War on the Bible
Corrupt Christianity breeds Atheism and it will be seen that Atheism breeds corrupt Christianity. Revelation 11 shows that manʼs happiness is based on obedience to Godʼs law...
Revelation Chapter 11And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months. 3 And I will give [power] unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if any man will hurt them, fire pro- ceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. 6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. 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. 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. 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. 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. |
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.
12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 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. 14 The second woe is past; [and], behold, the third woe cometh quickly. 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. 16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. 18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. 19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. |
OVERVIEW
Revelation 11 gives the solution to the disappointment mentioned in Revelation 10. It also foretold the French Revolution, the birthplace of communism and modern atheism. Revelation 11 is given under the 6th trumpet and reveals events that were to happen before the 7th trumpet sounded in Revelation 11:15.
verse 1: Focus on the Heavenly Sanctuary
In Rev 10 we saw the OPENING of the LITTLE BOOK, that portion of the book of Daniel which had been “SHUT UP” till the time of the end (Dan 12:4). We saw how many in 1840 came to the sweet belief that Jesus was to return in their day from their study of the 2300 day prophecy of Daniel 8. The 2300 day prophecy, which had been SHUT till the time of the end (Dan 8:17) pointed to the cleansing of the sanctuary (temple), which they believed was the world to be cleansed by fire at the Second Coming. It was by incorrectly identifying the sanctuary to be cleansed
as the earth, the Advent believers suffered “bitter disappointment” in 1844 when Jesus did not return (Rev 10:10).
Rev 11:1 helped them over their disappointment by directing the down hearted to “RISE and measure (examine) the temple (sanctuary)” with the “rod” (Godʼs word).
Mic 7:14; Jer 1:11-12). They learned that the sanctuary to be cleansed in 1844 was not the earth but the Lordʼs sanctuary or temple in heaven. The cleansing of the earthly AND heavenly sanctuaries is plainly taught in Hebrews 9:23.
verse 1: Focus on the Heavenly Sanctuary
In Rev 10 we saw the OPENING of the LITTLE BOOK, that portion of the book of Daniel which had been “SHUT UP” till the time of the end (Dan 12:4). We saw how many in 1840 came to the sweet belief that Jesus was to return in their day from their study of the 2300 day prophecy of Daniel 8. The 2300 day prophecy, which had been SHUT till the time of the end (Dan 8:17) pointed to the cleansing of the sanctuary (temple), which they believed was the world to be cleansed by fire at the Second Coming. It was by incorrectly identifying the sanctuary to be cleansed
as the earth, the Advent believers suffered “bitter disappointment” in 1844 when Jesus did not return (Rev 10:10).
Rev 11:1 helped them over their disappointment by directing the down hearted to “RISE and measure (examine) the temple (sanctuary)” with the “rod” (Godʼs word).
Mic 7:14; Jer 1:11-12). They learned that the sanctuary to be cleansed in 1844 was not the earth but the Lordʼs sanctuary or temple in heaven. The cleansing of the earthly AND heavenly sanctuaries is plainly taught in Hebrews 9:23.
As the O.T. believerʼs sins were placed upon the sacrifices and from the sacrifices transferred into the earthly sanctuary, so our sins are placed on Christ and trans- ferred into heavenʼs sanctuary. As, at the end of the year, the High priest cleansed the earthly sanctuary of the peopleʼs sins, so, in the end of the world Christ is to cleanse heavenʼs sanctuary of the record of sins. (Heb 8:1-5; See Dan 8).
As the cleansing involves judgment to see who has remained faithful, this led those, who by faith worship in heavenʼs temple, to examine themselves; to see if they “mea- sured up” to the standard in the judgment (2Cor 13:5; Ecc 12:13-14; Matt 7:2).
Rev 11 therfore begins and ends with Godʼs temple in heaven (Compare Rev 11:1, 19).
verse 2: Courtyard, Gentiles
The court of the Gentiles, which surrounded the temple (Eph 2:14; Heb 8:5; 9:1), represented the church on earth. The “Gentiles” to whom it was given are those who worship God (they are in the temple grounds) but are not the genuine people of God; not the real Israel of God.
verse 2: The 42 months
The 42 months parallel the 3 1/2 times of Dan 7:25 - 1260 years (538-1798) during which time the true church (the Holy city), and Godʼs two witnesses (the Old & New Testaments) were trampled underfoot (See Dan 8:13). The Old & New Testaments prophesied in sackcloth (distress. 2Sam 3:31).
The Papacy hid the Bible from the people because it revealed her corruption Many lost their lives for possessing parts of the Bible and the knowledge of Godʼs Word and the prophecies were almost totally blotted out. However, God had promised that at the end of the 1260 years (i.e. 1798), knowledge of His word would be increased (Dan 12:4-7). Satan, seeing that this was about to be fulfilled, increased his efforts to destroy Bible...
verses 3-6: Two witnesses - the Word of God
The two Testaments - Old & New “testify [witness]” of Christ. (John 5:39; Matt 24:14; 2Cor 13:1).
The Old Testament is represented by a candlestick fed by the oil, a symbol of the Holy Spirit sent from the Father and the Son (Zech 4:2-6; Ps 119:105).
verse 3: 1260 days
This period is mentioned in various ways - days, months and times in many places:
Daniel 7:25 “a time and times and the dividing of time.”
Daniel 12:7 “a time, times, and an half.” A period ended before the opening of the little book (See on Rev 10).
Revelation 11:2 “forty two months.”
Revelation 11:3 “a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days.”
Revelation 12:6 “a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days.”
Revelation12:14 “a time, and times, and half a time.”
Revelation 13:5 “forty two months.”
Many facts show it to be symbolic such as the unusual units used.
verse 6: Power to shut heaven
As Godʼs Word through Elijah prophesied that no rain would fall on apostate Israel for 3 1/2 years, so during the 3 1/2 prophetic years of Papal supremacy, there was a spiritual drought. (Luke 4:32; Hos 6:3).
As Godʼs Word through Moses turned Egyptʼs waters into blood (Exo 7:17), so the “waters” (nations Rev 17:15) supporting Papal Rome would suffer revolution and bloodshed. All who hurt the Scriptures will be destroyed. (Rev 22:18-19; 2Thess 1:8). Sackcloth indicates distressand mourning:
“...Gird you with sackcloth, and mourn...” (2Sam 3:31; Isa 22:12; Lam 2:10; Jer 6:26). During the 1260 years Godʼs wit- nesses were in a state of mourning and obscurity. The Papacy hid the Bible from the people, contradicted itʼs testimony, for- bade the common people to posses it and hunted, tortured and burned those who had it and were proclaiming itʼs truths. Yet in these dark ages faithful men who loved the Godʼs word continued to declare the truth and the two witnesses, though clothed in sackcloth, prophesied throughout the 1260 years.
verse 7: The beast from the bottomless pit
Satan had worked through Papal Rome for centuries to make war on Godʼs truth. Rome had kept the Bible locked up in an unknown tongue, hidden from the people out of pretend reverence for the Scriptures. However, when the Scriptures were finishing their testimony in sackcloth, around 1798, there would arise another nation (a beast symbolizes a nation. Dan 7:23; 8:20- 21) which would make open war upon the Bible, the two witnesses.
verse 8: Spiritually Sodom & Egypt
In this nation would be seen the immorality of Sodom and the God denying spirit of Pharaoh who said, “WHO IS JEHOVAH that I should obey his voice...I KNOW NOT THE LORD” Exo 5:2. This prophecy received a most exact and striking fulfillment in the history of FRANCE. During the Revolution, in 1793, “the world for the first time heard an assembly of men, born and educated in civilization, and as- suming the right to govern one of the finest of the European nations, uplift their united voice to deny the most solemn truth which manʼs soul receives, and RENOUNCE UNANIMOUSLY THE BELIEF AND WORSHIP OF DEITY.” Sir Walter Scott, Life of Napoleon, Vol. I, ch. 17
“France stands apart in the worldʼs history as the single state which, by the decree of her Legislative Assembly, pronounced THERE WAS NO GOD, and of which the entire population of the capital, and a vast majority elsewhere, women as well as men, DANCED AND SANG WITH JOY.” Blackwoodʼs Magazine, Nov, 1870.
The Bible was banned, fornication legalized and France plunged into the most bloody and licentious scenes ever seen in Europe known as the Reign of Terror.
verse 8: Where Christ was crucified
ʻChristianʼ France crucified Christ by rejecting the light of the Reformation:
“For it is impossible for those who were once ENLIGHTENED... And have tasted the good word of God... If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they CRUCIFY TO THEMSELVES THE SON OF GOD afresh, and put him to an open shame.” Heb 6:4-6
Of all European nation France was foremost in helping the Papacy persecute, torture & massacre the saints.
“... Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto ME.” Matt 25:40.
“Saul, why persecutest thou ME?” Acts 9:4.
In the Bartholemews Day Massacre (1572) Catholics massacred tens of thousands of French Protestants in just one day. A medal still exists that Pope Gregory XIII made to commemorate the massacre.
verse 8: Kill the two witnesses - Godʼs word
“The [French] Convention dressed an ass... loaded it with the symbols of Christianity and tied the OLD & NEW TESTAMENTS to its tail. It was then led in mock procession ...The crowd piled books of devotion into
heaps and BURNED THEM TO ASHES, amid blasphemous shouts...A prostitute was enthroned as ʻGodess of Reasonʼ...” L.E. Froom, Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, Vol. 2, p738.
verse 9: Not suffer them to be put in graves
Other nations would not ʻburyʼ the Bible. Shocked at Franceʼs abolition of the Scriptures and the French idea of Republicanism in place of Monarchies, the European- nations united to oppose France.
verse 10: Wicked rejoice
The wicked rejoiced over the silencing of Godʼs word which had tormented their consciences.
verse 11: 3 1/2 days
This godless condition was to last 3 1/2 symbolic “days” which represents 3 1/2 years (Eze 4:6; Num 14:34). All religion had been banned by the French Assembly in 1793. Three and a half years later in 1797 another resolution was passed rescinding the former decree and granting toleration to the Scriptures which arose from the dead, so to speak (cf. Eze 37:10; 2Kings 13:21). The guilty conscience that had tormented the wicked returned. “Fear fell upon them.”
verse 12: Witnesses Ascend up to heaven
Ascending to heaven means great exaltation (cf. Dan 4:22). Were the Scriptures exalted as here indicated, since France made war on them? They have. Shortly after Franceʼs war on the Scriptures the Bible societies were established (British 1804, American 1816); and these, with their almost innumerable associate groups, are scattering the Bible everywhere. Increased knowledge followingthe Revolution resulted in improved printing fascilities. The breaking down of predjudice and national barriers and the loss of Papal influence opened the door for missionary efforts and the Old & New Testaments arose to new heights of distribution. The Bible is now the most printed book on earth. As Christ, the Word, died, was resurrected and ascended to heaven, so the written Word did the same.
verse 13: An earthquake - a tenth part falls.
The same hour (Gr. hora - period, season). This earthquake is not to be confused with the great earthquake which will affect the whole world just before Jesus comes. In the Revolution France, one tenth part of spiritual Babylon, (one of the ten “horns” which arose from the Roman Empire) was shaken as if by an earthquake, as religion, law, social order, the state and church were all overthrown.
“It was an EARTHQUAKE in the political world.” Burke cited in R.R. Palmer, The Age of the Democratic Revolution, Vol. 1, p19.
“It DESTROYED THE LANDMARKS of the world in which generations of men had passed their lives.” Cambridge Modern History.
verse 13: 7000 slain
“Onomata anthropon,” literally “names of men.” “Onomata (“names”) may mean titles. In the Revolution an estimated 7000 nobles lost their titles. The number 7 also symbolizes completness.
What led to atheism in the Revolution?
The rise of atheism in France was the fruit of years of Papal dominance. In following Papal policy in crushing out the Reformation France destroyed liberty and reforms that would have blessed the nation. Rome had misrepresented the character of God, and the people, thinking Romanism was Christianity, rejected both the Bible and its Author. Men like Voltaire spread their infidelity everywhere. The masses, long trampled on by Rome, rose up against the oppressor with fury. The guillotine was set up on the very spot where Rome had set up the first stake for the Reformers. In rejecting Roman Catholicism as a deception the French were led by Satan to regard all religion as a deception.
The untaxed wealth of the aristocracy taken from the highly taxed masses combined with hunger due to poor harvests contributed to the uprising that overthrew the ruling class and established the Republic. Had the Reformation been admitted in France the wealthy would have been made more aware of their social responsibility and the situation that led to the Revolution averted. France illustrates the fact that rejecting the Word of God results in tragedy and that Papalism breeds Atheism.
The French Revolution was a turning point in world history.
“The French Revolution was one of the momentus events in the history, not only of France, but of Europe and even the whole world.” L.E. Froom, Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, Vol 2, p7
“The time of the eighteenth-century French Revolution when the 1260 years of the Papal era were closing, was a TURNING POINT in the history of the modern world. It brought forth forces that made a PER- MANENT CHANGE in the thoughts and actions of MANKIND.” Alison, History of Europe (1789-1815), Vol. 1, p47-49.
1. The Revolution introduced national conscription making possible wars on a scale never seen before (e.g. WW I, II).
2. It helped spread democracy and led to the overthrow of dictatorial monarchies.
3. It introduced Atheism, the moral & spiritual denial of God which is fundamental to evolution, the scientific denial of God.
4. It was the birthplace of communism - the political denial of God, and Secularism, the Social denial of God.
The Birth of Communism
The French Revolution was the birthplace of atheistic, materialistic communism: “The COMMUNIST movement would never have taken form as it did except for the prior occurrence of the FRENCH REVOLUTION.” Palmer, Revolution, p11-12
“The connection between the absolutist REVOLUTION OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY and the MARXIST MOVEMENT of the next century presses for recognition... [It] is THE DIRECT OFFSPRING and heir...A RELIGION OF ATHEISM... coupling scientific ideas with the greatest political hopes that man has ever enter- tained, the absolute hopes that animated the FRENCH REVOLUTION.” The Dignity of Man, R. W. Davenport, p163-9.
This God denying spirit, here called called “Egypt,” spiritually speaking, exists today not only in communism but also in evolutionary, humanistic, materialistic thinking everywhere. For centuries the Papacy hid the Bible from millions. Today, though the Bible is available, atheism has led millions to disbelieve it!
SEVENTH TRUMPET
verses 14-19: The Seventh trumpet - Temple of God in heaven opened
Following the French Revolution of the late 1790s the temple of God was opened and the ark of Godʼs testament (the 10 commandments) was seen (v 19; Exo 25:21). The temple in heaven is the great original that was the pattern for the temple on earth. The items of furniture in the earthly temple and the services performed there were to teach us of Christ's work in heavenʼs temple. (Exo 25:40; Heb 8:5).
In the ministration of the earthly tabernacle, which served “unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,” this most holy place was opened only upon the great day of atonement, for the cleansing of the sanctuary. Therefore the announcement that the temple of God was opened in Heaven, and the ark of his testament was seen, points to the opening of the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary at the beginning of the cleansing of heavenʼs temple. (See on Dan 8; Heb 9:22-23).
In order to cleanse the heavenly sanctuary of the sin confessed into it by Godʼs people Christ must judge His professed followers. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ...” (2Cor 5:10; Rom 14:10; Heb 10:30; 1Pet 4:17; Ecc 12:13- 14; Matt 22:1-14).
God will also have a people who will, by Christʼs gospel power, make an end of sins and stop polluting the sanctuary. This is the finishing of the mystery of God (Rev 10:7).
Those found faithful will have their sins blotted out (Acts 3:19). Those who have not kept the faith will have their names blotted out of the book of life (Rev 3:5).
The fact that the ark of the testament is in heaven shows that the 10 commandment law within it, is the foundation of Godʼs government and the standard in the judgment. (Ecc 12:13-14). It is
verse 18: The plagues
When the cleansing of the sanctuary is finished the seven last plagues (the wrath of God. Rev 15:1) will be poured out. Then Christ will return as King of kings and Lord of lords. Christ receives His kingdom in heaven before He returns to reign (Daniel 7:14; Luke 19:12-28).
WHAT CAN WE LEARN?
The French Revolution is included in prophecy because:
1. It changed the world.
2. It typifies end-time events.
3. The very events which brought about the French Revolution are occurring today. To know the future look at the past.
“At the same time anarchy is seeking to sweep away all law, not only divine, but human. The centralizing of wealth and power; the vast combinations for the enriching of the few at the expense of the many; the combinations of the poorer classes for the defense of their interests and claims; the spirit of unrest, of riot and bloodshed; the world-wide dissemination of the same teachings that led to the French Revolution - all are tending to involve the whole world in a struggle similar to that which convulsed France.” Education, p228.
4. While mankind falls further and further God has not given up on us. He is calling people back in three messages found in Rev 14. The first addresses atheism calling us to worship the Creator. The Second ad- dresses corrupt religion - Babylon is fallen.
Events predicted
In 1948 Prof. L.E. Froom, as a result of several years of research, published a monumental four volume history of the interpretation of prophecy throughout the Christian era. It is entitled, The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers. In these volumes Pro- fessor Froom lists 32 scholars who, up to the time of the French Revolution, had pre- dicted, on the basis of Rev 11, that France would be the nation to end the power of the Papacy. Some of these predictions reach back 150 years prior to the Revolution!
Revelation 11:18-19 is a transition
Except for Rev 6:10, Revelation has no judgment language until Rev 11:18 which is followed by a description of the ark which contains the 10 commandments in the Most Holy place (Rev 11:19). After this,
judgment and Godʼs law are frequently mentioned (Rev 14:7; 15:4 19:2, 11; 20:13. Godʼs commandments Rev 12:17; 14:12). Soon the Papacy will rise from the dead (the bottomless pit).
Will Revelation 11 have another application?
NOTE: We are to “prophesy again” (Rev 10:11) but the time periods are no longer. (See on Rev 10:6). Certain aspects of Rev 11 do appear to typify end-time events:
In the judgment we are measured by the word of God (Rev 11:1). The Lord wants us to “measure” up to “the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph 4:13).
The Bible and church will yet see troublous times. “The church will yet see troublous times. She will prophesy in sackcloth.” E.G. White, Testimonies, Vol. 4, p594.
In the troublous times ahead the faithful will be His WITNESSES in the world. Fire will devour their enemies. This is similar to Elijah in 2Kings 1:10-13. As Elijahʼs enemies came to take him and were destroyed and at last a group bowed at his feet, so the wicked will attempt to slay the saints but at last they will bow at the saints feet (Rev 3:9).
When the witnesses are finishing their testimony the Papacy (beast) will arise to life from the bottomless pit (the place of the dead (Rom 10:7) and condemn the saints to death.
The saints flee to the wilderness and their testimony will cease (be dead) throughout all of global spiritual Babylon - that great city where Christ is to be crucified in the person of His saints and by the rejection of His Word (Matt 25:40; Acts 9:4; Heb 6:6).
At this time the wicked world will rejoice (Rev 11:10). But at the appointed time the saints will rise. There will be a special resurrection and the wicked will fear. Following this the saints of all ages will ascend to heaven at the time of a great earthquake.
As the cleansing involves judgment to see who has remained faithful, this led those, who by faith worship in heavenʼs temple, to examine themselves; to see if they “mea- sured up” to the standard in the judgment (2Cor 13:5; Ecc 12:13-14; Matt 7:2).
Rev 11 therfore begins and ends with Godʼs temple in heaven (Compare Rev 11:1, 19).
verse 2: Courtyard, Gentiles
The court of the Gentiles, which surrounded the temple (Eph 2:14; Heb 8:5; 9:1), represented the church on earth. The “Gentiles” to whom it was given are those who worship God (they are in the temple grounds) but are not the genuine people of God; not the real Israel of God.
verse 2: The 42 months
The 42 months parallel the 3 1/2 times of Dan 7:25 - 1260 years (538-1798) during which time the true church (the Holy city), and Godʼs two witnesses (the Old & New Testaments) were trampled underfoot (See Dan 8:13). The Old & New Testaments prophesied in sackcloth (distress. 2Sam 3:31).
The Papacy hid the Bible from the people because it revealed her corruption Many lost their lives for possessing parts of the Bible and the knowledge of Godʼs Word and the prophecies were almost totally blotted out. However, God had promised that at the end of the 1260 years (i.e. 1798), knowledge of His word would be increased (Dan 12:4-7). Satan, seeing that this was about to be fulfilled, increased his efforts to destroy Bible...
verses 3-6: Two witnesses - the Word of God
The two Testaments - Old & New “testify [witness]” of Christ. (John 5:39; Matt 24:14; 2Cor 13:1).
The Old Testament is represented by a candlestick fed by the oil, a symbol of the Holy Spirit sent from the Father and the Son (Zech 4:2-6; Ps 119:105).
verse 3: 1260 days
This period is mentioned in various ways - days, months and times in many places:
Daniel 7:25 “a time and times and the dividing of time.”
Daniel 12:7 “a time, times, and an half.” A period ended before the opening of the little book (See on Rev 10).
Revelation 11:2 “forty two months.”
Revelation 11:3 “a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days.”
Revelation 12:6 “a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days.”
Revelation12:14 “a time, and times, and half a time.”
Revelation 13:5 “forty two months.”
Many facts show it to be symbolic such as the unusual units used.
verse 6: Power to shut heaven
As Godʼs Word through Elijah prophesied that no rain would fall on apostate Israel for 3 1/2 years, so during the 3 1/2 prophetic years of Papal supremacy, there was a spiritual drought. (Luke 4:32; Hos 6:3).
As Godʼs Word through Moses turned Egyptʼs waters into blood (Exo 7:17), so the “waters” (nations Rev 17:15) supporting Papal Rome would suffer revolution and bloodshed. All who hurt the Scriptures will be destroyed. (Rev 22:18-19; 2Thess 1:8). Sackcloth indicates distressand mourning:
“...Gird you with sackcloth, and mourn...” (2Sam 3:31; Isa 22:12; Lam 2:10; Jer 6:26). During the 1260 years Godʼs wit- nesses were in a state of mourning and obscurity. The Papacy hid the Bible from the people, contradicted itʼs testimony, for- bade the common people to posses it and hunted, tortured and burned those who had it and were proclaiming itʼs truths. Yet in these dark ages faithful men who loved the Godʼs word continued to declare the truth and the two witnesses, though clothed in sackcloth, prophesied throughout the 1260 years.
verse 7: The beast from the bottomless pit
Satan had worked through Papal Rome for centuries to make war on Godʼs truth. Rome had kept the Bible locked up in an unknown tongue, hidden from the people out of pretend reverence for the Scriptures. However, when the Scriptures were finishing their testimony in sackcloth, around 1798, there would arise another nation (a beast symbolizes a nation. Dan 7:23; 8:20- 21) which would make open war upon the Bible, the two witnesses.
verse 8: Spiritually Sodom & Egypt
In this nation would be seen the immorality of Sodom and the God denying spirit of Pharaoh who said, “WHO IS JEHOVAH that I should obey his voice...I KNOW NOT THE LORD” Exo 5:2. This prophecy received a most exact and striking fulfillment in the history of FRANCE. During the Revolution, in 1793, “the world for the first time heard an assembly of men, born and educated in civilization, and as- suming the right to govern one of the finest of the European nations, uplift their united voice to deny the most solemn truth which manʼs soul receives, and RENOUNCE UNANIMOUSLY THE BELIEF AND WORSHIP OF DEITY.” Sir Walter Scott, Life of Napoleon, Vol. I, ch. 17
“France stands apart in the worldʼs history as the single state which, by the decree of her Legislative Assembly, pronounced THERE WAS NO GOD, and of which the entire population of the capital, and a vast majority elsewhere, women as well as men, DANCED AND SANG WITH JOY.” Blackwoodʼs Magazine, Nov, 1870.
The Bible was banned, fornication legalized and France plunged into the most bloody and licentious scenes ever seen in Europe known as the Reign of Terror.
verse 8: Where Christ was crucified
ʻChristianʼ France crucified Christ by rejecting the light of the Reformation:
“For it is impossible for those who were once ENLIGHTENED... And have tasted the good word of God... If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they CRUCIFY TO THEMSELVES THE SON OF GOD afresh, and put him to an open shame.” Heb 6:4-6
Of all European nation France was foremost in helping the Papacy persecute, torture & massacre the saints.
“... Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto ME.” Matt 25:40.
“Saul, why persecutest thou ME?” Acts 9:4.
In the Bartholemews Day Massacre (1572) Catholics massacred tens of thousands of French Protestants in just one day. A medal still exists that Pope Gregory XIII made to commemorate the massacre.
verse 8: Kill the two witnesses - Godʼs word
“The [French] Convention dressed an ass... loaded it with the symbols of Christianity and tied the OLD & NEW TESTAMENTS to its tail. It was then led in mock procession ...The crowd piled books of devotion into
heaps and BURNED THEM TO ASHES, amid blasphemous shouts...A prostitute was enthroned as ʻGodess of Reasonʼ...” L.E. Froom, Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, Vol. 2, p738.
verse 9: Not suffer them to be put in graves
Other nations would not ʻburyʼ the Bible. Shocked at Franceʼs abolition of the Scriptures and the French idea of Republicanism in place of Monarchies, the European- nations united to oppose France.
verse 10: Wicked rejoice
The wicked rejoiced over the silencing of Godʼs word which had tormented their consciences.
verse 11: 3 1/2 days
This godless condition was to last 3 1/2 symbolic “days” which represents 3 1/2 years (Eze 4:6; Num 14:34). All religion had been banned by the French Assembly in 1793. Three and a half years later in 1797 another resolution was passed rescinding the former decree and granting toleration to the Scriptures which arose from the dead, so to speak (cf. Eze 37:10; 2Kings 13:21). The guilty conscience that had tormented the wicked returned. “Fear fell upon them.”
verse 12: Witnesses Ascend up to heaven
Ascending to heaven means great exaltation (cf. Dan 4:22). Were the Scriptures exalted as here indicated, since France made war on them? They have. Shortly after Franceʼs war on the Scriptures the Bible societies were established (British 1804, American 1816); and these, with their almost innumerable associate groups, are scattering the Bible everywhere. Increased knowledge followingthe Revolution resulted in improved printing fascilities. The breaking down of predjudice and national barriers and the loss of Papal influence opened the door for missionary efforts and the Old & New Testaments arose to new heights of distribution. The Bible is now the most printed book on earth. As Christ, the Word, died, was resurrected and ascended to heaven, so the written Word did the same.
verse 13: An earthquake - a tenth part falls.
The same hour (Gr. hora - period, season). This earthquake is not to be confused with the great earthquake which will affect the whole world just before Jesus comes. In the Revolution France, one tenth part of spiritual Babylon, (one of the ten “horns” which arose from the Roman Empire) was shaken as if by an earthquake, as religion, law, social order, the state and church were all overthrown.
“It was an EARTHQUAKE in the political world.” Burke cited in R.R. Palmer, The Age of the Democratic Revolution, Vol. 1, p19.
“It DESTROYED THE LANDMARKS of the world in which generations of men had passed their lives.” Cambridge Modern History.
verse 13: 7000 slain
“Onomata anthropon,” literally “names of men.” “Onomata (“names”) may mean titles. In the Revolution an estimated 7000 nobles lost their titles. The number 7 also symbolizes completness.
What led to atheism in the Revolution?
The rise of atheism in France was the fruit of years of Papal dominance. In following Papal policy in crushing out the Reformation France destroyed liberty and reforms that would have blessed the nation. Rome had misrepresented the character of God, and the people, thinking Romanism was Christianity, rejected both the Bible and its Author. Men like Voltaire spread their infidelity everywhere. The masses, long trampled on by Rome, rose up against the oppressor with fury. The guillotine was set up on the very spot where Rome had set up the first stake for the Reformers. In rejecting Roman Catholicism as a deception the French were led by Satan to regard all religion as a deception.
The untaxed wealth of the aristocracy taken from the highly taxed masses combined with hunger due to poor harvests contributed to the uprising that overthrew the ruling class and established the Republic. Had the Reformation been admitted in France the wealthy would have been made more aware of their social responsibility and the situation that led to the Revolution averted. France illustrates the fact that rejecting the Word of God results in tragedy and that Papalism breeds Atheism.
The French Revolution was a turning point in world history.
“The French Revolution was one of the momentus events in the history, not only of France, but of Europe and even the whole world.” L.E. Froom, Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, Vol 2, p7
“The time of the eighteenth-century French Revolution when the 1260 years of the Papal era were closing, was a TURNING POINT in the history of the modern world. It brought forth forces that made a PER- MANENT CHANGE in the thoughts and actions of MANKIND.” Alison, History of Europe (1789-1815), Vol. 1, p47-49.
1. The Revolution introduced national conscription making possible wars on a scale never seen before (e.g. WW I, II).
2. It helped spread democracy and led to the overthrow of dictatorial monarchies.
3. It introduced Atheism, the moral & spiritual denial of God which is fundamental to evolution, the scientific denial of God.
4. It was the birthplace of communism - the political denial of God, and Secularism, the Social denial of God.
The Birth of Communism
The French Revolution was the birthplace of atheistic, materialistic communism: “The COMMUNIST movement would never have taken form as it did except for the prior occurrence of the FRENCH REVOLUTION.” Palmer, Revolution, p11-12
“The connection between the absolutist REVOLUTION OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY and the MARXIST MOVEMENT of the next century presses for recognition... [It] is THE DIRECT OFFSPRING and heir...A RELIGION OF ATHEISM... coupling scientific ideas with the greatest political hopes that man has ever enter- tained, the absolute hopes that animated the FRENCH REVOLUTION.” The Dignity of Man, R. W. Davenport, p163-9.
This God denying spirit, here called called “Egypt,” spiritually speaking, exists today not only in communism but also in evolutionary, humanistic, materialistic thinking everywhere. For centuries the Papacy hid the Bible from millions. Today, though the Bible is available, atheism has led millions to disbelieve it!
SEVENTH TRUMPET
verses 14-19: The Seventh trumpet - Temple of God in heaven opened
Following the French Revolution of the late 1790s the temple of God was opened and the ark of Godʼs testament (the 10 commandments) was seen (v 19; Exo 25:21). The temple in heaven is the great original that was the pattern for the temple on earth. The items of furniture in the earthly temple and the services performed there were to teach us of Christ's work in heavenʼs temple. (Exo 25:40; Heb 8:5).
In the ministration of the earthly tabernacle, which served “unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,” this most holy place was opened only upon the great day of atonement, for the cleansing of the sanctuary. Therefore the announcement that the temple of God was opened in Heaven, and the ark of his testament was seen, points to the opening of the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary at the beginning of the cleansing of heavenʼs temple. (See on Dan 8; Heb 9:22-23).
In order to cleanse the heavenly sanctuary of the sin confessed into it by Godʼs people Christ must judge His professed followers. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ...” (2Cor 5:10; Rom 14:10; Heb 10:30; 1Pet 4:17; Ecc 12:13- 14; Matt 22:1-14).
God will also have a people who will, by Christʼs gospel power, make an end of sins and stop polluting the sanctuary. This is the finishing of the mystery of God (Rev 10:7).
Those found faithful will have their sins blotted out (Acts 3:19). Those who have not kept the faith will have their names blotted out of the book of life (Rev 3:5).
The fact that the ark of the testament is in heaven shows that the 10 commandment law within it, is the foundation of Godʼs government and the standard in the judgment. (Ecc 12:13-14). It is
verse 18: The plagues
When the cleansing of the sanctuary is finished the seven last plagues (the wrath of God. Rev 15:1) will be poured out. Then Christ will return as King of kings and Lord of lords. Christ receives His kingdom in heaven before He returns to reign (Daniel 7:14; Luke 19:12-28).
WHAT CAN WE LEARN?
The French Revolution is included in prophecy because:
1. It changed the world.
2. It typifies end-time events.
3. The very events which brought about the French Revolution are occurring today. To know the future look at the past.
“At the same time anarchy is seeking to sweep away all law, not only divine, but human. The centralizing of wealth and power; the vast combinations for the enriching of the few at the expense of the many; the combinations of the poorer classes for the defense of their interests and claims; the spirit of unrest, of riot and bloodshed; the world-wide dissemination of the same teachings that led to the French Revolution - all are tending to involve the whole world in a struggle similar to that which convulsed France.” Education, p228.
4. While mankind falls further and further God has not given up on us. He is calling people back in three messages found in Rev 14. The first addresses atheism calling us to worship the Creator. The Second ad- dresses corrupt religion - Babylon is fallen.
Events predicted
In 1948 Prof. L.E. Froom, as a result of several years of research, published a monumental four volume history of the interpretation of prophecy throughout the Christian era. It is entitled, The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers. In these volumes Pro- fessor Froom lists 32 scholars who, up to the time of the French Revolution, had pre- dicted, on the basis of Rev 11, that France would be the nation to end the power of the Papacy. Some of these predictions reach back 150 years prior to the Revolution!
Revelation 11:18-19 is a transition
Except for Rev 6:10, Revelation has no judgment language until Rev 11:18 which is followed by a description of the ark which contains the 10 commandments in the Most Holy place (Rev 11:19). After this,
judgment and Godʼs law are frequently mentioned (Rev 14:7; 15:4 19:2, 11; 20:13. Godʼs commandments Rev 12:17; 14:12). Soon the Papacy will rise from the dead (the bottomless pit).
Will Revelation 11 have another application?
NOTE: We are to “prophesy again” (Rev 10:11) but the time periods are no longer. (See on Rev 10:6). Certain aspects of Rev 11 do appear to typify end-time events:
In the judgment we are measured by the word of God (Rev 11:1). The Lord wants us to “measure” up to “the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph 4:13).
The Bible and church will yet see troublous times. “The church will yet see troublous times. She will prophesy in sackcloth.” E.G. White, Testimonies, Vol. 4, p594.
In the troublous times ahead the faithful will be His WITNESSES in the world. Fire will devour their enemies. This is similar to Elijah in 2Kings 1:10-13. As Elijahʼs enemies came to take him and were destroyed and at last a group bowed at his feet, so the wicked will attempt to slay the saints but at last they will bow at the saints feet (Rev 3:9).
When the witnesses are finishing their testimony the Papacy (beast) will arise to life from the bottomless pit (the place of the dead (Rom 10:7) and condemn the saints to death.
The saints flee to the wilderness and their testimony will cease (be dead) throughout all of global spiritual Babylon - that great city where Christ is to be crucified in the person of His saints and by the rejection of His Word (Matt 25:40; Acts 9:4; Heb 6:6).
At this time the wicked world will rejoice (Rev 11:10). But at the appointed time the saints will rise. There will be a special resurrection and the wicked will fear. Following this the saints of all ages will ascend to heaven at the time of a great earthquake.