By Michael H. Exton
A prophetic journey through the final seven years before Christ's return, exploring end-time events, the millennium, and humanity's ultimate destiny.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version
(© 1983, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers)
When will Jesus Christ be returning? I DON'T know and neither does anyone else!
In this book I give dates for several events that are prophesied to occur in the future (events that will occur within seven years of Christ's return). I do NOT know the exact dates for these events and neither does anyone else. I just made up these particular dates (as well as some of the names of the individuals involved) to help the reader better understand these end-time events, and to help these events come alive! The events described could occur a few years sooner than the dates given in this book or they could occur several years later. Only God knows for sure when these prophesied events (including the return of Jesus) will take place.
But much more important than knowing the exact date of Christ's return is the answer to this question: Will YOU and I be ready? Let's do our best to see that WE are!
"He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Rev. 22:20).
IN THE YEARS JUST AHEAD, several nations of Europe will unite to form a powerful confederation.
They will unite economically, politically, and MILITARILY! Today's European Union (EU) almost surely is that prophesied end-time Empire in its embryo stage—a first step in the federation of Europe. But unlike today's union, this final alliance will NOT consist of twenty-seven nations—for the Bible clearly shows that this final configuration will be a coalition of just TEN leaders (governing TEN nations or regions). These TEN rulers will then give up their power and authority to just one man….
In Revelation 13:1 a BEAST is described as having seven heads. But what are these seven heads? "The seven heads of the beast... represent seven kings [or kingdoms]. Five kings have already fallen, the sixth now reigns [the Roman Empire—since this was written around 95 A.D.], and the seventh is yet to come, but his reign will be brief" (Rev. 17:9–10 NLT).
So the seven heads of this BEAST depict seven kings or kingdoms. The sixth head portrays the Roman Empire, while the first five heads represent empires that preceded the Roman Empire (the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, and the Greco-Macedonian Empires).
But what about the seventh head—the one that is "yet to come"—what does it depict? This seventh head represents the LEADER of a revived end-time Roman Empire—that is—it represents the ANTICHRIST! And "all who dwell on the earth will worship him..." (Rev. 13:8).
This BEAST of Revelation 13 is also described as having ten horns. But what are these ten horns? "The ten horns [of the end-time BEAST] which you saw are TEN kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour [a brief period of time; just a few years] as kings with the [end-time] BEAST. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the BEAST [i.e. the Antichrist!]" (Revelation 17:12-13).
So the ten horns of the END-TIME BEAST represent ten political leaders who will eventually turn over all of their power and authority to the Antichrist. These ten leaders will rule over ten European nations (or regions). This then will be a FINAL REVIVAL OF THE "HOLY" ROMAN EMPIRE!
At first the BEAST (i.e. the Antichrist) will appear wonderful. He will promote peace and the world will prosper at his hands (Revelation 18). He will even broker a 7-YEAR DEAL with Israel (and others) that will apparently allow the Jews to once again sacrifice animals at their Temple (Daniel 9:24-27). This treaty (almost surely) will also result in bringing PEACE to the Middle East.
But the BEAST will be extremely sly, cunning, treacherous, and deceitful (Daniel 8:23-25). He will dupe many with his flattery (Daniel 11:32). And he shall be empowered by Satan! (Revelation 13:2-4.) He shall also have a great miracle-working spiritual partner—"the FALSE PROPHET"—working with him side-by-side (Revelation 13:11-15, 16:13). Both the BEAST and the FALSE PROPHET shall be greatly influenced by DEMONS—if not even completely possessed by demons or even the DEVIL himself! (Revelation 18:2, 16:13-14, 13:4.)
But in the middle of the 7-year agreement that the Antichrist makes with Israel he will double-cross the Jews. He will suddenly dispatch his army to put an end to the animal sacrifices. He will then proceed to annihilate the Jews. And those who are not savagely butchered will be shipped off as slaves! The HOLOCAUST will have returned! (Daniel 9:24-27; Luke 21:20-24.)
It should all go something like this…
IT IS 2020, and the UNITED STATES OF EUROPE (a political alliance of TEN European nations) is the most powerful nation on earth.
Recently, the rulers of these ten nations/regions turned over all of their power and authority to just one man—ROMAN Augustus. Europe's new leader has been given absolute power to rule as he sees fit. He is an incredibly brilliant man—an absolute genius! He has virtually single-handedly restored the world's economies after its collapse and meltdown just a few years ago.
As a result of Roman's innovative solutions to Europe's (and the world's) financial woes, Europe is now the economic king of the world! But Europe is not the only one to benefit from his ingenuity, as just about every nation on earth is now prospering and is no longer in financial ruin (Revelation 18:3).
The entire world is mesmerized by Roman's brilliance, charm, and charisma. Some have even begun to think of him as some sort of demigod (Daniel 11:36-37).
It is now September 2020. Caesar Roman Augustus, Europe's miracle-working leader, has just brokered a deal with Israel and the nations of the Middle East. It's a SEVEN-YEAR TREATY that finally brings peace to the war-weary region. All nations are ecstatic. It's almost too good to be true. But it is true!
Roman is revered and idolized. Some are beginning to wonder if he is the long-awaited Messiah of Judaism, or the Mahdi of Islam, or even the Christ of Christianity. Many ask, "Could he possibly be the Savior of the world that we have long been waiting for?"
An integral part of the seven-year treaty that Roman orchestrates allows the Jews in Israel to reinstitute animal sacrifices at their newly built Temple—something that hasn't been done since 70 AD! (Daniel 9:27.)
Not too long afterwards, the Emperor stuns the world by doing all kinds of "miracles, signs and wonders!" (2 Thessalonians 2:9; NIV.) But he's not the only one! Roman's closest partner and chief ally—Pope Sixtus VI, the recently appointed bishop of Rome, is also doing astonishing miracles! "He performs great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven!" (Revelation 13:13; NIV.)
Pope Sixtus then has a statue made of the great Emperor. And to everyone's amazement the statue is able to talk! (Revelation 13:15.)
It is Monday, February 5, 2024. Something dramatic occurs on this day (Daniel 12:12). But what exactly that event is—is not clear at this time. Perhaps it has something to do with God's true Church escaping from persecution (Revelation 12:14-16). I will be discussing this particular event in more detail later.
It is Thursday, March 21, 2024. Animal sacrifices have been going on in Jerusalem for 3½ years now. But suddenly, Caesar Roman Augustus orders his army to march into Jerusalem and stop the sacrifices! (Daniel 12:11.)
At the same time that the sacrifices are halted, the statue of Roman (that the pope had commissioned) is then set up in the Temple—for everyone to admire and worship! (Daniel 12:11.) And to everyone's astonishment "the statue commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die" (Revelation 13:15; NLT)!
Meanwhile, the Emperor's new world order, which involves an innovative worldwide trading system—is going exceedingly well. And just about every merchant in the world is quickly becoming rich! (Revelation 18:3.)
It is Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024. Pope Sixtus is about to go on the Catholic International Television Station VIVIVI—where the whole world is eagerly awaiting his message. He then stuns the world in the middle of his live broadcast by declaring: "Our most holy Leader, Caesar Roman Augustus is the long-anticipated Messiah (of the Jews), he is the Mahdi (of the Muslims), and he is the Christ (of the Christians)! That is—he's the long-awaited SAVIOR of all religions, creeds, and faiths. He is the King of kings! And he is God!" Then he exclaims, "Bow down and worship him!"
The pope then goes on to proclaim: "Everyone is now required to MARK their body—either on their right hand or forehead—with the NAME of our beloved Leader. Or if you like, you can have tattooed on your body '666' instead!" Then he adds: "And any heretic who refuses to comply with this directive will no longer be able to buy or sell!" (Revelation 13:16-18.)
But there is one "small" catch to this new regulation. When someone receives the mark of "Roman" or "666" on their body, they are in essence pledging their allegiance to the Emperor and all that he stands for. That is, they are worshiping Roman and his (spiritual) father—Satan (the god of this world)! And they are also worshiping the high priest of Satan's church—Pope Sixtus VI! (2 Corinthians 4:4; John 8:44; Revelation 17.)
Just like the false trinity doctrine, everyone now has three gods to worship: the god of this world—Satan; the son of Satan (or the son of "god")—Roman; and the high priest of Satan (or the high priest of "god")—Sixtus!
But what does the real GOD of the universe have to say about these arrogant counterfeits?
"Then a third angel followed them, shouting, 'Anyone who worships the BEAST and his STATUE or who accepts his MARK on the forehead or the hand must drink the wine of God's wrath. It is poured out undiluted into God's cup of wrath. And they will be TORMENTED with fire and burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. The smoke of their torment rises forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the BEAST and his STATUE and have accepted the MARK of his NAME!'" (Revelation 14:9-11; NLT.)
It is Good Friday, March 29, 2024. Caesar Roman Augustus is sitting in the Temple of God in Jerusalem, proclaiming that he is God! (2 Thessalonians 2:4.) Suddenly a shot rings out, and before anyone can react, Roman is lying on the ground in a pool of blood! He is rushed to the hospital but it's too late. He is dead on arrival!
The whole world is in shock! How could this happen! Who is responsible? What can be done?
It is Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024—just minutes before sunrise. Less than two days have passed since the assassination of Roman Augustus. The entire world is in mourning. His dead body has been placed in an open coffin. Thousands have paid their last respects.
Then as the sun begins to rise over the horizon, something shocking occurs! Roman Augustus comes back to life! Everyone is stunned! It is quickly announced over every radio and television station across the globe. Upon hearing the staggering news, millions take to the streets, chanting: "The Emperor is alive! He is God! The Emperor is alive! He is God!" (Revelation 13:3, 13:14, 17:8; Acts 19:28 & 34; especially NLT.)
The resurrection of Roman is utterly mind-boggling! The world is in awe! No one can believe it! But how has it happened? Many exclaim, "He must be God!"
"The fatal wound has been healed! All the world marvels at this miracle and follows the BEAST in awe. They worship the DRAGON [Satan!] for giving the BEAST such power, and they worship the BEAST. 'Is there anyone as great as the BEAST?' they exclaim. 'Who is able to fight against him?'" (Revelation 13:3-4; NLT; see also Revelation 17:8.)
"And he [the BEAST—the ANTICHRIST—ROMAN] was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints [i.e. true followers of God] and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have NOT been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb" (Revelation 13:5-8).
Though much of the world is duped, those who are wholeheartedly obeying the real God are NOT deceived. These are the true Christians of the world who passionately keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus (Revelation 14:12). As a result, God allows them to escape to a place of safety, a place where they are protected from the Devil and his cohorts. But as they flee, Satan sends an army ("flood") after them—but to no avail—for the earth opens up and swallows them alive! (Revelation 3:10, 12:14-16; Matthew 24:20-21.)
About 12,000 true Christians (though perhaps as many as 144,000) are "counted worthy to escape" (Luke 21:36; Revelation 7:3-8).
However, many Christians do NOT escape. Because they are NOT zealously following God they have to suffer in the Great Tribulation. The Devil then pursues and persecutes them through the hands of the BEAST and the FALSE PROPHET! (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 3:14-22, 12:17, 6:9-11, 7:9-14, 13:7, 13:10; Daniel 7:25.)
Around this same time, the king of the south (a confederacy of several nations located in Africa and the Middle East and led by EGYPT) attacks the king of the north (the European Union). But EUROPE (led by Germany) strikes back with a devastating blow. Many countries fall—including Egypt, Libya, and Ethiopia! Judah (modern-day "Israel") is also attacked and conquered! Their wealth is plundered (Daniel 11:40-43). Jerusalem is destroyed. Homes and business are ransacked. Women are raped. Jews are rounded up and annihilated. And those who survive the onslaught are shipped off to foreign nations as slaves (Luke 21:20-24; Daniel 9:26-27; Zechariah 14:2).
However the BEAST doesn't stop there! He then goes on a blitzkrieg campaign conquering many other nations as well—including US!
"This is the message the LORD gave concerning Israel AND Judah: 'This is what the LORD says: I have heard the people crying; there is only fear and trembling. Now let Me ask you a question: Do men give birth to babies? Then why do they stand there, ashen-faced, hands pressed against their sides like women about to give birth? In all history THERE HAS NEVER BEEN SUCH A TIME OF TERROR. It will be a time of trouble for my people Israel'" (Jeremiah 30:4-7; NLT).
As the prophet Jeremiah makes clear, it is a time of horrible suffering for "Israel." This includes BOTH Judah (the small nation in the Middle East that calls itself "Israel" today—i.e. the Jews) AS WELL AS the modern descendants of Israel—the USA, England, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada! It also includes the other modern descendants of Israel such as Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Denmark, Iceland, etc.
But, who would dare to attack America? GERMANY! Germany leads a military invasion (with its European allies)—obliterating America and England! Other descendants of ancient Israel are also conquered!
"ASSYRIAN, the rod of My anger, in whose hand is the club of My wrath!" (Isaiah 10:5; NIV.) Or as the GNT renders this verse: The Lord said, "ASSYRIA! I use Assyria [modern-day Germany!] like a club to punish those with whom I am angry."
And God is plenty angry with US!
God uses the modern-day descendants of Assyria (Germany!) to punish America and England for our countless and atrocious sins! We condone and arrogantly boast of our "tolerance" and "acceptance" of such appalling evils as homosexuality, abortion, evolution, etc. We brashly assume we can do whatever we like without any fear of retribution from God! We defiantly think we can decide for ourselves what is right and what is wrong—and what is good and what is evil—the whole time thumbing our noses at God!
We don't seem to realize that only our CREATOR has the WISDOM, LOVE, and the AUTHORITY to determine what is right and what is wrong. He allows us to choose between doing good or evil, but He has NOT given us the authority to determine what constitutes good and evil. Only He has that prerogative.
For example, take homosexuality. Many people today think that homosexuality is perfectly fine—that it's just an alternative life style. And yet the One who created sex clearly condemns it as a disgusting, vile perversion (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13; Romans 1:24-28; Jude 1:7; 2 Peter 2:6; Revelation 21:8). But we don't want to listen to our Creator, to the One who created sex. We think that we know better than Him—that we can figure it out on our own. We arrogantly assume that if we think homosexuality is okay—than it must be okay—that our Creator must be wrong—that He doesn't know what He is talking about!
We aren't much different than Adam and Eve. They rejected what their Creator had told them and decided to determine on their own what they felt was right and wrong, and what was good and evil. Therefore they took of the forbidden fruit—defiantly disobeying their Creator—the whole time listening to Satan and doing what he told them to do. From that moment on, the human race was headed down the wrong track—racing down the path leading to misery, suffering, anguish, frustration, pain, and ultimately death.
And we are no different today. Satan is our god, just as he was for Adam and Eve. And until we realize this and wholeheartedly and thoroughly repent of our wrong thoughts, words, and actions, and repent of following Satan (the one who hates and despises us and only wants to see us suffer and die), and then start obeying and loving the One who created us, the One who loves us, the One who only wants what is best for us—then and only then will we truly have the things we want: peace, happiness, prosperity, love—and ultimately eternal life.
Therefore, God chastises us for all of our awful sins—our lies, deceptions, dishonesty, insincerity, selfishness, greed, lust, adulteries, sexual perversions, pornography, vanity, arrogance, haughtiness, drunkenness, drugs, astrology, racism, hatred, cruelty, violence, rapes, robberies, murders, etc.
We are also corrected for our idolatry, and the worship of Satan and his demons in our pagan religious observances, rituals, and traditions (Xmas, Easter, etc.)!
As a result, a third of our people die from DISEASE and FAMINE! Another third of our people are SLAUGHTERED by the sword! And the final third are sent away into SLAVERY (with many of these also perishing)! (Ezekiel 5:12; Luke 21:24.) Hundreds of millions of our people wiped out!
"For then there will be GREAT TRIBULATION. For the trouble at that time will be far more terrible than any there has ever been, from the beginning of the world to this very day. Nor will there ever be anything like it again. But God has already reduced the number of days; had He not done so, NOBODY WOULD SURVIVE. For the sake of His chosen people, however, God will reduce the days" (Matthew 24:21; NKJV; Matthew 24:21-22; GNT; see also Daniel 12:1).
As Matthew points out, things will eventually get so bad that if God doesn't quickly intervene (by returning Jesus Christ) to put an end to the carnage, no human being would survive! Every man, woman and child on planet Earth would ultimately be exterminated in the bloodbath (including you and me)!
During this time there are two servants of God (called the two witnesses and the two prophets in the book of Revelation) whom God raises up to warn and prophesy to the earth's inhabitants, and to punish mankind for their wicked sins (Revelation 11:3-6). They begin their mission about four weeks after the sacrifices are halted and the statue of the BEAST is set up in the temple located in Jerusalem (Daniel 12:11; Revelation 11:3).
These two servants of God are hated by the world. Why? Because they tell earth's inhabitants that their ways are evil. And the world despises those who testify against it. That's why Christ was hated. Jesus said, "The world… HATES Me, because I keep telling it how WICKED its ways are." And Jesus also stated, "You will be hated by all for My name's sake" (John 7:7–CJB; Mark 13:13–NKJV).
God's two prophets are then given tremendous power!
"And I will give POWER to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy 1,260 days.... And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner.
"These have POWER to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have POWER over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire" (Revelation 11:3-6).
Also during the end-time, a servant of God appears who comes in the power and spirit of the Old Testament prophet ELIJAH—just as John the Baptist did before Christ's first coming. And just as John prepared the way before Jesus' first appearance on this earth, this end-time Elijah prepares the way before Jesus' second coming. This prophet of God also "restores all things."
"And His disciples asked Him, saying, 'Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?' Jesus answered and said to them, 'Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things'" (Matthew 17:10-11; NKJV). (See also: Malachi 3:1-3, 4:5-6; Isaiah 40:3-5; Mark 9:11-12; Luke 1:11-17; 1 Kings 18:36-37.)
Is this end-time Elijah then one of the two witnesses? Almost surely!
In the sixth chapter of Revelation four horsemen are described. These four horses and their dreadful riders are often referred to as "the four horsemen of the apocalypse." One horse is white (representing religious deception), another horse is red (portraying war), the third horse is black (depicting famine), and the last horse is pale green (symbolizing disease). These four riders NOW have the opportunity to ravage the earth. And once they finish their ride one fourth of humanity lies dead—that's roughly two BILLION lives snuffed out! (Revelation 6:8.)
During this time a "GREAT MULTITUDE that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language" repents and turns to God. But unfortunately they must die as martyrs for the Word of God (Revelation 6:9-11, 7:9-17).
But in the end God will comfort them and they will be rewarded with eternal life for their faithfulness! At that time "they shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb [Jesus] who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters [eternal life]. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 7:16-17; NKJV).
"There was a great earthquake. The SUN became as dark as BLACK cloth, and the MOON became as red as BLOOD. Then the STARS of the sky FELL to the earth like green figs falling from trees shaken by mighty winds. And the sky was rolled up like a scroll and taken away. And all of the mountains and all of the islands disappeared. Then the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy people, the people with great power, and every slave and every free person—all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of THEIR wrath has come, and who will be able to survive?'" (Revelation 6:12-17; NLT.)
These heavenly signs announce the end of Satan's persecution upon mankind and the beginning of God's wrath on an unrepentant and rebellious world! This period of time is referred to in the Bible as the "Day of the Lord."
It is Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Today is the "DAY OF TRUMPETS," the fourth annual holy day in God's master plan. This holy day depicts the DAY OF THE LORD, the day when God intervenes in human affairs to punish mankind for its appalling sins.
ALL of God's holy days have important meaning and detail God's plan of salvation for mankind. There are three annual celebrations that take place each year prior to this fourth holy day (the Day of Trumpets). They are: Passover, Days of Unleavened Bread, and Pentecost. Let's quickly review their meaning.
The first annual observance every year is PASSOVER (or Lord's Supper). This day is a memorial of the death of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who was sacrificed for the SINS of mankind.
Immediately following Passover are the DAYS OF UNLEAVENED BREAD. This celebration picture's the removal of sin from one's life (as leaven depicts sin during the seven days of unleavened bread).
Next in God's master plan is PENTECOST. On this day in 32 AD, Christ first gave His Holy Spirit to His followers. Therefore, this day represents the receiving of God's Holy Spirit so that a Christian can understand God's truth and be empowered to obey that truth. This day also represents those called in this age (prior to Christ's return) as a kind of firstfruits to God (James 1:18; Revelation 14:4; Romans 8:23; Leviticus 23:17, 20).
So how does someone receive God's Holy Spirit? A person receives God's Holy Spirit when they accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, truly repent of their sins, and then are properly baptized. At this point their past sins are forgiven (Acts 2:38). And if they endure until the end of their life, overcoming sin and being led by God's Spirit, they will be resurrected at the return of Jesus, at which time they will be given a wonderful, glorious, eternal body, and be part of God's very own Family as a literal son or daughter of GOD! (Matthew 24:13; Revelation 21:7; Acts 8:14; 1 Corinthians 15:12-58.)
As noted above, the fourth annual observance every year is the DAY OF TRUMPETS. This day represents the future time period when God intervenes in the affairs of mankind (called the DAY OF THE LORD). Each year this annual holy day is kept in anticipation of that future time when God intervenes in world affairs. But that future time has NOW arrived—for today BEGINS the Day of the Lord!
This "Day" of the Lord actually lasts ONE YEAR—"for it is the day of the Lord's vengeance; the year of recompense for the cause of Zion" (Isaiah 34:8). And it is portrayed by SEVEN TRUMPETS—hence its name—the Day of Trumpets.
"The great day of the Lord is near.... That day is a day [or year] of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of devastation and desolation…. A day of TRUMPET and alarm against the fortified cities… I will bring distress upon men, and they shall walk like blind men, because they have SINNED against the Lord. Their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like refuse" (Zephaniah 1:14-17).
But first, before God exacts His punishment upon a defiant, arrogant, and rebellious humanity, He first MARKS those on earth who have repented of their sins and are keeping His commandments. These are those who "sigh and cry over all the abominations" that occur on this planet (Ezekiel 9:4-6). And even though thousands may be killed all around them, no harm shall befall them! (Psalm 91:7, 10.)
Altogether 144,000 people are marked or SEALED by God so that they can be PROTECTED from His punishment. These individuals who are protected and spared from the Day of the Lord are "servants of God"—converted, faithful, genuine Christians who have NOT worshiped the BEAST, his image, or received his mark (Revelation 7:1-4, 9:3-4, 14:1-5).
Immediately after the 144,000 are sealed, the Day of the Lord begins!
"When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the SEVEN ANGELS who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets" (Revelation 8:1-2; NLT).
"Then the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to blow their mighty blasts" (Revelation 8:6; NLT).
All green grass is burned up and one third of all trees incinerated (Revelation 8:7).
One third of the sea turns to blood, one third of the fish die, and one third of the ships destroyed (Revelation 8:8-9).
One third of the rivers and springs become poisonous (Revelation 8:10-11).
One third of the sun, moon, and stars become very dark—so dark that a third of the day and night is without light (Revelation 8:12).
Smoke, like the smoke of a great furnace, comes upon the earth, resulting in the sun and the air becoming darkened. And out of the smoke locusts come upon the earth. These locusts have power as scorpions and they harm those people who do NOT have the seal of God on their forehead (Rev. 9:1-4).
All humanity is then tormented—except for the 144,000 who are supernaturally protected. These locusts do NOT kill mankind but only inflict great suffering (like the pain of a scorpion) for five months. The agony will be so bad that men will long to die! (Revelation 9:5-6.)
"And the shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle… and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle"—perhaps modern-day war planes and helicopters (Revelation 9:7-10).
Now (with the sixth trumpet) we return to the "Holy" Roman Empire.
After destroying many nations, the European BEAST power is frightened, for news from the east and the north alarm's him (Daniel 11:44). Yes, terrifying news! For an enormous army from NORTHERN & EASTERN ASIA (Russia, China, India, Japan, etc.) is gathering together—preparing to attack! Upon hearing the news the BEAST becomes furious! And he goes "out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many" (Daniel 11:44; NIV).
TWO HUNDRED MILLION SOLDIERS then go to war! As a result of this battle one third of mankind is killed—roughly 2 billion people slaughtered! (Revelation 9:13-18.)
"But the rest of mankind, who were not killed... did NOT repent of their works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk, and they did NOT repent of their murders or their sorceries [margin: drugs] or their sexual immorality or their thefts" (Revelation 9:20-21).
Six trumpets have now been blown. One remains. But before it sounds, let's check up on…
The two witnesses have been proclaiming the word of God to the world for about 3½ years now, and they have just finished their testimony. But suddenly, the BEAST attacks them, overcomes them, and kills them! (Revelation 11:7.)
"Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations see their dead bodies for 3½ days, but do not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. And those who dwell on the earth rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth" (Revelation 11:9-10).
But after lying dead for 3½ days God brings the two witnesses BACK TO LIFE! Then great fear enters those watching!
The two witnesses then stand on their feet and ascend to heaven in a cloud. Afterwards, there is a tremendous earthquake—resulting in the death of seven thousand people (Revelation 11:11-13).
It is now Saturday, October 2, 2027. Many people have been killed since the first trumpet sounded one year ago. Once again it is the Day of Trumpets (God's fourth annual holy day). And the seventh and final trumpet is about to be blown!
TODAY is the day that ALL of God's people throughout the ages have long waited for, including: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel), Joseph, Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, Daniel, Job, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel; as well as the rest of God's people from the Old Testament; also John the Baptist, Mary (Jesus' mother), Mary Magdalena, Martha, Peter, John, Paul, James, Stephen, Philip, Barnabas, Jude, Matthew, Mark, Luke, Timothy, Titus, Polycarp, Polycrates, and all true Christians (including those alive today). All of these have deeply yearned for this day! For this last and final trumpet pictures THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST AND THE RESURRECTION OF THE SAINTS!!
"Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall… all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the DEAD WILL BE RAISED INCORRUPTIBLE, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on IMMORTALITY" (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; NKJV).
"For the LORD Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the [last] TRUMPET of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air…." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; NKJV).
"Then the seventh angel [with the seventh trumpet] sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the KINGDOMS OF OUR LORD AND OF HIS CHRIST, and He shall reign forever and ever!'" (Revelation 11:15; NKJV).
"And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony about Jesus, for proclaiming the word of God. And I saw the souls of those who had not worshiped the BEAST or his STATUE, nor accepted his MARK on their forehead or their hands. They came to life again, and they reigned with Christ" (Revelation 20:4; NLT).
After meeting Christ in the air, God's sons and daughters then descend with Jesus upon the Mount of Olives (a mountain ridge just east of Jerusalem)—Zechariah 14:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
As Jesus and the resurrected saints descend upon the Mount of Olives, the European and Asian powers are engaged in a monstrous battle. As they fight for world supremacy, the world lies on the brink of utter destruction—the complete and total obliteration of the human race!
If the enormous power of the world's armies were actually unleashed, Satan's goal of erasing all life from this planet would become reality! But Christ steps in to put an end to the barrage of destruction that is occurring on earth—just before mankind is exterminated and blown into total oblivion! (Matthew 24:22.)
But are we thankful to God and do we receive Christ with open arms of appreciation, and REPENT of our foolish behavior? On the contrary! We do just the opposite! The military forces of the world stop fighting each other and instead join in unison to war against Jesus Christ! (Rev. 19:11-19.)
At this time Jesus unleashes His final seven plagues upon a corrupt and evil world.
Foul and loathsome SORES come upon all those who have the MARK of the BEAST and those who worship his IMAGE (Revelation 16:2).
The SEA turns to BLOOD and all sea creatures die (Revelation 16:3).
Rivers, streams, and springs turn to blood (Revelation 16:4). Why would God do this? "You are righteous O Lord… because you have judged these things. For they have shed the BLOOD of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due" (Revelation 16:5-6).
The sun scorches man with INTENSE HEAT. But man still refuses to repent! Instead he blasphemes the name of God (Revelation 16:8-9).
The BEAST'S kingdom becomes full of DARKNESS, and humanity suffers FIERCE PAIN, yet they still refuse to repent of their wicked deeds! (Revelation 16:10-11.)
The Euphrates River dries up to allow the armies of the world to gather together for the battle of that great day of God Almighty (Revelation 16:12-14). "And they [demons] gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, ARMAGEDDON" (Revelation 16:16).
A mammoth earthquake occurs, cities fall, islands and mountains vanish, and huge HAILSTONES (weighing about 100 pounds each) fall to the earth! (Revelation 16:18-21.)
Demons then gather the armies of the world together at ARMAGEDDON, as they prepare to attack Jesus Christ! (Revelation 16:14, 16.)
"Armageddon" literally means Mount Megiddo, a place about fifty miles north of Jerusalem. But no battle will be fought there. It will just be the place to get organized, to muster the troops together. From this staging area then they march south towards Jerusalem to confront the Son of God!
The troops of the world's armies then stop in the valley of JEHOSHAPHAT (Joel 3:9-14). This deep valley or ravine borders Jerusalem on the east, between the city and the Mount of Olives. Today it is more commonly known as the KIDRON VALLEY.
Jehoshaphat means "judgment of the Eternal." God will judge the rebellious and unrepentant nations of the world there for their disobedience and wicked ways!
The world's armies then attack! But to NO AVAIL—for they are instantly liquidated—and the birds of the earth then feast on their corpses! (Revelation 19:17-21.)
"Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, and their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths"! (Zechariah 14:12; NKJV.)
Their shed blood then stretches for two hundred miles and is about five feet deep! (Revelation 14:20.)
Jesus then captures ROMAN AUGUSTUS (i.e. the Beast—the Antichrist) and POPE SIXTUS VI (i.e. the false prophet) and throws them both into the lake of fire! (Revelation 19:20.)
It is Monday, October 11, 2027. Today is the DAY OF ATONEMENT, the fifth annual holy day of the year. This holy day PICTURES the Devil being put away, where he can no longer influence and deceive mankind (Leviticus 16:10). The meaning of this day is about to be fulfilled!
"Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the DRAGON, that SERPENT of old, who is the DEVIL and SATAN, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while" (Revelation 20:1-3; NKJV).
It is Tuesday, October 12, 2027. The marriage of Christ with His bride—the true saints of God—is about to begin!
"Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a huge crowd, or the roar of mighty ocean waves, or the crash of loud thunder: 'Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice and honor Him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself. She is permitted to wear the finest white linen.' (Fine linen represents the good deeds done by the people of God.) And the angel said, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.' And he added, 'These are true words that come from God'" (Revelation 19:6-9; NLT).
The wedding feast then continues in heaven for four days.
It is now Saturday, October 16, 2027. Jesus and the immortal children of God (the bride of Christ) have just returned to Earth. Today marks the sixth annual holy day of the year, the FEAST OF TABERNACLES. For the next EIGHT DAYS Jesus and the resurrected saints will celebrate this joyous festival (as well as the Last Great Day—the seventh and final holy day) with the inhabitants of the earth.
But what is the meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles? It pictures (just like the seventh-day Sabbath day) the seventh millennium, the 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ—which has just begun!
But what does the Last Great Day (the seventh & final holy day) depict? It represents the Great White Throne Judgment, an event that takes place AFTER the millennial reign of Christ. (More on this holy day later.)
For now, let's quickly recap the extraordinary events that have occurred during these last few weeks.
Jesus returned to earth on the Day of Trumpets—the 1ST DAY OF THE SEVENTH MONTH of the Biblical calendar—and the saints were resurrected back to life. The last seven plagues of Christ also began on the 1st day of this month and ended nine days later. Jesus defeated the armies of the world during this time, and the beast and false prophet were thrown into the lake of fire.
Then on the 10TH DAY OF THE SEVENTH MONTH—on the Day of Atonement—Satan the Devil was cast into the bottomless pit (where he will remain for 1,000 years).
Then from the 11th day until the 15th day, the wedding feast of Jesus (with His bride) took place in heaven.
Next, Christ and the saints returned to earth on the 15th day of the seventh month. Then for the next eight days THEY celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day with the inhabitants of the earth.
The millennial reign of Jesus Christ has officially begun!
FOR THE NEXT 1,000 years Jesus Christ will reign on earth as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16, 20:4).
And ruling with Him on earth as kings and priests during this 1,000-year period will be the saints of God (Revelation 1:6, 5:10, 20:4-6).
The true saints of God who are resurrected at the return of Jesus are no longer mortal, flesh and blood human beings. Instead they are immortal, incorruptible spirit beings—born into God's very own Family—as His literal sons and daughters! (1 Corinthians 15:50-54; Daniel 7:22; John 3:5-6; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Romans 8:16-19, 21:7; John 1:12-13.)
God's immortal and glorified children then help Jesus in ruling over all those mortal, flesh and blood human beings who have survived the terrible events of the last few years (Revelation 2:26-27, 3:21).
And during the millennial reign of Christ, Satan will no longer be around to deceive and influence mankind (Revelation 20:1-3). Also, all of the modern-day descendants of the twelve tribes of Israel who have survived their captivity (as slaves in foreign countries) will be led back to the Promised Land! (Jeremiah 23:3-8, 50:4-5; Ezekiel 20:34-43, 36:24-28.)
With Satan removed and with Jesus ruling all nations in righteousness, the world quickly bursts into a haven of joy, peace, and prosperity! (Isa. 11:1-5.) The nations then turn their military weapons into farming equipment, for they will no longer have any use for such destructive instruments (Isa. 2:4). God even changes the behavior of wild beasts from fierce meat-eaters to gentle eaters of straw (Isa. 11:6-9).
It's a magnificent utopia—for God's laws and way of life are taught, administered, and upheld! (Isa. 2:2-3, 30:21.) All nations are now celebrating the true Sabbath day as well as God's annual holy days (Zech. 14:16-19). This is all made possible because God has given mankind a new Spirit—His Holy Spirit—that enables men and women everywhere to finally obey God, and to live in peace and harmony with their fellowman!
"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness [see Gal. 5:19-22] and from all your idols. I will give you a NEW HEART and put a NEW SPIRIT within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them" (Ezek. 36:25-27).
"Many people shall come and say, 'Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; HE WILL TEACH US HIS WAYS, AND WE SHALL WALK IN HIS PATHS.' For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore" (Isaiah 2:2-4).
"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb. The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra's hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse [Jesus Christ], who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious" (Isaiah 11:6-10).
"The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing… Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water; in the habitation of jackals, where each lay, there shall be grass with reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness…. And the ransomed of the Lord [the twelve tribes of Israel] shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness. And sorrow and sighing shall flee away" (Isaiah 35:1-10).
"Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord, "When the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; the mountains shall drip with sweet wine. And all the hills shall flow with it. I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; they shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them," says the Lord your God" (Amos 9:13-15).
"But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken…. 'In that day,' says the Lord, 'I will assemble the lame, I will gather the outcast and those whom I have afflicted; I will make the lame a remnant, and the outcast a strong nation; so THE LORD WILL REIGN OVER THEM IN MOUNT ZION FROM NOW ON, EVEN FOREVER'" (Micah 4:4).
"Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each one with his staff in his hand because of great age. The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.' Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'If it is marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, will it also be marvelous in My eyes?' Says the Lord of hosts. Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Behold, I will save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west; I will bring them back, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. They shall be My people and I will be their God, in truth and righteousness'" (Zechariah 8:4-8).
It is now 3027, and the wonderful 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ has just ended. The world is joyful, prosperous, and at peace. But things are about to change! For Satan has just been released from his prison!
Upon being released from the Abyss, Satan immediately goes to work, deceiving millions! He then gathers an army together and they march together towards Jerusalem, eventually surrounding God's beloved city. But fire comes down from heaven and devours them! Then the devil is cast into the lake of fire where he will remain for all eternity, never to harm or delude anyone, ever again! (Revelation 20:7-10.)
How sad it is, that even after the tremendously joyful, peaceful, and wonderful 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ, that some would still rebel against Him.
After this final rebellion is crushed we come to the "great white throne judgment" (Revelation 20:11-15). This time period is represented by the seventh and final annual holy day—"the Last Great Day."
This is the time period when everyone who has ever lived (since the creation of Adam and Eve) is now resurrected back to life—EXCEPT FOR THE VERY FEW true servants of God who were resurrected 1,000 years previously (Revelation 20:4-6).
As a result, this second resurrection will include the vast, overwhelming majority of humans who have ever lived. Most of these men and women will now get their very first REAL opportunity for salvation—of being born into the very family of God and receiving eternal life.
This will be a very exciting time—for we now get the chance to be reunited with our former friends and loved ones! For our friends, parents, grandparents, great grandparents, uncles, aunts, etc. are now resurrected back to life!
And just think of all the people we will see and have the opportunity to meet and get to know. Such people as: Elvis Presley, Abraham Lincoln, Babe Ruth, Booker T. Washington, Jack Johnson, Martin Luther King Jr., Mary Elizabeth Bowser, Harriet Tubman, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Isadora Duncan, Cleopatra, Annie Oakley, Marie Antoinette, Anne Frank, Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, Anwar Sadat, Benjamin Franklin, Napoleon Bonaparte, Genghis Khan, Leonardo da Vinci, William Shakespeare, Ludwig van Beethoven, Alexander the Great, Charlemagne, Julius Caesar, Attila the Hun, Jessie James, Bonnie and Clyde, Esau, Ishmael, Samson, Delilah, plus millions more!
Most of those resurrected in this second resurrection will apparently live for one hundred years, to see if they are willing to accept the sacrifice of Jesus for their sins, and to prove it by living a life of obedience to God (Isaiah 65:20; Ezekiel 37; Matthew 11:20-24, 12:41-42; Revelation 20:4-6, 11-15).
[But those who committed an "unpardonable sin" during their first life will NOT live for a hundred years, but will instead be condemned and thrown into the lake of fire—where they will die instantly—this is called the SECOND death (Hebrews 10:26-29; Matthew 3:28-20; Hebrews 6:4-6; Revelation 20:14-15)].
Then after living a hundred years, all will be "judged according to their WORKS, by the things which were written in the books [of the Bible]"—Revelation 20:12. All of those who repented and overcame the pulls of the flesh (with the help of God's Holy Spirit) will now be born as God's literal sons and daughters, and shall live for all eternity (Revelation 21:7). These are those who keep the commandments of God, and their name is written in the Book of Life (Revelation 14:12, 22:14).
"But anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).
This includes all unrepentant sinners, those who refuse to look to God and turn from their evil ways. This is the SECOND DEATH. These individuals will cease to live ever again (Revelation 21:8, 21:27, 22:15).
At this time there will be no more human beings. For all humans who have ever lived will have become immortal, glorious spirit beings—the literal children of God! [Except for those unrepentant individuals who had refused to live according to God's way of life—the way of give (the way of kindness, goodness, cooperation, mercy and compassion)—but instead had chosen to live according to Satan's way of get (the way of greed, lust, hatred and selfishness). These people were put to death in the lake of fire—the second death (Revelation 20:14-15.)]
But everyone else (hopefully the vast, overwhelming majority!) will now be members of God's Family and will live forever. At this time God will create a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). Then God Himself (that is–God the Father!) will for the very first time come down from heaven and dwell with us!! The Kingdom of God will have begun!
"Behold, the tabernacle [home] of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear away from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:3-4).
"He who overcomes shall inherit ALL things [the entire UNIVERSE!], and I will be his God and he shall be My son" (Revelation 21:7).
Those born into God's Family will now share the WHOLE UNIVERSE with God the Father and Jesus Christ—for all eternity!
Now we come to…
THE BEGINNING…
Mike Exton
1138 Baltimore Pike #754
Springfield, PA 19064
Please visit our website at:
www.TheBibleComesAlive.com