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And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie;

behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out:

and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 3:1‭-‬22 KJV

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil:

and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer:

behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 2:1‭-‬29 KJV

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.

Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Revelation 1:1‭-‬20 KJV

"Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near."

(Revelation 22:10)

"Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book."

--Revelation 22:7

"Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate ['psifisato' in Greek, meaning 'to vote into office'] the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six."

--(Rev. 13:18)

And I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire; and he had in his hand a little book which was open."

--(Rev. 10:1-2).

And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. … And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God."

--(Rev. 19:11-13).

I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth.

--Gen. 9:13

I, John, ... was on the island called Patmos [Greece], BECAUSE of the word of God and the TESTIMONY of Jesus.

--Revelation 1:9

And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He [Christ] who sat upon it is called Faithful and True." "And I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he [Christ] who sat on it had a bow [the covenant; cf. Gen. 9:13].

Revelation 19:11 -- Revelation 6:2

"And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood." —Revelation 6:12

The Little Book of Revelation: The First Coming of Jesus at the End of Days
By Eli of Kittim (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Revelation-First-Coming/dp/1479747068

[Nonfiction] The Little Book of Revelation (End times Prophecy)

By Author Eli of Kittim

What is the difference between my view and the classical Christian perspective? I am convinced that there are not multiple comings and multiple returns of Christ, but only one decisive coming at the end of the world, which includes the resurrection, the rapture, and his appearance from above!

Editorial Reviews

BlueInk Review Beautifully written. Highly creative literary analysis. An intriguing study. Bible scholars and eschatologists may want to consider its thought-provoking ideas.

Dr. Robert Eisenman Your illustrations are really good. You've mastered another world than I.

https://www.amazon.com/Eli-of-Kittim/e/B00FWAVSMC%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

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Could it be possible that The Little Book is already here? ― Eli Of Kittim, The Little Book of Revelation: The First Coming of Jesus at the End of Days http://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Revelation-First-Coming/dp/1479747068/ref=la_B00FWAVSMC_1_1/178-5016372-4583639?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414497162&sr=1-1

The White Horse: Christ or Antichrist?

By Biblical Researcher Eli of Kittim

The current view holds that the first horseman of the Apocalypse represents the Antichrist (the assumption is as follows: if Christ already came, then the white horse must be referring to the Antichrist). Here's why the mainstream view is wrong:

(1) There are no counterfeit signs found anywhere in the Bible.

So why should this be a precedent? That is, why would a white horse (a symbol of purity and righteousness) represent something as black as hell? Is the Deity deceiving us? Is it possible that white is really black or that good is really evil in the Bible? The mainstream view would have to reservedly admit that it's possible, only because that is the logical conclusion of a counterfeit sign found in scripture. I vehemently disagree. The white symbol of purity is consistent throughout the Bible. There are no counterfeit signs in scripture. Hence the white horse does not represent the antichrist: it symbolizes Christ!

Here is an excerpt from my book, The Little Book of Revelation: The First Coming of Jesus at the End of Days:

//"Immediately I saw a white horse appear, and its rider was holding a bow; he was given a victor’s crown and he went away, to go from victory to victory" (Rev. 6:2, NJB).

The biblical term victory is intimately associated with Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, which ultimately results in the conquering of death itself (1 Cor. 15:54, 57), while the metaphor of the bow represents God’s covenant with the human race (see the Septuagint’s translation of Gen. 9.13, which uses the exact same Greek word for “rainbow” that’s used in Rev. 6.2, namely, “toxon”)! The background to the latter symbol can be found in the writings of the Old Testament. In the wake of the great flood, the deity declares to Noah, the apparent savior of the human species:

‘I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth’ (Gen. 9:13).

The New King James version of the Bible translates the word bow as "rainbow" (Gen. 9:13). The image of the rainbow is closely associated with the biblical story of Joseph, a savior type figure who wore “a coat of many colors” (Gen. 37:3; cf. 49:22-24, KJ). For all intents and purposes, all these stories of God’s covenant with the world share many common traits and culminate in the apocalyptic Messiah who is crowned with a rainbow (bow) upon his head:

"And I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire; and he had in his hand a little book which was open" (Rev. 10:1-2).

Therefore, the first horseman of the Apocalypse (6:2), who is in possession of a bow (the covenant), is evidently none other than Christ himself (cf. Rev. 14:14). Irenaeus, a second century theologian, held the same view, namely, that the first rider of the white horse who is depicted as a peacemaker represents Jesus Christ (Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Rev. ed. [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997], p. 141). Here is another passage that introduces the prelude to this same event; it represents a deeply unsettling episode in world history:

"And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. … And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God" (Rev. 19:11-13).

The above phrase – “and behold, a white horse” – is identical to the one used in the book of Revelation chapter 6 and verse 2 concerning the first horseman of the Apocalypse. Just as the latter horseman conquered death, the former horseman (from Rev. 19:11-13) is “dipped in blood,” as both scenarios imply that he has been slain. Essentially, Revelation 6:2 and Revelation 19:11 appear to be two sides of the same coin. The composite biblical message indicates that Christ will be the first person to be revealed in the final days of the coming apocalypse. In point of fact, Revelation 19:11 provides more in-depth details into the specifics of Revelation 6:2.//

(2) Note that the white horseman is WITHOUT arrows (signifying peace, not war).

(3) Revelation 6:8—in discussing the upcoming, end times wars and famines—MAKES NO MENTION of the white horse at all, but begins with the second horse, the Red Horse:

"And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth." (Rev. 6:8, ESV).

Notice that the white horse is never mentioned. The war commences with the second horse (The Red Horse, which I believe represents the Antichrist):

"And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword [2nd horse/red horse: 'and a great sword was given to him' Rev. 6:4] and with famine [3rd horse/black horse] and with pestilence [4th horse/ashen horse] and by wild beasts of the earth."

This would strongly suggest that the white horse is NOT the Antichrist, but Jesus Christ, especially in view of Revelation 12:1-5 as well as a multitude of different verses and passages thus presented! This constitutes further proof that Jesus is the first person to be revealed in the last days, who commences the sequence of end time events...

The First Coming of Christ at the End of Days: The Revelation of Prophecy in 1 Peter and the Present-Day Anachronism of Revelation 12

By Author Eli of Kittim 🎓

In Revelation chapter 12 verses 1 to 10 there is a sequence of events that we, as interpreters, cannot disentangle without creating a bizarre anachronism as well as a great deal of confusion. The prevailing view presents this extraordinary sequence of events by going back and forth through time. This is called anachronism. In other words, a woman is about to give birth to the Messiah (“She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth” Rev. 12:2), “and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns” (Rev. 12:3) stands “before the woman that is about to be delivered, that when she is delivered he may devour [kill] her child.” (Rev. 12:4). Even though scholars rightly interpret this seven-headed dragon as the last future empire on earth (cf. Rev. 17.7-18), and although these events are described sequentially and appear to be contemporaneous—nevertheless—they inexplicably juxtapose two ages that couldn’t be further apart from each other in order to explain what is being depicted here. That is, the current view holds that Revelation 12:1-5 refers to the Messiah’s birth, 2000 years ago, even though the seven-headed dragon represents a future empire. In short, scholars are erroneously juxtaposing the future with antiquity: the woman gives birth and the seven-headed dragon appears—then we jump back 2000 years, when he tries to kill Jesus—and then we jump forward in time when “the Devil … was cast down to the earth” (Rev. 12:9) to gather the nations for battle (cf. Rev. 20:8): “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels going forth to war with the dragon” (Rev. 12:7). This type of anachronistic interpretation—going back and forth through time—is outrageous and represents a most precarious solution to Revelation chapter 12.

The sequence is clearly linear, and the events being depicted are consistent and contemporaneous. This is how we know that the entire sequence is linear—culminating in the future—because it reads:

“Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down.” (Rev. 12:10).

This means that the entire sequence is set in the future because that is when God’s Kingdom “and the authority of His Christ have come”! You can’t have all the events occurring in the future and then conveniently cherry-pick one event (the Messiah’s birth/death) and set it in the past. It’s either all or nothing. Either they’re all future or they are not. The current anachronistic interpretation is inane! It not only unravels the sequence and disentangles it from its future perspective, it also juxtaposes two different ages of history that have absolutely nothing to do with each other, let alone their total inconsistency with regard to this particular sequence of events.

The first coming of Jesus at the end of Days (cf. Hebrews 1:1-2, 9:26) is the only view that makes any sense with regard to the prophecy of Christ’s birth in Revelation 12:5. And that is my view! It is consistent with Zechariah 12:9-10 which says that “In that day … they will look on Me whom they pierced.” Otherwise, we are once again engaging in anachronism if we understand Zechariah’s passage to mean that those who pierced Jesus 2000 years ago will look at him “in that [future] day.” It is utter nonsense!

1 Peter 1:3-13 is one of those passages that need to be studied thoroughly. For it is quite clear that the first coming of Jesus is a future event:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. Be Holy Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” (1 Peter 1:3-13).

Notice that Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming—not at his second or third coming, but at his coming—which occurs “hapax” or once and for all (Hebrews 9:26). No one who has studied the above passage from 1 Peter can come away thinking that it refers to the past. You can study it for yourselves. Notice that 1 Peter 1:7 exhorts us to have faith so that we are ready “at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” which "apokalifthinai en kairo eshato” or is “revealed in the last days” (1 Peter 1:5). Moreover, observe that “the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow” are PROPHECIES or PREDICTIONS (1 Peter 1:10-11)! Notice also that the evangelists “preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven” (1 Peter 1:12)—not by historical reports! This passage tells you unequivocally that the revelation of Jesus—including his sufferings and glory—are for an appointed time in the future:

"For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.” (Rev. 19:10)

Conclusion

The real question is whether the birth of Jesus in Rev. 12.5 is referring to antiquity or to the end of days. The interpretation is actually very simple. The birth of the male child is obviously contemporaneous with the 7-headed dragon with 10 horns because it is said that “the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bear a child, so that he might devour her child [kill him] as soon as it was born” (Rev. 12.4 NRSV)! If the 7-headed dragon with 10 horns & the male child were NOT contemporaries, then this verse wouldn’t make any sense whatsoever because how could something that doesn’t exist kill the child? So, it’s quite obvious that the child & the 7-headed dragon with 10 horns are contemporaries. That is to say, they exist at the same time.

So, there’s only one question left: what is this 7-headed dragon with 10 horns? The answer is given by Scripture itself. It is the seventh and final empire (or superpower) on earth with 10 kings that will wage war on Jesus Christ at the end of days (see Revelation 17.7-14): https://www.biblestudytools.com/nrs/revelation/17.html

biblestudytools.com

Revelation 17 - NRS Bible - Bible Study Tools

Revelation 17 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great who

If the male child is in fact contemporaneous with the end-times-7-headed dragon with 10 horns, and it is (according to Rev. 12.2-6), then the male child could not have possibly been born in antiquity but rather at the end of days! That’s the clue that the birth of Jesus occurs in “the fullness [or completion] of time” (Gal. 4.4; Eph. 1.9-10), or in the “last days” (Heb. 1.2), otherwise known as “the end of the world” (Heb. 9.26b KJV) or “the final point of time” (1 Pet. 1.20 NJB)! Therefore, the evidence is both robust & compelling! It is indisputable!

Russia: The Origin of the Biblical Antichrist

By Author Eli Kittim

This paper is an excerpt from Eli Kittim’s book, The Little Book of Revelation: The First Coming of Jesus at the End of Days.

Daniel has a follow-up vision of a mighty ram, followed by a male goat that attacks and overwhelms it (8:3-7). In time, the goat’s horn [power] was broken; and in its place there came up four conspicuous horns (8:8). Daniel recounts the oracle:

'And out of one of them came forth a rather small horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Beautiful Land [Israel]. And it grew up to the host of heaven and caused some of the host and some of the stars to fall to the earth, and it trampled them down. It even magnified itself to be equal with the Commander of the host [God]; and it removed the regular sacrifice [Holy Communion] from Him, and the place of His sanctuary [Church] was thrown down' (8:9-11).

The angelic messenger named Gabriel appears once again and interprets the vision to Daniel (8:16). Gabriel says: ‘Son of man, understand that the vision pertains to the time of the end’ (Dan. 8:17). The celestial being now begins to expound the oracle:

‘Behold, I am going to let you know what will occur at the final period of the indignation [God’s wrath], for it pertains to the appointed time of the end. The ram which you saw with the two horns represents the kings of Media and Persia. And the shaggy goat represents the kingdom of Greece, and the large horn that is between his eyes is the first king [Alexander the Great]. And the broken horn and the four horns that arose in its place represent four kingdoms which will arise from his nation [Hellenistic Empire], although not with his power. And in the latter period [in the last days] of their rule, when the transgressors [the succeeding empires] have run their course, a king will arise insolent and skilled in intrigue. And his power will be mighty, but not by his own power, and he will destroy to an extraordinary degree and prosper and perform his will’ (Dan. 8:19-24).

In chapter 11, Daniel receives additional information concerning the previous vision:

‘But as soon as he [Alexander the Great] has arisen, his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four points of the compass, though not to his own descendants, nor according to his authority which he wielded; for his sovereignty will be uprooted and given to others besides them [the Greeks]’ (11:4).

In Daniel chapter 2 (the statue vision), the Antichrist, who mingles ‘in the seed of men’ (2:43), comes from the part of the Roman Empire which is represented by the symbol of iron (2:40-43), namely, the Byzantines. But in Daniel chapter eight, he arises out of one of the four successors of Alexander the Great. As you will see, both lines of succession are correct and coalesce so as to give us a more precise understanding of where the Antichrist comes from.

Following Alexander’s death, the heirs to the Hellenistic Empire were called the Diadochi, which means ‘successors’ in Greek. The four Generals alluded to by scripture appear to be Ptolemy, Seleucus, Cassander and Lysimachus, all of whom had ruled over different Hellenistic Kingdoms after the partition of the Empire (Fruchtenbaum, Arnold G. The Footsteps of the Messiah: A study of the Sequence of Prophetic Events. [Tustin: Ariel, 1990], p. 20). The book of Daniel clearly indicates that the smallest territory in land size, held by one of these four generals, denotes the symbolic ‘small horn’ (the Antichrist) of the end times (8:8-9). Interestingly, the text also states that this small territory cannot possibly come from Alexander’s ‘own descendants,’ namely, the Greeks (11:4). Historically, Greece was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century B.C., and so their empire came to an abrupt end.

On that account, in order to locate the actual place that represents the little horn, we must search elsewhere. By implication, Cassander, who controlled Macedonia and most of Greece, must be ruled out of the equation. On the other hand, Lysimachus’s terrain, which originally consisted of the tiny area called Thrace, is the only one to qualify as the smallest amount of land size in comparison with the other Hellenistic Kingdoms. If you recall, Daniel mentioned that the little horn ‘grew exceedingly great toward the south’ and ‘toward the east’ (8:9). Evidently, after the major Battle of Ipsus in 301 B.C., Lysimachus gained vast amounts of land to the south and to the east, as he was awarded Anatolia for his decisive allied victory. By that time, General Lysimachus had become a very wealthy and powerful man, as he presided over all aspects of life, political and otherwise, within the geographic region we now call Asia Minor. He also founded his capital at Pergamum, in modern-day western Turkey, where all his wealth was kept.

Anatolia then becomes the seat of the Ottoman Empire, which destroyed the last remaining vestige of the Roman Empire in 1453 of the Common Era. By the late 19th century, the Turks were in turn defeated by Imperial Russia through various wars, but especially after the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 A.D. If we trace the succession of empires that supplant one another in the region denoted by the symbol of the little horn – namely, Thrace and Asia Minor – we will notice a sequence that begins with General Lysimachus and continues on with the Byzantine Romans, whose capital (Constantinople) was actually situated within the former’s domain. Next, the Ottoman Turks come forth from this same territory and are subsequently defeated by the Great Russian Empire. Since Lysimachus represents the little horn, we can trace the roots of the Antichrist from this foregoing General all the way up to Russia, the so-called Third Rome. It is for this reason, no doubt, that the book of Revelation features ‘Pergamum’ as the place ‘where Satan’s throne is’ (Rev. 2:12-13) located, indicating not only the origin of the little horn, but also the succession of empires that lead to his proverbial doorstep. In this respect, the small horn, the kingdom of Lysimachus, becomes a key piece of the puzzle that decidedly affirms the link that leads to the Antichrist (Dan. 8:9-12). That is to say, the Lysimachaean province gave rise to the Byzantine and Turkish empires, and in the process of usurping the latter, the modern Russian Empire was born.

Ezekiel, a dominant force in Jewish apocalyptic literature, prophesies that ‘in the latter years’ a mysterious ‘prince of Rosh’ and ‘Meshech’ will come ‘from the remote parts of the north,’ from ‘the land of Magog,’ to invade Israel, ‘whose inhabitants have been gathered from many nations’ (Ezek. 38:2, 8). It is customary for scholars to identify the abovementioned locations with modern day Russia, which will be in league with many nations during its latter-day military campaigns. Historical investigations reveal that the term ‘Rosh’ is derived from the tribe of the ‘Rus’ who migrated from Scandinavia and founded Russia (Kievan Rus) roughly around the 10th century of the Common Era. By the same token, the term ‘Meshech’ originates with the clan whom the Greeks called ‘moshoi,’ and whence the name Moscow is traced.

The Septuagint, an early Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, translates the term ‘Rosh’ (Ezek. 38:2) with the Greek word ρως, which stands for Ρωσία (the Greek word for Russia). The earlier Ezekiel quotation referred to ‘the land of Magog.’ In ancient times, it comprised the lands where the Scythians once lived, and thus represents contemporary Russia. In his sobering book, the biblical scholar Arnold Fruchtenbaum provides a supplementary elaboration of Ezekiel 38:

‘The identification of Magog, Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal is to be determined from the fact that these tribes of the ancient world occupied the areas of modern day Russia. Magog, Meshech and Tubal were between the Black and Caspian Seas which today is southern Russia. The tribes of Meshech and Tubal later gave names to cities that today bear the names of Moscow, the capital, and Tobolsk, a major city in the Urals in Siberia. Rosh was in what is now northern Russia. The name Rosh is the basis for the modern name Russia. These names, then, cover the modern territories of northern and southern Russia in Europe and Siberia to the east in Asia’ (Footsteps of the Messiah 70).

In addition, Ivan the Great adopted the official emblem of the Byzantine Monarchy: the double-headed eagle. He then went on to marry Sophia Paleologue, the niece of the final Byzantine ruler Constantine XI. In the aftermath of the Ottoman Turks’ conquest of the Eastern Roman Empire and in an effort to salvage the last vestiges of Christianity, Ivan designated Moscow as the Third Rome in 1497 A.D. In effect, Moscow became the offspring of the Roman Empire; heirs to the legacy. Russia, then, becomes the link of the little horn (Antichrist) to the Roman Empire (cf. Daniel 7:7-8 f.).

The celebrated seer Nostradamus confirms this conclusion and gives us an insightful clue in this regard:

‘The great Empire of the Antichrist will begin where once was Attila’s empire and the new Xerxes will descend with great and countless numbers’ (The Prophecies, Epistle to Henry II).

Maps that show the extent of Attila’s empire reveal that it comprised areas of the former Soviet Union and modern-day Russia. Moreover, Nostradamus calls the Antichrist the new Xerxes. The differences between Russia and Persia (modern-day Iran) are worlds apart! Nevertheless, Nostradamus pierces through the opaque veil of prophecy to glimpse an intimate alliance built for conquest: ‘Arabs will be allied with the Poles’ (The Prophecies, Century 5, Quatrain 73). The term Poles refers to those who dwell in ‘the remote parts of the north’ (Ezek. 38:6, 15). Here, following, is a prophecy that might lend support to the idea that a military buildup in Asia could ignite the end of the world:

‘When those of the arctic pole are united together, Great terror and fear in the East’ (The Prophecies, Century 6, Quatrain 21).

Who Are the Twenty-Four Elders of Revelation Chapter 4?

By Author Eli Kittim

“Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads.” —Revelation 4:4

The book of Revelation does not disclose the identity of the twenty-four elders. However, based on the descriptions given, and the relationship of this passage to other parts of the Bible, we can make certain valid inferences. The illustrations depicting them as sitting on thrones signify that they are reigning with Christ. John MacArthur, a noted theologian and author, writes:

“Nowhere in Scripture do angels sit on thrones, nor are they pictured ruling or reigning. Their role is to serve as ‘ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation’ (Heb. 1:14; cf. Mat. 18:10).”—John MacArthur, Revelation 1-11: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1999).

Moreover, The Greek word for “elders” is “Presviterous,” from where we get the English word “Presbyters,” meaning elders or ministers of the Church. Interestingly enough, the same word used in Revelation 4:4 for elder is also used in connection with the visible church on earth (otherwise known as the “body of Christ”) in 1 Peter 5:1. In this regard, Paul writes, “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?” (1 Cor. 6:2). According to the gospel of Luke, it is human beings that will rule and reign with Christ (22:30).

Furthermore, the twenty-four elders are clothed in white raiment. Their white garments would also be more consistent with heavenly saints who were once men—and who were saved and cleansed by the blood of the Lamb—than with angelic beings. The color white always signifies the holiness and purity of God (and that’s why I also maintain that the white horse of Revelation 6:2 can only signify Christ; more on that later). For instance, Revelation 6:11 describes the tribulation saints in this way:

“And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.”

Similarly, Revelation 3:18 says, “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness.”

It is of immense importance to understand the types of crowns these twenty-four elders wear because this theme will ultimately help us uncover important clues about the mysterious identity of the white horse in Revelation 6:2 (the so-called first horseman of the Apocalypse)! In the original Greek text, the twenty-four elders are said to wear golden “stephanous” crowns (Rev. 4:10). A “stephanos” crown is associated with the glory of God, and “stephanos” is the Greek word used for crown in 1 Thessalonians:

“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?” (1 Thess. 2:19).

In fact, a “stephanos” crown is explicitly defined as representing “Righteousness,” since that is the Greek word used for crown in 2 Timothy 4:8:

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

In 1 Peter 5:4 the Greek word for crown—namely, “stephanon,”—represents “the unfading crown of glory”: “And when the Chief Shepherd appears [Christ], you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” What is more, the Greek term “stephanos” is used to represent a kingly or royal crown in connection with Christ’s passion: “And they clothed him [Christ] with purple, and platted a crown [“stephanon”] of thorns, and put it about his head” (Mark 15:17; cf. John 19:2). So, Christ is given a royal “stephanon” crown (which he also wears in Rev. 14:14) that will become a metaphor for his passion, death, and resurrection! The term “stephanos” means crown or crowned in Greek. More precisely, it is “a victor’s wreath.” In other words, the word “stephanos” signifies a victor’s crown, and is intimately associated with the Greek word “niki” (meaning “victory”), which is the Greek word used in connection with Christ’s victory over death in 1 Corinthians 15:54, 57.

The reason this study is so important is that the same Greek terms used in the New Testament to define the crowns of God’s righteousness, God’s glory, and Christ’s victory over death are the exact same terms used in describing the first horseman of the Apocalypse, the white horse! By comparison, the white horseman of Revelation 6:2 also wears a “stephanos” crown: “he was given a victor’s crown and he went away, to go from victory to victory.” In Greek it reads:

“Kai edothi auto stephanos kai exilthen nikon kai ina nikisi.”

The words “nikon” and “nikisi” are action verbs of the noun “niki,” which means “victory.” Some Bible versions mistranslate the words “nikon” and “nikisi” with the words “conquering and to conquer.”

However, the Greek word for conquest is “κατάκτηση,” and it means “the subjugation and assumption of control of a place or people by use of military force,” whereas “victory” means defeating an opponent, or winning a game, race, or other competition. Though they may appear to be similar, the words conquest and victory have completely different meanings. By transcribing the Greek “Nikon” and “Nikisi” (which mean “Victory”) with the English words “Conquering” and “Conquer” (which mean to subjugate people via military force) some scholars seem to insinuate a malevolent figure because they are essentially mistranslating the Victorious Christ into the Conquering Antichrist (which explains why many scholars identify this figure as the Antichrist).

However, there are also accurate translations of Revelation 6:2 that portray this white horseman as victorious rather than one who is bent on conquest. For instance, The New Jerusalem Bible reads: “and he went away, to go from victory to victory” (suggesting from glory to glory; cf. Common English Bible). The New International Reader’s Version says “He rode out like a hero on his way to victory.” Similarly, the Jubilee Bible 2000 says that “he went forth victorious, that he might overcome,” terms that are intimately associated with the righteous, and especially with Jesus Christ. Similarly, Irenaeus, an early church father, held that the first rider of the white horse who is depicted as a peacemaker represents Jesus Christ. And, let us not forget that Revelation 19:11 uses the same exact terminology and symbolic imagery as in Rev. 6:2 to tell us that this is in fact Jesus.

Let us now return to the twenty-four elders. The problem of identifying these figures has to do with how the book of Revelation is composed, which is to say, whether the events it alludes to are written in chronological order or not. There is ample evidence that the end time events are mentioned in detail chronologically, reaching a crescendo towards the end of the book, but there are also overlapping themes that serve the purpose of giving the reader the big picture, as it were, and this seems to be a source of great confusion. Some commentators claim that the twenty-four elders cannot represent the raptured church because they are mentioned prior to the great tribulation, and also because they are depicted as anticipating these coming events. This is partly true. Apparently, the twenty-four elders are mentioned chronologically before the chapters that allude to the rapture, and the death and ascension of Christ (Ch. 5), and prior to Ch. 6 that references the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.

However, Chapters 2 and 3 give us the overall picture (big picture) concerning the church’s tribulation, and beginning with chapter 6 we get more specific details from start to finish. The same holds true for the Antichrist in Revelation 19 and 20. The Satanic figure that is loosed in Revelation chapter 20 is the same Antichrist that died in the previous chapter; but, here, the story is described in more detail. So, although there appears to be a chronological order of events in the book of Revelation, there are also overlapping themes that are played out. Thus, we have the big picture, on the one hand, and details on the other. So then, since Chapters 2 and 3 reference the great tribulation (2:9), and since authority and rule (2:26-27) and white garments (3:4-5) are promised therein to those who overcome, it is more than likely that the twenty-four elders represent the tribulation saints (cf. Luke 22:30). In fact, Jesus says emphatically:

“He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne” —Rev. 3:21

Elsewhere, John the Revelator has a vision:

“Then I saw thrones, and sitting on them were those to whom authority to act as judges and to pass sentence was entrusted” (Rev. 20:4).

In the gospels, Jesus said the apostles would judge the twelve tribes “in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory” (Mat. 19:28). Another clue comes from an “elder” who explains to John the identity of those coming out of the Great Tribulation (Rev. 7:13-14). Therefore, these elders seemingly represent the overcomers of Revelation 2 and 3.

In many ways, Revelation 4 is a throwback to Daniel 7. According to his vision of the end times, Daniel reports that “thrones were set up,” and that “the Ancient of Days took His seat” (Dan. 7:9) in order to pass judgment “in favor of the saints” when “the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom” (Dan. 7:22). The (tribulation) saints will be given into the hands of the beast (Antichrist) for “a time and times and half a time” (Dan. 7:25), but the court will convene and remove “his dominion … forever” (Dan. 7:26).

Why Are There Twenty-Four Elders in Revelation Chapter 4?

The number 24 per se may contain a secret code and perhaps allude to a cryptic date or season when the Great Tribulation will commence, but anything more than that is pure conjecture. Biblically speaking, the figure 24 may have been taken from 1 Chr. 24:3-6, in which David divided the Tribe of Levi into 24 courses (twenty-four courses of Levitical priests rotating to minister in the Tabernacle). Since the tribulation saints represent a priestly kingdom, it would mean that they are probably represented by the twenty-four elders. This last point offers yet another clue to the fact that the twenty-four elders represent men and not angels.

Another view holds that the number of the elders represent the twelve tribes of Israel—as written on the twelve gates of the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:12)—and “the twelve apostles of the Lamb”—as written on the twelve foundations of the New City (Rev. 21:14). Since we’re discussing tribulation saints, it seems like a proleptic interpretation to suggest that twelve of the elders represent Old Testament saints, and the other twelve New Testament saints. A more realistic interpretation is to ascribe these values to Jews and Gentiles alike. Thus, twelve of the elders could represent tribulation saints from the 12 tribes of Israel (believers in Christ), and the other twelve the remainder of the tribulation saints. In other words, the twenty-four elders may be composed of all the tribulation saints, which would include both “Israel” and the “church.” Therefore, the twenty-four elders of Revelation Chapter 4 seemingly represent a remnant of both Jews and Gentiles (the redeemed tribulation saints) who meet in council before the throne of God in preparation for the coming judgment of the world!

How Close Are We to the Gog Magog War and Armageddon?

By Author Eli of Kittim

“Understand that the vision pertains to the time of the end” (Dan. 8:17). The angelic messenger named Gabriel expounds the oracle, which refers to a particular man whom we call the Antichrist:

“Behold, I am going to let you know what will occur at the final period of the indignation [God’s wrath], for it pertains to the appointed time of the end. The ram which you saw with the two horns represents the kings of Media and Persia. And the shaggy goat represents the kingdom of Greece, and the large horn that is between his eyes is the first king [Alexander the Great]. And the broken horn and the four horns that arose in its place represent four kingdoms which will arise from his nation [Hellenistic Empire], although not with his power. And in the latter period [in the last days] of their rule, when the transgressors [the succeeding empires] have run their course, a king [Antichrist] will arise insolent and SKILLED IN INTRIGUE. And his power will be mighty, but not by his own power, and he will destroy to an extraordinary degree and prosper and perform his will” (Dan. 8:19-24, emphasis added).

Interestingly enough, the abovementioned phrase “skilled in intrigue” means that the Antichrist is someone who has received training in secret or underhand schemes and plots, which would be the equivalent of a modern-day spy who is highly trained in carrying out secret schemes or missions. Not surprisingly, the famed seer Nostradamus refers to him as “the spy.” But, according to Nostradamus, first he will feign amity and tranquility: “Peace and semblance the spy will simulate” (The Prophecies, Century 9, Quatrain 88). Keep in mind that the current leader of Russia, Vladimir Putin, was a spy, an officer in the KGB (more on that later).

Ezekiel, a dominant force in Jewish apocalyptic literature, prophesies that “in the latter years” a mysterious “prince of Rosh” and “Meshech” will come “from the remote parts of the north,” from “the land of Magog,” to invade Israel, “whose inhabitants have been gathered from many nations” (Ezek. 38:2, 8). It is customary for Bible scholars to identify the abovementioned locations with modern day Russia, which will be in league with many nations during its latter-day military campaigns. Historical investigations reveal that the term “Rosh” is derived from the tribe of the “Rus” who migrated from Scandinavia and founded Russia (Kievan Rus) roughly around the 10th century of the Common Era. By the same token, the term “Meshech” originates with the clan whom the Greeks called “moshoi,” and whence the name Moscow is traced.

The Septuagint, an early Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, translates the term “Rosh” (Ezek. 38:2) with the Greek word Ρως, which stands for Ρωσία (the Greek word for Russia). The earlier Ezekiel quotation referred to “the land of Magog.” In ancient times, it comprised the lands where the Scythians once lived, and thus represents contemporary Russia. In his sobering book, Footsteps of the Messiah, the biblical scholar Arnold Fruchtenbaum provides a supplementary elaboration of Ezekiel 38:

“The identification of Magog, Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal is to be determined from the fact that these tribes of the ancient world occupied the areas of modern day Russia. Magog, Meshech and Tubal were between the Black and Caspian Seas which today is southern Russia. The tribes of Meshech and Tubal later gave names to cities that today bear the names of Moscow, the capital, and Tobolsk, a major city in the Urals in Siberia. Rosh was in what is now northern Russia. The name Rosh is the basis for the modern name Russia. These names, then, cover the modern territories of northern and southern Russia in Europe and Siberia to the east in Asia” (70).

The celebrated seer Nostradamus confirms this conclusion and gives us an insightful clue in this regard:

“Then the great Empire of the Antichrist will begin, where Attila and Xerxes descended, in numbers great and countless” (The Prophecies, Epistle to Henry II).

Attila was a Hun. According to historians, “the Huns were a group of Eurasian nomads, appearing from east of the Volga [a river which flows through central Russia and into the Caspian Sea, and is widely viewed as the national river of Russia], who migrated into Europe c. 370 and built up an enormous empire there” (Grousset, Rene, The Empire of the Steppes, 38). Maps that show the extent of Attila’s and Xerxes’ empires reveal that they comprised areas of the former Soviet Union and modern-day Russia. Moreover, Nostradamus calls the Antichrist the new Xerxes (see 666 = χξς cf. Ξέρξης/Xérxēs)! The differences between Russia and Persia (Modern-day Iran) are worlds apart! Nevertheless, similar to the future alliance between Russia and Persia (Ezek. 38.5) that’s prophesied in the Bible, Nostradamus pierces through the opaque veil of prophecy to glimpse an intimate alliance built for conquest: “Arabs will be allied with the Poles” (The Prophecies, Century 5, Quatrain 73). The term Poles refers to those who dwell in “the remote parts of the north” (Ezek. 38:6). Here, following, is a prophecy that might lend support to the idea that a military buildup in Asia could ignite the end of the world: “When those of the arctic pole are united together, Great terror and fear in the East” (The Prophecies, Century 6, Quatrain 21).

The book of Daniel furnishes more intriguing clues about the prophesied Antichrist:

“A despicable person will arise, on whom the honor of kingship has not been conferred [he is initially appointed, not elected], but he will come in a time of tranquility and seize the kingdom by intrigue” (Daniel 11:21).

This is the one who “will speak out against the Most High” as well as “wear down the saints [believers] of the Highest One” (Dan. 7:24-25). Hence, this figure will speak pompous words “against the Most High” God (Dan. 7:8, 25). The Bible says thusly:

“he will exalt and magnify himself above every god, and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done” (Dan. 11:36).

Paul contributes to this discussion by adding the following remark:

“[This is] the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God” (2 Thess. 2:3-4).

He will forge an immense military alliance (Dan. 9:26; 11:23, 31; Ezek. 38:4-7) that exacts conformity to his One World Government: those who show reluctance will ultimately perish (Rev. 13:8, 15). Scripture says that the Antichrist will rule the world, “but not by his own power” (Dan. 8:23-24), indicating that other governments will “give their power and authority to the beast” (Rev. 17:13). Interestingly enough, the designation “dragon” – who “gave his authority to the beast [Antichrist]” (Rev. 13:4) – happens to be the national symbol of the People’s Republic of China. The reference to “the kings from the east” makes it quite possible that China will eventually unite with, and lend support to the Russian Antichrist (Rev. 16:12). In fact, China is currently one of Russia’s strongest allies. In their unquenchable thirst for power, both the Antichrist and his allies are ultimately bent on world domination. Nostradamus writes:

“A colonel with ambition plots, He will seize the greatest army,” (The Prophecies, Century 4, Quatrain 62).

Bear in mind that Vladimir Putin was a spy, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before entering the political arena. But let’s continue.

According to Bible prophecy, the believers in God “will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time” (Dan. 7:25). This interim is equivalent to 1260 days (Rev. 12:6, 14) or three and a half years. Apparently, the Antichrist will enjoy success for this particular length of time, which is equivalent to forty-two months (Rev. 11:2; 13:5-6). In reference to this specific time period, Jesus warns: “when you see Jerusalem [Israel] surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is at hand” (Luke 21:20). The Antichrist’s forces will soon cover the earth, gathering on the horizon to decimate the world (Isa. 60:2; Joel 2:1-2).

Now, when we look at the four horsemen of the apocalypse, several things become immediately discernible. The white horse of the first seal is an omen given by scripture to indicate the conspicuous purity of the first rider, Jesus Christ (Rev. 6:2). There is no hint of a counterfeit symbol anywhere in the Bible! Hence, we must take this sign at face value. On the other hand, the second seal reveals a terrifying red horse that will “take peace [away] from the earth” (Rev. 6:3-4). It has been traditionally linked to the red dragon that has 7 heads and 10 horns (Rev. 12:3-9). Therefore, the red horse turns out to be a sign of the Antichrist’s arrival, which happens to be contemporaneous with Christ’s earthly visitation (Rev. 12; 19).

The signs of the Antichrist are legion. Of the few and far between literary references which are known, two parallel passages may hold the key to the perennial mystery of the Antichrist who is said to be incarnated at the final point of time (cf. Rev. 12:9; 13; 2 Thess. 2:3-10; John 14:30; Dan. 7:8, 25-26; 8:10-11). One passage – well-known, but not fully explored – is found in the book of Revelation:

“And he causes all, the small and the great … to be given a mark on their right hand, or on their forehead, and he provides that no one should be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate [‘psifisato’ in Greek, which means ‘vote’] the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six” (13:16-18).

In Greek, the phrase “psifisato ton arithmon tou thiriou” means to cast one's vote for the number of the beast and by implication refers to the year of his public appearance. The other passage, equally popular, is encountered in the Nostradamus text:

“The year 1999, seventh month, From the sky will come a great King of Terror: To bring back to life the great King of the Mongols, Before and after Mars [Roman god of war] to reign by good luck” (The Prophecies, Century 10, Quatrain 72).

Nostradamus tells us the precise year in which the Antichrist will make his first public appearance: nineteen hundred and ninety-nine. According to popular culture, this was not only the last year of the 20th century (cf. Dan. 10:13), but it also marked the end of the thousand year period that is said to coincide with Satan’s release from prison, when he will gather the armies of “Gog and Magog” for a final great battle while “the beloved city” of Jerusalem will come under siege (Rev. 20:7-9; cf. Rev. 19:19; Luke 21:20-22; Ezek. 38:8-9, 15-16; Ps. 83:2-8). But the most interesting part of Nostradamus’s quatrain is that “the year 1999” confirms biblical prophecy. In accordance with the Nostradamic oracle, if we simply invert the cryptic number of the beast that is embedded in the book of Revelation, namely, the coded trilogy of 666, we get the triple-digit number 999. Astoundingly, this equation confirms the quintessential sign, indeed, the precise year of the Antichrist’s public appearance that is prophesied by Nostradamus, to wit, the year 1999! Accordingly, the year 1999 becomes the all-important sign of the Antichrist; not only a very critical date in human history, but also one that bears a conspicuous similitude to the cryptic number of the beast: 666. Just because that date has elapsed does not make this sign any less significant. The reason for this is quite obvious; the current leader of Russia, Vladimir Putin, actually became acting president in “the year 1999” when Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned! As predicted by the Bible, he did come in a time of peace (“the year 1999” encoded in the number “666”), and was initially appointed, rather than elected, not to mention that he is in fact “skilled in intrigue,” having been a former high ranking Russian spy! Hence why Daniel 8:25 calls him “a master of deception.”

According to all these prophecies, we can thus say with confidence that the Antichrist has not only stepped onto the world stage, but due to the incessant expansion of his military operations is daily increasing in fame and stature. Hippolytus Romanus (circa 170-236 A.D.), a highly prolific theologian of the Roman Church, composed a treatise on Christ and Antichrist in the early part of the third century. To dispel any notions that the term Antichrist is a purely metaphorical construct, Hippolytus writes:

“The Saviour appeared in the form of a man, and he too [the Antichrist] will come in the form of a man.”

The famous War Scroll, also known as 1QM (Dead Sea Scrolls), contains prophecies about a pivotal episode in human history: the final battle at the end of time between the forces of light and the forces of darkness, otherwise known as Armageddon. This decisive conflict has been known since the time of the ancient Persian prophet Zoroaster. According to the War Scroll, Belial emerges in the text as the unequivocal chief antagonist to the Deity. The conspicuous opponent of Belial is the king of the Kittim, one of the professed sons of Greece (cf. Gen. 10:4). And who is Belial’s greatest rival? Insofar as scripture is concerned, it is none other than Jesus Christ. Paul writes:

“What harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols” (2 Cor. 6:15-16)?

Notice that after the death of the king of Kittim (Messiah), which is the main implication of column 16.7-9, the people lose heart and consequently halt their signal to advance. Yet, even though Belial [Antichrist] is prevailing against the forces of Kittim, the devoted priests continue blowing on the trumpets of the slain (cf. Rev. 8:2-13). These specific War Scroll symbols may be traced back to “First Thessalonians, [which] is probably the earliest letter of Paul that we have, written in AD 50” (New Jerusalem Bible, 1367). According to this New Testament letter, Christ will reappear “with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (4:16; cf. 1 Cor. 15:51-52). This Pauline death and resurrection theme may help explain why we find several references to Christ’s atonement in the last days, such as “The Offering of God” (4.1), within the 1QM manuscript. Therefore, the War Scroll story seems to portray the redemptive death of a future king, whose priests nevertheless continue to call on his name insistently and without respite:

“Then they shall gather …. In the morning they shall come to the place of the battle line, where the mighty men of the Kittim fell …. When they stand before the slain of the Kittim, they shall praise there the God of Israel. And they shall say in response: … to God most high” (Column 19, Lines 9-14).

The foregoing quote supplies further evidence that the slain king of the Kittim is associated with the highest divinity. Astoundingly, the faithful stand at his grave and praise him! Other portions of the War Scroll also attest to an incarnate God amongst men during this end time period. Here is such a line: “and he (Moses) [Sic] told us that You are in our midst, a great and awesome God” (10.1). Moreover, the Essenes recount the riveting, Messianic resurrection prophecy of the end times: “the King of Glory is with us …. The Hero of War is with our company …. Rise up, O Hero, take your captives, O Glorious One” (12.8-10), they exclaim. Equally important are the following lines that concentrate on the same resurrection theme:

“Rise up, rise up, O God of gods, and raise Yourself in power, O King of Kings … let all the Sons of Darkness scatter from before You” (Column 14, Lines 16-17).

This messianic death and resurrection theme is reminiscent of an Isaian prophecy concerning “the last days” (2:2):

“Men will go into caves of the rocks and into holes of the ground before the terror of the LORD and the splendor of His majesty, When He arises to make the earth tremble” (Isaiah 2:19).

In fact, Isaiah describes this apocalyptic battle in the starkest terms, as he prophetically envisions God “waging war with the dragon” (Rev. 12:7; Isa. 27:1) in the air. He writes: just “like flying birds, so the Lord of hosts will protect … and deliver” (Isa. 31:5) his people. In like manner, the War Scroll manuscript indicates that the “king of the Kittim … shall go forth with great wrath to do battle against the kings of the north” (1.4). This is reminiscent of Ezekiel’s prophecy pertaining to the “prince of Rosh” (prince of Russia) who “will come from … the remote parts of the north” (38:15-16) to overwhelm the nations, and “whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth” (2 Thess. 2:8). Therefore, the War Scroll reveals that during this ultimate war of the gods (Christ and Antichrist), “The princes of God” (3.3) will do battle on humanity’s behalf: “You appointed the Prince of Light from of old to assist us” (Column 13, Line 10). You may recall that the book of Daniel references Christ as “Michael, one of the chief princes” (Dan. 10:13; cf. 12:1). In the same vein, the Essenes’ “banners” reflect the signposts that point to the approaching Messiah: “Michael” (War Scroll 9.16), “The right hand of God,” “The appointed time of God,” “The tumult of God,” “The slain of God” (4.6-7; cf. Dan. 10:6), and the like.

It is our contention that we cannot profit by the War Scroll manuscript unless we fully understand its connection to the Old and New Testament writings. In contradistinction to public opinion, our assiduous detective work shows that the king of the Kittim literally represents the God-Messiah in one form or another: as the slain of God or the Offering of God. Here is such an excerpt depicting the death of an anointed one:

“On the day when the Kittim fall there shall be a battle and horrible carnage … for it is a day appointed by Him [God] from ancient times as a battle of annihilation for the Sons of Darkness” (Column 1, Lines 9-10).

The aforesaid quote appears to reflect the terrible violence that will ensue in the aftermath of Christ’s death (cf. Luke 21:22; Dan. 7:21, 25). This prophetic story resonates in other spiritual traditions and personages as well. In short, a messianic figure dies, and then comes a horrible carnage:

“Mabus very soon then will die, [then] will come, A horrible undoing of people and animals, At once one will see vengeance…” (Nostradamus, The Prophecies, Century II, Quatrain 62, Translation by John Hogue).

Although most of the Nostradamus experts, like John Hogue, have mistakenly identified “Mabus” as Nostradamus’ 3rd and final Antichrist, the reality is that this figure actually represents Christ, as this underlying messianic theme is prevalent amongst many prophetic traditions. Accordingly, the word “Mabus” may not be an anagram at all, but rather an acronym derived from the Jewish tradition for Mašīaḥ Ben Yōsēf, the prophesied Messiah who will soon die after making an appearance on the world stage. Similarly, the Scriptures teach that the Antichrist will unleash apocalyptic horrors of such an unimaginable magnitude the world has never known (Matt. 24:21). Since the Antichrist will be infuriated by the manifestation of the Messiah, the intensification of this onslaught against the nations, and especially against all Christians, will be completely overwhelming (cf. Dan. 11:30). That this savage slaughter is not exclusively prophesied in the Bible is indicated by its inclusion in the 1QM (War Scroll):

“On the day of their battle against the Kittim, they shall go forth for carnage in battle” (Column 1, Lines 12-13).

One such paradigm can be found in the Apocalypse of John, commonly called the “book of Revelation,” where we find a book sealed up with seven seals, which has yet to be opened (Rev. 5:1). Teeming with fantastic glimpses of the coming apocalypse, the seven seals represent the great signs of the last days on earth. The book in question appears to hold all the secrets concerning these prophetic events and is itself connected to them. More importantly, the unveiling of its mysterious contents is somehow associated with the commencement of Armageddon, the last great battle of human history. Here is an example featuring a strong angel who puts forth a profound question: “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” (Rev. 5:2). An incorrect answer will ultimately lead to an utter misinterpretation of the entire Bible and its oracles. Fortunately, the correct answer is made explicit: “The Lion … has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals” (Rev. 5:5). Notice the phrasing of the previous sentence: “The Lion … has overcome so as to open the book.” In other words, “the Lion” – “the Root of David” (Rev. 5:5; 22:16) – is Christ, whose victory over death has something to do with the opening of this book of signs (Fruchtenbaum, Footsteps of the Messiah, 117). It will become increasingly clear that the content of the aforesaid quote is a metaphor for the Messiah initiating the final events on earth. After the aforesaid question is proclaimed, we encounter a scene taking place in heaven where a Lamb is standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes … sent out into all the earth (Rev. 5:6). Implicit in this eerily evocative phrase is the idea of “a resurrected individual” (Fruchtenbaum 117). The following verse reads: “And He [Jesus] came, and He took it [the little book] out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne” (Rev. 5:7). Pay particular attention to the fine print, as it were: And He came; but whence did he come? If Christ was already in heaven, as most people believe, he would have been holding the little book in advance. In contradistinction, we are first exposed to the powerful image of a slain lamb that is sent out into all the earth, and then we become privy to the information that Christ arrives in heaven in dramatic style to take the little book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne so as to initiate the coming apocalypse. The foregoing scriptural imagery is haunting in its directness as it attempts to disclose that Jesus is not in heaven during the last days of the world, but on the earth as the slain sacrificial Lamb of God (cf. Rev. 13:8). This messianic ascension theme is a throwback to the vision of the son of man in the book of Daniel:

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man [“bar enash” means human being], coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14).

In addition, the little book which Christ obtains from the Father anticipates how the final apocalyptic events will eventually unfold once he initiates or breaks the seven seals (Rev. 6; 8). This scenario fits well within the overall apocalyptic context of the “great sign” of Revelation 12 in which an expected child will be born, devoured (killed), and will later be “caught up [ascend] to God and to his throne” (Rev. 12:1-5). Then Christ “broke one of the seven seals” (Rev. 6:1):

“Immediately I saw a white horse appear, and its rider was holding a bow; he was given a victor’s crown and he went away, to go from victory to victory” (Rev. 6:2, NJB).

The biblical term victory is intimately associated with Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, which ultimately results in the conquering of death itself (1 Cor. 15:54, 57), while the metaphor of the bow represents God’s covenant with the human race. The background to the latter symbol can be found in the writings of the Old Testament. In the wake of the great flood, the deity declares to Noah, the apparent savior of the human species:

“I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth” (Gen. 9:13).

Therefore, the first horseman of the Apocalypse (6:2), who is in possession of a bow (the covenant), is evidently none other than Christ himself (cf. Rev. 14:14). Irenaeus, a second century theologian, held the same view, namely, that the first rider of the white horse who is depicted as a peacemaker represents Jesus Christ (Mounce, Robert H, The Book of Revelation, 141). Here is another passage that introduces the prelude to this same event; it represents a deeply unsettling episode in world history:

“And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. … And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God” (Rev. 19:11-13).

The above phrase – “and behold, a white horse” – is identical to the one used in the book of Revelation chapter 6 and verse 2 concerning the first horseman of the Apocalypse. Just as the latter horseman conquered death, the former horseman (from Rev. 19:11-13) is “dipped in blood,” as both scenarios imply that he has been slain. Essentially, Revelation 6:2 and Revelation 19:11 appear to be two sides of the same coin. The composite biblical message indicates that Christ will be the first person to be revealed in the final days of the coming apocalypse. In point of fact, Revelation 19:11 provides more in-depth details into the specifics of Revelation 6:2.

Thus, we have the same story in the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Bible), the War Scroll (Dead Sea Scrolls), and in Nostradamus (The Prophecies), namely, a Messiah (Mabus or Mašīaḥ Ben Yōsēf) will appear on earth and will soon die (cf. Rev. 12:4), followed by the appearance of the Antichrist and the horrible carnage of WWIII.

The rebirth of Israel represents, to use a popular phrase, the prophetic clock that started ticking on 14 May 1948 and which continues to wind down to zero so as to proclaim the appointed time of the Lord’s Day (Rev. 1:10). The rebirth of Israel marks a turning point in apocalyptic expectations, and Christ’s message concerning end time events seems to point toward this 1948 prophetic countdown:

“Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (Matt. 24:34).

But what on earth does he mean by this? In order to comprehend this terse remark, we must inquire into the standard time limit of a biblical generation. The book of Psalms makes known that a generation is equal to 70 actual years (90:10). This 70 year timeline also points to Christ’s incarnation because after its completion God himself vows to walk the earth. Jeremiah prophesies: “For thus says the LORD, ‘When seventy years have been completed …, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you’” (29:10). This implies that somewhere toward the end of this lengthy time interval the Messiah will appear and intervene in human affairs. Compare Jeremiah’s prophecy to the seventy week prophecy of Daniel (Dan. 9:2, 24-25). Jesus is indicating that it will take one generation since the rebirth of Israel “until all these things take place” (Matt. 24:34; cf. 1 Thess. 4:15). Modern Israel, then, becomes the preeminent sign as regards the end of days. As to what might occur, we refer the reader to peruse certain key biblical sections – (See Ezek. 38; Dan. 7; 8; 9; 12; Matt. 24; Luke 17; 21; Rev. 9; 13; 19; 20) – among others, so as to gain a more comprehensive view of end time events. Suffice it to say that a great war is headed our way. Jesus warns us of the cataclysmic events that will soon occur during the winter of the great Sabbath (Matt. 24:20). That is when the heavenly signs will begin and all hell will break loose on earth:

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of [the] birth pangs” (Matt. 24:7-8).

According to Dr. Fruchtenbaum, a noted Bible scholar, this passage suggests “a world-wide conflict” such as “World War I” and “World War II” (63-64). Enter World War III (cf. Ezek. 38:4-9, 15-17; Rev. 6:4, 8; 9:14-19; 20:8)! This dire war will inevitably trigger the last great battle between Christ and Antichrist known as Armageddon (Rev. 16:16; 19:11-15). This is essentially the end-time road map. The Jewish sages say:

“If you shall see kingdoms rising against each other in turn, then give heed and note the footsteps of the Messiah.” —Bereshit Rabbah XLII: 4

Astoundingly, both the biblical and extra-biblical prophecies concerning the coming Messiah seem to converge in the latter half of the 2010 decade or thereabouts: the Mayan (their twenty-six-thousand-year cycle ended in 2012), the Sikh (in which, according to Sakhee 15th, the avatar or god man is said to appear after the year 2015), Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri’s prophecy (according to which the messiah will appear after Ariel Sharon’s death—or c. 2015); Malachy’s prophecy of the 112 Popes (Pope Francis being the last, according to experts, who was inducted in 2013); Daniel’s Seventy-Weeks prophecy (in which Messiah is said to appear approximately seventy years after the restoration of Israel: 1948+70=2018); Vilna Gaon’s prophecy, which predicts the Russian invasion of Crimea as a sign of the coming Messiah; Judah Ben Samuel’s prediction of the Messiah appearing after 2017; the Four Blood Moons that fell on Jewish holy days (recent apocalyptic omens that culminated in 2015), the two total solar eclipses that occurred in the span of about seven years (2017 & 2024), and many more. Therefore, the arrival of the Messiah is imminent!

To sum up, both the biblical and extra-biblical prophecies indicate that the latter half of the 2010 decade & the beginning of the 2020 decade are of extreme importance to all the inhabitants of the earth because it is during this time that the long-awaited Messiah will appear to change the course of human history. There is overwhelming evidence that the 2010/2020 decades are the Messianic decades, as we are told in one prophecy after another! Apparently, we are the messianic generation that the prophets of old longed to see. The signs are everywhere:

“But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase” (Daniel 12:4).

In conclusion, the underlying theme prevalent amongst all of the aforementioned spiritual traditions is that the Messiah will be the first person to be revealed on the world stage, and will soon be killed. In other words, the Antichrist will not be revealed unless the Messiah’s death precedes this event (2 Thess. 2:1-9). Then a horrible carnage will ensue the likes of which the world has never known (Dan. 12:1, Matt. 24:21). According to Daniel and the prophecies of Jesus, the end will come roughly 70 years after the restoration of Israel, or one generation thereafter. Since seventy years after the restoration of Israel (1948) brings us to the year 2018, we must therefore consider ourselves as being part of that prophesied last generation.

The apocalyptic biblical theme of a full-scale Russian invasion at the end of days (the so-called Gog Magog war) carries a lot of weight with prophecy scholars and is one of the most intriguing prophecies of the Bible. Russia's war with the west, its increasing military presence in the Levant, coupled with the rising number of its Muslim allies proves that the Gog Magog war of Ezekiel is coming true! The Russian invasion of Ukraine, coupled with the current war between Israel and Iran, might indicate that the beginning of the Gog Magog War is close at hand! There’s no doubt about it, a Great War is brewing in the Middle East, which will soon trigger a world war. In fact, the Bible predicts a nuclear war (cf. Zech. 14:12) in the end times that will kill over 2 billion people. According to a recent article entitled NATO vs. Russia War Could Begin Today Or Tomorrow, “Russia is actively preparing for a conflict with NATO, and NATO is preparing for a possible confrontation with Russia.” According to The Guardian, The US plans to retaliate against Russian expansion. So, how close are we to the Gog Magog War? We “know that it is near, right at the door” (Matt. 24:33) because NATO & the US are on the precipice of a major conflict with Russia!