Revelation 14:6: "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people"
Q1: What does "angel" mean?
A: From the Greek word (aggelos) which means messenger.
Q2: What does "in the midst of heaven" mean?
A: The message is from God's throne, from God Himself.
Q3: What is "the everlasting gospel"? A:
1. Jesus' righteousness alone saves us, none other (Isa. 64:6, Eph. 2:8, 9)
2. Jesus is our only and sufficient high priest, nobody else (Heb. 9:11-12)
3. Jesus' sacrifice is once-for-all, nothing else is needed (Heb. 10:10)
Q4: Jesus'/God's message to whom?
A: To "them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people".
Q1: What does "angel" mean?
A: From the Greek word (aggelos) which means messenger.
Q2: What does "in the midst of heaven" mean?
A: The message is from God's throne, from God Himself.
Q3: What is "the everlasting gospel"? A:
1. Jesus' righteousness alone saves us, none other (Isa. 64:6, Eph. 2:8, 9)
2. Jesus is our only and sufficient high priest, nobody else (Heb. 9:11-12)
3. Jesus' sacrifice is once-for-all, nothing else is needed (Heb. 10:10)
Q4: Jesus'/God's message to whom?
A: To "them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people".
Revelation 14:7: "Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
Q5: What does "fear God" mean?
A: Reverence Him in trustful, loving, willing obedience; His law of love within one's heart (Psalm 2:11, 111:10, Proverbs 9:10, Luke 10:26-28, Psalm 147:11, 40:8). This kind of joyful love is also well described in 1 Corinthians 13.
Fearing God also redounds to one's good (Proverbs 19:23, 22:4; Luke 1:50, Psalm 103: 11-13, 17; 115:13, 145:19).
Q6: How do we "give glory" to God?
A: By reflecting His righteous character. Jesus said: "... I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.
Q7: Why do we have to "fear God" and to "give glory to Him"?
A: Because "the hour of his judgment is come". His investigative judgment council has begun and is ongoing (in progress) since its first proclamation, Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; 8:14. When that investigative judgment closes very soon, the destiny of all will have been decided for life or death, Revelation 22:11. Christ will come and His reward will be with Him to give to every man as his work shall be (Matthew 16:27, Revelation 22:12).
Q8: In the last part of Revelation 14:7, what is meant by "worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters"?
A: Worship God/Jesus, maker/Creator of everything good, Genesis 1.
After His six literal days of work of creation, He rested on the seventh, Genesis 2:2. Then He sanctified it "because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made." Genesis 2:3.
He desires that our 7th day of rest shall be a blessing and a day of joy. There was joy at the institution of the Sabbath. Jesus looked with satisfaction upon the work of His hands. All things that He had made He pronounced "very good." Genesis 1:31. Heaven and earth were filled with rejoicing. "The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." Job 38:7.
Q9: How else can we remember Jesus, including His death, burial, and resurrection? Through the observance of Holy/Passion Week and Holy Sunday?
A: No, rather by: washing of feet (John 13:14-15), Lord's supper (I Corinthians 11:24-25), and baptism (Romans 6:3-4).
Q10: How about other worships and ceremonies?
A: Other worships and ceremonies are mere commandments of men and are not of God. They are traditions and are salvation by works, not by grace through faith (Matthew 15:9, Ephesians 2:8-9).
Q11: What are some examples of those?
A: Some examples of those are: Washing pots and cups, Mass/Communion, Infant Baptism, Easter and Sunday worship, Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and forgetting the seventh day Sabbath. Of these, Jesus said: "in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." (Mark 7:7 ESV)
Error: Jesus while dead, went to Satan/hell to suffer some more for the sins of the world + misinterpreted Bible texts.
Truth: Jesus calls death mere sleep, (Mark 5:39, Luke 8:52, John 11:11). He slept/rested - Not on the 1st-day-Sunday, but on the 7th-day-Sabbath. Jesus said on Friday before He slept: "It is finished", John 19:30. He also rested - Not on the 1st-day-Sunday, but on the 7th-day-Sabbath after His six-day work of creation, Genesis 2:1-2.
Error: Jesus did not exist yet in the Old Testament, only in the New Testament.
Truth: Jesus is the Christ = Messiah = Son of God = Redeemer = Saviour ... and many more titles in the Old Testament.
1. Jesus said "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM.", John 8:58.
2. Jesus (LORD and Redeemer), is (with His Father) the Creator/Maker of all, Isaiah 44:24.
3. Jesus identified Himself to Moses as the, ”… I AM ...”, Exodus 3:14.
4. Jesus is the Saviour who did "great things in Egypt" (Psalm 106:21, Isaiah 43:3, 11).
5. Jesus physically appeared and talked with Abraham (Genesis 18:23-33).
6. Jesus is the "spiritual Rock" during ancient Israels' wanderings and need of water in the desert. 1 Corinthians 10:4 said: "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." Jesus is also the Old Testament's God and Redeemer, Psalm 78:35.
7. Jesus (the Redeemer) is the Old Testament's LORD (Isaiah 41:14; 43:14).
8. Jesus (the LORD of hosts), is the Holy One of Israel and the God of the whole earth (Isaiah 47:4; 48:17; 49:26; 54:5).
9. Jesus is the LORD speaking whenever God speaks in the Old Testament Scriptures. Some examples: whenever God spoke in the Scriptures, and even when He spoke His commandments, laws, statutes, and judgments (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua ... Samuel, Kings, Chronicles ... Job, Psalms, Proverbs ... Isaiah, Jeremiah ... Daniel ... Jonah ... Malachi).
10. Jesus is the LORD and God who wrote the Ten Commandments on "two tables of stone, written with the finger of God." Exodus 31:18, and the "LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the LORD spake ..." Deuteronomy 9:10). The LORD (Jesus) is the "Word of God", Revelation 19:13.
11. Jesus is God and Saviour even in the New Testament (Luke 1:47, 2:11).
12. Jesus is present in both Old and New Testaments, because "in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Colossians 2:9 and He is the Word of God, the Creator, and the Life-giver, John 1:1-5.
Q5: What does "fear God" mean?
A: Reverence Him in trustful, loving, willing obedience; His law of love within one's heart (Psalm 2:11, 111:10, Proverbs 9:10, Luke 10:26-28, Psalm 147:11, 40:8). This kind of joyful love is also well described in 1 Corinthians 13.
Fearing God also redounds to one's good (Proverbs 19:23, 22:4; Luke 1:50, Psalm 103: 11-13, 17; 115:13, 145:19).
Q6: How do we "give glory" to God?
A: By reflecting His righteous character. Jesus said: "... I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.
Q7: Why do we have to "fear God" and to "give glory to Him"?
A: Because "the hour of his judgment is come". His investigative judgment council has begun and is ongoing (in progress) since its first proclamation, Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; 8:14. When that investigative judgment closes very soon, the destiny of all will have been decided for life or death, Revelation 22:11. Christ will come and His reward will be with Him to give to every man as his work shall be (Matthew 16:27, Revelation 22:12).
Q8: In the last part of Revelation 14:7, what is meant by "worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters"?
A: Worship God/Jesus, maker/Creator of everything good, Genesis 1.
After His six literal days of work of creation, He rested on the seventh, Genesis 2:2. Then He sanctified it "because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made." Genesis 2:3.
He desires that our 7th day of rest shall be a blessing and a day of joy. There was joy at the institution of the Sabbath. Jesus looked with satisfaction upon the work of His hands. All things that He had made He pronounced "very good." Genesis 1:31. Heaven and earth were filled with rejoicing. "The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." Job 38:7.
Q9: How else can we remember Jesus, including His death, burial, and resurrection? Through the observance of Holy/Passion Week and Holy Sunday?
A: No, rather by: washing of feet (John 13:14-15), Lord's supper (I Corinthians 11:24-25), and baptism (Romans 6:3-4).
Q10: How about other worships and ceremonies?
A: Other worships and ceremonies are mere commandments of men and are not of God. They are traditions and are salvation by works, not by grace through faith (Matthew 15:9, Ephesians 2:8-9).
Q11: What are some examples of those?
A: Some examples of those are: Washing pots and cups, Mass/Communion, Infant Baptism, Easter and Sunday worship, Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and forgetting the seventh day Sabbath. Of these, Jesus said: "in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." (Mark 7:7 ESV)
Error: Jesus while dead, went to Satan/hell to suffer some more for the sins of the world + misinterpreted Bible texts.
Truth: Jesus calls death mere sleep, (Mark 5:39, Luke 8:52, John 11:11). He slept/rested - Not on the 1st-day-Sunday, but on the 7th-day-Sabbath. Jesus said on Friday before He slept: "It is finished", John 19:30. He also rested - Not on the 1st-day-Sunday, but on the 7th-day-Sabbath after His six-day work of creation, Genesis 2:1-2.
Error: Jesus did not exist yet in the Old Testament, only in the New Testament.
Truth: Jesus is the Christ = Messiah = Son of God = Redeemer = Saviour ... and many more titles in the Old Testament.
1. Jesus said "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM.", John 8:58.
2. Jesus (LORD and Redeemer), is (with His Father) the Creator/Maker of all, Isaiah 44:24.
3. Jesus identified Himself to Moses as the, ”… I AM ...”, Exodus 3:14.
4. Jesus is the Saviour who did "great things in Egypt" (Psalm 106:21, Isaiah 43:3, 11).
5. Jesus physically appeared and talked with Abraham (Genesis 18:23-33).
6. Jesus is the "spiritual Rock" during ancient Israels' wanderings and need of water in the desert. 1 Corinthians 10:4 said: "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." Jesus is also the Old Testament's God and Redeemer, Psalm 78:35.
7. Jesus (the Redeemer) is the Old Testament's LORD (Isaiah 41:14; 43:14).
8. Jesus (the LORD of hosts), is the Holy One of Israel and the God of the whole earth (Isaiah 47:4; 48:17; 49:26; 54:5).
9. Jesus is the LORD speaking whenever God speaks in the Old Testament Scriptures. Some examples: whenever God spoke in the Scriptures, and even when He spoke His commandments, laws, statutes, and judgments (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua ... Samuel, Kings, Chronicles ... Job, Psalms, Proverbs ... Isaiah, Jeremiah ... Daniel ... Jonah ... Malachi).
10. Jesus is the LORD and God who wrote the Ten Commandments on "two tables of stone, written with the finger of God." Exodus 31:18, and the "LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the LORD spake ..." Deuteronomy 9:10). The LORD (Jesus) is the "Word of God", Revelation 19:13.
11. Jesus is God and Saviour even in the New Testament (Luke 1:47, 2:11).
12. Jesus is present in both Old and New Testaments, because "in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Colossians 2:9 and He is the Word of God, the Creator, and the Life-giver, John 1:1-5.
Revelation 14:8 "And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
Revelation 18:2 "And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird."
Q12: Why should I pray before I read the Bible?
A: To receive the Holy Spirit's guidance to lead us to Jesus -- "... the way, the truth, and the life ..." John 14:6.
Q13: Should we ignore any verse or chapter from the Bible's book-- "The Revelation"?
A: No because the whole book contains Jesus' truths which always are salvation essentials. Remember what Revelation 1:1 says "The Revelation of Jesus Christ ..."
Error: Revelation's truth are physical/literal and are dead or irrelevant.
Truth: Jesus said before, "... the words that speak unto you, they are spirit (spiritual/symbolic, not physical, not literal), and they are life (living, not dead)." John 6:63
Q14: What is "Babylon" in Revelation 14:8 and 18:2?
A: Babylon (not physical but spiritual), are the fallen religious churches (the people, not the church buildings).
Q15: In Revelation 18:2, why is it called "Babylon the Great"?
A: Because it is great in duration and extent i.e., worldwide/global. It refers to the fallen/apostate churches of the whole world.
Primarily, it refers to the symbolic "mother" church i.e., revived Papal Rome. Secondarily, it refers to symbolic "harlots" i.e., the fallen daughter churches of symbolic "mother" of harlots (Revelation 17:5).
The fallen daughter churches initially came out of (during the Reformation period) their symbolic "mother" church. Through the years, however, they stopped coming out fully and are still clinging on to some abominable doctrines of their symbolic "mother" church.
Sunday worship/rest was an abomination since Cain (because of the unrepentant transgression of God's laws including murder) was banished from outside the gates of paradise. His (and his descendants) tradition/disobedience survived (even after the flood; that is how cunning Satan is), down through the dispersion from the tower of Babel (where the name Babylon came from), and down through the present time (was and is accepted worldwide), and will still be held on by many until the soon coming of Jesus.
Q16: Why was it described as "fallen"?
A: Because spiritual Babylon was once true/faithful but later became false/unfaithful to Jesus, the truth (John 14:6). The fallen condition was repeated twice highlighting its worsening condition. In other words, because of her errors/sins and rejection of the truths sent to her from heaven (Revelation 14:8).
Q17: Why is the "fallen" proclamation in Revelation 18:2 with the added descriptions "cried", "mightily", and "with a strong voice" and other further fallen descriptions?
A: For God/Jesus, the message is urgent and important -- a life-saving rescue message from earth's coming destruction. God protects all who heed His warning. He is truly merciful and loving!
Q18: How did the fallen churches "made all nations drink"?
A: "Babylon the great" (spiritual and global; not physical nor local) or plainly -- the fallen churches worldwide, caused all nations (people) to imbibe, absorb, receive ....
Q19: Imbibe/absorb/receive what?
A: The wine (Revelation 14:8) of errors (fornication/abominations).
Q20: What are the "wine" of errors or abominations?
A: False teachings/doctrines some of which are:
1. Sunday sacredness or advocating and exalting the first day of the week above God's holy, sanctified day.
2. Immortality of the "soul",
3. Eternal torment of the wicked,
4. Denial of the pre-existence of Jesus Christ before his birth in Bethlehem, and many others.
5. Praying to the dead,
Q21: What is the "wrath of her fornication"?
A: Anger evoked because of strongly held false (unfaithful) teachings.
When heads/presidents/kings drink this wine of the wrath of her fornication, they are stirred with anger against those who will not come into harmony with the false and Satanic heresies that exalt Sunday (the false 7th day Sabbath) and lead men to trample under foot God's memorial (the true 7th day Sabbath).
Ellen White wrote before: "Fallen angels upon earth form confederations with evil men. In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be fully made void in the nations of our world. Rebellion against God's holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth, 'Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.' Revelation 18:8.
Remember that Jesus' words sent through His angels in Revelation 14:8 and Revelation 18:2, are all spiritual/symbolic and not physical/literal.
Jesus said: "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63.
Revelation 18:2 "And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird."
Q12: Why should I pray before I read the Bible?
A: To receive the Holy Spirit's guidance to lead us to Jesus -- "... the way, the truth, and the life ..." John 14:6.
Q13: Should we ignore any verse or chapter from the Bible's book-- "The Revelation"?
A: No because the whole book contains Jesus' truths which always are salvation essentials. Remember what Revelation 1:1 says "The Revelation of Jesus Christ ..."
Error: Revelation's truth are physical/literal and are dead or irrelevant.
Truth: Jesus said before, "... the words that speak unto you, they are spirit (spiritual/symbolic, not physical, not literal), and they are life (living, not dead)." John 6:63
Q14: What is "Babylon" in Revelation 14:8 and 18:2?
A: Babylon (not physical but spiritual), are the fallen religious churches (the people, not the church buildings).
Q15: In Revelation 18:2, why is it called "Babylon the Great"?
A: Because it is great in duration and extent i.e., worldwide/global. It refers to the fallen/apostate churches of the whole world.
Primarily, it refers to the symbolic "mother" church i.e., revived Papal Rome. Secondarily, it refers to symbolic "harlots" i.e., the fallen daughter churches of symbolic "mother" of harlots (Revelation 17:5).
The fallen daughter churches initially came out of (during the Reformation period) their symbolic "mother" church. Through the years, however, they stopped coming out fully and are still clinging on to some abominable doctrines of their symbolic "mother" church.
Sunday worship/rest was an abomination since Cain (because of the unrepentant transgression of God's laws including murder) was banished from outside the gates of paradise. His (and his descendants) tradition/disobedience survived (even after the flood; that is how cunning Satan is), down through the dispersion from the tower of Babel (where the name Babylon came from), and down through the present time (was and is accepted worldwide), and will still be held on by many until the soon coming of Jesus.
Q16: Why was it described as "fallen"?
A: Because spiritual Babylon was once true/faithful but later became false/unfaithful to Jesus, the truth (John 14:6). The fallen condition was repeated twice highlighting its worsening condition. In other words, because of her errors/sins and rejection of the truths sent to her from heaven (Revelation 14:8).
Q17: Why is the "fallen" proclamation in Revelation 18:2 with the added descriptions "cried", "mightily", and "with a strong voice" and other further fallen descriptions?
A: For God/Jesus, the message is urgent and important -- a life-saving rescue message from earth's coming destruction. God protects all who heed His warning. He is truly merciful and loving!
Q18: How did the fallen churches "made all nations drink"?
A: "Babylon the great" (spiritual and global; not physical nor local) or plainly -- the fallen churches worldwide, caused all nations (people) to imbibe, absorb, receive ....
Q19: Imbibe/absorb/receive what?
A: The wine (Revelation 14:8) of errors (fornication/abominations).
Q20: What are the "wine" of errors or abominations?
A: False teachings/doctrines some of which are:
1. Sunday sacredness or advocating and exalting the first day of the week above God's holy, sanctified day.
2. Immortality of the "soul",
3. Eternal torment of the wicked,
4. Denial of the pre-existence of Jesus Christ before his birth in Bethlehem, and many others.
5. Praying to the dead,
Q21: What is the "wrath of her fornication"?
A: Anger evoked because of strongly held false (unfaithful) teachings.
When heads/presidents/kings drink this wine of the wrath of her fornication, they are stirred with anger against those who will not come into harmony with the false and Satanic heresies that exalt Sunday (the false 7th day Sabbath) and lead men to trample under foot God's memorial (the true 7th day Sabbath).
Ellen White wrote before: "Fallen angels upon earth form confederations with evil men. In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be fully made void in the nations of our world. Rebellion against God's holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth, 'Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.' Revelation 18:8.
Remember that Jesus' words sent through His angels in Revelation 14:8 and Revelation 18:2, are all spiritual/symbolic and not physical/literal.
Jesus said: "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63.
Revelation 14:9 "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,"
Q22: What does "angel" mean and the origin of their message?
A: From the Greek word aggelos meaning "messenger". The angel or messenger did not originate nor compose the messages themselves. The origin of the messages are from the "midst of heaven" (Revelation 14:6), from the throne of God i.e., from Jesus/God Himself. Jesus sent His messages through His messengers-- His angels and His followers.
Q23: Why do the angels announce Jesus' message with a "loud voice"?
A: Because Jesus sent His angels to proclaim the message to the attention of the whole world (everyone).
Q24: What does "any man" mean?
A: It means any person - from any religion, even no religion (atheists), and especially professing Christians-- Roman Catholics and Protestants alike.
Q25: What is "the beast"?
A: Kingdom, government, political power (Daniel 7:23). In Revelation 14:9, "the beast" being referred to is the sea-beast which is also the leopard-like beast that is bear-footed and lion-mouthed, and whom "the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority" Revelation 13:2.
Q26: What does "sea" or "waters" represent?
A: "The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." Revelation 17:15.
Q27: What does Revelation 13:1 "a beast rise up out of the sea" mean?
A: That beast rising out of the sea (or the sea beast) is a kingdom/political power coming from a densely populated area (Revelation 17:15), that is, the Old World or Europe.
Q28: What does Revelation 13:11 "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth" mean?
A: "Coming out of the earth" (or the earth beast) means coming out of a sparsely populated area.
Q29: What is "his image" mentioned in Revelation 14:9?
A: The likeness or image of the sea beast.
Q30: What is "his mark" mentioned in Revelation 14:9?
A: It is the mark of the sea beast.
Q31: What does "forehead" and "hand" in Revelation 14:9 mean?
A: The forehead is the person's mind, the seat of his decision; representing his willful, voluntary acceptance. On the other hand, "hand" is the person's work; "hands tied up" is an idiom for being unable to act freely.
A person receives the "mark" of the sea beast on the "forehead" by willful voluntary acceptance.
A person receives the "mark" of the sea beast in his "hand" when constrained (hands "tied up") or pressured to accept.
Q22: What does "angel" mean and the origin of their message?
A: From the Greek word aggelos meaning "messenger". The angel or messenger did not originate nor compose the messages themselves. The origin of the messages are from the "midst of heaven" (Revelation 14:6), from the throne of God i.e., from Jesus/God Himself. Jesus sent His messages through His messengers-- His angels and His followers.
Q23: Why do the angels announce Jesus' message with a "loud voice"?
A: Because Jesus sent His angels to proclaim the message to the attention of the whole world (everyone).
Q24: What does "any man" mean?
A: It means any person - from any religion, even no religion (atheists), and especially professing Christians-- Roman Catholics and Protestants alike.
Q25: What is "the beast"?
A: Kingdom, government, political power (Daniel 7:23). In Revelation 14:9, "the beast" being referred to is the sea-beast which is also the leopard-like beast that is bear-footed and lion-mouthed, and whom "the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority" Revelation 13:2.
Q26: What does "sea" or "waters" represent?
A: "The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." Revelation 17:15.
Q27: What does Revelation 13:1 "a beast rise up out of the sea" mean?
A: That beast rising out of the sea (or the sea beast) is a kingdom/political power coming from a densely populated area (Revelation 17:15), that is, the Old World or Europe.
Q28: What does Revelation 13:11 "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth" mean?
A: "Coming out of the earth" (or the earth beast) means coming out of a sparsely populated area.
Q29: What is "his image" mentioned in Revelation 14:9?
A: The likeness or image of the sea beast.
Q30: What is "his mark" mentioned in Revelation 14:9?
A: It is the mark of the sea beast.
Q31: What does "forehead" and "hand" in Revelation 14:9 mean?
A: The forehead is the person's mind, the seat of his decision; representing his willful, voluntary acceptance. On the other hand, "hand" is the person's work; "hands tied up" is an idiom for being unable to act freely.
A person receives the "mark" of the sea beast on the "forehead" by willful voluntary acceptance.
A person receives the "mark" of the sea beast in his "hand" when constrained (hands "tied up") or pressured to accept.
Revelation 14:10 "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:"
Q32: What is "The same ..." Revelation 14:10 is referring to?
A: It refers to any man who worships the sea beast and his image and receive his mark (Revelation 14:9 and 11).
Q33: What is Revelation 14:10 "without mixture"?
A: With Jesus/God's true 7th day Sabbath long spurned, His gracious mercy and protection from Satan's evil will finally be fully withdrawn. At present, God is slowly withdrawing it but it will be fully withdrawn when Sunday worship is finally enacted into law.
Q34: During that time of extreme pressure to conform, will there still be a people who will patiently keep Jesus' / God's commandments and faith?
A: There still will be. Revelation 14:12 says "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."
Q35: Why is Jesus/God giving such serious warnings?
A: Jesus/God loves so much that He warns everyone alive against choosing Satan's side. God promises to love and protect His commandment-keepers even amidst the plaques, as it was before (John 14:21, Deuteronomy 7:15).
Q32: What is "The same ..." Revelation 14:10 is referring to?
A: It refers to any man who worships the sea beast and his image and receive his mark (Revelation 14:9 and 11).
Q33: What is Revelation 14:10 "without mixture"?
A: With Jesus/God's true 7th day Sabbath long spurned, His gracious mercy and protection from Satan's evil will finally be fully withdrawn. At present, God is slowly withdrawing it but it will be fully withdrawn when Sunday worship is finally enacted into law.
Q34: During that time of extreme pressure to conform, will there still be a people who will patiently keep Jesus' / God's commandments and faith?
A: There still will be. Revelation 14:12 says "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."
Q35: Why is Jesus/God giving such serious warnings?
A: Jesus/God loves so much that He warns everyone alive against choosing Satan's side. God promises to love and protect His commandment-keepers even amidst the plaques, as it was before (John 14:21, Deuteronomy 7:15).
All bad that happens is from Satan
and
All good that happens is from God.
and
All good that happens is from God.
Revelation 18:4 "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."
Q36: Another voice from where?
A: From heaven, from Jesus/God Himself.
Q37: Can I trust or heed messages from heaven’s angels?
A: Angels are mere messengers; their messages are not theirs but God's. Jesus/God sends His messages through His angels, to minister to the whole world (Revelation 1:1, 22:16). Nevertheless, with loving mercy, Jesus also spoke this time: “Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." Revelation 18:4.
Q38: Come out of where?
A: Out of global symbolic/spiritual Babylon = fallen churches (mother and daughter churches alike) Revelation 17:5
Q39: Why? What are "her sins" Jesus is referring to?
A: Some wicked sins are:
1. Sunday sacredness or advocating and exalting Sunday above God's holy/sanctified day,
2. False doctrines such as natural immortality of the soul (Genesis 3:4),
3. Union of church and state, Revelation 13:5,
4. Shedding innocent blood (One example among many in the past: The Bartholomew Massacre) and (Ezekiel 22:2-4; Revelation 18:24),
5. Disregarding/changing God's law (Proverbs 28:9, Daniel 7:25),
6. Eternal torment of the wicked,
7. Denial of the pre-existence of Christ (Jesus) before his birth in Bethlehem (John 8:58),
8. Praying to the dead (example: "holy Mary" prayer) or attempting to communicate to the dead (necromancy) (Deuteronomy 18:9-12), and many others.
Q40: Why, what is wrong with wickedness/sin(s)?
A: Sin pushes away God's protection and, invites Satan's deceitful control and sins' consequences.
Q41: Where then do I go?
A: To Jesus, prayerfully trusting Him every step of the way. (Matthew 11:28-30, John 14:6).
Q42: I learned that coming out of spiritual Babylon makes me a part of spiritual Israel/Jerusalem. Is that the geographic country in the Middle East?
A: Symbolic spiritual Israel/Jerusalem refers to any true followers of Jesus/God, anywhere in the world. Not everyone born in geographic Israel is a spiritual Jew (Revelation 2:9, 3:9). But anyone (from any country, including physical Israel in the Middle East), can be a spiritual Jew, a spiritual Israelite indeed! John 1:47, Galatians 3:29.
Q43: What are some distinguishing characteristics of spiritual Israel?
A: The Bible identifies them, some of which are:
1. Keeps Jesus’/God’s law including His true 7th day sabbath (not Sunday) (Exodus 20:8-11),
2. Does not or no longer worship the symbolic-- beast, nor his image, nor receive his mark (Revelation 14:12),
3. Keeps Jesus'/God's commandments (John 14:15),
4. Does not practice nor teach the sins of symbolic Babylon (listed in answers to Q39).
Q44: Who are the “my people” Jesus is calling out from fallen churches?
A: God/Jesus has people within those fallen churches who are sincerely seeking Him. They will finally come out of their fallen churches and truly follow Him (John 10:16, 27).
Q45: How about Sunday-keeping Christians of past generations and even today's true Christians?
A: God's messenger, Mrs. Ellen White said: "But Christians of past generations observed the Sunday, supposing that in so doing they were keeping the Bible Sabbath; and there are now true Christians in every church, not excepting the Roman Catholic communion, who honestly believe that Sunday is the Sabbath of divine appointment. God accepts their sincerity of purpose and their integrity before Him. But when Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation of the true Sabbath, then whoever shall transgress the command of God, to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that of Rome, will thereby honor popery above God. He is paying homage to Rome and to the power which enforces the institution ordained by Rome. He is worshiping the beast and his image. As men then reject the institution which God has declared to be the sign of His authority, and honor in its stead that which Rome has chosen as the token of her supremacy, they will thereby accept the sign of allegiance to Rome-- "the mark of the beast." And it is not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they are brought to choose between the commandments of God and the commandments of men, that those who continue in transgression will receive "the mark of the beast." (Revelation 14:11; 19:20)
Q36: Another voice from where?
A: From heaven, from Jesus/God Himself.
Q37: Can I trust or heed messages from heaven’s angels?
A: Angels are mere messengers; their messages are not theirs but God's. Jesus/God sends His messages through His angels, to minister to the whole world (Revelation 1:1, 22:16). Nevertheless, with loving mercy, Jesus also spoke this time: “Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." Revelation 18:4.
Q38: Come out of where?
A: Out of global symbolic/spiritual Babylon = fallen churches (mother and daughter churches alike) Revelation 17:5
Q39: Why? What are "her sins" Jesus is referring to?
A: Some wicked sins are:
1. Sunday sacredness or advocating and exalting Sunday above God's holy/sanctified day,
2. False doctrines such as natural immortality of the soul (Genesis 3:4),
3. Union of church and state, Revelation 13:5,
4. Shedding innocent blood (One example among many in the past: The Bartholomew Massacre) and (Ezekiel 22:2-4; Revelation 18:24),
5. Disregarding/changing God's law (Proverbs 28:9, Daniel 7:25),
6. Eternal torment of the wicked,
7. Denial of the pre-existence of Christ (Jesus) before his birth in Bethlehem (John 8:58),
8. Praying to the dead (example: "holy Mary" prayer) or attempting to communicate to the dead (necromancy) (Deuteronomy 18:9-12), and many others.
Q40: Why, what is wrong with wickedness/sin(s)?
A: Sin pushes away God's protection and, invites Satan's deceitful control and sins' consequences.
Q41: Where then do I go?
A: To Jesus, prayerfully trusting Him every step of the way. (Matthew 11:28-30, John 14:6).
Q42: I learned that coming out of spiritual Babylon makes me a part of spiritual Israel/Jerusalem. Is that the geographic country in the Middle East?
A: Symbolic spiritual Israel/Jerusalem refers to any true followers of Jesus/God, anywhere in the world. Not everyone born in geographic Israel is a spiritual Jew (Revelation 2:9, 3:9). But anyone (from any country, including physical Israel in the Middle East), can be a spiritual Jew, a spiritual Israelite indeed! John 1:47, Galatians 3:29.
Q43: What are some distinguishing characteristics of spiritual Israel?
A: The Bible identifies them, some of which are:
1. Keeps Jesus’/God’s law including His true 7th day sabbath (not Sunday) (Exodus 20:8-11),
2. Does not or no longer worship the symbolic-- beast, nor his image, nor receive his mark (Revelation 14:12),
3. Keeps Jesus'/God's commandments (John 14:15),
4. Does not practice nor teach the sins of symbolic Babylon (listed in answers to Q39).
Q44: Who are the “my people” Jesus is calling out from fallen churches?
A: God/Jesus has people within those fallen churches who are sincerely seeking Him. They will finally come out of their fallen churches and truly follow Him (John 10:16, 27).
Q45: How about Sunday-keeping Christians of past generations and even today's true Christians?
A: God's messenger, Mrs. Ellen White said: "But Christians of past generations observed the Sunday, supposing that in so doing they were keeping the Bible Sabbath; and there are now true Christians in every church, not excepting the Roman Catholic communion, who honestly believe that Sunday is the Sabbath of divine appointment. God accepts their sincerity of purpose and their integrity before Him. But when Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation of the true Sabbath, then whoever shall transgress the command of God, to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that of Rome, will thereby honor popery above God. He is paying homage to Rome and to the power which enforces the institution ordained by Rome. He is worshiping the beast and his image. As men then reject the institution which God has declared to be the sign of His authority, and honor in its stead that which Rome has chosen as the token of her supremacy, they will thereby accept the sign of allegiance to Rome-- "the mark of the beast." And it is not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they are brought to choose between the commandments of God and the commandments of men, that those who continue in transgression will receive "the mark of the beast." (Revelation 14:11; 19:20)
Revelation 22:16 "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Q46: Heaven's angels testify/deliver messages. But by whose authority were they sent?
A: Revelation 22:16 says "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things ..."
Q47: How can Jesus be sending messages through His angels? He died already, almost 2,000 years ago. A:
Jesus is alive and is in heaven. He ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9), forty days (Acts 1:3) after His resurrection.
He was also existent even before the New Testament accounts, even before David ("root" of David, Revelation 22:16), even before Abraham (John 8:58), and even before the world was (John 17:5).
The LORD God who spoke in the Old Testament is Christ (Jesus); He is the Word of God (Isaiah 40:8, Revelation 19:13). Also, His Father through Him has created all things visible and invisible. Later, Jesus Himself revealed His oneness with His Father (John 10:30).
During Jesus' life and ministry on earth, He humbly called Himself the -- Son of man. All His true disciples even throughout all ages, testify that He also is the Son of God.
Q46: Heaven's angels testify/deliver messages. But by whose authority were they sent?
A: Revelation 22:16 says "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things ..."
Q47: How can Jesus be sending messages through His angels? He died already, almost 2,000 years ago. A:
Jesus is alive and is in heaven. He ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9), forty days (Acts 1:3) after His resurrection.
He was also existent even before the New Testament accounts, even before David ("root" of David, Revelation 22:16), even before Abraham (John 8:58), and even before the world was (John 17:5).
The LORD God who spoke in the Old Testament is Christ (Jesus); He is the Word of God (Isaiah 40:8, Revelation 19:13). Also, His Father through Him has created all things visible and invisible. Later, Jesus Himself revealed His oneness with His Father (John 10:30).
During Jesus' life and ministry on earth, He humbly called Himself the -- Son of man. All His true disciples even throughout all ages, testify that He also is the Son of God.
Revelation 22:17 "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
Q48: Who is the "Spirit" in this verse?
A: God Himself. The Holy Spirit proceeding/sent from both the heavenly Father and His son Christ/Jesus (John 14:26, Matthew 3:16, John 15:26).
Q49: Who is the bride?
A: The redeemed or all of God's/Jesus' followers, wherever they may be. At Jesus' second coming the bride (redeemed) inhabits the mansions in heaven (John 14:2-3) for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4, 6). Afterward, it (also called "New Jerusalem"), will descend to re-created earth (Revelation 21:2).
Q50: How does one "come" as the verse says?
A: By truly following/obeying Him in the spirit of love, without money and price. (Isaiah 55:1). That is true/genuine faith and not vain works (Matthew 7:21; Ephesians 2:8-9; James 2:14-26).
Q51: Who is the "let him that heareth say, Come"?
A: Those who willingly accept/receive Jesus/God's saving love, are persuaded to tell or share it to others too.
Q52: Who are the "let him that is athirst come"?
A: Anyone and everyone (regardless of nation, race, or creed) who senses his/her need for a loving Saviour. He (God/Jesus) also promised ... Revelation 21:6-7.
Q53: To whom is this addressed: "whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely"?
A: To any and every contrite person, thirsting for God's righteousness and love.
Q48: Who is the "Spirit" in this verse?
A: God Himself. The Holy Spirit proceeding/sent from both the heavenly Father and His son Christ/Jesus (John 14:26, Matthew 3:16, John 15:26).
Q49: Who is the bride?
A: The redeemed or all of God's/Jesus' followers, wherever they may be. At Jesus' second coming the bride (redeemed) inhabits the mansions in heaven (John 14:2-3) for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4, 6). Afterward, it (also called "New Jerusalem"), will descend to re-created earth (Revelation 21:2).
Q50: How does one "come" as the verse says?
A: By truly following/obeying Him in the spirit of love, without money and price. (Isaiah 55:1). That is true/genuine faith and not vain works (Matthew 7:21; Ephesians 2:8-9; James 2:14-26).
Q51: Who is the "let him that heareth say, Come"?
A: Those who willingly accept/receive Jesus/God's saving love, are persuaded to tell or share it to others too.
Q52: Who are the "let him that is athirst come"?
A: Anyone and everyone (regardless of nation, race, or creed) who senses his/her need for a loving Saviour. He (God/Jesus) also promised ... Revelation 21:6-7.
Q53: To whom is this addressed: "whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely"?
A: To any and every contrite person, thirsting for God's righteousness and love.