While she watched entranced, the couple advanced toward her and thrust forth
the baby, as if offering it to the entire world. . Now, rays of light burst
forth from the baby, blending with those of the sun and obliterating the
Pharaoh from her sight..
"Jeane shifted her gaze back to the baby. He had by now grown to manhood,
and a small cross, which formed above him, began to expand until it dripped
over the earth in all directions. Simultaneously, people of every race, religion
and color.. kneeling and lifting his arms in worshipful adoration, surrounded
him. They were all as one .. Jeane remarked that she knew instinctively that
this vision meant that she had come face to face with the beginning of wisdom.'
"
A little to one side of Queen Nefertiti, Jeane could glimpse a pyramid.
While she watched entranced, the couple advanced toward her and thrust forth
the baby, as if offering it to the entire world. Within the ball of the sun,
Jeane saw Joseph guiding the tableau like a puppeteer pulling strings. Now
rays of light burst forth from the baby, blending with those of the sun and
obliterating the Pharaoh from her sight. Off to the left, she observed that
Queen Nefertiti was walking away, "thousands of miles into the past." The
Queen paused beside a large brown water jug, and as she stooped and cupped
her hands to drink she was stabbed in the back by a dagger. Jeane says that
she "distinctly heard her death scream as she vanished."
Jeane shifted her gaze back to the baby. He had by now grown to manhood,
and a small cross which formed above him began to expand until it "dripped
over the earth in all directions. Simultaneously, peoples of every race,
religion, and color (black, yellow, red, brown and white), each kneeling
and lifting his arms in worshipful adoration, surrounded him. They were all
as one," Unlike previous visions, which had gradually faded away from Jeane,
this one moved ever nearer until she seemed to be in the very midst of the
action, joining int he adoring worship. "I felt a tiny seed ready to sprout
and grow," she says, "But I was only one of millions of similar seeds. I
knew within my heart. "here is the beginning of wisdom" The room was becoming
dark again, and though she was still caught up in the spell of the vision,
Jeane glanced automatically at her bedside clock. The time was 7:17 a.m.
-Ruth .Montgomery, Gift of Prophecy, pages 179-181.
Here was the explanation of the prophecy, as given to Jeane Dixon:
"A child, born somewhere in the Middle East shortly after 7 A.M. (EST)
on February 5, 1962, will revolutionize the world, Before the close of the
century he will bring together all mankind in one all-embracing faith. This
will be the foundation of a new Christianity, with every sect and creed united
through this man who will walk among the people to spread the wisdom of the
Almighty Power.".
Jeane Dixon has declared that her visions come directly from God Himself.
What is the test that verifies that the vision is genuine? :—A crackling
sound within light bulbs. Where does the future "messiah" come, from? —from
ancient paganism. Nefertiti (Nefretete) was the wife of Akhenaton (Ikhnaton),
a pharaoh, or king, of ancient Egypt (c. 1377-1361 B.C.) who, during his
reign, temporarily substituted another form of heathenism, sun worship, in
the place of the regular deities of the Egyptians (frogs, crocodiles, bulls,
etc.). In the vision, Dixon saw a pyramid beside "the holy couple" and their
child. A number of non-Christian religious systems unite in attributing divine
qualities to the pyramids of Egypt. We have here that which is supposed to
be a great message from God to mankind, predicting a child born of ancient
paganism that is to bring to mankind its greatest blessing. Then, seven years
later, someone is supposed to have changed his mind: The message now is that
the promised child of blessing—is the antichrist!
To understand her vision, we should consider the Christian mythology of
the Antichrist. The last chapter of the Christian Bible, Revelation, describes
a series of catastrophic events occurring on earth during a time period called
the End Times. The End Time events include natural disasters, earthquakes,
diseases, wars, famine, and the rise to power of a world dictator known as
the Antichrist. The Antichrist and his ally the False Prophet dominate the
world for 3 1/2 years, bringing world peace, and creating a unifying world
religion. This world dictatorship ends at the Battle of Armageddon, when
the returned Christ defeats their armies. This begins a thousand year Millenium
period of peace and prosperity on earth.
The interesting thing about her prophecy is the vision of a cross above
the earth. In the Southern Cross concept, the 1987 Supernova in the Southern
Hemisphere began a positive force in the Southern hemisphere by igniting
a nearby constellation, the Southern Cross. Similarly, a 1993 supernova in
the Great Bear constellation ignited a nearby constellation, Draco the Dragon,
creating problems in the Northern Hemisphere, since the dragon is Satan in
Biblical imagery. Seeming, from that pattern, in the last years since the
Southern Cross appeared, positive change occurred in the Southern hemisphere,
with democracy coming to South America, and positive change in South Africa,
while the Northern Hemisphere has had its problems. So, this Southern Cross
idea fits the Jean Dixon idea of a cross forming above the earth.
The Antichrist is said to come as an "Angel of Light", like the comet,
and is represented as a "star that falls from heaven". Comet Hyakutake crossed
through Draco the Dragon, the constellation which has a Satanic connection,
since Satan is the Dragon in Revelation. Also, Comet Hyakutake's closest
approach to earth was on March 25, which is the Feast of Annunciation of
the Blessed Virgin Mary on the Catholic Calendar, which commemorates the
day when the Archangel Gabriel informed Mary that she was to be the Mother
of Christ. And on April 3, this comet was visible during a lunar eclipse,
which interestingly occurs between Palm Sunday and Good Friday. This lunar
eclipse gives a "dark side" association to the 1996 Easter period, which
again could be connected with the Antichrist.
Considering Chiron, Chiron's Feb. 14, 1996, perihelion agrees with this
concept: both Christ and the Antichrist would be healers, like Chiron. Also,
Chiron is a Centaur, and the Southern Cross used to be a part of the Centaur
constellation.
Concerning events in 1997, Comet Hale-Bopp passed into the Southern Hemisphere
in June 1997, so this comet, although becoming dimmer, may increase the positive
affect of the Southern Cross on the Southern Hemisphere as it heads toward
the South Pole. The "Southern Cross" effect of positive change in the Southern
Hemisphere is occurring, as the Northern Hemisphere increasingly sees problems,
to continue for the rest of this decade.
1962 to 1997 is 35 years. Would 35 be similar enough to 3 1/2 years
mentioned in the book of Revelation?
WHAT WILL THE ANTICHRIST DO AND ACCOMPLISH?
The Bible gives a detailed account of the career of this man whom Satan
raises up and supernaturally energizes. He will have a four phase meteoric
rise to power.
It is important to note that the first phase of his existence,
will begin PRIOR to the start of the Tribulation period. Many believe we
are close to this coming time, so close that they believe Jeane Dixon's idea
that the antichrist is alive in this world right now, and being readied for
world introduction when Satan feels the time is right, is a viable prediction.
Regardless, it is reasonable to believe that prior to the Rapture of the
Church, the antichrist will begin his political career and arise as a leader
of a powerful nation. This can be any nation of say the European Common Market,
including the United States itself. However, the coalition of nations the
bible speaks about, that he will first lead, will come forth from this federation
of nations (literally a restored Roman empire).
Now what will bring this man to prominent power and the final stage of
human history? The answer only can be some catastrophic world event that
will call the peoples of the world to seek unification and world leadership.
The event will close the Dispensation called "the Church Age," and give God
a time to again deal with the Jews and rebellious humanity. Indeed, when
thousands of millions of people disappear suddenly, the world will plunge
into a frightening chaos. And at that point, Satan will bring forth this
godless wicked one, the image of himself, to the forefront to lead the world
in the quest for peace, stability and protection against the forces of
lawlessness that will burst forth all across the world.
The Bible tells us that during the first half of this seven-year period
called the Tribulation, a man will arise and begin taking over nations. We
read in,
Dan 7:8 ""While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn,
a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled
out by the roots before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the
eyes of a man and a mouth uttering great boasts.
Dan 7:20 "and the meaning of the ten horns that were on its head and
the other horn which came up, and before which three of them fell, namely,
that horn which had eyes and a mouth uttering great boasts and which was
larger in appearance than its associates."
The antichrist will conquer three major western nations and possibly
subdues seven others in what may be one single event. With this powerful
10-nation federation of western powers, the antichrist offers to protect
Israel from its marauding neighbors and predators seeking the wealth of oil
and gold there. So the Antichrist makes a peace pact with Israel. The nation
sees this Gentile leader as one who cares for them, so they accept him and
his terms.
This brings us to the second phase of the antichrist's career.
This takes place during the first three and half years of the last period
of Gentile world history, the Tribulation Period. During this time of rising
to power, three other kingdoms will align and gather. There will be a southern
kingdom, a kingdom from the east and a Northern Kingdom will arise out of
the old Russia. All these world powers will seek to control the Middle East
seeking its wealth, power and spiritual prestige. Now the Antichrist, as
head of the western coalition of nations, will gain more and more control
until he reaches the point of absolute power. How will he do this? The Bible
says Satan will supernaturally empower this man. He will be a stunning and
marvelous orator, manifesting rhetorical eloquence and superior intelligence
(Rev. 13:5). In the past men like Adolph Hitler, and Winston Churchill could
miraculously move and motivate millions. They are nothing compared to Satan's
man of the hour. He will rise to absolute power by his intrinsic charisma!
Now we need to know some things about this Antichrist. As Satan's man,
he will first come as a promoter of morality and religion. He will respect
all faiths left on the earth, and will pretend to honor them especially the
faith of the Jews. This is why he is so readily accepted. His minion that
Satan raises up will be one called, "the False Prophet," a religious leader
who will support the antichrist and issue the call for all people to follow
him spiritually as well.
Now just when things look good for the antichrist, the Bible reveals,
that his enemies assassinate him! Yes that's right, he is killed! But to
the world's astonishment, the antichrist is raised from the dead!
Rev 13:3 "I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal
wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the
beast;"
Rev 13:12 "He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence.
And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast,
whose fatal wound was healed."
Rev 13:14 "And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the
signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling
those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound
of the sword and has come to life."
Here we have the scenario. With new power and might in resurrected form,
Satan performs his great lying miracle which cause the world to bow at his
feet. This worldwide adulation launches the third phase of the
antichrist's career. We read in,
Rev 13:5-7 "Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against
God. And he was given authority to do what he wanted for forty-two months.
6 And he spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering his name
and all who live in heaven, who are his temple. 7 And the beast was allowed
to wage war against God's holy people and to overcome them. And he was given
authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation."
Now the antichrist has arisen to as yet unchallenged world power. Ruling
the greatest nations on the earth, he becomes the dictator he has long waited
to be. In order to consolidate his reign, he sets up a false religious system
and demands that the Jews now worship him! In the restored and rebuilt temple
in Jerusalem, the antichrist places an image of himself to be worshipped.
All the Jews who refuse, are hunted down and killed. However, God in His
mercy, hides a multitude of Jews in the wilderness, preserving them for the
promised millennial kingdom coming.
At this point though, the wrath of Satan against God is poured out against
all who have been saved during the Tribulation period. While the antichrist
is building his kingdom, so has God been doing the same. The Tribulation
Period has a two-fold purpose. First, (1) to judge the wicked unbelieving
nations of people for their sinful rejection of Christ, His Church and His
Word. The creature will be held accountable to the Creator for disobeying
God's laws and precepts. These judgments are revealed to us in the Book of
Revelation as the "Seal and Bowl Judgments," which God Himself pours out
progressively upon the sinful world. Then secondly, another reason for the
Tribulation Period is simply (2) to save humanity; Particularly, the ancient
people of Abraham, the Jews. We read in,
Rev 5:9-10 "And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take
the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God
with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10
"You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will
reign upon the earth.""
Here we see that the Tribulation Period will also be a time of God's
continued movement of grace to fulfill God's promise to Abraham to love and
save his children, and God's promise to Adam and Eve, to save their children
represented by the entire human race. Indeed, hundreds of millions will be
saved and believe in Christ as their Savior during the Tribulation Period,
and the entire Church is absent. Now the price for many Gentiles to believe
in the Tribulation period, will be martyrdom. Yet, God will raise them up
on the last day to enter into His eternal joy.
So, we can see the last half of the Tribulation period will unleash all
the powers of Hell and sinful man, against all that stands for God and His
Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Now unless God intervenes in this massive assault
by Satan, and His judgments cease - the whole world would be destroyed.
Therefore, this period lasts only seven years, at which end , God calls it
to a close by sending His Son to fulfill His promised triumphant return to
rule and reign forevermore.
Now, the last final and fourth phase of the antichrist's career
is seen in,
Rev 19:11-16 "And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and
He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges
and wages war. 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many
diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself.
13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The
Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen,
white and clean, were following Him on white horses. 15 From His mouth comes
a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will
rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce
wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a
name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."
Rev 19:20 "And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who
performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received
the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown
alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone."
Here we find the armies of the earth insanely gather to do battle with
God. Upon Christ's return, He slays them all with but the breath of His mouth.
He simply speaks and they all die Rev. 19:21). Defeated by Christ, The antichrist
becomes the first occupant of the Lake of Fire, for all eternity.
Yes, all these things I've told you are not a story or myth, but prophetic
realities. Now whether Jeane Dixon is right that the antichrist was born
in 1962 in the Middle East or not, I do not know. Of course, Jeane Dixon
was no spokesperson for God. God has no predictive prophets, nor any who
have personal revelation from Him in these last days. Our knowledge of all
things must come only from what is written in the word of God. And, all that
I've told you can be confirmed in Scripture. So today while it is still day,
and the Church has not yet been raptured, there is only one thing God wants
from you and me today. He wants us to yield our hearts and lives to Him and
His purposes in the age of grace.
God has for centuries held back his time of the end, so that many could
be saved. Many could enter into His grace and forgiveness, and not suffer
His wrath that is coming upon a Christ rejecting world. I think there is
no greater Scripture that speaks to this than what King David wrote by divine
inspiration long ago. We read in,
Psa 2 "Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain
thing? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers take counsel
together Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, 3 "Let us tear
their fetters apart And cast away their cords from us!" 4 He who sits in
the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then He will speak to them
in His anger And terrify them in His fury, saying, 6 "But as for Me, I have
installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain." 7 "I will surely tell of
the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten
You. 8 'Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Your possession. 9 'You shall break them
with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.'" 10 Now therefore,
O kings, show discernment; Take warning, O judges of the earth. 11 Worship
the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling. 12 Do homage to the Son,
that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon
be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!"
Through all this Christian prophecy, we must keep in mind that Islamic
are expecting an anti-Christ in the form of the Great Imam, while Jews are
still waiting for the messiah to show up. In all cases the prophets agree
on certain criteria, this person will be a great miracle worker, peacemaker,
or political leader. If such a great charismatic person does emerge on the
political horizon of the future, he will be met by political and social confusion
and possibly chaos, because of the different polarized expectations that
these groups have.
One of the signs of the arrival or birth of the anti-Christ is believed
to be a widespread increase in an evil propensities, such as deceit, lying,
criminal activity, immodesty, lack of genuine love, hatred, lack of morality.
One of the prophets predicts that at one point "everyone will possess something
that was stolen from someone else".
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