The Trumpet Blast’s That Will Eventually Usher in the Great Tribulation

Part 1 (Copyright) by Steven Blackledge (Sonora, California)
It is the mystery of lawlessness, as it pertains to God’s definition of sin, which will lead to the worship of the beast as God… We must come to understand that our Savior is the Word of God, and that HE came in full flesh to die because the very Word HE represents was broken… Introducing sin into the world has been nothing more than a spiritual black plague upon humanity ever since the 1st Adam transgressed God’s command… This fallen state of being can only be overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and the salvation that HE alone can provide us through His death, and resurrection… It is then the process of working out (not for) one’s salvation, begins… In order to prove to God, we will seek HIM in Spirit, and in Truth, and are trustworthy in applying the very Word Jesus Christ represents within our lives as we grow in grace, and in knowledge of HIM… Before the beast, who is called Abaddon in the Hebrew tongue, or Apollyon in the Greek, is released from the bottomless pit or the prison for wayward spiritual entities, there will be 4 catastrophic events that will take place as God’s holy angel’s blow the 4 trumpets which will bring forth these punishments from God… These are a call for a need to repent through His Son, and will take away a 3rd of the earth’s resources, as well as a 3rd of the sun, moon, and stars as Revelation chapter 8 declares: 6 Then the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to blow their mighty blasts. 7 The first angel blew his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were thrown down on the earth. One-third of the earth was set on fire, one-third of the trees were burned, and all the green grass was burned. 8 Then the second angel blew his trumpet, and a great mountain of fire was thrown into the sea. One-third of the water in the sea became blood, 9 one-third of all things living in the sea died, and one-third of all the ships on the sea were destroyed. 10 Then the third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch. It fell on one-third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star was Bitterness. It made one-third of the water bitter, and many people died from drinking the bitter water. 12 Then the fourth angel blew his trumpet, and one-third of the sun was struck, and one-third of the moon, and one-third of the stars, and they became dark. And one-third of the day was dark, and also one-third of the night. 13 Then I looked, and I heard a single eagle crying loudly as it flew through the air, “Terror, terror, terror to all who belong to this world because of what will happen when the last three angels blow their trumpets.” The 5th trumpet will unleash Abaddon as Satan will be given the key to the bottomless pit once he has been cast down from heaven for the last time as Revelation chapter 12 declares… Editor’s Note: Satan was cast down from heaven in the beginning and was in the Garden of Eden. Evil cannot be in heaven, so Satan is not there. I believe these scriptures are misunderstood. Let’s go through them: My comments will be in red. Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, Rev 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (These two verses are both historical and literal. What is being said here is that Michael and his angels fought the devil and prevailed, in other words won the battle and Satan was not found in heaven anymore. We know that Satan was in the Garden of Eden, so he was on earth at that point. In other words, he had already been cast to the earth in the beginning of mankind or at the time of Adam and Eve. This is past tense language. Satan was cast out into the earth. Satan has resided on planet earth for 6000 years. Look around you and see the destruction he has caused.) Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (These scriptures are just recounting the things that have happened from the time that Satan was cast out of heaven up until the time that Christ sets up His Kingdom on earth. Some of this is historical, some is prophetic, in other words some is past, some present and some is future.) Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. (This verse ties the rest together as a total. Satan being cast to the earth is past tense here and Christ who was born of Mary is also past tense here. In other words, this does not mean that Satan was cast to the earth from heaven a second time. Satan was only cast out of heaven one time, and he has been on earth ever since, 6000 years.) Laura Lee 7 Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. 8 And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 9 This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. 10 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last— salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. 12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.” This loss of the war within the heavenly realm will only cause the devil to become wrathful in his disposition, and him being allowed to unleash Apollyon, or the king of the bottomless pit, will show his desperation… As scripture points out, the beast will possess the man of sin, or human vessel, making him more than a man in the eyes of the peoples of the nations… Revelation chapter 9 declares this unleashing of the beast, or Abaddon when the 5th trumpet is blown… 9 Then the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen to earth from the sky, and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. 2 When he opened it, smoke poured out as though from a huge furnace, and the sunlight and air turned dark from the smoke. The above passages coincide with Revelation chapter 12 as Satan is cast down, and granted the key to open the abyss, or bottomless pit to unleash the king of the bottomless pit, and his spiritual cohorts from their imprisoned state… The reality of being cast down from heaven in utter defeat reminds Satan that he has little time… In desperation, haste, and in fulfillment of God’s prophetic Word, that serpent of old unleashes the beast of the abyss whose name means destruction… This will more than likely usher in the 1290-day tribulation period that is revealed in Daniel chapter 12 in which 2 time periods are brought to light to this prophet of God, and preserved for our time to understand. The 1st described as follows: “11 “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.” For 1260 of these days the 2 witnesses of God will proclaim the gospel of repentance to the world, and will be considered the enemy by those whose names are NOT written in the Lamb’s Book of Life as Revelation chapter 11 as well as Matthew chapter 24 reveals to us… Jesus makes clear that there will be tribulation, followed by Great Tribulation… It is during the tribulation period that God’s two prophets will declare HIS gospel to a mostly defiant world… First Matthew 24 declares about this tribulation period (again not to be confused with the great tribulation): “9 “Then they will hand you over to [endure] tribulation, and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 At that time many will be offended and repelled [by their association with Me] and will fall away [from the One whom they should trust] and will betray one another [handing over believers to their persecutors] and will hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will appear and mislead many. 12 Because lawlessness is increased, the love of most people will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved. 14 This good news of the kingdom [the gospel] will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come.” Notice it is during the tribulation period that the gospel will be preached unto ALL nations… By whom?… Revelation chapter 11 fills us in as God’s 2 witnesses fulfill this commission: ” 3 And I will grant authority to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days (forty-two months; three and one-half years), dressed in sackcloth.” 4 These [witnesses] are the two olive trees and the two lampstands which stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire comes out of their mouth and devours their enemies; so if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way. 6 These [two witnesses] have the power [from God] to shut up the sky, so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophesying [regarding judgment and salvation]; and they have power over the waters (seas, rivers) to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every [kind of] plague, as often as they wish. While their ministry is occurring, the beast will fight a series of wars against 3 kings… Remember the 3 horns that are humbled, or plucked up by the little horn within Daniel chapter 7?… The little horn represents the man of sin who will be so filled with himself that he will eventually proclaim himself to be God because of his great exploits…Which of course he could have never achieved without spiritual help from those entities that represent darkness… The world will look upon him as a savior, and eventually believe the man of sin, while possessed by Abaddon the beast, is God… Upon defeating the king of the South, and the 200-million-man army, the 2 kings from the north, and east as declared in Daniel chapter 11 verse 44: “44 But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many.” Remember when the 6th trumpet is blown, this 200-million-man army will fulfill God’s Word to kill one third of mankind as Revelation chapter 9 declares… This will occur during the time that Jesus referred to as tribulation: “13 Then the sixth angel sounded [his trumpet], and I heard a solitary voice from the four horns of the golden altar which stands before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the [appointed] hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of the troops of cavalry was twice ten thousand times ten thousand (two hundred million); I heard the number of them. 17 And this is how I saw the horses and their riders in my vision: the riders had breastplates [the color] of fire and of hyacinth (sapphire blue) and of brimstone (yellow); and the heads of the horses looked like the heads of lions; and from out of their mouths came fire and smoke and brimstone (burning sulfur). 18 A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone that came from the mouths of the horses. 19 For the power of the horses [to do harm] is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and it is with them that they do harm.” What transpires above at the Great River Euphrates is not to be confused with what will occur during the Great Tribulation period when God will be in the process of destroying the beast, and his kingdom when pouring out HIS bowls of wrath in order to do so… Revelation chapter 16 declares these bowls of wrath being poured out upon an extremely rebellious, and beastly mankind… The above passages will be occurring during the tribulation period (again not the Great Tribulation), and before this army is annihilated by the beast, or King of the North… As this enormous 200-million-man army threatens the man of sin’s aspirations to rule the world… What better way but to save the world from complete control of these 2 kings from the east, and north with their numerically superior army, and convince the world that no one can make war with the beast… But after the defeat of this army, there is still the issue in the form of God’s 2 witnesses who have to be dealt with… As many nations will have tried to defeat God’s 2 prophets during their 1260-day period of declaring the gospel to all nations during the tribulation period as Revelation chapter 11 points out… Their commission will not be thwarted because God’s Word is always fulfilled… But as Revelation chapter 11 points out, during the transition period of 30 days between the tribulation period, and Great Tribulation time frame, the beast will make war against God’s 2 witnesses, and will be ALLOWED to defeat them for all the world to witness… This will prove to the world who refused to listen to God’s messengers, and whose names are NOT written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that their anti-Christ hero is indeed worthy of worship: “7 When they have finished their testimony and given their evidence, the beast that comes up out of the abyss (bottomless pit) will wage war with them and overcome them and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies will lie exposed in the open street of the great city (Jerusalem), which in a spiritual sense is called [by the symbolic and allegorical names of] Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. 9 Those from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations look at their dead bodies for three and a half days and will not allow their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. 10 And those [non-believers] who live on the earth will gloat over them and rejoice; and they will send gifts [in celebration] to one another, because these two prophets tormented and troubled those who live on the earth.” This defeat of God’s 2 witnesses will occur during the 1290-day period of tribulation… Which is the time frame that Satan will use to set up the abomination that will cause desolation as Daniel chapter 12 declares… The worship of the beast will be made complete… As all the people of the nations will revere, honor, and worship the beast as God whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life… The beast will be allowed to rule during the Great Tribulation, which Jesus referred to as the end, for a 1260-day period… Daniel’s 2nd period of time as prophesied within chapter 12 is 1335 days: “12 Blessed is he who waits and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.” This 1335-day period is not to be confused with the 1290 days that Daniel makes clear is the setup of the abomination that will catapult the beast into ultimate “godlike” status among all the nations of the world… After his predetermined defeat of 3 kings, and God’s 2 witness’s, the great set up for the abomination, or blasphemy of this entity Abaddon declaring himself to be God while possessing the man of sin as his physical vessel to deceive the world, will be made complete… Because of the nation’s fallen state of being due to the practice of lawlessness as a normal way of life, Satan, the beast, and the false prophet will have been allowed by God to succeed in fooling those who loved to exercise unrighteousness… Rather than embracing the Truth concerning God’s saving grace through His Son Jesus Christ… Matthew chapter 24 again makes clear concerning this period of time that is declared as the great tribulation, and will be ushered in once the 7th trumpet of God’s holy angel is blown: 15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be GREAT TRIBULATION, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” Remember as verse 14 of Matthew chapter 24 declares this end declared as the Great Tribulation will not occur until God’s 2 witnesses declares the gospel of Christ Jesus’s return, and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth… “14 This good news of the kingdom [the gospel] will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come.” The end being a 1335-day period of time as Daniel chapter 12 prophesied would occur… It could be very easy for one to forget during the 1290 period of tribulation that there is still another period of time to endure that will be an even greater time of tribulation for the saints of God… This distress, and one longing to be delivered from it… Even at the cost of compromising the will of God in order to save one’s physical existence… This could cause one to be deceived because of the lack of understanding God’s Word, or compromising our Savior’s will, and the WAY HE represents, and as Jesus warned us all, if possible to embrace this grand deception, and illusion that will be propagated rather heavily via the media that the man of sin is indeed God.. Matthew chapter 24 warns us as follows: Editor’s Note: I am pretty sure there may be a disconnect here somehow between these 1290 days and 1335 days. Perhaps someone else can clear this up? The problem in my opinion is first in thinking that there will be two tribulations, seemingly a small one and a greater one. It is all one tribulation. During the trumpets it appears only a third of everything is affected but when the bowls of wrath are poured out, it affects everything, and everyone left on earth. During the bowls of wrath there will probably be some people that repent but for the most part, it looks like they still do not repent. As far as the elect living through the bowls of wrath the Bible says otherwise. 1.The two witnesses prophesy for 1260 days. Then the beast kills them, and they lay in the street for 3.5 days. Rev 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 2. Shortly after the two witnesses ascend to heaven it says the second woe is past. Rev 11:13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. Rev 11:14 The second woe is past; and behold, the third woe cometh quickly. 3. There are four trumpets and three woe trumpets. The first four trumpets happen and then you have woe trumpet five followed by woe trumpet six and then woe trumpet seven sounds and Christ harvests the First Fruits. 1Co_15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 4. After this you have the seven bowls of wrath being poured out on the earth. So, tribulation is not yet over at the point where Christ harvests His first fruits. Laura Lee “23 Then if anyone says to you [during the great tribulation], ‘Look! Here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe it. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and they will provide great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect (God’s chosen ones). 25 Listen carefully, I have told you in advance. 26 So if they say to you, ‘Look! He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out there, or ‘Look! He is in the inner rooms [of a house],’ do not believe it. 27 For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming [in glory] of the Son of Man [everyone will see Him clearly].” God’s Word makes perfectly clear all of HIS prophetic Word our Savior represents must be fulfilled… The saints, regardless of their physical state, and suffering that will be endured either during the tribulation (1290-day period), or great tribulation (1335-day period), must be patient, and never lose focus upon our need to rely fully on the Spirit of God as our strength… While working out our salvation with fear, and trembling as Paul encouraged us in his letter to the Philippians chapter 2 verse 12… Not fearful of losing one’s physical life, nor of persecution because of one’s refusal to believe the great delusion, or out of fear succumb to Satan’s tactics… One’s focus on their Spiritual standing will avoid compromise, or being deceived because the Truth of God’s Word was not believed, and exercised entirely… 2nd Thessalonians chapter 2 gives us a Readers Digest version of this time of tribulation that will lead to an even greater tribulation for the world at that point in time when Satan’s wrath, and deceitful tactics are unleashed to their fullest extent: “3 Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed], 4 who opposes and exalts himself [so proudly and so insolently] above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he [actually enters and] takes his seat in the temple of God, publicly proclaiming that he himself is God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6 And you know what restrains him now [from being revealed]; it is so that he will be revealed at his own [appointed] time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until he who now restrains it is taken out of the way. 8 Then the lawless one [the Antichrist] will be revealed and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of His mouth and bring him to an end by the appearance of His coming. 9 The coming of the [Antichrist, the lawless] one is through the activity of Satan, [attended] with great power [all kinds of counterfeit miracles] and [deceptive] signs and false wonders [all of them lies], 10 and by unlimited seduction to evil and with all the deception of wickedness for those who are perishing, because they did not welcome the love of the truth [of the gospel] so as to be saved [they were spiritually blind, and rejected the truth that would have saved them]. 11 Because of this God will send upon them a misleading influence, [an activity of error and deception] so they will believe the lie, 12 in order that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe the truth [about their sin, and the need for salvation through Christ], but instead took pleasure in unrighteousness.” In conclusion, and to summarize, the first 4 trumpets will disrupt spiritual Babylon, and the world that Satan will have created through his rebellious influence on a willingly complicit, yet deceived world for the most part… The devil will react in great fury by leading an army in making war against his Creator in a futile effort to overthrow God’s dominion… As Revelation chapter 12 declares that serpent of old will be cast down once, and for all as those who reside in the heavenly realm will rejoice because his presence will no longer be experienced within it… While chaos is ensuing not only on earth, but in the heaven’s as well, Satan will be given the key to the bottomless pit by God in order to release the beast, or Abaddon in the Hebrew tongue, and Apollyon in the Greek… In Greek mythology this was alluded to in one of the more famous tales when the Kraken was released by Poseidon from its imprisonment… Our Creator will allow for the release of this dreadful fallen angel, and his cohorts to punish the nations for its persistent defiance… Despite the disastrous occurrences that will have taken place as a third of many of earth’s resources will have been destroyed by HIS judgements via the first 4 trumpet blasts… Releasing these dark spiritual entities from the abyss will indeed humble mankind because of their tyrannical nature… Hence Abaddon’s title “the beast.”… Humanities nature will reflect that which was released from the abyss by God as 2 Timothy chapter 3 points out just how ungodly it will have become due to lawlessness being practiced on such an enormous scale… Revelation chapter 12 also emphasizes that Satan will direct his rage, and frustration out on the saints of God… Thus, beginning the tribulation period, and persecution of the saints once the 5th trumpet is blown signaling the 1st of 3 “woes” that will follow with each of the remaining trumpet blasts… The 5th, and 6th trumpets will also be the time frame when God’s 2 witness’s will preach the gospel of repentance, and God’s coming kingdom as these servants of God will be given the power to punish those who dare to harm them before their 1260-day commission is completed… Remember this tribulation period will last 1290 days in accordance to the 1st time frame given Daniel, and recorded in Daniel chapter 12… This time frame will also be used for the preparation, and the ascension of the worship of the man of sin as Abaddon will use this human vessel to deceive the majority of mankind into believing this mere mortal is God via great exploits that will be performed through him, and on his behalf by the false prophet as Revelation chapter 13 declares… Once the 2 witnesses have completed their testimony concerning the TRUTH, while warning the world of more impending judgment, and deception by the manipulative tactics of Satan, the beast, and the false prophet, they will be allowed by God to be put to death by the beast… This will serve as a test for the saints who are still living at this point in time, as well as a time of refinement on a Spiritual level… Once the 1290 tribulation period is completed, the 7th trumpet will be blown… Signaling the end is about to commence over a 1335-day period which again was declared to Daniel, and preserved in chapter 12 of his writings… The 1st resurrection will proceed over this period of time which is referred to as the Great Tribulation by God… There will be saints who will have to be refined, and tested during this period as the beast will be worshiped as king of the world by all peoples of the nations whose names are NOT written in the Lambs Book of Life at that point in time… I will go into greater detail about this period of time before the great tribulation ensues in part 2… But as Revelation chapter 13 declares concerning 1260 of the 1335 days that will make up this period of great tribulation: 4 They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?” 5 Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months. 6 And he spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering his name and his dwelling—that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation. 8 And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered before the world was made. 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. 10 Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.” After his 1260 days, or 42 month rule that God allows for HIS prophetic Word to be fulfilled, our Father in heaven will pour out HIS wrath upon the throne of the beast via the 7 bowls, and dismantle this Satanic government for the remaining 75 of the 1335 days during the great tribulation period (see Revelation chapter 16, and 19)… Again, Jesus Himself declared this period of time to be “The End.” before the full establishment of HIS throne upon the earth, and HIS thousand-year reign of rest, and peace begins with the saints of God. Part 2 will continue on this subject concerning the saints of God, and what they will endure during the tribulation, and then great tribulation period… Take care, and I hope your sabbath was a blessed one…

Part 1
(Copyright) by Steven Blackledge (Sonora, California)

It is the mystery of lawlessness, as it pertains to God’s definition of sin, which will lead to the worship of the beast as God… We must come to understand that our Savior is the Word of God, and that HE came in full flesh to die because the very Word HE represents was broken… Introducing sin into the world has been nothing more than a spiritual black plague upon humanity ever since the 1st Adam transgressed God’s command…

This fallen state of being can only be overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and the salvation that HE alone can provide us through His death, and resurrection… It is then the process of working out (not for) one’s salvation, begins… In order to prove to God, we will seek HIM in Spirit, and in Truth, and are trustworthy in applying the very Word Jesus Christ represents within our lives as we grow in grace, and in knowledge of HIM…

Before the beast, who is called Abaddon in the Hebrew tongue, or Apollyon in the Greek, is released from the bottomless pit or the prison for wayward spiritual entities, there will be 4 catastrophic events that will take place as God’s holy angel’s blow the 4 trumpets which will bring forth these punishments from God… These are a call for a need to repent through His Son, and will take away a 3rd of the earth’s resources, as well as a 3rd of the sun, moon, and stars as Revelation chapter 8 declares:

6 Then the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to blow their mighty blasts.

7 The first angel blew his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were thrown down on the earth. One-third of the earth was set on fire, one-third of the trees were burned, and all the green grass was burned.

8 Then the second angel blew his trumpet, and a great mountain of fire was thrown into the sea. One-third of the water in the sea became blood, 9 one-third of all things living in the sea died, and one-third of all the ships on the sea were destroyed.

10 Then the third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch. It fell on one-third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star was Bitterness. It made one-third of the water bitter, and many people died from drinking the bitter water.

12 Then the fourth angel blew his trumpet, and one-third of the sun was struck, and one-third of the moon, and one-third of the stars, and they became dark. And one-third of the day was dark, and also one-third of the night.

13 Then I looked, and I heard a single eagle crying loudly as it flew through the air, “Terror, terror, terror to all who belong to this world because of what will happen when the last three angels blow their trumpets.”

The 5th trumpet will unleash Abaddon as Satan will be given the key to the bottomless pit once he has been cast down from heaven for the last time as Revelation chapter 12 declares…

Editor’s Note:
Satan was cast down from heaven in the beginning and was in the Garden of Eden. Evil cannot be in heaven, so Satan is not there. I believe these scriptures are misunderstood. Let’s go through them: My comments will be in red.

Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, Rev 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

(These two verses are both historical and literal. What is being said here is that Michael and his angels fought the devil and prevailed, in other words won the battle and Satan was not found in heaven anymore. We know that Satan was in the Garden of Eden, so he was on earth at that point. In other words, he had already been cast to the earth in the beginning of mankind or at the time of Adam and Eve. This is past tense language. Satan was cast out into the earth. Satan has resided on planet earth for 6000 years. Look around you and see the destruction he has caused.)

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

(These scriptures are just recounting the things that have happened from the time that Satan was cast out of heaven up until the time that Christ sets up His Kingdom on earth. Some of this is historical, some is prophetic, in other words some is past, some present and some is future.)

Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

(This verse ties the rest together as a total. Satan being cast to the earth is past tense here and Christ who was born of Mary is also past tense here. In other words, this does not mean that Satan was cast to the earth from heaven a second time. Satan was only cast out of heaven one time, and he has been on earth ever since, 6000 years.) Laura Lee

7 Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. 8 And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 9 This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.
10 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last— salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. 12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.”

This loss of the war within the heavenly realm will only cause the devil to become wrathful in his disposition, and him being allowed to unleash Apollyon, or the king of the bottomless pit, will show his desperation… As scripture points out, the beast will possess the man of sin, or human vessel, making him more than a man in the eyes of the peoples of the nations… Revelation chapter 9 declares this unleashing of the beast, or Abaddon when the 5th trumpet is blown…

9 Then the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen to earth from the sky, and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. 2 When he opened it, smoke poured out as though from a huge furnace, and the sunlight and air turned dark from the smoke.

The above passages coincide with Revelation chapter 12 as Satan is cast down, and granted the key to open the abyss, or bottomless pit to unleash the king of the bottomless pit, and his spiritual cohorts from their imprisoned state… The reality of being cast down from heaven in utter defeat reminds Satan that he has little time… In desperation, haste, and in fulfillment of God’s prophetic Word, that serpent of old unleashes the beast of the abyss whose name means destruction…

This will more than likely usher in the 1290-day tribulation period that is revealed in Daniel chapter 12 in which 2 time periods are brought to light to this prophet of God, and preserved for our time to understand. The 1st described as follows:

“11 “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.”

For 1260 of these days the 2 witnesses of God will proclaim the gospel of repentance to the world, and will be considered the enemy by those whose names are NOT written in the Lamb’s Book of Life as Revelation chapter 11 as well as Matthew chapter 24 reveals to us… Jesus makes clear that there will be tribulation, followed by Great Tribulation… It is during the tribulation period that God’s two prophets will declare HIS gospel to a mostly defiant world… First Matthew 24 declares about this tribulation period (again not to be confused with the great tribulation):

“9 “Then they will hand you over to [endure] tribulation, and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 At that time many will be offended and repelled [by their association with Me] and will fall away [from the One whom they should trust] and will betray one another [handing over believers to their persecutors] and will hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will appear and mislead many. 12 Because lawlessness is increased, the love of most people will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved. 14 This good news of the kingdom [the gospel] will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come.”

Notice it is during the tribulation period that the gospel will be preached unto ALL nations… By whom?… Revelation chapter 11 fills us in as God’s 2 witnesses fulfill this commission:

” 3 And I will grant authority to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days (forty-two months; three and one-half years), dressed in sackcloth.” 4 These [witnesses] are the two olive trees and the two lampstands which stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire comes out of their mouth and devours their enemies; so if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way. 6 These [two witnesses] have the power [from God] to shut up the sky, so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophesying [regarding judgment and salvation]; and they have power over the waters (seas, rivers) to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every [kind of] plague, as often as they wish.

While their ministry is occurring, the beast will fight a series of wars against 3 kings… Remember the 3 horns that are humbled, or plucked up by the little horn within Daniel chapter 7?… The little horn represents the man of sin who will be so filled with himself that he will eventually proclaim himself to be God because of his great exploits…Which of course he could have never achieved without spiritual help from those entities that represent darkness… The world will look upon him as a savior, and eventually believe the man of sin, while possessed by Abaddon the beast, is God… Upon defeating the king of the South, and the 200-million-man army, the 2 kings from the north, and east as declared in Daniel chapter 11 verse 44:

“44 But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many.”

Remember when the 6th trumpet is blown, this 200-million-man army will fulfill God’s Word to kill one third of mankind as Revelation chapter 9 declares… This will occur during the time that Jesus referred to as tribulation:

“13 Then the sixth angel sounded [his trumpet], and I heard a solitary voice from the four horns of the golden altar which stands before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the [appointed] hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of the troops of cavalry was twice ten thousand times ten thousand (two hundred million); I heard the number of them. 17 And this is how I saw the horses and their riders in my vision: the riders had breastplates [the color] of fire and of hyacinth (sapphire blue) and of brimstone (yellow); and the heads of the horses looked like the heads of lions; and from out of their mouths came fire and smoke and brimstone (burning sulfur). 18 A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone that came from the mouths of the horses. 19 For the power of the horses [to do harm] is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and it is with them that they do harm.”

What transpires above at the Great River Euphrates is not to be confused with what will occur during the Great Tribulation period when God will be in the process of destroying the beast, and his kingdom when pouring out HIS bowls of wrath in order to do so… Revelation chapter 16 declares these bowls of wrath being poured out upon an extremely rebellious, and beastly mankind… The above passages will be occurring during the tribulation period (again not the Great Tribulation), and before this army is annihilated by the beast, or King of the North… As this enormous 200-million-man army threatens the man of sin’s aspirations to rule the world… What better way but to save the world from complete control of these 2 kings from the east, and north with their numerically superior army, and convince the world that no one can make war with the beast…

But after the defeat of this army, there is still the issue in the form of God’s 2 witnesses who have to be dealt with… As many nations will have tried to defeat God’s 2 prophets during their 1260-day period of declaring the gospel to all nations during the tribulation period as Revelation chapter 11 points out… Their commission will not be thwarted because God’s Word is always fulfilled… But as Revelation chapter 11 points out, during the transition period of 30 days between the tribulation period, and Great Tribulation time frame, the beast will make war against God’s 2 witnesses, and will be ALLOWED to defeat them for all the world to witness… This will prove to the world who refused to listen to God’s messengers, and whose names are NOT written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that their anti-Christ hero is indeed worthy of worship:

“7 When they have finished their testimony and given their evidence, the beast that comes up out of the abyss (bottomless pit) will wage war with them and overcome them and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies will lie exposed in the open street of the great city (Jerusalem), which in a spiritual sense is called [by the symbolic and allegorical names of] Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. 9 Those from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations look at their dead bodies for three and a half days and will not allow their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. 10 And those [non-believers] who live on the earth will gloat over them and rejoice; and they will send gifts [in celebration] to one another, because these two prophets tormented and troubled those who live on the earth.”

This defeat of God’s 2 witnesses will occur during the 1290-day period of tribulation… Which is the time frame that Satan will use to set up the abomination that will cause desolation as Daniel chapter 12 declares… The worship of the beast will be made complete… As all the people of the nations will revere, honor, and worship the beast as God whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life… The beast will be allowed to rule during the Great Tribulation, which Jesus referred to as the end, for a 1260-day period… Daniel’s 2nd period of time as prophesied within chapter 12 is 1335 days:

“12 Blessed is he who waits and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.”

This 1335-day period is not to be confused with the 1290 days that Daniel makes clear is the setup of the abomination that will catapult the beast into ultimate “godlike” status among all the nations of the world… After his predetermined defeat of 3 kings, and God’s 2 witness’s, the great set up for the abomination, or blasphemy of this entity Abaddon declaring himself to be God while possessing the man of sin as his physical vessel to deceive the world, will be made complete…

Because of the nation’s fallen state of being due to the practice of lawlessness as a normal way of life, Satan, the beast, and the false prophet will have been allowed by God to succeed in fooling those who loved to exercise unrighteousness… Rather than embracing the Truth concerning God’s saving grace through His Son Jesus Christ… Matthew chapter 24 again makes clear concerning this period of time that is declared as the great tribulation, and will be ushered in once the 7th trumpet of God’s holy angel is blown:

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be GREAT TRIBULATION, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.”

Remember as verse 14 of Matthew chapter 24 declares this end declared as the Great Tribulation will not occur until God’s 2 witnesses declares the gospel of Christ Jesus’s return, and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth…

“14 This good news of the kingdom [the gospel] will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come.”

The end being a 1335-day period of time as Daniel chapter 12 prophesied would occur… It could be very easy for one to forget during the 1290 period of tribulation that there is still another period of time to endure that will be an even greater time of tribulation for the saints of God… This distress, and one longing to be delivered from it… Even at the cost of compromising the will of God in order to save one’s physical existence… This could cause one to be deceived because of the lack of understanding God’s Word, or compromising our Savior’s will, and the WAY HE represents, and as Jesus warned us all, if possible to embrace this grand deception, and illusion that will be propagated rather heavily via the media that the man of sin is indeed God.. Matthew chapter 24 warns us as follows:

Editor’s Note:
I am pretty sure there may be a disconnect here somehow between these 1290 days and 1335 days. Perhaps someone else can clear this up? The problem in my opinion is first in thinking that there will be two tribulations, seemingly a small one and a greater one. It is all one tribulation. During the trumpets it appears only a third of everything is affected but when the bowls of wrath are poured out, it affects everything, and everyone left on earth. During the bowls of wrath there will probably be some people that repent but for the most part, it looks like they still do not repent. As far as the elect living through the bowls of wrath the Bible says otherwise.

1.The two witnesses prophesy for 1260 days. Then the beast kills them, and they lay in the street for 3.5 days. Rev 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

2. Shortly after the two witnesses ascend to heaven it says the second woe is past. Rev 11:13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. Rev 11:14 The second woe is past; and behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

3. There are four trumpets and three woe trumpets. The first four trumpets happen and then you have woe trumpet five followed by woe trumpet six and then woe trumpet seven sounds and Christ harvests the First Fruits. 1Co_15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

4. After this you have the seven bowls of wrath being poured out on the earth. So, tribulation is not yet over at the point where Christ harvests His first fruits. Laura Lee

“23 Then if anyone says to you [during the great tribulation], ‘Look! Here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe it. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and they will provide great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect (God’s chosen ones). 25 Listen carefully, I have told you in advance. 26 So if they say to you, ‘Look! He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out there, or ‘Look! He is in the inner rooms [of a house],’ do not believe it. 27 For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming [in glory] of the Son of Man [everyone will see Him clearly].”

God’s Word makes perfectly clear all of HIS prophetic Word our Savior represents must be fulfilled… The saints, regardless of their physical state, and suffering that will be endured either during the tribulation (1290-day period), or great tribulation (1335-day period), must be patient, and never lose focus upon our need to rely fully on the Spirit of God as our strength… While working out our salvation with fear, and trembling as Paul encouraged us in his letter to the Philippians chapter 2 verse 12…

Not fearful of losing one’s physical life, nor of persecution because of one’s refusal to believe the great delusion, or out of fear succumb to Satan’s tactics… One’s focus on their Spiritual standing will avoid compromise, or being deceived because the Truth of God’s Word was not believed, and exercised entirely… 2nd Thessalonians chapter 2 gives us a Readers Digest version of this time of tribulation that will lead to an even greater tribulation for the world at that point in time when Satan’s wrath, and deceitful tactics are unleashed to their fullest extent:

“3 Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed], 4 who opposes and exalts himself [so proudly and so insolently] above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he [actually enters and] takes his seat in the temple of God, publicly proclaiming that he himself is God.

5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6 And you know what restrains him now [from being revealed]; it is so that he will be revealed at his own [appointed] time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until he who now restrains it is taken out of the way. 8 Then the lawless one [the Antichrist] will be revealed and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of His mouth and bring him to an end by the appearance of His coming.

9 The coming of the [Antichrist, the lawless] one is through the activity of Satan, [attended] with great power [all kinds of counterfeit miracles] and [deceptive] signs and false wonders [all of them lies], 10 and by unlimited seduction to evil and with all the deception of wickedness for those who are perishing, because they did not welcome the love of the truth [of the gospel] so as to be saved [they were spiritually blind, and rejected the truth that would have saved them]. 11 Because of this God will send upon them a misleading influence, [an activity of error and deception] so they will believe the lie, 12 in order that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe the truth [about their sin, and the need for salvation through Christ], but instead took pleasure in unrighteousness.”

In conclusion, and to summarize, the first 4 trumpets will disrupt spiritual Babylon, and the world that Satan will have created through his rebellious influence on a willingly complicit, yet deceived world for the most part… The devil will react in great fury by leading an army in making war against his Creator in a futile effort to overthrow God’s dominion… As Revelation chapter 12 declares that serpent of old will be cast down once, and for all as those who reside in the heavenly realm will rejoice because his presence will no longer be experienced within it…

While chaos is ensuing not only on earth, but in the heaven’s as well, Satan will be given the key to the bottomless pit by God in order to release the beast, or Abaddon in the Hebrew tongue, and Apollyon in the Greek… In Greek mythology this was alluded to in one of the more famous tales when the Kraken was released by Poseidon from its imprisonment… Our Creator will allow for the release of this dreadful fallen angel, and his cohorts to punish the nations for its persistent defiance…

Despite the disastrous occurrences that will have taken place as a third of many of earth’s resources will have been destroyed by HIS judgements via the first 4 trumpet blasts… Releasing these dark spiritual entities from the abyss will indeed humble mankind because of their tyrannical nature… Hence Abaddon’s title “the beast.”… Humanities nature will reflect that which was released from the abyss by God as 2 Timothy chapter 3 points out just how ungodly it will have become due to lawlessness being practiced on such an enormous scale…

Revelation chapter 12 also emphasizes that Satan will direct his rage, and frustration out on the saints of God… Thus, beginning the tribulation period, and persecution of the saints once the 5th trumpet is blown signaling the 1st of 3 “woes” that will follow with each of the remaining trumpet blasts… The 5th, and 6th trumpets will also be the time frame when God’s 2 witness’s will preach the gospel of repentance, and God’s coming kingdom as these servants of God will be given the power to punish those who dare to harm them before their 1260-day commission is completed…

Remember this tribulation period will last 1290 days in accordance to the 1st time frame given Daniel, and recorded in Daniel chapter 12… This time frame will also be used for the preparation, and the ascension of the worship of the man of sin as Abaddon will use this human vessel to deceive the majority of mankind into believing this mere mortal is God via great exploits that will be performed through him, and on his behalf by the false prophet as Revelation chapter 13 declares… Once the 2 witnesses have completed their testimony concerning the TRUTH, while warning the world of more impending judgment, and deception by the manipulative tactics of Satan, the beast, and the false prophet, they will be allowed by God to be put to death by the beast… This will serve as a test for the saints who are still living at this point in time, as well as a time of refinement on a Spiritual level…

Once the 1290 tribulation period is completed, the 7th trumpet will be blown… Signaling the end is about to commence over a 1335-day period which again was declared to Daniel, and preserved in chapter 12 of his writings… The 1st resurrection will proceed over this period of time which is referred to as the Great Tribulation by God… There will be saints who will have to be refined, and tested during this period as the beast will be worshiped as king of the world by all peoples of the nations whose names are NOT written in the Lambs Book of Life at that point in time… I will go into greater detail about this period of time before the great tribulation ensues in part 2… But as Revelation chapter 13 declares concerning 1260 of the 1335 days that will make up this period of great tribulation:

4 They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?” 5 Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months. 6 And he spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering his name and his dwelling—that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation. 8 And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered before the world was made. 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. 10 Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword.

This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.”

After his 1260 days, or 42 month rule that God allows for HIS prophetic Word to be fulfilled, our Father in heaven will pour out HIS wrath upon the throne of the beast via the 7 bowls, and dismantle this Satanic government for the remaining 75 of the 1335 days during the great tribulation period (see Revelation chapter 16, and 19)… Again, Jesus Himself declared this period of time to be “The End.” before the full establishment of HIS throne upon the earth, and HIS thousand-year reign of rest, and peace begins with the saints of God.

Part 2 will continue on this subject concerning the saints of God, and what they will endure during the tribulation, and then great tribulation period… Take care, and I hope your sabbath was a blessed one…

Part 2 (Copyright) by Steven Blackledge (Sonora, California)
Hope you are having a joyful, and edifying sabbath day… Hopefully we are aspiring to be at the point of being spiritually defined by God’s spiritual law as defined by the 10 commandments… Just as Paul espoused in Romans chapter 7 about this spiritual struggle, and our need to recognize, as well as ensure we do not allow for ourselves to succumb to its desires… The solution being a Spiritual one, as Romans chapter 7 reminds us: “21 So I find it to be the law [of my inner self], that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22 For I joyfully delight in the law of God in my inner self [with my new nature], 23 but I see a different law and rule of action in the members of my body [in its appetites and desires], waging war against the law of my mind and subduing me and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is within my members. 24 Wretched and miserable man that I am! Who will [rescue me and] set me free from this body of death [this corrupt, mortal existence]? 25 Thanks be to God [for my deliverance] through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind serve the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh [my human nature, my worldliness, my sinful capacity—I serve] the law of sin. As most of us should understand, our Creator has been redefined in many ways by the various religions that permeate this planet… False forms of worship that have been embraced by humanity via spiritual Babylon, and her blasphemous misinterpretations, and doctrines that essentially undermine, and break the very Laws, precepts, and principles that God our Savior considers good, and right… Just as Paul pointed out in the above passages as this apostle refers to the law of sin when God’s Word is broken, or changed to suit one’s sinful inclinations… HE is the WORD, and in no WAY should ever be changed because of the very perfection our Savior exemplifies… Which is why I decided to make this a 2-part article… The physical catastrophic events that will take place once the first 4 trumpets of God’s holy angels are blown, will surely put to the test the saints who will be alive at the time when a 3rd of earth’s resources will be destroyed by the curses God will utilize to punish an unrepentant humanity for heinous transgressions being practiced as Revelation chapter 8 declares… How one reacts to these events, will determine just how much Spiritual reliance one had upon their Savior leading up to this yet future time… But even as Jesus warned the apostles repeatedly about HIS impending suffering, and death, these individuals were ill prepared on a spiritual level to handle the situation once it began to unfold… As they reacted as any carnal, or physically driven individual would… Not having the spiritual awareness because of being void of the Spirit of God, nor understanding as events unfolded leading up to His death on the cross… When Jesus told them to put their physical swords away, and that HE had to drink of this bitter cup on behalf of humanity. As it was the will of His Father in heaven to do so, and Jesus showing the love of God by suffering immeasurably for our iniquities, despite the prophetic Word our Savior declared to these original apostles, they were not inclined to believe HIM… Besides, the miracles they witnessed served as a reminder of how God was with His Son in their minds… So how could this horrible tragedy possibly take place with the great power Jesus had at His disposal?… This is one of those instances when basing what they witnessed on a physical level superseded the reality that God’s Word had to be fulfilled through His Son…The apostles were also fulfilling scripture by eventually denying their association with Jesus, and essentially betraying HIM as Jesus had warned them, they would do… Why?… Simply because their primary focus was on the flesh, and these genuine, yet spiritually weak apostles, were used as an example for us to come to the realization of just how vitally important it is for us as individual believers to rely steadfastly upon the Spirit of God as our source of strength, and good courage… To overcome the desire to react in a fashion that will result in exercising what is contrary to our Father’s will in saving our physical existence even at the cost of compromising the will of our Savior…Also ensuring we understand that no matter how bad the news is concerning prophetic events, it is a mistake to be in denial about their fulfillment, or to seek alternative teachings that assuage our fears… Lack of preparation for what must come to pass in accordance to God’s Word will only lead to a false sense of security, and being unprepared for the Truth to be fulfilled… If there is fear, God will grant us a Spirit of peace as long as we continue to grow in grace, and knowledge as we surrender our will to what will inevitably come to pass being our Creator’s Word… It will become increasingly difficult for the saints of God in a world that will be lovers of self rather than lovers of God… During His sermon on the Mount of Olives as recorded in Matthew chapters 24, and 25, Jesus was trying to ensure we understood the essential need for one to ensure their dependence on the Spirit of God is of paramount importance… Because of the events that have, and continue to unfold as the days pass as our Savior the Word of God declared would occur… Half of the virgins within Jesus’s parable in Matthew chapter 25 were not prepared, and had allowed for HIS presence to be neglected, and quenched within themselves due to disregarding His edification through the Spirit of God… Our gratification should be found in the reliance of God’s Spirit in order to help guide us while our spirits dwell in these physically temporary bodies… Understanding our need for HIM is without question of utmost importance while living in a world filled with spiritual deception, and seduction… Indicating up unto that point when events, such as the first 4 trumpets of God’s holy angels being blown having occurred, these unprepared virgins’ lives were primarily focused upon the fulfillment of the flesh rather than the desire of the Holy Spirit… So, while the 5 wise virgins were invited to the wedding supper, the 5 foolish virgins were told that they were not known, nor proven despite having received the Holy Spirit, or oil within their vessels, and lamps which symbolically meant within their inmost being… Working out our salvation does not occur in a moments time… Receiving salvation is not earned of course… But once received through the Lord Jesus Christ, there still lies the responsibility of working out one’s redemption, and through this process learning to develop a spiritual awareness, and reliance upon our Loving God to guide us through this lifelong process… Just to recap, Satan’s reaction to his kingdom being severely damaged by the 4 curses that God Almighty brings forth to show HIS displeasure with the predominately hedonistic state of mankind… Revelation chapter 12 declares Satan will make war against God’s angelic army with himself, and his fallen army losing the battle, and being cast down for the last time… No longer welcome in the heavenly realm: 7 And war broke out in heaven, Michael [the archangel] and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they were not strong enough and did not prevail, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, the age-old serpent who is called the devil and Satan, he who continually deceives and seduces the entire inhabited world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Chapter 12 of Revelation goes on to warn the earth’s inhabitants of the devil’s frustration, and rage upon losing, and being cast down… Corresponding with what is recorded in chapter 8 of Revelation once this war is fought, and lost by the serpent… Notice the usage of the word woe as Jesus warns of the great wrath Satan will be motivated by… God will use him to punish, as well as deceive the nations because of their continued love for unrighteous behavior… But the serpent will also be used to refine the saints of God as their faith is purified because of their dependance on God’s Spirit within them… Chapter 12 of Revelation goes on to declare: 12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them [in the presence of God]. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you in great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time [remaining]! Now notice what chapters 8, and 9 of Revelation declare after this war transpires, and Satan, and his army of fallen ones are defeated, and cast down to earth: 13 Then I looked, and I heard a solitary eagle flying in midheaven [for all to see], saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe [great wrath is coming] to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpets which the three angels are about to sound [announcing ever greater judgments]! Chapter 9 of Revelation continues with this prophetic story line as follows: 9 Then the fifth angel sounded [his trumpet], and I saw a star (angelic being) that had fallen from heaven to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit (abyss) was given to him (the star-angel). God allows for Satan to acquire the key to open the abyss, (spiritual prison for extremely destructive spiritual principalities) in order to use them as HIS rod to punish the peoples of the nations who refuse to repent. Unleashing Abaddon the destroying king of the bottomless pit, and his cohorts, will bring forth hell on earth so to speak, as well as the beginning of tribulation for the saints as Revelation chapter 12 indicates… Once the devil is cast down for this final time, notice Satan’s attention will be upon the true saints of God who are relying upon the Spirit of God as their strength, and source of peace through all of this tumult in verse 13: “13 And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who had given birth to the male Child.” Now Jesus declares that there will be those who have been called through the Lamb of God that will actually resort to taking part in this initial persecution of the saints after Satan is cast down, and unleashes his temper tantrum on God’s Spiritually prepared children… Chapter 24 of Matthew alludes to this as our Savior continues with HIS sermon on the Mount concerning the perilous times that will come to pass in the not too distant future… Why will the foolish virgins take part in this persecution of the wise virgins?… A lack of spiritual discernment because of focusing on self-preservation of the flesh… Rather than having a steadfast, and Spiritual relationship with the Father through His Son, will lead to the foolish virgins actually believing in the man of sin as a hero of sorts… All the while this abomination that will ultimately cause desolation is being set up during this 1290-day period Jesus calls tribulation… Jesus declared in Matthew chapter 24 as a reminder of this time, and betrayal by those who will have up unto that point have been neglecting so great a calling by God: 45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom his master has put in charge of his household to give the others [in the house] their food and supplies at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that [faithful] servant when his master returns and finds him doing so. 47 I assure you and most solemnly say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But if that servant is evil and says in his heart, ‘My master is taking his time [he will not return for a long while],’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards; 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour of which he is not aware, 51 and will cut him in two and put him with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger]. Recall what our Savior declares earlier in Matthew chapter 24 as it pertains to the 1290 day tribulation period (not to be confused with the 1335 day Great Tribulation which begins after the blowing of the 7th, and last trumpet of God’s angel), and the betrayal that will take place as the events leading up to this period have certainly shaken those who are not aware of the spiritual manipulation that is transpiring by Satan the devil, Abaddon the beast, and other false prophets who are being influenced by these fallen entities: 9 “Then they will hand you over to [endure] tribulation, and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 At that time many will be offended and repelled [by their association with Me] and will fall away [from the One whom they should trust] and will betray one another [handing over believers to their persecutors] and will hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will appear and mislead many. 12 Because lawlessness is increased, the love of most people will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved. Notice later on in HIS sermon, our Teacher continues to warn believers not to be fooled by continued declarations of what is in reality a false representation of HIMSELF via false prophets… Who are pushing a false narrative concerning the beast as their emphasis will be to condition the population to believe in him as the Messiah… Our Savior warns it could be possible that even the elect could be manipulated by this very convincing yet lying declaration as spiritual principalities that represent darkness are allowed to contrive supernatural signs, and wonders to promote their agenda. Again, this deception is only possible if one is NOT allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God before these events transpire, as well as during this tribulation period of time… Which is inevitably leading up to the beast, or man of sin declaring himself to be God while possessed by Abaddon the destroyer… Matthew chapter 24 declares: 23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. This 1290-day tribulation period is going to be very trying, and a learning experience on an extreme level for the saints of God… This tribulation period will again begin when the 5th trumpet of God’s angel is blown, and will also entail the 6th trumpet being heralded also within this 1290-day period of time… It will be a time of warfare, and great deception as the man of sin, this physical vessel, will be willingly used by the beast, or Abaddon through possession of this individual’s body, … To make him appear to be more than just a mere man through great exploits via victories within battles waged against armies that are seemingly far more formidable from a purely physical standpoint… In total, the man of sin, with the help of the invisible powers of spiritual darkness, will subdue 3 kings (3 horns of Daniel chapter 7), as well as God’s 2 witnesses as declared in Revelation chapter 11. But only after they’re 1260-day declaration of the true gospel of repentance, and God’s eternal kingdom to the whole world… Remember as scripture points out, many people’s will have tried to kill God’s 2 prophets… Only to have their plans foiled as God’s divine protection will be upon them for the 3, and a half year period of declaring the gospel of our Beloved Savior… These 2 prophets will be granted the power to wage war in a supernatural fashion, and in a way that no one will have the ability to stand against them… That is until the beast, through the man of sin, is allowed by God to overcome his 2 witnesses, and kill them in the streets of Jerusalem… This will prove to be quite impressive, and persuasive in the eyes of the nations that will have developed a deep hatred for God’s 2 prophets, and as Revelation chapter 11 declares, the peoples of the world will celebrate their temporary demise… Only heightening the status of the man of sin, or the beast to god like status in the eyes of the inhabitants of the world… As Revelation chapter 13 reminds us, those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will proclaim his deceptive greatness after these great victories over the king of the South, as well as the 2 kings from the north, and east (Daniel chapter 7) with their 200-million-man army being annihilated with supernatural force… The nations will herald the beast’s greatness from their perspective in this fashion: 4 They fell down and worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; they also worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like (as great as) the beast, and who is able to wage war against him? There will be a 30-day transition period before the 7th, and final trumpet of God’s angel is blown as the 1290 day period of tribulation comes to a close… This 7th, and final trumpet signaling what is declared as the beginning of the end… The beginning of the Great Tribulation with the beast being worshiped as God for 1260 days of this 1335-day period, as well as the process of resurrecting the saints beginning as well… Remember that the “dead in Christ Jesus will rise first,” as 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 reminds us… 13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. I have often wondered why both the dead, and those who are alive at His coming are not raised with an eternal body together… Why the wait for those still alive at our Savior’s initial appearance once the 7th trumpet is blown? We read that once all is said, and done that both who fall into the category of being asleep, or dead in Christ upon His first appearance when the 7th trumpet is blown will eventually be caught up in the heavens to be with our Savior in the heavens with those who will have been physically alive at this point in time together to meet our Savior… Question is why did those particular believers actually survive the initial persecution of the saints during this 1290 period called tribulation?… While their brethren did not?… Did confusion, and deception because of the lack of faith in God’s Spirit play a vital part in their still being alive in the flesh? Editor’s Note: Are you now dividing the resurrection of the elect into two different time frames, because scripture does not back that up. All it is saying is that the dead in Christ will be first and then those who are alive yet will be changed into spirit beings. 1Co_15:52 “ In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” Laura Lee But what occurs between the time that the dead in Christ Jesus are raised up with eternal bodies first, may very well have something to do with what Jesus Christ declares to those who were foolish virgins, and were still in the process of working out their salvation… Which is why Jesus would declare to them, “I do not know you.”… In other words, prove yourself trustworthy to enter into eternity with your already faithfully proven brethren…Just how will this unfold?… Well, God’s Word tells us in the usual here a little, there a little fashion… Well, the parable of the 10 virgins does give us a clue as Jesus denies the virgins who had been considered foolish were denied access into the wedding supper of the Lamb at that point in time… When Jesus declares that HE does not know them, these 5 virgins obviously did not know HIM, and were relying far too much on the flesh rather than the oil, or Spirit of God granted them in order to grow in the grace, and knowledge concerning our Beloved Savior… History has certainly been replete with examples of individuals sincerely believing they were honoring God, and doing HIM a service via their own works, or forms of righteousness that they were fooled into believing was right… When in fact they were on the wrong path… In God’s mercy, as well as time frame, these individuals were, or will be shown the straight, and narrow path by our Savior… The very path all will need to travel upon in order to truly know HIM… Now those that were persecuted, and lost their lives in the 1290 period of tribulation, obviously proved themselves faithful unto death, by losing their lives in the flesh for the sake of their Messiah… Even dying by the betraying hand of those who Jesus declared would persecute their own fellow brethren during this period of time as Matthew chapter 24 prophetically declares… Those that are alive at HIS coming were not on the same page as our Savior obviously, and needed some refinement in order to ensure that they are… Which again is why Jesus declares to these foolish virgins, ” I do not know you.”… The emphasis on saving their physical existence plays a huge role in all of this… As well as the very convincing, yet fraudulent events that Satan, the beast, and the false prophet will orchestrate to ensure the man of sin is ultimately worshiped by the world’s inhabitants… This would explain why the dead in Christ Jesus will be placed in an area, and supernaturally by God where Satan will not be an issue at all for them… While they wait for a 1260 day period of time to pass during this time of Great Tribulation, and for their brethren to be prepared for their invitation to the wedding supper… Because if they were to be immediately caught up in the heavens once granted their new eternal bodies, these newly resurrected saints would not need supernatural protection on earth… Revelation chapter 12 indicates that once Satan realizes that he cannot even touch these once dead in Christ, resurrected saints of God, he turns his furious attention to those who have the testimony of Christ Jesus, and maintain God’s commandments… But because of their lack of reliance upon the Spirit of God, and lack of discernment of Truth because of their reliance on the flesh, they were not quite ready to be given a new body… Had they been on the same page with their Father in heaven through the Lord Jesus Christ, they would have more than likely lost their lives during the initial tribulation period, and again would have been already resurrected because of being proven according to their full reliance upon HIs Spirit… Let’s finish up chapter 12 of Revelation to prove what was written in the above paragraphs: “14 But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time (three and one-half years), away from the presence of the serpent (Satan). 15 And the serpent hurled water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the river which the dragon had hurled out of his mouth. 17 So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went off to wage war on the rest of her children (seed), those who keep and obey the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus [holding firmly to it and bearing witness to Him]” A few factors that will more than likely trigger these saints who will suffer to be refined spiritually during the great tribulation… The fact they were not resurrected, granted new bodies, and invited to the wedding party… I believe again that the temporary lack of discernment due to their belief that the man of sin is a hero of sorts is based on the fact that they do believe that the true Messiah has delayed His coming, and their focus is on saving the world in its current fallen state… Their focus was solely on the flesh, and the saving of it… Paul reminds us in Romans chapter 8 that this can prove to be disastrous, and could lead to one dying for the wrong reasons because of compromising the will of the Spirit: “5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” But I believe what will also bring them back to the reality of the time frame they are actually in, is when the false prophet demands that the world worship the beast, and receive the mark that symbolically represents his name upon their forehead, or right hand… It will be a sobering time for those who have the testimony of Jesus Christ, but are not relying upon HIM on a spiritual level… So, for 1260 of the 1335 days of this great tribulation period, which is ushered in by the blowing of the 7th, and final trumpet, saints will be given over to the beast on a physical level in order to refine them spiritually through Christ Jesus… For those 1260 days, or 3- and one-half years, the world will worship the beast as God after having been dazzled, and amazed by the deceptive signs that will be performed on the man of sin’s behalf by those spiritual entities that represent all that is in defiance to their Creator… To ensure the worship of him takes place as Satan will have granted his authority of this 7th, final head, or kingdom to him… As Revelation chapter 13 declares: “3 I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery—but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast. 4 They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?” 5 Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months. 6 And he spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering his name and his dwelling—that is, those who dwell in heaven.[a] 7 And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation. 8 And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered before the world was made. 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. 10 Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful. After the 42-month reign of the beast, all of the saints whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will meet their beloved Savior in the clouds of the air as 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 declares… For the final 75-day period of the 1335 days of the great tribulation, many aspects of God’s Word will be fulfilled. One of them being the marriage supper of the lamb that will take place before the throne of God… In the meantime, the glory of the beast, and his reign will be dismantled by the 7 deadly bowls of wrath that God Almighty will pour out on the beast as described in Revelation chapter 16… Culminating with the destruction of the beast, and false prophet in the lake of fire, as well as Satan being cast into the bottomless pit to serve a thousand year sentence as Revelation chapters 19, and 20 remind us… Spiritual Babylon will be destroyed for the 1st of 2 times as it is prophesied to occur within Revelation chapter 18… The spiritual power behind the spiritual harlot being Satan the devil, will once again bring spiritual deception to the world through her influence on the nations after the thousand-year reign of the saints, and be allowed for a season to do so by God… Only to be destroyed once Satan is cast into the lake of fire along with this system of deception, and blasphemy called Babylon once, and for all… As long as Satan is allowed to exist, confusion through spiritual Babylon will as well… It is again important we understand that our primary focus must be upon the Spirit of the Living God within our own personal calling in HIM… During this supernaturally deceptive time after the 5th trumpet is blown, and the spiritual entities that were imprisoned in the bottomless pit are released, one’s standing with God will be tried, and tested as scripture is quite clear on… These trials can certainly serve as an opportunity for growth through our Savior as one relies on the Spirit of the Living God… Again, the purpose of placing this writing in a 2 part series was to focus upon the importance of not only understanding the timing of these prophetic events as they unfold… But understanding preparation for them with the strength of God’s Holy Spirit being fully relied upon is of greater significance… In order to ensure that during the 1290 initial tribulation period, one understands that being persecuted unto death is highly likely during this time… Even being betrayed by one’s own brethren is highly likely to occur for those who are faithfully adhering to God’s spiritual guidance… There will be those who will allow themselves to be misguided because of spiritual neglect by the abundance of false prophets who will espouse the greatness of the man of sin… Whose strength will be derived via the spiritual entity scripture refers to as the beast, and whose name is Abaddon… Relying on the doctrines of men rather than the Spirit of God our Savior is nothing new of course… But it does prove to be costly for those who come to the realization of their folly… After which having to overcome the beast during a time Jesus describes as great tribulation will require a great deal of faith, and reliance upon God on a spiritual level… Better to exercise on a consistent basis, submission to God’s Spirit… Rather than having to endure what will be somewhat of a crash course as it pertains to one’s dependance on God on a spiritual level.. But oh, the great reward for being faithful to the end is described in Revelation chapter 20: “4 And then I saw thrones and sitting on them were those to whom judgment [that is, the authority to act as judges] was given. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had refused to worship the beast or his image and had not accepted his mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead [the non-believers] did not come to life again until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) and holy is the person who takes part in the first resurrection; over these the second death [which is eternal separation from God, the lake of fire] has no power or authority, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and they will reign with Him a thousand years.” May our lives be dedicated to remaining consistently sober on a spiritual level as we focus upon our need for the fullness of Christ Jesus to define our inner most being by the power of God’s Spirit… Reminding ourselves to understand that the mass’s know not what they do, and are deceived to one degree or another so as to exercise compassion, and love even the worst of enemies… Remembering that the reality in their hatred is ultimately directed towards God when one strives to live in accordance to His will… Reminding ourselves just how vulnerable we are if only deriving our strength via the flesh, and just how easily one could be encapsulated by the grand illusion, and delusion that will catapult the beast to king of the world status… Were it not for the mercy of God opening our eyes to the reality of this spiritual warfare that will only intensify as we draw nearer to the end of this present evil age… But one still has to choose to wisely rely upon God’s Spiritual presence, and respond to HIS guidance through faithful obedience to HIM… While shunning false prophetic declarations that are not provable within our Father’s Eternal Word… God’s love, and peace be with us all as we work out so great a salvation with fear, and trembling… Take care… Editor’s Note: Prophecy is a hard thing, but I believe you have missed some very large marks here. The bible does not back up two tribulations, there is only one Great Tribulation and no lesser or greater one. It is all considered a part of the same Great Tribulation. Satan was not thrown out of heaven twice. He was only thrown out of heaven one time. Everyone should clearly understand based on the Holy of Holies and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai that Evil cannot exist in heaven or any place near God. People were killed if they did not get the cleansing atonement rituals correct. There are not two resurrections of the elect or two different groups of the elect that are changed to spirit and attend the marriage supper of the lamb. There is only one resurrection of the elect which takes place at the 7^th Trumpet and starts by raising the dead in Christ first as spirits and then the elect who are alive at that time are changed to spirit. This all takes place in the twinkling of the eye with no time gap between. It is talking about the order in which it happens, and it will be very fast and then it is done. 1Co_15:52 “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” As far as the ten virgins, the five virgins that were shut out of the marriage supper of the lamb, do not get a do over in order to get it right so they can now attend the marriage supper of the lamb. Anyone God has called to attend the marriage supper of the lamb only gets one invitation to attend. If you turn the invitation down or if you neglect your duties by doing nothing or little to grow over time, then you have missed your chance to attend the marriage supper of the lamb. As far as the 1260, 1290 and 1335 days go, in some areas you seem to indicate that the 1260/1290 run at a different time frame from the 1335 days and in other places you seem to indicate that they run at the same time. So, it creates confusion. There is a lot of repetition throughout. It might have been an easier read if you had shortened it up and also created a timeline separate from the article to show more clearly what you were saying. With all that said, there were some good points being made within the article, such as that Tribulation is not going to be like a walk in the park. Some real hard times are coming. Laura Lee

Part 2
(Copyright) by Steven Blackledge (Sonora, California)

Hope you are having a joyful, and edifying sabbath day… Hopefully we are aspiring to be at the point of being spiritually defined by God’s spiritual law as defined by the 10 commandments… Just as Paul espoused in Romans chapter 7 about this spiritual struggle, and our need to recognize, as well as ensure we do not allow for ourselves to succumb to its desires… The solution being a Spiritual one, as Romans chapter 7 reminds us:

“21 So I find it to be the law [of my inner self], that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22 For I joyfully delight in the law of God in my inner self [with my new nature], 23 but I see a different law and rule of action in the members of my body [in its appetites and desires], waging war against the law of my mind and subduing me and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is within my members. 24 Wretched and miserable man that I am! Who will [rescue me and] set me free from this body of death [this corrupt, mortal existence]? 25 Thanks be to God [for my deliverance] through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind serve the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh [my human nature, my worldliness, my sinful capacity—I serve] the law of sin.

As most of us should understand, our Creator has been redefined in many ways by the various religions that permeate this planet… False forms of worship that have been embraced by humanity via spiritual Babylon, and her blasphemous misinterpretations, and doctrines that essentially undermine, and break the very Laws, precepts, and principles that God our Savior considers good, and right… Just as Paul pointed out in the above passages as this apostle refers to the law of sin when God’s Word is broken, or changed to suit one’s sinful inclinations… HE is the WORD, and in no WAY should ever be changed because of the very perfection our Savior exemplifies…

Which is why I decided to make this a 2-part article… The physical catastrophic events that will take place once the first 4 trumpets of God’s holy angels are blown, will surely put to the test the saints who will be alive at the time when a 3rd of earth’s resources will be destroyed by the curses God will utilize to punish an unrepentant humanity for heinous transgressions being practiced as Revelation chapter 8 declares… How one reacts to these events, will determine just how much Spiritual reliance one had upon their Savior leading up to this yet future time…

But even as Jesus warned the apostles repeatedly about HIS impending suffering, and death, these individuals were ill prepared on a spiritual level to handle the situation once it began to unfold… As they reacted as any carnal, or physically driven individual would… Not having the spiritual awareness because of being void of the Spirit of God, nor understanding as events unfolded leading up to His death on the cross…

When Jesus told them to put their physical swords away, and that HE had to drink of this bitter cup on behalf of humanity. As it was the will of His Father in heaven to do so, and Jesus showing the love of God by suffering immeasurably for our iniquities, despite the prophetic Word our Savior declared to these original apostles, they were not inclined to believe HIM… Besides, the miracles they witnessed served as a reminder of how God was with His Son in their minds…

So how could this horrible tragedy possibly take place with the great power Jesus had at His disposal?… This is one of those instances when basing what they witnessed on a physical level superseded the reality that God’s Word had to be fulfilled through His Son…The apostles were also fulfilling scripture by eventually denying their association with Jesus, and essentially betraying HIM as Jesus had warned them, they would do… Why?…

Simply because their primary focus was on the flesh, and these genuine, yet spiritually weak apostles, were used as an example for us to come to the realization of just how vitally important it is for us as individual believers to rely steadfastly upon the Spirit of God as our source of strength, and good courage… To overcome the desire to react in a fashion that will result in exercising what is contrary to our Father’s will in saving our physical existence even at the cost of compromising the will of our Savior…Also ensuring we understand that no matter how bad the news is concerning prophetic events, it is a mistake to be in denial about their fulfillment, or to seek alternative teachings that assuage our fears…

Lack of preparation for what must come to pass in accordance to God’s Word will only lead to a false sense of security, and being unprepared for the Truth to be fulfilled… If there is fear, God will grant us a Spirit of peace as long as we continue to grow in grace, and knowledge as we surrender our will to what will inevitably come to pass being our Creator’s Word… It will become increasingly difficult for the saints of God in a world that will be lovers of self rather than lovers of God… During His sermon on the Mount of Olives as recorded in Matthew chapters 24, and 25, Jesus was trying to ensure we understood the essential need for one to ensure their dependence on the Spirit of God is of paramount importance… Because of the events that have, and continue to unfold as the days pass as our Savior the Word of God declared would occur…

Half of the virgins within Jesus’s parable in Matthew chapter 25 were not prepared, and had allowed for HIS presence to be neglected, and quenched within themselves due to disregarding His edification through the Spirit of God… Our gratification should be found in the reliance of God’s Spirit in order to help guide us while our spirits dwell in these physically temporary bodies… Understanding our need for HIM is without question of utmost importance while living in a world filled with spiritual deception, and seduction…

Indicating up unto that point when events, such as the first 4 trumpets of God’s holy angels being blown having occurred, these unprepared virgins’ lives were primarily focused upon the fulfillment of the flesh rather than the desire of the Holy Spirit… So, while the 5 wise virgins were invited to the wedding supper, the 5 foolish virgins were told that they were not known, nor proven despite having received the Holy Spirit, or oil within their vessels, and lamps which symbolically meant within their inmost being…

Working out our salvation does not occur in a moments time… Receiving salvation is not earned of course… But once received through the Lord Jesus Christ, there still lies the responsibility of working out one’s redemption, and through this process learning to develop a spiritual awareness, and reliance upon our Loving God to guide us through this lifelong process…

Just to recap, Satan’s reaction to his kingdom being severely damaged by the 4 curses that God Almighty brings forth to show HIS displeasure with the predominately hedonistic state of mankind… Revelation chapter 12 declares Satan will make war against God’s angelic army with himself, and his fallen army losing the battle, and being cast down for the last time… No longer welcome in the heavenly realm:

7 And war broke out in heaven, Michael [the archangel] and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they were not strong enough and did not prevail, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, the age-old serpent who is called the devil and Satan, he who continually deceives and seduces the entire inhabited world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Chapter 12 of Revelation goes on to warn the earth’s inhabitants of the devil’s frustration, and rage upon losing, and being cast down… Corresponding with what is recorded in chapter 8 of Revelation once this war is fought, and lost by the serpent… Notice the usage of the word woe as Jesus warns of the great wrath Satan will be motivated by… God will use him to punish, as well as deceive the nations because of their continued love for unrighteous behavior… But the serpent will also be used to refine the saints of God as their faith is purified because of their dependance on God’s Spirit within them… Chapter 12 of Revelation goes on to declare:

12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them [in the presence of God]. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you in great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time [remaining]!

Now notice what chapters 8, and 9 of Revelation declare after this war transpires, and Satan, and his army of fallen ones are defeated, and cast down to earth:

13 Then I looked, and I heard a solitary eagle flying in midheaven [for all to see], saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe [great wrath is coming] to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpets which the three angels are about to sound [announcing ever greater judgments]!

Chapter 9 of Revelation continues with this prophetic story line as follows:

9 Then the fifth angel sounded [his trumpet], and I saw a star (angelic being) that had fallen from heaven to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit (abyss) was given to him (the star-angel).

God allows for Satan to acquire the key to open the abyss, (spiritual prison for extremely destructive spiritual principalities) in order to use them as HIS rod to punish the peoples of the nations who refuse to repent. Unleashing Abaddon the destroying king of the bottomless pit, and his cohorts, will bring forth hell on earth so to speak, as well as the beginning of tribulation for the saints as Revelation chapter 12 indicates… Once the devil is cast down for this final time, notice Satan’s attention will be upon the true saints of God who are relying upon the Spirit of God as their strength, and source of peace through all of this tumult in verse 13:

“13 And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who had given birth to the male Child.”

Now Jesus declares that there will be those who have been called through the Lamb of God that will actually resort to taking part in this initial persecution of the saints after Satan is cast down, and unleashes his temper tantrum on God’s Spiritually prepared children… Chapter 24 of Matthew alludes to this as our Savior continues with HIS sermon on the Mount concerning the perilous times that will come to pass in the not too distant future…

Why will the foolish virgins take part in this persecution of the wise virgins?… A lack of spiritual discernment because of focusing on self-preservation of the flesh… Rather than having a steadfast, and Spiritual relationship with the Father through His Son, will lead to the foolish virgins actually believing in the man of sin as a hero of sorts… All the while this abomination that will ultimately cause desolation is being set up during this 1290-day period Jesus calls tribulation… Jesus declared in Matthew chapter 24 as a reminder of this time, and betrayal by those who will have up unto that point have been neglecting so great a calling by God:

45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom his master has put in charge of his household to give the others [in the house] their food and supplies at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that [faithful] servant when his master returns and finds him doing so. 47 I assure you and most solemnly say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But if that servant is evil and says in his heart, ‘My master is taking his time [he will not return for a long while],’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards; 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour of which he is not aware, 51 and will cut him in two and put him with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].

Recall what our Savior declares earlier in Matthew chapter 24 as it pertains to the 1290 day tribulation period (not to be confused with the 1335 day Great Tribulation which begins after the blowing of the 7th, and last trumpet of God’s angel), and the betrayal that will take place as the events leading up to this period have certainly shaken those who are not aware of the spiritual manipulation that is transpiring by Satan the devil, Abaddon the beast, and other false prophets who are being influenced by these fallen entities:

9 “Then they will hand you over to [endure] tribulation, and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 At that time many will be offended and repelled [by their association with Me] and will fall away [from the One whom they should trust] and will betray one another [handing over believers to their persecutors] and will hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will appear and mislead many. 12 Because lawlessness is increased, the love of most people will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved.

Notice later on in HIS sermon, our Teacher continues to warn believers not to be fooled by continued declarations of what is in reality a false representation of HIMSELF via false prophets… Who are pushing a false narrative concerning the beast as their emphasis will be to condition the population to believe in him as the Messiah… Our Savior warns it could be possible that even the elect could be manipulated by this very convincing yet lying declaration as spiritual principalities that represent darkness are allowed to contrive supernatural signs, and wonders to promote their agenda.

Again, this deception is only possible if one is NOT allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God before these events transpire, as well as during this tribulation period of time… Which is inevitably leading up to the beast, or man of sin declaring himself to be God while possessed by Abaddon the destroyer… Matthew chapter 24 declares:

23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

This 1290-day tribulation period is going to be very trying, and a learning experience on an extreme level for the saints of God… This tribulation period will again begin when the 5th trumpet of God’s angel is blown, and will also entail the 6th trumpet being heralded also within this 1290-day period of time…

It will be a time of warfare, and great deception as the man of sin, this physical vessel, will be willingly used by the beast, or Abaddon through possession of this individual’s body, … To make him appear to be more than just a mere man through great exploits via victories within battles waged against armies that are seemingly far more formidable from a purely physical standpoint…

In total, the man of sin, with the help of the invisible powers of spiritual darkness, will subdue 3 kings (3 horns of Daniel chapter 7), as well as God’s 2 witnesses as declared in Revelation chapter 11. But only after they’re 1260-day declaration of the true gospel of repentance, and God’s eternal kingdom to the whole world… Remember as scripture points out, many people’s will have tried to kill God’s 2 prophets… Only to have their plans foiled as God’s divine protection will be upon them for the 3, and a half year period of declaring the gospel of our Beloved Savior…

These 2 prophets will be granted the power to wage war in a supernatural fashion, and in a way that no one will have the ability to stand against them… That is until the beast, through the man of sin, is allowed by God to overcome his 2 witnesses, and kill them in the streets of Jerusalem…

This will prove to be quite impressive, and persuasive in the eyes of the nations that will have developed a deep hatred for God’s 2 prophets, and as Revelation chapter 11 declares, the peoples of the world will celebrate their temporary demise… Only heightening the status of the man of sin, or the beast to god like status in the eyes of the inhabitants of the world…

As Revelation chapter 13 reminds us, those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will proclaim his deceptive greatness after these great victories over the king of the South, as well as the 2 kings from the north, and east (Daniel chapter 7) with their 200-million-man army being annihilated with supernatural force… The nations will herald the beast’s greatness from their perspective in this fashion:

4 They fell down and worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; they also worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like (as great as) the beast, and who is able to wage war against him?

There will be a 30-day transition period before the 7th, and final trumpet of God’s angel is blown as the 1290 day period of tribulation comes to a close… This 7th, and final trumpet signaling what is declared as the beginning of the end… The beginning of the Great Tribulation with the beast being worshiped as God for 1260 days of this 1335-day period, as well as the process of resurrecting the saints beginning as well… Remember that the “dead in Christ Jesus will rise first,” as 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 reminds us…

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

I have often wondered why both the dead, and those who are alive at His coming are not raised with an eternal body together… Why the wait for those still alive at our Savior’s initial appearance once the 7th trumpet is blown? We read that once all is said, and done that both who fall into the category of being asleep, or dead in Christ upon His first appearance when the 7th trumpet is blown will eventually be caught up in the heavens to be with our Savior in the heavens with those who will have been physically alive at this point in time together to meet our Savior… Question is why did those particular believers actually survive the initial persecution of the saints during this 1290 period called tribulation?… While their brethren did not?… Did confusion, and deception because of the lack of faith in God’s Spirit play a vital part in their still being alive in the flesh?

Editor’s Note:
Are you now dividing the resurrection of the elect into two different time frames, because scripture does not back that up. All it is saying is that the dead in Christ will be first and then those who are alive yet will be changed into spirit beings.

1Co_15:52 “ In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” Laura Lee

But what occurs between the time that the dead in Christ Jesus are raised up with eternal bodies first, may very well have something to do with what Jesus Christ declares to those who were foolish virgins, and were still in the process of working out their salvation… Which is why Jesus would declare to them, “I do not know you.”… In other words, prove yourself trustworthy to enter into eternity with your already faithfully proven brethren…Just how will this unfold?… Well, God’s Word tells us in the usual here a little, there a little fashion…

Well, the parable of the 10 virgins does give us a clue as Jesus denies the virgins who had been considered foolish were denied access into the wedding supper of the Lamb at that point in time… When Jesus declares that HE does not know them, these 5 virgins obviously did not know HIM, and were relying far too much on the flesh rather than the oil, or Spirit of God granted them in order to grow in the grace, and knowledge concerning our Beloved Savior…

History has certainly been replete with examples of individuals sincerely believing they were honoring God, and doing HIM a service via their own works, or forms of righteousness that they were fooled into believing was right… When in fact they were on the wrong path… In God’s mercy, as well as time frame, these individuals were, or will be shown the straight, and narrow path by our Savior… The very path all will need to travel upon in order to truly know HIM…

Now those that were persecuted, and lost their lives in the 1290 period of tribulation, obviously proved themselves faithful unto death, by losing their lives in the flesh for the sake of their Messiah… Even dying by the betraying hand of those who Jesus declared would persecute their own fellow brethren during this period of time as Matthew chapter 24 prophetically declares… Those that are alive at HIS coming were not on the same page as our Savior obviously, and needed some refinement in order to ensure that they are… Which again is why Jesus declares to these foolish virgins, ” I do not know you.”… The emphasis on saving their physical existence plays a huge role in all of this… As well as the very convincing, yet fraudulent events that Satan, the beast, and the false prophet will orchestrate to ensure the man of sin is ultimately worshiped by the world’s inhabitants…

This would explain why the dead in Christ Jesus will be placed in an area, and supernaturally by God where Satan will not be an issue at all for them… While they wait for a 1260 day period of time to pass during this time of Great Tribulation, and for their brethren to be prepared for their invitation to the wedding supper… Because if they were to be immediately caught up in the heavens once granted their new eternal bodies, these newly resurrected saints would not need supernatural protection on earth…

Revelation chapter 12 indicates that once Satan realizes that he cannot even touch these once dead in Christ, resurrected saints of God, he turns his furious attention to those who have the testimony of Christ Jesus, and maintain God’s commandments… But because of their lack of reliance upon the Spirit of God, and lack of discernment of Truth because of their reliance on the flesh, they were not quite ready to be given a new body…

Had they been on the same page with their Father in heaven through the Lord Jesus Christ, they would have more than likely lost their lives during the initial tribulation period, and again would have been already resurrected because of being proven according to their full reliance upon HIs Spirit… Let’s finish up chapter 12 of Revelation to prove what was written in the above paragraphs:

“14 But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time (three and one-half years), away from the presence of the serpent (Satan). 15 And the serpent hurled water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the river which the dragon had hurled out of his mouth.

17 So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went off to wage war on the rest of her children (seed), those who keep and obey the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus [holding firmly to it and bearing witness to Him]”

A few factors that will more than likely trigger these saints who will suffer to be refined spiritually during the great tribulation… The fact they were not resurrected, granted new bodies, and invited to the wedding party… I believe again that the temporary lack of discernment due to their belief that the man of sin is a hero of sorts is based on the fact that they do believe that the true Messiah has delayed His coming, and their focus is on saving the world in its current fallen state… Their focus was solely on the flesh, and the saving of it… Paul reminds us in Romans chapter 8 that this can prove to be disastrous, and could lead to one dying for the wrong reasons because of compromising the will of the Spirit:

“5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”

But I believe what will also bring them back to the reality of the time frame they are actually in, is when the false prophet demands that the world worship the beast, and receive the mark that symbolically represents his name upon their forehead, or right hand… It will be a sobering time for those who have the testimony of Jesus Christ, but are not relying upon HIM on a spiritual level…

So, for 1260 of the 1335 days of this great tribulation period, which is ushered in by the blowing of the 7th, and final trumpet, saints will be given over to the beast on a physical level in order to refine them spiritually through Christ Jesus… For those 1260 days, or 3- and one-half years, the world will worship the beast as God after having been dazzled, and amazed by the deceptive signs that will be performed on the man of sin’s behalf by those spiritual entities that represent all that is in defiance to their Creator… To ensure the worship of him takes place as Satan will have granted his authority of this 7th, final head, or kingdom to him… As Revelation chapter 13 declares:

“3 I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery—but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast. 4 They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?”

5 Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months. 6 And he spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering his name and his dwelling—that is, those who dwell in heaven.[a] 7 And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation. 8 And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered before the world was made. 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. 10 Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword.

This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.

After the 42-month reign of the beast, all of the saints whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will meet their beloved Savior in the clouds of the air as 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 declares… For the final 75-day period of the 1335 days of the great tribulation, many aspects of God’s Word will be fulfilled. One of them being the marriage supper of the lamb that will take place before the throne of God… In the meantime, the glory of the beast, and his reign will be dismantled by the 7 deadly bowls of wrath that God Almighty will pour out on the beast as described in Revelation chapter 16… Culminating with the destruction of the beast, and false prophet in the lake of fire, as well as Satan being cast into the bottomless pit to serve a thousand year sentence as Revelation chapters 19, and 20 remind us… Spiritual Babylon will be destroyed for the 1st of 2 times as it is prophesied to occur within Revelation chapter 18…

The spiritual power behind the spiritual harlot being Satan the devil, will once again bring spiritual deception to the world through her influence on the nations after the thousand-year reign of the saints, and be allowed for a season to do so by God… Only to be destroyed once Satan is cast into the lake of fire along with this system of deception, and blasphemy called Babylon once, and for all… As long as Satan is allowed to exist, confusion through spiritual Babylon will as well…

It is again important we understand that our primary focus must be upon the Spirit of the Living God within our own personal calling in HIM… During this supernaturally deceptive time after the 5th trumpet is blown, and the spiritual entities that were imprisoned in the bottomless pit are released, one’s standing with God will be tried, and tested as scripture is quite clear on… These trials can certainly serve as an opportunity for growth through our Savior as one relies on the Spirit of the Living God…

Again, the purpose of placing this writing in a 2 part series was to focus upon the importance of not only understanding the timing of these prophetic events as they unfold… But understanding preparation for them with the strength of God’s Holy Spirit being fully relied upon is of greater significance… In order to ensure that during the 1290 initial tribulation period, one understands that being persecuted unto death is highly likely during this time…

Even being betrayed by one’s own brethren is highly likely to occur for those who are faithfully adhering to God’s spiritual guidance… There will be those who will allow themselves to be misguided because of spiritual neglect by the abundance of false prophets who will espouse the greatness of the man of sin… Whose strength will be derived via the spiritual entity scripture refers to as the beast, and whose name is Abaddon…

Relying on the doctrines of men rather than the Spirit of God our Savior is nothing new of course… But it does prove to be costly for those who come to the realization of their folly… After which having to overcome the beast during a time Jesus describes as great tribulation will require a great deal of faith, and reliance upon God on a spiritual level… Better to exercise on a consistent basis, submission to God’s Spirit… Rather than having to endure what will be somewhat of a crash course as it pertains to one’s dependance on God on a spiritual level.. But oh, the great reward for being faithful to the end is described in Revelation chapter 20:

“4 And then I saw thrones and sitting on them were those to whom judgment [that is, the authority to act as judges] was given. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had refused to worship the beast or his image and had not accepted his mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

5 The rest of the dead [the non-believers] did not come to life again until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) and holy is the person who takes part in the first resurrection; over these the second death [which is eternal separation from God, the lake of fire] has no power or authority, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and they will reign with Him a thousand years.”

May our lives be dedicated to remaining consistently sober on a spiritual level as we focus upon our need for the fullness of Christ Jesus to define our inner most being by the power of God’s Spirit… Reminding ourselves to understand that the mass’s know not what they do, and are deceived to one degree or another so as to exercise compassion, and love even the worst of enemies… Remembering that the reality in their hatred is ultimately directed towards God when one strives to live in accordance to His will…

Reminding ourselves just how vulnerable we are if only deriving our strength via the flesh, and just how easily one could be encapsulated by the grand illusion, and delusion that will catapult the beast to king of the world status… Were it not for the mercy of God opening our eyes to the reality of this spiritual warfare that will only intensify as we draw nearer to the end of this present evil age… But one still has to choose to wisely rely upon God’s Spiritual presence, and respond to HIS guidance through faithful obedience to HIM… While shunning false prophetic declarations that are not provable within our Father’s Eternal Word… God’s love, and peace be with us all as we work out so great a salvation with fear, and trembling… Take care…

Editor’s Note:
Prophecy is a hard thing, but I believe you have missed some very large marks here. The bible does not back up two tribulations, there is only one Great Tribulation and no lesser or greater one. It is all considered a part of the same Great Tribulation.

Satan was not thrown out of heaven twice. He was only thrown out of heaven one time. Everyone should clearly understand based on the Holy of Holies and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai that Evil cannot exist in heaven or any place near God. People were killed if they did not get the cleansing atonement rituals correct.

There are not two resurrections of the elect or two different groups of the elect that are changed to spirit and attend the marriage supper of the lamb. There is only one resurrection of the elect which takes place at the 7^th Trumpet and starts by raising the dead in Christ first as spirits and then the elect who are alive at that time are changed to spirit. This all takes place in the twinkling of the eye with no time gap between. It is talking about the order in which it happens, and it will be very fast and then it is done.

1Co_15:52 “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

As far as the ten virgins, the five virgins that were shut out of the marriage supper of the lamb, do not get a do over in order to get it right so they can now attend the marriage supper of the lamb. Anyone God has called to attend the marriage supper of the lamb only gets one invitation to attend. If you turn the invitation down or if you neglect your duties by doing nothing or little to grow over time, then you have missed your chance to attend the marriage supper of the lamb.

As far as the 1260, 1290 and 1335 days go, in some areas you seem to indicate that the 1260/1290 run at a different time frame from the 1335 days and in other places you seem to indicate that they run at the same time. So, it creates confusion.

There is a lot of repetition throughout. It might have been an easier read if you had shortened it up and also created a timeline separate from the article to show more clearly what you were saying.

With all that said, there were some good points being made within the article, such as that Tribulation is not going to be like a walk in the park. Some real hard times are coming. Laura Lee

Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: The Trumpet Blast’s That Will Eventually Usher in the Great Tribulation Article by Steven Blackledge Comments by Steven Blackledge (Sonora, California) and Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)
Laura writes: I put several editor’s notes in Steven Blackledge’s article “The Trumpet Blast’s That Will Eventually Usher in the Great Tribulation” in Issue #77. So far, he has only responded to two of those editor’s notes. This is the one he is responding to in this “Iron Sharpening Iron”. Editor’s Note: Satan was cast down from heaven in the beginning and was in the Garden of Eden. Evil cannot be in heaven, so Satan is not there. I believe these scriptures are misunderstood. Let’s go through them: My comments will be in red. Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, Rev 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (These two verses are both historical and literal. What is being said here is that Michael and his angels fought the devil and prevailed, in other words won the battle and Satan was not found in heaven anymore. We know that Satan was in the Garden of Eden, so he was on earth at that point. In other words, he had already been cast to the earth in the beginning of mankind or at the time of Adam and Eve. This is past tense language. Satan was cast out into the earth. Satan has resided on planet earth for 6000 years. Look around you and see the destruction he has caused.) Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (These scriptures are just recounting the things that have happened from the time that Satan was cast out of heaven up until the time that Christ sets up His Kingdom on earth. Some of this is historical, some is prophetic, in other words some is past, some present and some is future.) Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. (This verse ties the rest together as a total. Satan being cast to the earth is past tense here and Christ who was born of Mary is also past tense here. In other words, this does not mean that Satan was cast to the earth from heaven a second time. Satan was only cast out of heaven one time, and he has been on earth ever since, 6000 years.) Laura Lee Steven writes: I love discussing prophesy as it truly does allow for us to continue to bring in points maybe the other did not think about… I appreciate you reading my material, and posting it… So here we go… Laura writes: I sincerely hope you are listening closely to the points I am about to bring up to you. Steven writes: Remember that Satan was before the throne of God during the time of Job, and was arguing with God concerning the hedge of protection placed around this man… As it states here: “6 Now there was a day when the sons of God (angels) came to present themselves before the [d]Lord, and Satan (adversary, accuser) also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Then Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming around on the earth and from walking around on it.” Laura writes: Where exactly is the word Throne used in those two scriptures or any place else in Job Chapter 1? Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. Job 1:7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. If you are letting scripture, be your guide then you can’t add words in that are just not there. When God asked Satan where he came from, Satan’s response was, “From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” It doesn’t sound at all like Satan was in heaven at that time and it doesn’t say this meeting happened in heaven at the throne of God. God spoke to Moses through the burning bush. God gave the law with great thundering on the earth. So, God can and does communicate with whomever He pleases whether He is in heaven or on the earth. God has no restriction on where he communicates from. In other words, God may well have been talking to Satan from heaven, but Satan by his own words, was on the earth. Remember both God and Satan are spirit. Then after “Sons of God” you put angels when the scripture does not say angels. The bible says: Heb 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Angels are not referred to as sons of God. Angels are messengers of God. Angels are created beings, not begotten beings. There are other beings in heaven besides angels. There are the 24 Elders as spoken of in Revelation. And who are these gods spoken of here? Psa 82:1 A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. We don’t know how many different entities are in heaven with God, but we do know that not all of them are angels. Steven writes: This of course was after the Garden of Eden incident… So has Satan actually been cast down yet?… Also remember as it states in Revelation chapter 12 verse 10 that Satan continued to accuse the brethren up until that point that he was finally cast down… So, if that is the case, then that would mean the devil was not ousted from heaven until a yet future time. Again, Revelation chapter 12 verse 10 states: “10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom (dominion, reign) of our God, and the authority of His Christ have come; for the accuser of our [believing] brothers and sisters has been thrown down [at last], he who accuses them and keeps bringing charges [of sinful behavior] against them before our God day and night. “ Laura writes: To answer your question, Satan was cast down to the earth at the beginning of mankind and was in the garden of Eden encouraging Adam and Eve to sin. You will notice in Rev. 12:10 it says nothing about Satan no longer accusing the brethren once he is cast on to the earth. In order for Steve to reach that conclusion from this verse he had to make it up. It is not there. Satan has been accusing the brethren for 6000 years and he won’t stop until God stops him. Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Steven writes: So, the heavens are relieved that they no longer have to deal with the devil, and his army of fallen ones… But as this chapter later states, the earth is in store for a great deal of wrath from the serpent of old… Satan being cast down will usher in the tribulation, and then great tribulation… One more note… Remember that God knows the end from the beginning on all things as HE states in Isaiah chapter 46: “10 Declaring the end and the result from the beginning, And from ancient times the things which have not [yet] been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will do all that pleases Me and fulfills My purpose,’ Laura writes: Of course, God knows this, but I don’t think Steven understands anything in regard to prophecy and he should stop teaching it as if he does. I am not too far into this and already I have found two scriptures that Steven has added words to which are not there. Isa 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Steven writes: So, when Jesus made the statement while on earth in the flesh and preserved in Luke chapter 10 verse 18: “18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like [a flash of] lightning.” HE was actually prophesying of what would transpire as recorded in Revelation chapter 12 after Satan, and his minions lose the war against Michael, and the army of God’s angels, the dragon would be cast down forevermore, and never able to accuse the brethren before the throne of God… The accusing of course had to take place after the Garden of Eden incident because at that point there was only Adam, and Eve… Jesus is the WORD of GOD, and it would stand to reason HE would know the end from the beginning of all things being fulfilled… Laura writes: Luk 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. (This verse uses past tense language which means Christ saw this happen to Satan before he (Christ) walked the earth. This verse is not a future prophetic verse. If it is prophetic at all it is a past prophetic verse not a future one.) Steven writes: Also remember that scripture is like a jigsaw puzzle as God wants us to make sure we read the whole Word HE has preserved for us… So, when Satan is said to have been cast down (once, and for all) in Revelation chapter 12, chapter 9 of the same book states that a fallen one had been cast down with the key to the bottomless pit… God allows for Satan to have this key because of his intention of punishing a still unrepentant humanity… Even after the first 4 trumpet blasts have taken away a 3rd of earth’s resources… Including a third of the star’s, moon, and sun’s power… One could surmise that this is what triggers Satan’s wrath, and anger, and causes him to go to war against God, and his army of angels as recorded in Revelation chapter 12… He is angry because his dominion has been severely damaged by the first 4 trumpet blasts, and the serpent seeks vengeance… Laura writes: I do believe you are adding more words to scripture which just are not there. It does not say that Satan had the key to the bottomless pit as you claim. Read what it says without adding words to it. Rev 8:13 And I beheld and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound! Rev 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. Rev 9:2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. When you say: Revelation chapter 12, chapter 9 of the same book states that a fallen one had been cast down with the key to the bottomless pit… Where does it say, “that a fallen one had been cast down with the key to the bottomless pit…”? Truth be known, it doesn’t say that at all, and I checked several bible versions and could not find that wording at all. What it does say is as follows: “I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.” This set of scriptures says nothing about a fallen one or a fallen angel nor does this say anything about Satan. Are you trying to change scripture to fit your doctrine, or did you just make a huge mistake? Steven writes: So, when Satan is given the key to the abyss, he unleashes what Greek mythology declared as the titans of old… Abaddon, the “king of the bottomless pit,” and his army have been subject to imprisonment for who knows how long, and combine forces with Satan’s army to ensure that earth is not taken from them by their Creator… Even though it already has been in reality because God’s Word, once declared, always comes to pass… Even if it has not yet come to fruition once it has been decreed… In other words, good as done… Revelation chapter 9 declares: “9 Then the fifth angel sounded [his trumpet], and I saw a star (angelic being) that had fallen from heaven to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit (abyss) was given to him (the star-angel). 2 He opened the bottomless pit, and smoke like the smoke of a great furnace flowed out of the pit; and the sun and the atmosphere were darkened by the smoke from the pit.” And chapter 9 continues with explaining who is unleashed: “10 They have tails like scorpions, and stingers; and in their tails is their power to hurt people for five months. 11 They have as king over them, the angel of the abyss (the bottomless pit); in Hebrew his name is Abaddon (destruction), and in Greek he is called Apollyon (destroyer-king).” Laura writes: Apparently, that made up part wasn’t in your bible either because here you quote scripture correctly. How do you explain that your interpretation of scripture does not match what scripture really says? Something “that had fallen from heaven to earth” and being a “fallen being” are two different things. (For example, I can fall but that does not make me a fallen being.) It is the purpose of this newsletter to find truth and not make stuff up just because you have a doctrine to protect. The bottom line here is that there is no reason for God to throw Satan out of heaven twice, it isn’t common sense. What did Satan do? Slide back into heaven undetected by God. All of the angels delivering the seals, trumpet blasts and bowls of wrath were sent by God because they were God’s angels and not fallen angels My advice to anyone reading this and especially to you Steven don’t make stuff up and try to pass it off as truth when it is not. Steven writes: Hey Laura, I will address the rest as the week progress’s… God bless, and hope you, and your’s have a great week… There are so many that are in need of our prayers within this country… Sin, and the repercussions of practicing, and accepting this behavior as good, as well an exercise of freedom is taking a toll on this world… Take care, and thanks again. Laura writes: I covered this before but lets do it again so you can look at the scriptures: Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, (Michael and his angels fought Satan and his angels. This is past tense language.) Rev 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. (Michael won, Satan lost. Again, this is past tense language.) Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (God tossed Satan from heaven. Again, past tense language.) Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Satan has always been the accuser of the brethren. This scripture speaks of the Kingdom of God yet future and of how Satan was cast down to the earth. It does not say Satan stopped accusing the brethren. Cast down is also past tense.) Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (This is talking about how the Saints overcame Satan by the blood of Christ. Those who are Christ’s are always willing to give up their lives for Christ, just as he gave up His life for us.) Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (6000 years to a spirit being is a short time. And of course, the heavens were glad to be rid of Satan and the earth will also be glad to be rid of Satan when that time comes.) Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. (Herein lies your misunderstanding. Satan was cast to the earth. Satan persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. Who is the woman and who is the man child? The man child is Christ, and the woman is the church or collectively the Saints. So, your argument falls flat. Satan did not stop persecuting anyone once he was cast to the earth. He just kept on going like the ever-ready bunny on steroids. Also, this verse uses past tense language.)

Iron Sharpening Iron
In regard to: The Trumpet Blast’s That Will Eventually Usher in the Great Tribulation
Article by Steven Blackledge
Comments by Steven Blackledge (Sonora, California) and Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)

Laura writes:
I put several editor’s notes in Steven Blackledge’s article “The Trumpet Blast’s That Will Eventually Usher in the Great Tribulation” in Issue #77. So far, he has only responded to two of those editor’s notes. This is the one he is responding to in this “Iron Sharpening Iron”.

Editor’s Note:
Satan was cast down from heaven in the beginning and was in the Garden of Eden. Evil cannot be in heaven, so Satan is not there. I believe these scriptures are misunderstood. Let’s go through them: My comments will be in red.

Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, Rev 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

(These two verses are both historical and literal. What is being said here is that Michael and his angels fought the devil and prevailed, in other words won the battle and Satan was not found in heaven anymore. We know that Satan was in the Garden of Eden, so he was on earth at that point. In other words, he had already been cast to the earth in the beginning of mankind or at the time of Adam and Eve. This is past tense language. Satan was cast out into the earth. Satan has resided on planet earth for 6000 years. Look around you and see the destruction he has caused.)

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

(These scriptures are just recounting the things that have happened from the time that Satan was cast out of heaven up until the time that Christ sets up His Kingdom on earth. Some of this is historical, some is prophetic, in other words some is past, some present and some is future.)

Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

(This verse ties the rest together as a total. Satan being cast to the earth is past tense here and Christ who was born of Mary is also past tense here. In other words, this does not mean that Satan was cast to the earth from heaven a second time. Satan was only cast out of heaven one time, and he has been on earth ever since, 6000 years.) Laura Lee

Steven writes:
I love discussing prophesy as it truly does allow for us to continue to bring in points maybe the other did not think about… I appreciate you reading my material, and posting it… So here we go…

Laura writes:
I sincerely hope you are listening closely to the points I am about to bring up to you.

Steven writes:
Remember that Satan was before the throne of God during the time of Job, and was arguing with God concerning the hedge of protection placed around this man… As it states here:

“6 Now there was a day when the sons of God (angels) came to present themselves before the [d]Lord, and Satan (adversary, accuser) also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Then Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming around on the earth and from walking around on it.”

Laura writes:
Where exactly is the word Throne used in those two scriptures or any place else in Job Chapter 1?

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. Job 1:7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

If you are letting scripture, be your guide then you can’t add words in that are just not there.

When God asked Satan where he came from, Satan’s response was, “From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.”

It doesn’t sound at all like Satan was in heaven at that time and it doesn’t say this meeting happened in heaven at the throne of God. God spoke to Moses through the burning bush. God gave the law with great thundering on the earth. So, God can and does communicate with whomever He pleases whether He is in heaven or on the earth. God has no restriction on where he communicates from. In other words, God may well have been talking to Satan from heaven, but Satan by his own words, was on the earth. Remember both God and Satan are spirit.

Then after “Sons of God” you put angels when the scripture does not say angels. The bible says: Heb 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

Angels are not referred to as sons of God. Angels are messengers of God. Angels are created beings, not begotten beings.

There are other beings in heaven besides angels. There are the 24 Elders as spoken of in Revelation. And who are these gods spoken of here? Psa 82:1 A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

We don’t know how many different entities are in heaven with God, but we do know that not all of them are angels.

Steven writes:
This of course was after the Garden of Eden incident… So has Satan actually been cast down yet?… Also remember as it states in Revelation chapter 12 verse 10 that Satan continued to accuse the brethren up until that point that he was finally cast down… So, if that is the case, then that would mean the devil was not ousted from heaven until a yet future time. Again, Revelation chapter 12 verse 10 states:

“10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom (dominion, reign) of our God, and the authority of His Christ have come; for the accuser of our [believing] brothers and sisters has been thrown down [at last], he who accuses them and keeps bringing charges [of sinful behavior] against them before our God day and night. “

Laura writes:
To answer your question, Satan was cast down to the earth at the beginning of mankind and was in the garden of Eden encouraging Adam and Eve to sin.

You will notice in Rev. 12:10 it says nothing about Satan no longer accusing the brethren once he is cast on to the earth. In order for Steve to reach that conclusion from this verse he had to make it up. It is not there. Satan has been accusing the brethren for 6000 years and he won’t stop until God stops him.

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Steven writes:
So, the heavens are relieved that they no longer have to deal with the devil, and his army of fallen ones… But as this chapter later states, the earth is in store for a great deal of wrath from the serpent of old… Satan being cast down will usher in the tribulation, and then great tribulation… One more note… Remember that God knows the end from the beginning on all things as HE states in Isaiah chapter 46: “10 Declaring the end and the result from the beginning,

And from ancient times the things which have not [yet] been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will do all that pleases Me and fulfills My purpose,’

Laura writes:
Of course, God knows this, but I don’t think Steven understands anything in regard to prophecy and he should stop teaching it as if he does. I am not too far into this and already I have found two scriptures that Steven has added words to which are not there.

Isa 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Steven writes:
So, when Jesus made the statement while on earth in the flesh and preserved in Luke chapter 10 verse 18: “18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like [a flash of] lightning.” HE was actually prophesying of what would transpire as recorded in Revelation chapter 12 after Satan, and his minions lose the war against Michael, and the army of God’s angels, the dragon would be cast down forevermore, and never able to accuse the brethren before the throne of God… The accusing of course had to take place after the Garden of Eden incident because at that point there was only Adam, and Eve… Jesus is the WORD of GOD, and it would stand to reason HE would know the end from the beginning of all things being fulfilled…

Laura writes:
Luk 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. (This verse uses past tense language which means Christ saw this happen to Satan before he (Christ) walked the earth. This verse is not a future prophetic verse. If it is prophetic at all it is a past prophetic verse not a future one.)

Steven writes:
Also remember that scripture is like a jigsaw puzzle as God wants us to make sure we read the whole Word HE has preserved for us… So, when Satan is said to have been cast down (once, and for all) in Revelation chapter 12, chapter 9 of the same book states that a fallen one had been cast down with the key to the bottomless pit… God allows for Satan to have this key because of his intention of punishing a still unrepentant humanity… Even after the first 4 trumpet blasts have taken away a 3rd of earth’s resources… Including a third of the star’s, moon, and sun’s power… One could surmise that this is what triggers Satan’s wrath, and anger, and causes him to go to war against God, and his army of angels as recorded in Revelation chapter 12… He is angry because his dominion has been severely damaged by the first 4 trumpet blasts, and the serpent seeks vengeance…

Laura writes:
I do believe you are adding more words to scripture which just are not there. It does not say that Satan had the key to the bottomless pit as you claim. Read what it says without adding words to it.

Rev 8:13 And I beheld and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

Rev 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

Rev 9:2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

When you say: Revelation chapter 12, chapter 9 of the same book states that a fallen one had been cast down with the key to the bottomless pit…

Where does it say, “that a fallen one had been cast down with the key to the bottomless pit…”? Truth be known, it doesn’t say that at all, and I checked several bible versions and could not find that wording at all. What it does say is as follows: “I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.” This set of scriptures says nothing about a fallen one or a fallen angel nor does this say anything about Satan. Are you trying to change scripture to fit your doctrine, or did you just make a huge mistake?

Steven writes:
So, when Satan is given the key to the abyss, he unleashes what Greek mythology declared as the titans of old… Abaddon, the “king of the bottomless pit,” and his army have been subject to imprisonment for who knows how long, and combine forces with Satan’s army to ensure that earth is not taken from them by their Creator… Even though it already has been in reality because God’s Word, once declared, always comes to pass… Even if it has not yet come to fruition once it has been decreed… In other words, good as done… Revelation chapter 9 declares:

“9 Then the fifth angel sounded [his trumpet], and I saw a star (angelic being) that had fallen from heaven to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit (abyss) was given to him (the star-angel). 2 He opened the bottomless pit, and smoke like the smoke of a great furnace flowed out of the pit; and the sun and the atmosphere were darkened by the smoke from the pit.”

And chapter 9 continues with explaining who is unleashed:

“10 They have tails like scorpions, and stingers; and in their tails is their power to hurt people for five months. 11 They have as king over them, the angel of the abyss (the bottomless pit); in Hebrew his name is Abaddon (destruction), and in Greek he is called Apollyon (destroyer-king).”

Laura writes:
Apparently, that made up part wasn’t in your bible either because here you quote scripture correctly. How do you explain that your interpretation of scripture does not match what scripture really says? Something “that had fallen from heaven to earth” and being a “fallen being” are two different things. (For example, I can fall but that does not make me a fallen being.)

It is the purpose of this newsletter to find truth and not make stuff up just because you have a doctrine to protect. The bottom line here is that there is no reason for God to throw Satan out of heaven twice, it isn’t common sense. What did Satan do? Slide back into heaven undetected by God.

All of the angels delivering the seals, trumpet blasts and bowls of wrath were sent by God because they were God’s angels and not fallen angels

My advice to anyone reading this and especially to you Steven don’t make stuff up and try to pass it off as truth when it is not.

Steven writes:
Hey Laura, I will address the rest as the week progress’s… God bless, and hope you, and your’s have a great week… There are so many that are in need of our prayers within this country… Sin, and the repercussions of practicing, and accepting this behavior as good, as well an exercise of freedom is taking a toll on this world… Take care, and thanks again.

Laura writes:
I covered this before but lets do it again so you can look at the scriptures:

Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, (Michael and his angels fought Satan and his angels. This is past tense language.)

Rev 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. (Michael won, Satan lost. Again, this is past tense language.)

Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (God tossed Satan from heaven. Again, past tense language.)

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Satan has always been the accuser of the brethren. This scripture speaks of the Kingdom of God yet future and of how Satan was cast down to the earth. It does not say Satan stopped accusing the brethren. Cast down is also past tense.)

Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (This is talking about how the Saints overcame Satan by the blood of Christ. Those who are Christ’s are always willing to give up their lives for Christ, just as he gave up His life for us.)

Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (6000 years to a spirit being is a short time. And of course, the heavens were glad to be rid of Satan and the earth will also be glad to be rid of Satan when that time comes.)

Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. (Herein lies your misunderstanding. Satan was cast to the earth. Satan persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. Who is the woman and who is the man child? The man child is Christ, and the woman is the church or collectively the Saints. So, your argument falls flat. Satan did not stop persecuting anyone once he was cast to the earth. He just kept on going like the ever-ready bunny on steroids. Also, this verse uses past tense language.)

Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: The Trumpet Blast’s That Will Eventually Usher in the Great Tribulation Article by Steven Blackledge Comments by Steven Blackledge (Sonora, California) and Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)
Steven Blackledge writes: To continue in allowing scripture to define our narrative, and not traditions, we have to all conclude at some point in order to grow in grace, and in knowledge, we have to ensure we are allowing for God’s Word to define the narrative that our Creator is presenting to us within scripture… What a blessing we have here in the US even still to be able to study, and do so… Remembering that our Savior did not die to save us on a physical level, but on a spiritual one… Which is why HE declared in Luke chapter 17 that we must be careful not to focus our attention on saving the flesh to the point of compromising HIS will, or by mistranslating God’s Word… I have been reading, and watching a great many believers wanting to save the USA… Remember the time frame of the US’s prominence on the world stage has already been predetermined by our Creator long ago… The USA was never the answer for our world’s ills, and was never meant to be… This nation fulfilled prophecy, and will continue to do so until time is up for us… Our sins are great, and sadly repentance is not sought on God’s terms… But this has always been mankind’s problem from the beginning… Our own form of righteousness which is in direct opposition to God’s definition of what is good… It is God’s kingdom on earth upon our Savior’s return that will bring forth the change that is necessary that is our hope… So, with this in mind, Jesus reminds us of this in Luke chapter 17 verse 33: “33 If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it.” Laura writes: I believe that most of us know that God used the United States to fulfill prophecy, especially His promise to Abraham. I believe most of us understand that the United States as we once knew it will not be back. What I want to know is do you understand that you cannot make things up and then pass them off as being scripture? Steven Blackledge writes: We need to bear this in mind while remembering we are ambassadors for the kingdom of God, and await our Savior’s return… Getting involved with the politics of this world is futile simply because the Word of God has already laid out the outcome of events that are to transpire… Our preparation in Christ Jesus in Spirit, and in Truth is so vitally important as we should remain laser focused upon the spiritual battle that has been transpiring since iniquity was found in the fallen cherub Lucifer as Ezekiel chapter 28 reminds of as it concerns the king of Tyre, or merchandising God’s material wealth through covert means… Satan believes the very lies he propagates, and God allows for him to be the “god of this world,” in order to teach humanity, through experience, why this has always been a bad idea… But the love of sin is great, so, our Father in heaven is allowing for this to continue for a pre-allotted time frame that was planned for from the beginning… So, with this in mind here is what you wrote concerning the tribulation, and great tribulation period… Editor’s Note: I am pretty sure there may be a disconnect here somehow between these 1290 days and 1335 days. Perhaps someone else can clear this up? The problem in my opinion is first in thinking that there will be two tribulations, seemingly a small one and a greater one. It is all one tribulation. During the trumpets it appears only a third of everything is affected but when the bowls of wrath are poured out, it affects everything, and everyone left on earth. During the bowls of wrath there will probably be some people that repent but for the most part, it looks like they still do not repent. As far as the elect living through the bowls of wrath the Bible says otherwise. 1.The two witnesses prophesy for 1260 days. Then the beast kills them, and they lay in the street for 3.5 days. Rev 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 2. Shortly after the two witnesses ascend to heaven it says the second woe is past. Rev 11:13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. Rev 11:14 The second woe is past; and behold, the third woe cometh quickly. 3. There are four trumpets and three woe trumpets. The first four trumpets happen and then you have woe trumpet five followed by woe trumpet six and then woe trumpet seven sounds and Christ harvests the First Fruits. 1Co_15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 4. After this you have the seven bowls of wrath being poured out on the earth. So, tribulation is not yet over at the point where Christ harvests His first fruits. Laura Lee The setup for what will be the end, or as Revelation chapter 11 declares as such when the 7th, and final trumpet blows is what Jesus declares as the tribulation… A time of great confusion for most of humanity because of what will have transpired after the first 4 trumpets of God’s holy angels are blown… Whomever of us that are alive at this yet future time, will be tested as far as how much we have relied upon the Spirit of God, and Jesus as our Teacher, or have squandered the opportunity to draw near to our Father in heaven through His Son by focusing upon physical matters rather than HIS SPIRIT… After Satan is cast down upon attempting to make war with God because of his displeasure of what the devil will believe is his Creator’s interference in the “lordship” he has been granted… Laura writes: I have no idea what Bible you are reading but it is certainly not the one I use which is the King James version. The word tribulation is not used even once in Revelation Chapter 11. The greater part of Revelation is talking about the tribulation, but it does not divide it into two tribulations as you want to do. The seals, the trumpets, the woe trumpets, and the bowls of wrath are all parts of the same tribulation. And the only thing being declared in Revelation Chapter 11 is: Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Steven Blackledge writes: When cast down, and never allowed to enter the heavenly throne area of God again, the devil will make it a point to stir up the peoples of the nations through his cunning, and clever temptations… He will succeed of course because of the mystery of lawlessness, and the practice thereof. Satan is given the key to the bottomless pit when cast down from heaven as well in order to unleash Abaddon as Revelation chapter 9 declares… Remember that Revelation chapter 8 reminds us that after the first 4 trumpet blasts of God’s holy angels signaling punishment upon the earth’s inhabitants, the final 3 trumpet blasts are going to signal even worse events to take place… As Revelation chapter 8 declares: “13 Then I looked, and I heard a solitary eagle flying in midheaven [for all to see], saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe [great wrath is coming] to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpets which the three angels are about to sound [announcing ever greater judgments]!” And then of course the story continues in Revelation chapter 12 as Satan vainly attempts to thwart God’s plans, and is quite upset by what transpired when the first 4 trumpets of God were blown by going to war against his Creator… As Revelation chapter 12 declares: “7 And war broke out in heaven, Michael [the archangel] and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they were not strong enough and did not prevail, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, the age-old serpent who is called the devil and Satan, he who continually deceives and seduces the entire inhabited world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom (dominion, reign) of our God, and the authority of His Christ have come; for the accuser of our [believing] brothers and sisters has been thrown down [at last], he who accuses them and keeps bringing charges [of sinful behavior] against them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death. 12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them [in the presence of God]. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you in great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time [remaining]!” Notice the word “woe” is used in verse 12… The first woe is about to begin once the 5th trumpet of God’s holy angel is blown… Chapter 9 continues this storyline as follows: “9 Then the fifth angel sounded [his trumpet], and I saw a star (angelic being) that had fallen from heaven to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit (abyss) was given to him (the star-angel).” So, who is this star fallen from heaven? Who is the one who Jesus declared would fall from heaven as a bolt of lightning?… Remember there is only one time in scripture that Satan is cast down, and it is during the time of great trouble’s that Jesus mentions within the Mount of Olives sermon in Matthew 24… Which brings us to the next facet of this story that Jesus describes as tribulation once the beginning of sorrows period ends… Again, Satan will be on the warpath as he knows time is but the essence… As Revelation chapter 12 declares his time of setting up the final defense is coming… Laura writes: Let’s hope people don’t believe this false narrative that you keep repeating over and over again. In one place you make it sound like Satan was cast from heaven at least two times and now you say only one time which happens during the tribulation. Which is it? Was Satan cast out once or twice? And who exactly was on the earth for the last 6000 years influencing people to sin? I covered this before but let’s do it again so you can look at the scriptures: Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, (Michael and his angels fought Satan and his angels. This is past tense language.) Rev 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. (Michael won, Satan lost. Again, this is past tense language.) Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (God tossed Satan from heaven. Again, past tense language.) Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Satan has always been the accuser of the brethren. This scripture speaks of the Kingdom of God yet future and of how Satan was cast down to the earth. It does not say Satan stopped accusing the brethren. Cast down is also past tense.) Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (This is talking about how the Saints overcame Satan by the blood of Christ. Those who are Christ’s are always willing to give up their lives for Christ, just as he gave up His life for us.) Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (6000 years to a spirit being is a short time. And of course, the heavens were glad to be rid of Satan and the earth will also be glad to be rid of Satan when that time comes.) Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. (Herein lies your misunderstanding. Satan was cast to the earth. Satan persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. Who is the woman and who is the man child? The man child is Christ, and the woman is the church or collectively the Saints. So, your argument falls flat. Satan did not stop persecuting anyone once he was cast to the earth. He just kept on going like the ever-ready bunny on steroids. Also, this verse uses past tense language.) Stevens statement from above:Also remember as it states in Revelation chapter 12 verse 10 that Satan continued to accuse the brethren up until that point that he was finally cast down… So, if that is the case, then that would mean the devil was not ousted from heaven until a yet future time. Herein lies yet another problem with your argument that Satan was cast out of heaven twice. If you actually believe that, God is not a fool who does not have control over His own creation, because you are saying that Satan was thrown out of heaven once, but then Satan somehow got back into heaven and God then had to cast him out a second time. God is no fool. When God tossed Satan from heaven he was not found there again as this verse states: Rev 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. Steven Blackledge writes: In the meantime, Satan is fulfilling scripture, and in reality, is fighting in a futile attempt to ensure God’s plan does not come to pass… He is not going to give up the ship so humbly, and will take his animosity out on the children of God… Even fooling spiritually unprepared brethren into actually taking part in this persecution of those who know their Savior… Trying to save one’s physical existence, while compromising God’s Word, is not what Jesus meant when HE said we are to work out our salvation with fear, and trembling… But during this tribulation (not Great Tribulation period) this will be the case… As Jesus declares in Matthew chapter 24, and the spiritually fully prepared believer in God’s Messiah have to endure during this time of tribulation: “9 “Then they will hand you over to [endure] tribulation, and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 At that time many will be offended and repelled [by their association with Me] and will fall away [from the One whom they should trust] and will betray one another [handing over believers to their persecutors] and will hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will appear and mislead many. 12 Because lawlessness is increased, the love of most people will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved. 14 This good news of the kingdom [the gospel] will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come.” And Jesus continues to remind us during these final time frames before our Savior’s triumphant return on HIS white horse, there will be those who will have known the Truth, but allowed for sin or the pleasures of the flesh to cloud their judgment as Matthew chapter 24 reminds us they will be used by Satan to persecute their own brethren: “45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom his master has put in charge of his household to give the others [in the house] their food and supplies at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that [faithful] servant when his master returns and finds him doing so. 47 I assure you and most solemnly say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But if that servant is evil and says in his heart, ‘My master is taking his time [he will not return for a long while],’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards; 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour of which he is not aware, 51 and will cut him in two and put him with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].” Laura writes: Look around you, this stuff is happening right now and has been for quite some time. Steven Blackledge writes: Now we all know that our Father in heaven is longsuffering, and patient, and wants all to come to repentance… Giving us ample opportunity to do so… Even those who have fallen away from what should be priority while in these temporary bodies our spirits reside in… We most certainly cannot overcome the wiles, and strength of the devil on our own… Reliance upon God’s Holy Spirit is vital for us mere mortals in this increasingly intense spiritual battle against those principalities that represent darkness… I was often confused myself about the 1290 days, and 1335 days mentioned in the 12th chapter of Daniel… But if we read what it says about the 1290 days, we realize that it is during this period of time the set up for the final abomination that will usher in complete desolation on a spiritual level will be utilized by Satan after him being cast down from God’s heavenly abode… Daniel chapter 12 declares: “11 From the time that the regular sacrifice [that is, the daily burnt offering] is taken away and the abomination of desolation is set up [ruining the temple for worship of the true God], there will be 1,290 days.” Notice it says set up of the abomination of the beast being worshiped as God, and by his emergence as king of the spiritually fallen world where every tribe, nation, and tongue will worship the man of sin as such, he will be given free reign by God to also refine the saints who were not quite prepared to enter into the marriage supper… As we read in chapter 12 of Daniel of this abominable reign of the beast that will bring forth a complete desolation of God’s holy one’s: “7 And I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he held up his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and a half a time (three and a half years); and as soon as they finish shattering and crushing the power of the holy people, all these things will be finished.” This will occur during the 1335 day period of Great Tribulation that our Savior covers in His Mount of Olives discourse as follows in Matthew chapter 24… Remember that HE declared this time frame as the end, and occurring after the 2 witnesses have proclaimed the true gospel of God worldwide for a 1260 day period of this initial 1290 tribulation period…These 2 will be counteracting the big set up during the 1290 tribulation period of the beast defeating 3 kings, or 3 of the 10 horns of the beast in battle… Once their 1260-day period of declaring the need to repent through Christ Jesus is over, God allows for the 2 witnesses’ to be killed by the beast… The remaining 30 days of this 1290-day tribulation period will be spent by the world gloating over the defeat of the much hated 2 witnesses of God, and completion of ensuring that their false messiah is worshiped as God by those whose names are NOT written in the Lamb’s Book of Life… Laura writes: I think you are wrong in regard to these time periods. The Bible doesn’t say they gloated over the death of the 2 witnesses for 30 days. Rev 11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. Rev 11:8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Rev 11:9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. Rev 11:10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. Rev 11:11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. The Bible says they only gloated for 3.5 days and not 30 days. Where are you getting this misinformation from? Steven Blackledge writes: “Who can make war against the beast, and who is more amazing than he,” as Revelation chapter 13 reminds us after this tribulation period ends, the man of sin’s reign of 1260 of the 1335-day Great Tribulation period will begin… Those saints that are still alive will be in Satan’s crosshairs, and as once the devil gives his authority over to the beast, the war against the remaining children of God who are still in need of refining will occur as Revelation chapter 13 points out: “4 They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?”5 Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months. 6 And he spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering his name and his dwelling—that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation. 8 And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered before the world was made. 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. 10 Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.” This time frame is ushered in by the blowing of the 7th trumpet, and is considered “The End” as our Messiah declared in Matthew chapter 24 once the 1290-day period of tribulation ends within verse 14: “14 This good news of the kingdom [the gospel] will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come.” Jesus continues in verse 15 of Matthew chapter 24 to then ensure we understand the distinction between the tribulation period, and the great tribulation period: “15 “So when you see the abomination of desolation [the appalling sacrilege that astonishes and makes desolate], spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy Place (let the reader understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains [for refuge]. 17 Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things that are in his house [because there will not be enough time]. 18 Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his coat. 19 And woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 Pray that your flight [from persecution and suffering] will not be in winter, or on a Sabbath [when Jewish laws prohibit travel]. 21 For at that time there will be a GREAT TRIBULATION (pressure, distress, oppression), such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will [again].” So, verses 9 through 14 of Matthew chapter 24 summarize what will transpire during the 1290-day period of tribulation… The initial persecution of the saints of God, as well as the 1260-day period of the gospel being preached by the 2 witnesses of God will also transpire during this time… These 2 will also be killed during this time in order to make it appear that the beast is “god like.” As many peoples from many nations will have tried to put the 2 witnesses to death via various means unsuccessfully as Revelation chapter 11 declares… Once the beast accomplishes’ what others tried to by being allowed to put the 2 witness’s to death to fulfill God’s predetermined outcome, this will serve as a test for the remaining saints of God… Because as Jesus declared in Matthew chapter 24, “if it were possible, even the elect could be deceived: “23 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. 25 See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.” For those who do not pay homage to the beast, receive his mark, and worship the image that will be set up in his honor, these will be put to death during his 1260-day rule… Again, occurring during the 1335-day period of Great Tribulation… As Daniel chapter 7 declares concerning the little horn… The man of sin with whom Abaddon, the king of the bottomless pit, will possess, and make him to appear more than just a mere man to those whose names are NOT written in the Lamb’s Book of Life: “25 He will speak words against the Most High [God] and wear down the saints of the Most High, and he will intend to change the times and the law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, [two] times, and half a time [three and one-half years].” This is the same time that John was later shown as part of the Revelation of these end times within chapter 12 as Satan will in a great fury, and with the allegiance of the beast, and false prophet, vehemently go after those who will not worship the man of sin during this Great Tribulation period: ” 17 So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went off to wage war on the rest of her children (seed), those who keep and obey the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus [holding firmly to it and bearing witness to Him].” Satan is infuriated because of the dead in Christ being resurrected first at this point, and being supernaturally protected by God somewhere while being nourished as they await the refining of their fellow saints who will be allowed to go through the Great Tribulation in order to refine themselves via the Spirit of God, and for their Savior to truly know they will be faithful even unto death… Which is why they will not be caught up together in the air until that 1260-day period of the 1335-day period of Great Tribulation is fulfilled… Laura writes: Notice carefully what Steven said here: “Satan is infuriated because of the dead in Christ being resurrected first at this point, and being supernaturally protected by God somewhere while being nourished as they await the refining of their fellow saints who will be allowed to go through the Great Tribulation in order to refine themselves via the Spirit of God, and for their Savior to truly know they will be faithful even unto death…” He is saying there are two different resurrections of the saints and yet the Bible only speaks of one resurrection of the saints (first fruits). Steven Blackledge writes: As for the 75-day period left during the Great Tribulation, God will pour out His bowls of wrath upon an unrepentant creation, and begin the process of dismantling this kingdom of the beast… While also taking care of spiritual Babylon, and all that represents her in this physical world… Those 75-to-100-pound hailstones that will be used to punish the earth should inflict much damage to this fallen world, as well as structures that Satan has built, or inspired mankind to build in order to honor himself… We all know the climax is the armies of the earth being deceived by the unclean spirits that proceed out of the mouths of the dragon (Satan), the beast (Abaddon), and the false prophet as Revelation chapter 16 declares the gathering in the Valley of Megiddo to wage war against our Savior, and the saints who will be with HIM as HE descends on a white horse from heaven above: “12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great Euphrates River, and it dried up so that the kings from the east could march their armies toward the west without hindrance. 13 And I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs leap from the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. 14 They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty. 15 “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.” 16 And the demonic spirits gathered all the rulers and their armies to a place with the Hebrew name Armageddon. 17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. And a mighty shout came from the throne in the Temple, saying, “It is finished!” 18 Then the thunder crashed and rolled, and lightning flashed. And a great earthquake struck—the worst since people were placed on the earth. 19 The great city of Babylon split into three sections, and the cities of many nations fell into heaps of rubble. So, God remembered all of Babylon’s sins, and he made her drink the cup that was filled with the wine of his fierce wrath. 20 And every island disappeared, and all the mountains were leveled. 21 There was a terrible hailstorm, and hailstones weighing as much as seventy-five pounds fell from the sky onto the people below. They cursed God because of the terrible plague of the hailstorm.” Our Savior comes as a thief to those who are ill prepared from a spiritual perspective, and have drunk of the wine of Babylon’s cup of fornications… So, it is important to understand that our Savior does distinguish 2 different times of tribulation during the time frame when the final 3 trumpets are blown… The final 7th trumpet ushering in the final 1335-day period of the reign of the beast through Satan’s delusional influence through the mystery of lawlessness, and the practice thereof… As well as the dismantling of this 7th empire, symbolized by the 7th head of the beast of Revelation, and the beast altogether as a whole in the lake of fire as declared in Revelation chapter 19: “19 Then I saw the beast and the kings and political leaders of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against Him who is mounted on the [white] horse and against His army. 20 And the beast (Antichrist) was seized and overpowered, and with him the false prophet who, in his presence, had performed [amazing] signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were hurled alive into the lake of fire which blazes with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds fed ravenously and gorged themselves with their flesh.” Distinguishing these 2-time frames as well helps one to prepare for what is coming… Which is why Jesus insured we would be instructed beforehand, and have advantage to prepare in HIMSELF on a Spiritual level in order to endure whatever our Father in heaven has in store for us as individual believers… God our Father, and Savior wants us to be with HIM, and will ensure we are given the help via HIS SPIRIT to endure… But again, and as it has always been, it must be in accordance to HIS WORD, and how one is led by the very TRUTH our SAVIOR defines in order to ensure that individual is growing in the true knowledge, and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ… So, for a quick recap: 1290-day period: Tribulation, the setup for the abomination (the beast to be accepted as God by the fallen world via great exploits) that will cause spiritual desolation) which the blowing of the 5th, and 6th trumpets ushers in this time frame… Saints being persecuted to death (the dead in Christ), … 2 witnesses’ declaring the gospel of repentance, and God’s true, and coming kingdom for 1260 days… 2 witnesses’ being put to death by the beast when the man of sin wages war against God’s prophets… God allows for this to test the saints, and to fulfill HIS prophetic WORD as the world will declare, “who can make with the beast.”… The beast will also defeat, and subdue 3 kings (3 of the 10 kings who will be given authority by Satan to rule over this 7th empire) … Symbolized by the little horn which emerges after the 10 horns have ruled this 7th kingdom for a particular time frame… (see Daniel chapter 7) … The final 30 days of the 1290-day tribulation period will be used for the final stages of the abomination of desolation being set up… 1335-day period: Great tribulation, and the end of this age begins as the 7th trumpet is blown… The dead in Christ Jesus are raised first… After arising, these saints will be taken to a place of divine protection… Satan will try to destroy them as Revelation chapter 12 declares the devil will “pour out a flood,” but to no avail… These individuals were proven true to God by dying in Christ Jesus… Even to the point of giving their physical lives for eternity’s sake… The remaining saints of God who, for some reason, were not prepared to enter into the initial phase of being resurrected, are still alive physically, and will be the primary target of Satan, the beast, and the false prophet… They will be persecuted, and as Revelation chapter 20 declares, “will be beheaded,” for their faith in Christ Jesus, and refusing to worship the beast, and his image… For 1260 days of this 1335-day period the beast will rule the world, and demand submission, and be granted it either through adoration, or fear of death by every tribe, nation, and tongue… Those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life… Receiving his mark, while showing one’s allegiance by bowing down to the image that will be in place to honor the beast as Revelation chapter 13 reminds us. It will be a new economic system as one who does not receive the mark symbolizing who the beast is will not be able to buy, nor sell… After this 1260-day period of rule, and all of God’s saints have been resurrected to life eternal, all whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, will meet their Savior in the air together as 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 reminds us… 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.” The marriage ceremony of the Lamb, our Savior will take place in heaven at this point as all of the guests, and the bride herself, will be in attendance… In the meantime, during the remaining 75 days, the destruction of the beast’s kingdom (remember he received authority from Satan over every tribe, nations, and tongue… Revelation chapter 13) will transpire as the final 7 bowls of God’s wrath which symbolize the 7 last plagues of Revelation chapter 16… Again, culminating with the battle that takes place in the plains of Megiddo where all of the armies will gather to make war with the WORD of GOD, and HIS saints… Losing this futile effort of course, as their god Abaddon, and his false prophet are destroyed in the lake of fire before their very eyes… After witnessing their leader’s destruction, they too will meet their doom… But not in the lake of fire which is the 2nd death… You see, as scripture points out, the whole world was deceived because the creation’s damnable will was sought. Rather than the will of their Creator… Therefore, being defined by sin blinded these folks to the reality of their fallen spiritual state, and the fact that separation from God’s righteousness, rather than being defined by HIM, always leads to death… It will be a day they will never forget, once these individuals are awoken from their dead state of being after the 1,000-year reign of the ONE WHO will have defeated them with the sword that will have proceeded from our Savior’s mouth… God bless you Laura, and His peace be with you… Laura writes: My overall assessment of Steven’s response to me is that if you start on a false premise the end result will be a false doctrine and this is a false narrative of end time events. The reason I know his narrative of end time events is false is not because I understand all end time events, because I do not. What is wrong with this narrative is how he adds things into scripture and changes scripture to suit his purpose and to protect his false doctrine. If you do not look up the scriptures, you can be deceived by people like Steven and there is no possible way we can catch every false narrative out there. I have one last point to cover here. Steven is promoting two resurrections of the first fruits which is not in scripture. Read the following verses: 1Co_15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Here is the problem with Steven’s narrative. Steven believes all of God’s elect must die in order to be refined but these scriptures prove that is not true. There is a timeline to the first fruits resurrection and that is that Christ will raise and change the dead in Christ to Spirit first and then He will change those who are yet alive into spirit, and they all go to the marriage supper of the lamb at the same time. The word “remain” in verse 17 is Strong’s G4035 and all it means is those who remained alive during tribulation. So, some people are yet alive when Christ returns to harvest the first fruits. You do not have to die in order to be refined. God is refining the first fruits now. G4035 περιλείπω perileipō *per-ee-li’-po* *From G4012 and G3007; to leave* all around, that is, (passively) survive: – remain. Total KJV occurrences: 2**

Iron Sharpening Iron
In regard to: The Trumpet Blast’s
That Will Eventually Usher in the Great Tribulation
Article by Steven Blackledge
Comments by Steven Blackledge (Sonora, California) and Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)

Steven Blackledge writes:
To continue in allowing scripture to define our narrative, and not traditions, we have to all conclude at some point in order to grow in grace, and in knowledge, we have to ensure we are allowing for God’s Word to define the narrative that our Creator is presenting to us within scripture… What a blessing we have here in the US even still to be able to study, and do so… Remembering that our Savior did not die to save us on a physical level, but on a spiritual one… Which is why HE declared in Luke chapter 17 that we must be careful not to focus our attention on saving the flesh to the point of compromising HIS will, or by mistranslating God’s Word…

I have been reading, and watching a great many believers wanting to save the USA… Remember the time frame of the US’s prominence on the world stage has already been predetermined by our Creator long ago… The USA was never the answer for our world’s ills, and was never meant to be… This nation fulfilled prophecy, and will continue to do so until time is up for us… Our sins are great, and sadly repentance is not sought on God’s terms… But this has always been mankind’s problem from the beginning… Our own form of righteousness which is in direct opposition to God’s definition of what is good… It is God’s kingdom on earth upon our Savior’s return that will bring forth the change that is necessary that is our hope… So, with this in mind, Jesus reminds us of this in Luke chapter 17 verse 33:

“33 If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it.”

Laura writes:
I believe that most of us know that God used the United States to fulfill prophecy, especially His promise to Abraham. I believe most of us understand that the United States as we once knew it will not be back. What I want to know is do you understand that you cannot make things up and then pass them off as being scripture?

Steven Blackledge writes:
We need to bear this in mind while remembering we are ambassadors for the kingdom of God, and await our Savior’s return… Getting involved with the politics of this world is futile simply because the Word of God has already laid out the outcome of events that are to transpire… Our preparation in Christ Jesus in Spirit, and in Truth is so vitally important as we should remain laser focused upon the spiritual battle that has been transpiring since iniquity was found in the fallen cherub Lucifer as Ezekiel chapter 28 reminds of as it concerns the king of Tyre, or merchandising God’s material wealth through covert means… Satan believes the very lies he propagates, and God allows for him to be the “god of this world,” in order to teach humanity, through experience, why this has always been a bad idea… But the love of sin is great, so, our Father in heaven is allowing for this to continue for a pre-allotted time frame that was planned for from the beginning…

So, with this in mind here is what you wrote concerning the tribulation, and great tribulation period…

Editor’s Note:
I am pretty sure there may be a disconnect here somehow between these 1290 days and 1335 days. Perhaps someone else can clear this up? The problem in my opinion is first in thinking that there will be two tribulations, seemingly a small one and a greater one. It is all one tribulation. During the trumpets it appears only a third of everything is affected but when the bowls of wrath are poured out, it affects everything, and everyone left on earth. During the bowls of wrath there will probably be some people that repent but for the most part, it looks like they still do not repent. As far as the elect living through the bowls of wrath the Bible says otherwise.

1.The two witnesses prophesy for 1260 days. Then the beast kills them, and they lay in the street for 3.5 days. Rev 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

2. Shortly after the two witnesses ascend to heaven it says the second woe is past. Rev 11:13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. Rev 11:14 The second woe is past; and behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

3. There are four trumpets and three woe trumpets. The first four trumpets happen and then you have woe trumpet five followed by woe trumpet six and then woe trumpet seven sounds and Christ harvests the First Fruits. 1Co_15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

4. After this you have the seven bowls of wrath being poured out on the earth. So, tribulation is not yet over at the point where Christ harvests His first fruits. Laura Lee

The setup for what will be the end, or as Revelation chapter 11 declares as such when the 7th, and final trumpet blows is what Jesus declares as the tribulation… A time of great confusion for most of humanity because of what will have transpired after the first 4 trumpets of God’s holy angels are blown… Whomever of us that are alive at this yet future time, will be tested as far as how much we have relied upon the Spirit of God, and Jesus as our Teacher, or have squandered the opportunity to draw near to our Father in heaven through His Son by focusing upon physical matters rather than HIS SPIRIT… After Satan is cast down upon attempting to make war with God because of his displeasure of what the devil will believe is his Creator’s interference in the “lordship” he has been granted…

Laura writes:
I have no idea what Bible you are reading but it is certainly not the one I use which is the King James version. The word tribulation is not used even once in Revelation Chapter 11. The greater part of Revelation is talking about the tribulation, but it does not divide it into two tribulations as you want to do. The seals, the trumpets, the woe trumpets, and the bowls of wrath are all parts of the same tribulation.

And the only thing being declared in Revelation Chapter 11 is: Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Steven Blackledge writes:
When cast down, and never allowed to enter the heavenly throne area of God again, the devil will make it a point to stir up the peoples of the nations through his cunning, and clever temptations… He will succeed of course because of the mystery of lawlessness, and the practice thereof. Satan is given the key to the bottomless pit when cast down from heaven as well in order to unleash Abaddon as Revelation chapter 9 declares… Remember that Revelation chapter 8 reminds us that after the first 4 trumpet blasts of God’s holy angels signaling punishment upon the earth’s inhabitants, the final 3 trumpet blasts are going to signal even worse events to take place… As Revelation chapter 8 declares:

“13 Then I looked, and I heard a solitary eagle flying in midheaven [for all to see], saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe [great wrath is coming] to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpets which the three angels are about to sound [announcing ever greater judgments]!”

And then of course the story continues in Revelation chapter 12 as Satan vainly attempts to thwart God’s plans, and is quite upset by what transpired when the first 4 trumpets of God were blown by going to war against his Creator… As Revelation chapter 12 declares:

“7 And war broke out in heaven, Michael [the archangel] and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they were not strong enough and did not prevail, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, the age-old serpent who is called the devil and Satan, he who continually deceives and seduces the entire inhabited world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom (dominion, reign) of our God, and the authority of His Christ have come; for the accuser of our [believing] brothers and sisters has been thrown down [at last], he who accuses them and keeps bringing charges [of sinful behavior] against them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death. 12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them [in the presence of God]. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you in great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time [remaining]!”

Notice the word “woe” is used in verse 12… The first woe is about to begin once the 5th trumpet of God’s holy angel is blown… Chapter 9 continues this storyline as follows:

“9 Then the fifth angel sounded [his trumpet], and I saw a star (angelic being) that had fallen from heaven to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit (abyss) was given to him (the star-angel).”

So, who is this star fallen from heaven? Who is the one who Jesus declared would fall from heaven as a bolt of lightning?… Remember there is only one time in scripture that Satan is cast down, and it is during the time of great trouble’s that Jesus mentions within the Mount of Olives sermon in Matthew 24… Which brings us to the next facet of this story that Jesus describes as tribulation once the beginning of sorrows period ends… Again, Satan will be on the warpath as he knows time is but the essence… As Revelation chapter 12 declares his time of setting up the final defense is coming…

Laura writes:
Let’s hope people don’t believe this false narrative that you keep repeating over and over again. In one place you make it sound like Satan was cast from heaven at least two times and now you say only one time which happens during the tribulation. Which is it? Was Satan cast out once or twice? And who exactly was on the earth for the last 6000 years influencing people to sin?

I covered this before but let’s do it again so you can look at the scriptures:

Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, (Michael and his angels fought Satan and his angels. This is past tense language.)

Rev 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. (Michael won, Satan lost. Again, this is past tense language.)

Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (God tossed Satan from heaven. Again, past tense language.)

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Satan has always been the accuser of the brethren. This scripture speaks of the Kingdom of God yet future and of how Satan was cast down to the earth. It does not say Satan stopped accusing the brethren. Cast down is also past tense.)

Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (This is talking about how the Saints overcame Satan by the blood of Christ. Those who are Christ’s are always willing to give up their lives for Christ, just as he gave up His life for us.)

Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (6000 years to a spirit being is a short time. And of course, the heavens were glad to be rid of Satan and the earth will also be glad to be rid of Satan when that time comes.)

Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. (Herein lies your misunderstanding. Satan was cast to the earth. Satan persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. Who is the woman and who is the man child? The man child is Christ, and the woman is the church or collectively the Saints. So, your argument falls flat. Satan did not stop persecuting anyone once he was cast to the earth. He just kept on going like the ever-ready bunny on steroids. Also, this verse uses past tense language.)

Stevens statement from above:Also remember as it states in Revelation chapter 12 verse 10 that Satan continued to accuse the brethren up until that point that he was finally cast down… So, if that is the case, then that would mean the devil was not ousted from heaven until a yet future time.

Herein lies yet another problem with your argument that Satan was cast out of heaven twice. If you actually believe that, God is not a fool who does not have control over His own creation, because you are saying that Satan was thrown out of heaven once, but then Satan somehow got back into heaven and God then had to cast him out a second time. God is no fool. When God tossed Satan from heaven he was not found there again as this verse states: Rev 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

Steven Blackledge writes:
In the meantime, Satan is fulfilling scripture, and in reality, is fighting in a futile attempt to ensure God’s plan does not come to pass… He is not going to give up the ship so humbly, and will take his animosity out on the children of God… Even fooling spiritually unprepared brethren into actually taking part in this persecution of those who know their Savior… Trying to save one’s physical existence, while compromising God’s Word, is not what Jesus meant when HE said we are to work out our salvation with fear, and trembling… But during this tribulation (not Great Tribulation period) this will be the case… As Jesus declares in Matthew chapter 24, and the spiritually fully prepared believer in God’s Messiah have to endure during this time of tribulation:

“9 “Then they will hand you over to [endure] tribulation, and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 At that time many will be offended and repelled [by their association with Me] and will fall away [from the One whom they should trust] and will betray one another [handing over believers to their persecutors] and will hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will appear and mislead many. 12 Because lawlessness is increased, the love of most people will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved. 14 This good news of the kingdom [the gospel] will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come.”

And Jesus continues to remind us during these final time frames before our Savior’s triumphant return on HIS white horse, there will be those who will have known the Truth, but allowed for sin or the pleasures of the flesh to cloud their judgment as Matthew chapter 24 reminds us they will be used by Satan to persecute their own brethren:

“45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom his master has put in charge of his household to give the others [in the house] their food and supplies at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that [faithful] servant when his master returns and finds him doing so. 47 I assure you and most solemnly say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But if that servant is evil and says in his heart, ‘My master is taking his time [he will not return for a long while],’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards; 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour of which he is not aware, 51 and will cut him in two and put him with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].”

Laura writes:
Look around you, this stuff is happening right now and has been for quite some time.

Steven Blackledge writes:
Now we all know that our Father in heaven is longsuffering, and patient, and wants all to come to repentance… Giving us ample opportunity to do so… Even those who have fallen away from what should be priority while in these temporary bodies our spirits reside in… We most certainly cannot overcome the wiles, and strength of the devil on our own… Reliance upon God’s Holy Spirit is vital for us mere mortals in this increasingly intense spiritual battle against those principalities that represent darkness…

I was often confused myself about the 1290 days, and 1335 days mentioned in the 12th chapter of Daniel… But if we read what it says about the 1290 days, we realize that it is during this period of time the set up for the final abomination that will usher in complete desolation on a spiritual level will be utilized by Satan after him being cast down from God’s heavenly abode… Daniel chapter 12 declares:

“11 From the time that the regular sacrifice [that is, the daily burnt offering] is taken away and the abomination of desolation is set up [ruining the temple for worship of the true God], there will be 1,290 days.”

Notice it says set up of the abomination of the beast being worshiped as God, and by his emergence as king of the spiritually fallen world where every tribe, nation, and tongue will worship the man of sin as such, he will be given free reign by God to also refine the saints who were not quite prepared to enter into the marriage supper… As we read in chapter 12 of Daniel of this abominable reign of the beast that will bring forth a complete desolation of God’s holy one’s:

“7 And I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he held up his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and a half a time (three and a half years); and as soon as they finish shattering and crushing the power of the holy people, all these things will be finished.”

This will occur during the 1335 day period of Great Tribulation that our Savior covers in His Mount of Olives discourse as follows in Matthew chapter 24… Remember that HE declared this time frame as the end, and occurring after the 2 witnesses have proclaimed the true gospel of God worldwide for a 1260 day period of this initial 1290 tribulation period…These 2 will be counteracting the big set up during the 1290 tribulation period of the beast defeating 3 kings, or 3 of the 10 horns of the beast in battle…

Once their 1260-day period of declaring the need to repent through Christ Jesus is over, God allows for the 2 witnesses’ to be killed by the beast… The remaining 30 days of this 1290-day tribulation period will be spent by the world gloating over the defeat of the much hated 2 witnesses of God, and completion of ensuring that their false messiah is worshiped as God by those whose names are NOT written in the Lamb’s Book of Life…

Laura writes:
I think you are wrong in regard to these time periods. The Bible doesn’t say they gloated over the death of the 2 witnesses for 30 days.

Rev 11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. Rev 11:8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Rev 11:9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. Rev 11:10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. Rev 11:11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

The Bible says they only gloated for 3.5 days and not 30 days. Where are you getting this misinformation from?

Steven Blackledge writes:
“Who can make war against the beast, and who is more amazing than he,” as Revelation chapter 13 reminds us after this tribulation period ends, the man of sin’s reign of 1260 of the 1335-day Great Tribulation period will begin… Those saints that are still alive will be in Satan’s crosshairs, and as once the devil gives his authority over to the beast, the war against the remaining children of God who are still in need of refining will occur as Revelation chapter 13 points out:

“4 They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?”5 Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months. 6 And he spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering his name and his dwelling—that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation. 8 And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered before the world was made. 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. 10 Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword.

This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.”

This time frame is ushered in by the blowing of the 7th trumpet, and is considered “The End” as our Messiah declared in Matthew chapter 24 once the 1290-day period of tribulation ends within verse 14:

“14 This good news of the kingdom [the gospel] will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come.” Jesus continues in verse 15 of Matthew chapter 24 to then ensure we understand the distinction between the tribulation period, and the great tribulation period:

“15 “So when you see the abomination of desolation [the appalling sacrilege that astonishes and makes desolate], spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy Place (let the reader understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains [for refuge]. 17 Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things that are in his house [because there will not be enough time]. 18 Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his coat. 19 And woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 Pray that your flight [from persecution and suffering] will not be in winter, or on a Sabbath [when Jewish laws prohibit travel]. 21 For at that time there will be a GREAT TRIBULATION (pressure, distress, oppression), such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will [again].”

So, verses 9 through 14 of Matthew chapter 24 summarize what will transpire during the 1290-day period of tribulation… The initial persecution of the saints of God, as well as the 1260-day period of the gospel being preached by the 2 witnesses of God will also transpire during this time… These 2 will also be killed during this time in order to make it appear that the beast is “god like.” As many peoples from many nations will have tried to put the 2 witnesses to death via various means unsuccessfully as Revelation chapter 11 declares… Once the beast accomplishes’ what others tried to by being allowed to put the 2 witness’s to death to fulfill God’s predetermined outcome, this will serve as a test for the remaining saints of God… Because as Jesus declared in Matthew chapter 24, “if it were possible, even the elect could be deceived:

“23 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. 25 See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.”

For those who do not pay homage to the beast, receive his mark, and worship the image that will be set up in his honor, these will be put to death during his 1260-day rule… Again, occurring during the 1335-day period of Great Tribulation… As Daniel chapter 7 declares concerning the little horn… The man of sin with whom Abaddon, the king of the bottomless pit, will possess, and make him to appear more than just a mere man to those whose names are NOT written in the Lamb’s Book of Life:

“25 He will speak words against the Most High [God] and wear down the saints of the Most High, and he will intend to change the times and the law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, [two] times, and half a time [three and one-half years].”

This is the same time that John was later shown as part of the Revelation of these end times within chapter 12 as Satan will in a great fury, and with the allegiance of the beast, and false prophet, vehemently go after those who will not worship the man of sin during this Great Tribulation period:

” 17 So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went off to wage war on the rest of her children (seed), those who keep and obey the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus [holding firmly to it and bearing witness to Him].”

Satan is infuriated because of the dead in Christ being resurrected first at this point, and being supernaturally protected by God somewhere while being nourished as they await the refining of their fellow saints who will be allowed to go through the Great Tribulation in order to refine themselves via the Spirit of God, and for their Savior to truly know they will be faithful even unto death… Which is why they will not be caught up together in the air until that 1260-day period of the 1335-day period of Great Tribulation is fulfilled…

Laura writes:
Notice carefully what Steven said here:

“Satan is infuriated because of the dead in Christ being resurrected first at this point, and being supernaturally protected by God somewhere while being nourished as they await the refining of their fellow saints who will be allowed to go through the Great Tribulation in order to refine themselves via the Spirit of God, and for their Savior to truly know they will be faithful even unto death…”

He is saying there are two different resurrections of the saints and yet the Bible only speaks of one resurrection of the saints (first fruits).

Steven Blackledge writes:
As for the 75-day period left during the Great Tribulation, God will pour out His bowls of wrath upon an unrepentant creation, and begin the process of dismantling this kingdom of the beast… While also taking care of spiritual Babylon, and all that represents her in this physical world… Those 75-to-100-pound hailstones that will be used to punish the earth should inflict much damage to this fallen world, as well as structures that Satan has built, or inspired mankind to build in order to honor himself… We all know the climax is the armies of the earth being deceived by the unclean spirits that proceed out of the mouths of the dragon (Satan), the beast (Abaddon), and the false prophet as Revelation chapter 16 declares the gathering in the Valley of Megiddo to wage war against our Savior, and the saints who will be with HIM as HE descends on a white horse from heaven above:

“12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great Euphrates River, and it dried up so that the kings from the east could march their armies toward the west without hindrance. 13 And I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs leap from the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. 14 They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty. 15 “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.” 16 And the demonic spirits gathered all the rulers and their armies to a place with the Hebrew name Armageddon. 17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. And a mighty shout came from the throne in the Temple, saying, “It is finished!” 18 Then the thunder crashed and rolled, and lightning flashed. And a great earthquake struck—the worst since people were placed on the earth. 19 The great city of Babylon split into three sections, and the cities of many nations fell into heaps of rubble. So, God remembered all of Babylon’s sins, and he made her drink the cup that was filled with the wine of his fierce wrath. 20 And every island disappeared, and all the mountains were leveled. 21 There was a terrible hailstorm, and hailstones weighing as much as seventy-five pounds fell from the sky onto the people below. They cursed God because of the terrible plague of the hailstorm.”

Our Savior comes as a thief to those who are ill prepared from a spiritual perspective, and have drunk of the wine of Babylon’s cup of fornications…

So, it is important to understand that our Savior does distinguish 2 different times of tribulation during the time frame when the final 3 trumpets are blown… The final 7th trumpet ushering in the final 1335-day period of the reign of the beast through Satan’s delusional influence through the mystery of lawlessness, and the practice thereof… As well as the dismantling of this 7th empire, symbolized by the 7th head of the beast of Revelation, and the beast altogether as a whole in the lake of fire as declared in Revelation chapter 19:

“19 Then I saw the beast and the kings and political leaders of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against Him who is mounted on the [white] horse and against His army. 20 And the beast (Antichrist) was seized and overpowered, and with him the false prophet who, in his presence, had performed [amazing] signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were hurled alive into the lake of fire which blazes with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds fed ravenously and gorged themselves with their flesh.”

Distinguishing these 2-time frames as well helps one to prepare for what is coming… Which is why Jesus insured we would be instructed beforehand, and have advantage to prepare in HIMSELF on a Spiritual level in order to endure whatever our Father in heaven has in store for us as individual believers… God our Father, and Savior wants us to be with HIM, and will ensure we are given the help via HIS SPIRIT to endure… But again, and as it has always been, it must be in accordance to HIS WORD, and how one is led by the very TRUTH our SAVIOR defines in order to ensure that individual is growing in the true knowledge, and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ…

So, for a quick recap:

1290-day period:
Tribulation, the setup for the abomination (the beast to be accepted as God by the fallen world via great exploits) that will cause spiritual desolation) which the blowing of the 5th, and 6th trumpets ushers in this time frame…

Saints being persecuted to death (the dead in Christ), …

2 witnesses’ declaring the gospel of repentance, and God’s true, and coming kingdom for 1260 days… 2 witnesses’ being put to death by the beast when the man of sin wages war against God’s prophets…

God allows for this to test the saints, and to fulfill HIS prophetic WORD as the world will declare, “who can make with the beast.”… The beast will also defeat, and subdue 3 kings (3 of the 10 kings who will be given authority by Satan to rule over this 7th empire) … Symbolized by the little horn which emerges after the 10 horns have ruled this 7th kingdom for a particular time frame… (see Daniel chapter 7) …

The final 30 days of the 1290-day tribulation period will be used for the final stages of the abomination of desolation being set up…

1335-day period:
Great tribulation, and the end of this age begins as the 7th trumpet is blown…

The dead in Christ Jesus are raised first… After arising, these saints will be taken to a place of divine protection… Satan will try to destroy them as Revelation chapter 12 declares the devil will “pour out a flood,” but to no avail… These individuals were proven true to God by dying in Christ Jesus… Even to the point of giving their physical lives for eternity’s sake… The remaining saints of God who, for some reason, were not prepared to enter into the initial phase of being resurrected, are still alive physically, and will be the primary target of Satan, the beast, and the false prophet… They will be persecuted, and as Revelation chapter 20 declares, “will be beheaded,” for their faith in Christ Jesus, and refusing to worship the beast, and his image…

For 1260 days of this 1335-day period the beast will rule the world, and demand submission, and be granted it either through adoration, or fear of death by every tribe, nation, and tongue… Those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life… Receiving his mark, while showing one’s allegiance by bowing down to the image that will be in place to honor the beast as Revelation chapter 13 reminds us. It will be a new economic system as one who does not receive the mark symbolizing who the beast is will not be able to buy, nor sell… After this 1260-day period of rule, and all of God’s saints have been resurrected to life eternal, all whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, will meet their Savior in the air together as 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 reminds us…

17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

The marriage ceremony of the Lamb, our Savior will take place in heaven at this point as all of the guests, and the bride herself, will be in attendance… In the meantime, during the remaining 75 days, the destruction of the beast’s kingdom (remember he received authority from Satan over every tribe, nations, and tongue… Revelation chapter 13) will transpire as the final 7 bowls of God’s wrath which symbolize the 7 last plagues of Revelation chapter 16…

Again, culminating with the battle that takes place in the plains of Megiddo where all of the armies will gather to make war with the WORD of GOD, and HIS saints… Losing this futile effort of course, as their god Abaddon, and his false prophet are destroyed in the lake of fire before their very eyes… After witnessing their leader’s destruction, they too will meet their doom… But not in the lake of fire which is the 2nd death… You see, as scripture points out, the whole world was deceived because the creation’s damnable will was sought. Rather than the will of their Creator…

Therefore, being defined by sin blinded these folks to the reality of their fallen spiritual state, and the fact that separation from God’s righteousness, rather than being defined by HIM, always leads to death… It will be a day they will never forget, once these individuals are awoken from their dead state of being after the 1,000-year reign of the ONE WHO will have defeated them with the sword that will have proceeded from our Savior’s mouth…

God bless you Laura, and His peace be with you…

Laura writes:
My overall assessment of Steven’s response to me is that if you start on a false premise the end result will be a false doctrine and this is a false narrative of end time events. The reason I know his narrative of end time events is false is not because I understand all end time events, because I do not. What is wrong with this narrative is how he adds things into scripture and changes scripture to suit his purpose and to protect his false doctrine. If you do not look up the scriptures, you can be deceived by people like Steven and there is no possible way we can catch every false narrative out there. I have one last point to cover here. Steven is promoting two resurrections of the first fruits which is not in scripture. Read the following verses:

1Co_15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Here is the problem with Steven’s narrative. Steven believes all of God’s elect must die in order to be refined but these scriptures prove that is not true. There is a timeline to the first fruits resurrection and that is that Christ will raise and change the dead in Christ to Spirit first and then He will change those who are yet alive into spirit, and they all go to the marriage supper of the lamb at the same time.

The word “remain” in verse 17 is Strong’s G4035 and all it means is those who remained alive during tribulation. So, some people are yet alive when Christ returns to harvest the first fruits. You do not have to die in order to be refined. God is refining the first fruits now.

G4035
περιλείπω
perileipō
per-ee-li’-po
From G4012 and G3007; to leave all around, that is, (passively) survive: – remain.
Total KJV occurrences: 2

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Holy Days 2025
Passover (Observed at Sunset the Evening Before.)	April 13, 2025
Passover/Unleavened Bread	April 13-19, 2025
Pentecost	June 2, 2025
Trumpets	September 23, 2025
Atonement	October 2, 2025
Tabernacles	October 7-13, 2025
Last Great Day	October 14, 2025