Battle of Armageddon

(Focus: Revelation 16 and 19)

Franklin S. Fowler Jr., M.D.

Prophecy Research Initiative

Eagle River, WI 54521

endtimeissues.com
prophecy-research@earthlink.net
(administration)

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 End-Time Issues
Seminar Outline

BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON
(Focus: Revelation 16 and 19)

Introduction

Between the sixth and seventh Vial Plagues is a fearful commentary insert.
John begins it with “Then I saw.” He uses this expression often in Revelation, conveying
the onset of a new message.

• Some have concluded that this is part of the sixth Plague.

• However, as in the Seven Seals (Revelation 7) and the Seven Trumpets
(Revelation 10–11:14), there is an interlude or “message break” between the sixth
and seventh events. It stands alone with very unique characteristics and
information.

These “breaks” contain vital information that apply during the time of the whole series of
“seven” – whether in the Seals, Trumpets or Vial Plagues (sometime even before their
onset). Here evil is contending for global power, which echoes back to the first and
second Seals (which began the last 3½ years of earth’s history).

“Every form of evil is to spring into intense activity. Evil angels unite their powers
with evil men, and as they have been in constant conflict and attained
an experience in the best modes of deception and battle, and have been strengthening
for centuries, they will not yield the last great final contest without a desperate struggle.
All the world will be on one side or the other of the question. The battle of Armageddon
will be fought, and that day must find none of us sleeping. Wide awake we must be, as
wise virgins having oil in our vessels with our lamps.”1

Beginning with Revelation 12, one is progressively introduced to a satanic parody of

God, Christ and the Holy Spirit – the heavenly trinity (12:3; 13:1-2, 11; 19:20; 20:10).2
This false trinity leads out in this last conflict.

1. God the Father is parodied by the dragon, Satan, who opposes God. He was the
antagonist to the pure woman with child (12:3). Spiritualism will increasingly bring
mankind into contact directly with Satan’s realm.

1SDA Commentary, vol. 7, p. 982.

2 Kistemaker, Simon J.; Revelation (Baker Academic; Grand Rapids, MI), p. 449.
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 2. The beast that comes out of the sea acts as though he were Christ. However, he
really is the antichrist. He receives his throne, power, and authority from the
dragon (13:2).
3. The counterpart of the Holy Spirit is the beast that comes out of the earth, later
called a “false prophet.” He becomes the conscience for the world. He deceives
the nations religiously, even those within the churches (16:13, 19:20), performs
counterfeit miracles and conveys fraudulent prophecies (cf. Mark 6:22; cf.
Matthew 24:11, 24; II Thessalonians 2:3; II Peter 2:1).3

Collectively, these three are known by scholars as a false trinity. This alliance will be
intensely active globally as redemptive history comes to a close!4

The earth beast, that false prophet, becomes the facilitator for the sea beast or the
antichrist within Revelation.5 This “prophet” mainly represents apostate Protestantism,
especially in the United States, and that sea beast the Roman Church.

The interlude, within the Vial Plagues, now begins:

“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon,
and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet”
(Revelation 16:13).

This describes something they are all teaching. Later, in 16:19, God suggests that
Babylon is made up of these three! Jews of the first century (A.D.) associated frogs with
demonic water spirits. Here and in the next verse (14) they are indeed labeled as “spirits
of demons.”

• This is a “team” operation within the realm of the paranormal or supernatural.

Protestantism, Catholicism and Satan (spiritualism) are in a coalition.
• They describe a linkage between the netherworld and mankind! These “spirits”
are demons on a mission.

John sees these evil spirits as resembling frogs (unclean – Leviticus 11:10-11) coming
out of the mouths of each member of this false trinity.

• In ancient understanding, “out of a mouth” symbolized a major “teaching,”

“proclamation” or “decree.” The mouth of the little horn of Daniel 7:8 is
blaspheming God. Here, all three become messengers of deception. The false

3 Beale, Gregory K.; The New International Greek Testament Commentary; The Book of Revelation
(William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Michigan; 1999), p. 831.
4 Osborne, Grant R.; Revelation (Baker Book House; Grand Rapids, MI), p. 591.
5 Mounce, Robert H.; The Book of Revelation (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.; Grand Rapids, Michigan; 1977),

p. 299.
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 prophet will act as a key facilitator (Revelation 13:11).6 They are teaching
something unclean, false and demonic!
• This describes a “persuasive and deceptive propaganda that in the last days will
lead people to an unconditional commitment to the cause of evil.”7
• In God’s eyes, they proclaim an “unclean message.”8 It’s clear that it’s something
God hates that is “religiously” false. Many conclude that this is the same
abomination that Christ said would threaten the church (Matthew 24:15) and the
same transgression God calls an abomination in Daniel 8:13, 12:11 and Ezekiel
8:15.

This deceptive orientation deepens when Babylon, made up of these three, is later
described:

“And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen,
and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage
of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath
of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and
the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies …
for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries [form of
spiritualism] were all nations deceived” (Revelation 18:2-3, 23c; cf. 19:20a).
Fornication means cooperating in some illicit teaching.

Babylon’s association with these unclean spirits is also implied in 17:4, where
it is described as a harlot (evil church) that is “full … of the unclean things of her
fornication.” There, “drinking her wine” means accepting and imbibing her seductive
false teachings.

• They all work so closely together that when Babylon falls, prophecy says that it
splits into three parts – that false trinity comes to an end (Revelation 16:19).

“Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world. The
foundation of his work was laid by the assurance given to Eve in Eden: ‘Ye shall not
surely die.’ ‘In the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be
as gods, knowing good and evil.’ Genesis 3:4, 5. Little by little he has prepared the way
for his masterpiece of deception in the development of spiritualism. He has not yet
reached the full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the last
remnant of time…. Except those who are kept by the power of God, through faith in His
word, the whole world will be swept into the ranks of this delusion. The people are
fast being lulled to a fatal security, to be awakened only by the outpouring of the wrath
of God.”9
6 Osborne, op. cit., p. 591.
7 Mounce, op. cit., p. 299.
8 Kistemaker, op. cit., p. 449.
9 The Great Controversy, pp. 561-562.

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The Interlude Continues

“For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings
of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day
of God Almighty” (Revelation 16:14).

“Spirits of devils,” also called “unclean spirits,” are identified as demons (Luke 4:33,
8:29, 9:42; cf. Revelation 18:2).

These three “demons,” forming the false trinity, visit the world leaders – “kings
of the earth” – and the whole world (cf. 17:2). It is a global issue, a global deceptive
message!

• These kings are key global leaders, identified in the next chapter as the ten horns
on a beast (Revelation 17:2, 12-13).
• They are enamored by the “miracles” or “signs” that these spirits or their
representatives perform (Revelation 17:2). This suggests that supernatural
exhibitions will occur (cf. 13:11-13).
• Note:
1. Christ is declared prince of the kings of the earth (Revelation 1:5).
2. The evil kings noted in Revelation 6:15, 17:2, 18; 18:3,9; 19:19 have accepted
these spirit demons as their leaders or guides, rejecting Christ’s authority!

The “false prophet” is also addressed in Revelation 13:13-1410 regarding miracles: “And
he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in
the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth [the whole world] by the
means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to
them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had
the wound by a sword, and did live.”

• The sea beast was wounded in 1870, when all papal lands were confiscated by
Italian military action. In 1929 the wound was healed. Since then, its agenda has
been pre-preparation.
• Image to the beast – some icon or symbol representing him.

False trinity → Demonic → Work miracles → Deceive kings → World accept false
spirits Deceptive message & world theories/doctrines

10 Brighton, Louis A; Revelation, Concordance Commentary (Concordance Publishing House, Saint Louis; 1999),
p. 421.
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Regarding those miracles and wonders: “Fearful sights of a supernatural character
will soon be revealed in the heavens, in token of the power of miracle-working demons.
The spirits of devils [this prophecy] will go forth to the kings of the earth and to the whole
world, to fasten them in deception, and urge them on to unite with Satan in his last
struggle against the government of heaven.
By these agencies [frog-like spirits], rulers and subjects will be alike deceived.” 11

This deception echoes the meaning of the symbolic “tails” of locust in Revelation 9:10,
19 (from behind they are hidden until they strike).

“Satan is working with everyone who is not under the control of the Spirit of God. It is the
lying wonders of the devil that will take the world captive, and he will cause fire to come
down from heaven in the sight of men. He is to work miracles; and this wonderful,
miracle-working power is to sweep in the whole world.” 12
(cf. Revelation 13:13-14)

Jesus had warned in His Olivet discourse that “false messiahs” and “false prophets”
would produce “signs” that would deceive many (Matthew 24:23-28). The deceived
contextually are the kings and the whole world.

• Intriguingly, these deceptive spirits come out of the mouths of that false trinity.
What they teach will be accepted as authoritative, affirmed by their miracles or
signs:
“To those involved in this dying world he will come with evil’s undiluted power to
deceive, for they have refused to love the truth which could have saved them” (II
Thessalonians 2:10 – Phillips).
• In Revelation 1:16 and 19:15 a sharp sword comes out of Christ’s mouth,
depicting the pure truth, called in Revelation the Word of God, as it is spoken by
Him. This is contrasted by these deceitful demonic spirits, with falsehood
coming out of their mouths!
• Armageddon will be a war of competing ideas/beliefs and miracles.

In Revelation 13, it is this earth beast, now called the false prophet, that controls life
and death over everyone’s reaction regarding the “mark of the beast” or “worshiping his
image” (Revelation 13:13, 19:20).

• In Revelation 17:2 the harlot (apostate church – Roman Catholicism) is also the
key power: “With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the
inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”
They are giddy with what they have learned and now support!

11 The Great Controversy, p. 624.

12 Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 51.
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 • She is also seen as the sea beast who blasphemes God and wars against God’s
people (Revelation 13:1, 6-7).

Satan will work directly with and through the sea beast (Holy See in coalition with Satan)
and the earth beast (the United States/apostate Protestantism in coalition with Satan).
In addition, personal seduction will be part of Satan’s modus operandi in a unique way
as we approach the end. Example:

“Satan will have power to bring before us the appearance of forms purporting to be our
relatives or friends now sleeping in Jesus. It will be made to appear as if these friends
were present; the words that they uttered while here, with which we were familiar, will be
spoken, and the same tone of voice that they had while living will fall upon the ear. All
this is to deceive the saints and ensnare them into the belief of this delusion.”13 (cf. I
Corinthians 12:10, I Timothy 4:1, I John 4:1,
I Samuel 28:7)

Mission Specific

The purpose of this coalition – their deceptive, demonic messages and miracles – is
to gather the world under their banner to “the battle of Armageddon on the great
day of God Almighty.” Babylon, that coalition, solicits the world to fight! This war is
now identified in greater detail.

“And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.”
(Revelation 16:16).

• The false trinity wants to make war to defend its authority and those deceptive
messages!

The expression “Armageddon” actually means “mountain of Megiddon.” Since it is a

“mountain,” it cannot apply to the valley of Jezreel, where the town of Megiddon was
(Judges 9:19, II Kings 9:27). It cannot refer to Mount Carmel, which was eight miles
away (I Kings 18:20-40).

• Historically, it symbolizes a place – a stronghold – where many successful

battles by God’s people were fought.
• Prophetic “Armageddon” typifies the last war, the last conflict, between good
and evil.
• Ezekiel 39:2 and 17 note that Israel’s (God’s people’s) final battle will be fought at
“the mountains of Israel,”14 symbolically referring to the strongholds of God’s
people.

13 Early Writings, p. 87.

14 Ibid.
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Satan is preparing for a war. Is there any prophecy showing God’s war-like actions?

That is alluded to in the chapter showing Christ coming on a white battle horse (19:11),
detailed later in this study: “And I saw the beast [false prophet], and the kings of the
earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the
horse, and against his army” (Revelation 19:19). That is the final part of the
Armageddon story!

• This war is part of Satan’s final attack on the saints and the church through his
coalition.
• The weight of evidence suggests that God steps in at the time this coalition
wants all God’s people destroyed through a death decree. That would likely be
associated with the time of the fifth Trumpet (Revelation 9:1-12) and white horse
(Revelation 19).

The eye of God, looking down the ages, is fixed upon the crisis that his people are to
meet, when earthly powers shall be arrayed against them. Like the captive exile, they
will be in fear of death, perhaps by starvation or by violence.15

Imagining: “As the time appointed in the decree against God’s people comes, the
inhabitants of the earth unite to destroy the disturbers of their peace. In one night
they determine to strike the decisive blow that shall forever silence the voice of the
reprover. The waiting ones, in their solitary retreats [recall Christ’s admonition to flee to
the mountains! – Matthew 24, Mark 13], are still pleading for divine protection. In every
quarter, companies of armed men, urged on by hosts of evil angels, are preparing for
the work of death. With shouts of triumph, with jeers and imprecations, they are about
to rush upon their prey.”16 It is that close! Remember the story of Esther?!

Then comes God’s drama in the skies and widespread earthquakes – all directly part of
the sixth Seal (Revelation 6:12-14).

• It is the same battle as illustrated by the beast’s attempt to annihilate the whole
body of believers (11:7-10).17 (Perhaps this is reflected also by the little horn’s
defiance of Christ, His church and His followers described in Daniel 8, where they
are stomped on).

“A terrible conflict is before us. We are nearing the battle of the great day of God
Almighty. That which has been held in control is to be let loose. The angel of mercy is
folding her wings, preparing to step down from the throne, and leave the world to the
control of Satan. The principalities and powers of earth are in bitter revolt against the
15 The Great Controversy, p. 634 (paraphrased).
16 SP, bk 4, p. 452.
17 Beale, op. cit., 835.

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God of heaven. They are filled with hatred against those who serve him, and soon, very
soon, will be fought the last great battle between good and evil. The earth is to be
the battlefield – the scene of the final contest and the final victory. Here, where for so
long Satan has led men against God, rebellion is to be forever suppressed.”18

• The “great day of God” will be when He wins, and the wicked are dealt with
decisively (Joel 2:11, 31; Zephaniah 1:4).
• Might that represent the Seven Vial Plagues of God’s wrath without
mercy and finally those destroyed by the brightness of His coming
(II Thessalonians 2:8)?

Yet, up until this time, prophecy reveals that Satan will appear to be winning the battle!!!

1. “He cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him” (Daniel 8:7). Antichrist.
2. “It cast down some of the host … to the ground and stamped upon them” (Daniel
8:10). Antichrist.
3. “… make war against them, and overcome them, and kill them” (Revelation 11:7).
Antichrist.
4. “… scatter the power of the holy people” (Daniel 12:7). Antichrist.
5. “… make war with the saints” (Revelation 13:6). Antichrist.
6. “… make war with the Lamb” (Revelation 17:14). Babylon.

The note that “he gathered” to battle in the King James Version is rendered more
accurately in the NET version: “Now the spirits gathered the kings and their armies to
the place that is called Armageddon in Hebrew” (Revelation 16:16). It is that coalition.
Battle – War
One Side Armageddon Other Side
(the false trinity
Kings of the leads) Those who are
earth – waiting for Christ
the whole world Battlefield to come
“The place”
(likely the whole
earth)
The outcome of
the war is described in Revelation 17:14, 19:14-21, 20:7-10, Christ and God win.

18 The Review and Herald, May 13, 1902.

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“Armageddon,” like the words “Babylon” and “Euphrates,” are symbolic. Beale
concludes that it really alludes to the whole world.19

Again, this “end-of-the-world battle” was predicted in the Old Testament (Zechariah 12-
14; Joel 2:11, 3:2).

• This is “the great day of God Almighty,” likely ending during the sixth Seal, “the
great day of their [God’s and the Lamb’s] wrath.”20

“The battle of Armageddon is soon to be fought. He on whose vesture is written the

name, King of kings and Lord of lords, leads forth the armies of heaven on white horses,
clothed in fine linen, clean and white [Revelation 19:11-16].”21

This is the time when God takes full control of defeating those who would destroy
the saints (His church).

• “All the world will be on one side or the other of the question [regarding the
mark of the beast]. The battle of Armageddon will be fought, and that day must
find none of us sleeping. Wide awake we must be, as wise virgins having oil in our
vessels with our lamps.”22

There is growing evidence that Armageddon’s victory represents what happens at the
end of the last three and a half years when God’s people are delivered (Daniel 12:1).
That final period might be divided into two segments for God’s people.

1. A time when it appears that we will lose our lives:

a. It is a time similar to that of the patriarch Jacob, called Jacob’s Trouble

(Jeremiah 30:7). Dramatic story:
“Jacob’s night of anguish, when he wrestled in prayer for deliverance from the
hand of Esau (Genesis 32:24-30), represents the experience of God’s
people in the time of trouble. Because of the deception practiced to secure
his father’s blessing, intended for Esau, Jacob had fled for his life, alarmed by
his brother’s deadly threats. After remaining for many years an exile, he had
set out, at God’s command, to return with his wives and children, his flocks and
herds, to his native country. On reaching the borders of the land, he was filled
with terror by the tidings of Esau’s approach at the head of a band of
warriors, doubtless bent upon revenge [like the death decree for us].
Jacob’s company, unarmed and defenseless, seemed about to fall helpless
victims of violence and slaughter. And to the burden of anxiety and fear was

19 Beale, op. cit., p. 838.

20 Osborne, op. cit., p. 592.
21 Last Day Events, p. 251 (emphasis added).
22 SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 982.

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 added the crushing weight of self-reproach, for it was his own sin that had
brought this danger. His only hope was in the mercy of God; his only defense
must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the
wrong to his brother and to avert the threatened danger.23
“Then another terror: Having sent his family away, that they may not witness
his distress, Jacob remains alone to intercede with God. He confesses his sin
and gratefully acknowledges the mercy of God toward him while with deep
humiliation he pleads the covenant made with his fathers and the promises to
himself in the night vision at Bethel and in the land of his exile. The crisis in
his life has come; everything is at stake. In the darkness and solitude he
continues praying and humbling himself before God. Suddenly a hand is
laid upon his shoulder. He thinks that an enemy is seeking his life, and with all
the energy of despair he wrestles with his assailant. As the day begins to
break, the stranger puts forth his superhuman power; at his touch the strong
man seems paralyzed, and he falls, a helpless, weeping suppliant, upon the
neck of his mysterious antagonist. Jacob knows now that it is the Angel of the
covenant with whom he has been in conflict. Though disabled and suffering
the keenest pain, he does not relinquish his purpose. Long has he endured
perplexity, remorse, and trouble for his sin; now he must have the
assurance that it is pardoned. The divine visitant seems about to depart; but
Jacob clings to Him, pleading for a blessing. The Angel urges, ‘Let Me go, for
the day breaketh;’ but the patriarch exclaims, ‘I will not let Thee go, except
Thou bless me.’ What confidence, what firmness and perseverance, are here
displayed! Had this been a boastful, presumptuous claim, Jacob would have
been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his
weakness and unworthiness, yet trusts the mercy of a covenant-keeping
God.”24
b. “Yet to human sight it will appear that the people of God must soon seal their
testimony with their blood as did the martyrs before them. They themselves
begin to fear that the Lord has left them to fall by the hand of their enemies. It
is a time of fearful agony. Day and night they cry unto God for deliverance. The
wicked exult, and the jeering cry is heard: ‘Where now is your faith? Why does
not God deliver you out of our hands if you are indeed His people.’”25
2. Finally, God’s people are delivered:
a. “Though a general decree has fixed the time when commandment keepers
may be put to death, their enemies will in some cases anticipate the decree,
and before the time specified, will endeavor to take their lives. But none can
pass the mighty guardians stationed about every faithful soul. Some are
assailed in their flight from the cities and villages; but the swords raised

23 The Great Controversy, p. 616.

24 Ibid.
25 Ibid., p. 630.

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 against them break and fall powerless as a straw. Others are defended by
angels in the form of men of war.”26
b. “And they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
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”
(Revelation 11:11b-12).
“And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and
swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth” (12:16).
A promise: “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth
with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith
of the saints” (13:10).

Within Daniel’s apocalyptic prophecies, deliverance is wonderfully depicted after

probation closes:

• “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the
children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was
since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall
be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book” (Daniel 12:1).

Christ’s Unique “Missions” to Earth before His Second Coming

Apart from the direct references to Christ’s Second Coming, there are three times, at the
end, when Christ is shown to have a distinct mission to this world. One is that
deliverance. Though wrapped in symbolism, they are times in which God’s people
receive special help as they approach the end.

• The study of these provides insight into heaven’s assistance in preparation for
Christ’s return.
• They stimulate an urgent awareness of the time-of-the-end events with Christ at
the helm.
• The third relates to Armageddon and deliverance.

A. Walking Among the Churches

John sees seven golden candlesticks representing seven types of apocalyptic

Christian churches before He comes again. The seer is then told:

26 Last Day Events, 260.

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 “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” (Revelation 2:1).

This is profound. At a time of chaos and conflict, Christ assures His people that He is
moving, walking among them.

Here, He is pictured as on earth. Yet, He wants His followers to see Him in all the
divine roles that will be revealed throughout the book.

“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” (Revelation 1:13-16).

This imagery is a great metaphor, an emphasis on the unique functions which Christ
(the “Son of man”) represents on behalf of His people/church. He is in the middle
(pastoral imagery) of seven lampstands or churches with a:

1. Long robe – High Priest vestments (Exodus 28:4, Zechariah 3:4; cf. Daniel
10:5)
2. Sash – symbol of a ruler, king, dignitary, exalted figure
3. White head/hair – a symbol for eternal wisdom and respect due His person.
This description of Christ was previously reserved for the Father (Daniel 7:9).
4. Blazing eyes – divine penetrating insight, judge (cf. Daniel 10:6), omniscience
5. Fiery bronze feet – Scholars are divided as to its meaning. Likely, it represents
total dominion over wherever He stands and moves.
6. Powerful voice – it has already been noted that it is like a trumpet. What He
says is to be heard by everyone. It also represents a Feast of Trumpets time
(another study).
7. Stars held tightly in His right hand reveal Christ’s protection and care of the
leaders of the seven churches (Revelation 1:20).
8. Sword from mouth – Christ’s judicial authority, based on truth (cf. 19:15)
9. Radiant face – His glory (cf. Matthew 13:43, Revelation 10;1, Matthew 17:2) –
His divinity27

27 Osborne, op. cit., pp. 91-93; Thomas, op. cit., pp. 97-105.
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 In Revelation 1, we are privileged to see Christ as a sovereign Associate with God
the Father, a witness for His end-time prophecies, a Savior in love with mankind and,
in His expectant roles as Priest, King and Judge for His people.

“The picture reveals eternal vigilance. Christ is in the midst of the seven golden
candlesticks, walking from church to church, from congregation to congregation, from
heart to heart. He that keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. If the candlesticks
were left to the care of human beings, how often the light would flicker and go out!
But God has not given his church into the hands of men.”28

B. A Heavenly Guest Lands on Earth

“And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a
cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun,
and his feet as pillars of fire” (Revelation 10:1).

John is on earth observing a “mighty angel” “coming down” or descending from

heaven (cf. Revelation 5:2, 18:2).

• His attributes are similar to those of Christ, described previously in 1:13-15,

14:14-16!
• Beale identifies His characteristics as also paralleling other “beings” described
– “like a son of man” (14:14-16), the Son of Man in Daniel 7:13 and Michael,
the Archangel, in Daniel 10 and 12.29

This picture is contrasted with the beast or Satan’s minions ascending from the
bottomless pit (9:1-3, 11:7; cf. 17:8)! Both uniquely enter earth’s history at its final
period.

• Christ figuratively descends to help His people prepare to finish His work!
He also comes to deliver a timing prophecy (unfolded in 11:2-3)!
• Satan symbolically ascends from hell to help his people prepare and finish his
work (cf. 9:2)!

Jesus comes down to interact with John, conveying a three-and-a-half-year timing

prophecy, just like when he personally came to Daniel when revealing timing
prophecies (Daniel 8:13–15, 12:7-12). Key timing prophecies are often tied to
divine personal encounters with chosen seers! That recognition distinguishes
those messages as extremely solemn, elevated and important notices!

28 The Review and Herald, May 26, 1903.

29 Beale, G. K.; The New International Greek Testament Commentary; The Book of Revelation (William B.
Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan – 1999), p. 522.
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 • Those divine/man encounters with associated “clocks” include:
• 2300 atonement cycles (Daniel 8:14)
• Two periods couched within a literal (per Hebraic rules) 1335-day period
(Daniel 12:7-12).
• When a tarrying time ends, a 42-month period (1260 days) is ushered in
(part of Daniel 12’s template) (Revelation 10:1-6, 11:1-3).
• In both Daniel 12 and Revelation 10 – Jesus precedes those “clock”
prophecies with an oath in the name of the Father! They are holy messages
for the 144,000. He is there to guide and help with the assurance of the
eternal.

This amazing encounter occurs before the last 42 months or 1260 days (Revelation
11:2-3).

• It is a special time of dedication (10:6a).

• It is announcing that a tarrying time is about to end (10:6b).
• It is announced when the very end will come (10:7).
• It is when the unsealed portion of Daniel is to be understood (10:10).
• It is the time when the 144,000 are identified through the measuring (11:1).

This all likely occurs as part of an early rain experience of the 144,000!

C. The last dramatic appearance of Christ, unassociated with clouds, appears to

be at His victory stand towards the end of Armageddon.
It relates to the “fury of God’s wrath!”

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him
was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make
war” (Revelation 19:11).

“The opened heaven” in prophecy alludes to a judgment scene (cf. Ezekiel 1:1;
Revelation 4:1, 11:19, 15:5).

• Armies of heaven follow Him (19:14).

• He will smite the nations (18:15).

“White” in prophecy represents purity, holiness, righteousness and judicial

vindication.30

30 Beale, op. cit., pp. 949-950.

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 The rider is named “Faithful and True,” which builds on the character of Christ
(“faithful witness” – 1;5, “faithful and true witness” – 3:14, “True and just are His
judgments” – 16:7, 19:2). What this is about is to fully exculpate or vindicate God.31

The “horse” symbolism indicates that His mission is war – “he doeth judge and make
war.”

Many see this as depicting Christ’s Second Coming. Perhaps – but it is a war
scene! Might this be when God’s people are delivered?

• Jesus comes down to battle enemy forces. It is spiritual and perhaps a

physical encounter.
• This portrays the end of Armageddon, the final conflict between Christ and His
enemies.32
• God’s response will encompass the seventh Plague and the sixth Seal!

“If there has ever been a ‘just’ or ‘holy’ war, this is the one! The whole theme
of lex talionis (law of retribution) that has been so prevalent in the book culminates in
this passage.”33

“And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered
together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army”
(Revelation 19:19). (The next verse alludes to the end of the false prophet.)

• That is Armageddon imagery!

• “Though the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies (v. 19) foolishly join
in the battle against Christ and His armies, the outcome is not in question.”34

“His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he
had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself” (Revelation 19:12).

The eyes are as a judge, like Christ’s in Revelation 1:14. He has penetrating insight
and judicial power. Everything will be correctly discerned.35

The many crowns are kingly, and He comes here as King of Kings and Lord of Lords
(19:16).

31 Osborne, op. cit., p. 680.

32 Kistemaker, op. cit., p. 519.
33 Osborne, op. cit., p. 680.
34 Gregg, Steve; Revelation – Four Views – A Parallel Commentary, (Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN;

1997), p. 453.
35 Stefanovic, Ranko; Revelation of Jesus Christ (Andrews University Press, Berrien Springs, MI; 2002), p. 551.

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 • This is a significant declaration! His priestly mission has ended! Probation
has closed!
• Satan has a kingly crown on each of his seven heads and the beast one on
each of its ten horns (13:1). Christ has many on a single head, and He is
above all!

Christ’s unknown name was highlighted in the sealing of those in the Philadelphia
church (3:12).36

If this is the Second Coming, why is the entourage coming out in battle array? Christ
is portrayed as yet to fight a battle! He is not coming here with clouds – the sign of
the Second Coming!

• He was taken up into a cloud (Acts 1:9).

• He will come in like manner (Acts 1:11) – with clouds (Matthew 24:30,
Revelation 1:7).

This coming: “He executes judgment by waging war. This war is against the evil,
religious political and military forces of earth, which had assembled to destroy His
faithful servants (see on chs. 13:15; 16:13, 14, 16, 17).”37

• Once again, this depicts Armageddon – and – the deliverance of God’s

people!
• “The battle of Armageddon is soon to be fought. He on whose vesture is
written the name, King of kings and Lord of lords, leads forth the armies of
heaven on white horses, clothed in fine linen, clean and white.
“Every form of evil is to spring into intense activity. Evil angels unite their
powers with evil men, and as they have been in constant conflict and attained
an experience in the best modes of deception and battle, and have been
strengthening for centuries, they will not yield the last great final contest
without a desperate struggle. All the world will be on one side or the other of
the question. The battle of Armageddon will be fought, and that day must find
none of us sleeping.”38

Can you imagine Satan and his leaders beginning to sense that they are about to
lose everything?

36 Thomas, Robert L.; Revelation 8–22 – An Exegetical Commentary (Moody Press; Chicago, IL; 1995), p. 385.
37 The Seventh-day Adventist Commentary, p. 874.
38 Ibid., p. 982 (MS 172, ’99).

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 “Two great opposing powers are revealed in the last great battle. On one side stands
the Creator of heaven and earth. All on His side bear His signet. They are obedient
to His commands. On the other side stands the prince of darkness, with those who
have chosen apostasy and rebellion.”39

At the end: “These both [beast and false prophet] were cast alive into a lake of fire
burning with brimstone” (Revelation 19:20c). They will cease to exist.

Summary

When God steps into the battle scene, His wrath is displayed by pouring out the Seven
Last Plagues (Revelation 15:1) – then the demise of Babylon and the wicked occurs.

This battle commences at earth’s last three and a half years before His coming. God is
silent for much of this period, except through the Latter Rain power when the last gospel
appeal goes global.

Franklin S. Fowler Jr., M.D.

Prophecy Research Initiative
Eagle River, WI 54521
August 8, 2022

Key words and phrases: Armageddon, interlude, spirits like frogs, sea beast, earth beast, spirits
of devils, false messiahs, false trinity, white horse, Day of God, wrath of God Almighty, Faithful
and True, armies of heaven, Word of God, King of kings

39 Ibid., pp. 928-983 (RH May 7, ’01).

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