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Notes on the Book of Revelation

Chapter 16

Seven Last Plagues

Overview.

The seven last plagues of Revelation parallel the ten plagues of Egypt in the book of Exodus.

For the plagues in Egypt the first three were poured out on both Egyptians and Hebrews. The last seven were only poured out on the Egyptians.

The seven last plagues will not fall directly on God’s people, but they will suffer through them since they will still be in the world. The saints will go through tribulation as it says in Acts 14:22, “confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”

The saints will be protected through the seven last plagues. Although they will go through the tribulation and suffer, they will survive.

Psalm 91:10, “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.”

Psalm 121:5-7, “The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.”

Daniel 12:1, “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.” The time of trouble mentioned is the seven last plagues and it says every one shall be delivered that have their names written in the book of life.

Revelation 7:1-3, “And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.”

Isaiah 33:15-16, “He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.”

“The people of God will not be free from suffering; but while persecuted and distressed, while they endure privation and suffer for want of food they will not be left to perish. That God who cared for Elijah will not pass by one of His self-sacrificing children. He who numbers the hairs of their head will care for them, and in time of famine they shall be satisfied. While the wicked are dying from hunger and pestilence, angels will shield the righteous and supply their wants. To him that “walketh righteously” is the promise: “Bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.” “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” Isaiah 33:15, 16; 41:17. (Ellen White, GC 629.2)

“The world see the very class whom they have mocked and derided, and desired to exterminate, pass unharmed through pestilence, tempest, and earthquake. He who is to the transgressors of His law a devouring fire, is to His people a safe pavilion.” (The Great Controversy, page 654.3)

Throughout the Bible God’s people went through tribulation and hardship and were triumphant on the other end such as Noah and his family that went through the flood experience; Jonah went through the storm and fish experience; Moses and the Israelites went through the Red Sea and the desert experience; Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego went through the fiery furnace experience and God’s church went through the dark ages. Stories and events written about in the Old Testament were written for us to learn, Romans 15:4.1

The plagues of Egypt fell right before the deliverance of God’s people; The final seven plagues will fall right before the deliverance of God’s people at the second coming of Jesus Christ.2

The seven last plagues will occur relatively quickly, probably a few weeks (although the Bible does not specify the length of time); but the ten plagues in Egypt lasted a few weeks.

The seven last plagues are not all universal; for instance plague number 5 is only on the seat of the beast which is the Vatican (papacy); plague number 4 may be for the whole world but wouldn’t the north or south pole be cooler than the rest of the world, especially the equator regions?3

”These plagues are not universal, or the inhabitants of the earth would be wholly cut off. Yet they will be the most awful scourges that have ever been known to mortals. All the judgments upon men, prior to the close of probation, have been mingled with mercy. The pleading blood of Christ has shielded the sinner from receiving the full measure of his guilt; but in the final judgment, wrath is poured out unmixed with mercy.” (Ellen White, GC 628.2)

The plagues are not arbitrary; God is giving them (the wicked) what they want, He’s honoring their decisions in life; They wanted to follow the flesh, worship the sun, persecute the saints, they loved darkness and rejected the light; God is basically showing them and the rest of the universe what the consequences are of sinful behavior (judgment).4

Just as the ten plagues in Egypt were a judgment on the Egyptian gods (Numbers 33:4), to show the people that their gods were false and powerless to save them, the last seven plagues are focused on the wicked and what they wanted and worshipped in life.

For example, here is what the ten plagues in Egypt represented:5

First plague (water to blood) = Because the Egyptians worshipped Hapi the god of the river Nile.

Second plague (frogs) = Because they worshipped a fertility goddess named Heqet (or Heket) which was sometimes depicted with a woman’s body and a frogs head.

Third plague (lice or gnats) = Because they worshipped a god named Geb (also Keb or Seb), the god of the earth.

Fourth plague (flies) = Because they worshipped a goddess named Uatchit.

Fifth plague (death of beasts) = Because they worshipped a god named Hathor, usually represented as a cow.

Sixth plague (boils and blisters) = Because they worshipped a lion-headed goddess named Sekhmet.

Seventh plague (hail) = Because they worshipped a goddess named Nut, the sky goddess.

Eighth plague (locusts) = Because they worshipped a god named Seth, the goddess of crops (plus other gods associated with crops and rain called Ermutet, Nepri and Thermuthis).

Ninth plague (darkness) = Because they worshipped a god named Amon-Ra, the sun god.

Tenth plague (death of first born) = Because of their worship of false gods, there was nothing they could do to prevent the death of their first born children. They realized their gods were powerless against the one true God, Exodus 12:12.

Here are the seven last plagues and their meanings (more detailed information is given in the verse by verse explanations below):

First plague (sore) = This represents fleshly sins; those that followed (or trusted in) the flesh.

Second plague (sea as blood) = This represents those putting economic advantages before obedience to God.

Third plague (rivers and fountains of blood) = This represents those seeking to slay God’s saints and prophets throughout the ages.

Fourth plague (scorching sun) = This represents those breaking the Sabbath and worshipping on the day of the sun.

Fifth plague (darkness) = This represents those that do evil and reject light.

Sixth plague (waters dried up) = This represents that God’s people will soon be set free.

Seventh plague (earthquake and hail) = This represents the ultimate punishment for seeking refuge in lies rather than in obedience to God.

Judgments of God.

Chapters 15-20 are primarily focused on the judgments of God.

Chapter 15 introduces the plagues.

Chapter 16 explains the plagues.

Chapter 17 describes the false church that will be judged.

Chapter 18 describes the fall of the false church (spiritual Babylon).

Chapter 19 describes judgment on the beast and the false prophet at the second coming of Jesus Christ

Chapter 20 describes judgment on all the wicked, Satan and his fallen angels.

First four plagues = Jeopardy plagues. These plagues infuriate the wicked against God’s people.

Last three plagues = Deliverance plagues. These occur in quick succession and end with the second coming of Jesus.

This chart is taken from Pastor Stephen Bohr's series called, "From the Close of Probation to the New Earth", which is a part of his Anchor School of Theology classes. The entire series can be found on the Secrets Unsealed app and YouTube channel.

Revelation 16:1, And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

16V1: Out of the temple = This is the temple in heaven, in Revelation 15:1, 5-6, 8, John sees the seven angels with the seven cups in heaven. There is a temple in heaven, see Hebrew 8:1-5.

16V1: Vial = Also translated as bowl or cup. These cups are filled with the wrath of God.

Revelation 15:1, “And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.”

Revelation 14:10, “The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:”

For everything that God has, Satan has a counterfeit. Satan’s counterfeit of God’s cup of indignation is the golden cup which is identified in Revelation 17:4, “And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:”

Jesus also spoke of God’s cup of wrath in Matthew 26:39, “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

16V1: Wrath of God = The seven last plagues, Revelation 15:1. But in the bigger context, the wrath of God comes in three manifestations; it was first given to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39, 42), the second are the seven last plagues (Revelation 16:1), and the third and last is the lake of fire (Revelation 20:9-10). In this chapter the wrath of God is referring to the seven last plagues.

First Plague.6

Revelation 16:2, And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

16V2: Grievous sore = This represents fleshly sins; those that followed (or trusted in) the flesh receive a sore in the flesh.

Matthew 26:41, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

John 3:6-7, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”

John 6:63, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

Romans 7:14-18, “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.”

Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Romans 8:3-4, For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Romans 13:13-14, “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

At this point probation has closed. The time to choose whether to follow God or to follow something else (Satan) has passed and is no longer available to those on the earth. Everyone has made their choice and universal probation has closed on the earth.

Revelation 22:11, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”

There are only two sides, those with God and those with Satan.

Second Plague.7

Revelation 16:3, And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.

16V3-4: God judges the cases of the martyrs during the pre-Advent investigative judgment and during the second and third plagues He does the avenging. Even further, the second and third plagues are not only God’s response to the pleas of the martyrs of the past but also His answer to the death decree against the 144,000 during the time of trouble. (Pastor Bohr, Anchor Series, From the Close of Probation to the New Earth, page 10)

“By condemning the people of God [the 144,000] to death, they have as truly incurred the guilt of their blood as if it had been shed by their hands. In like manner Christ declared the Jews of His time guilty of all the blood of holy men which had been shed since the days of Abel; for they possessed the same spirit and were seeking to do the same work with these murderers of the prophets.” (The Great Controversy, Page 627)

16V3: Sea became as blood = This represents those putting economic advantages before obedience to God.

The sea is the primary method of moving goods around the earth and is a key part of the financial system.

Revelation 13:17, “And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

Revelation 18:17, 19, “For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.”

This also represents the shedding of the blood of saints through persecution, see the third plague.

16V3: Living soul = All living creatures are called living souls in the Bible. Here the fish and all aquatic life are referred to as living souls, Genesis 2:7 (man also is a living soul). Other translations say, “every living thing in the sea died.” So all living creatures dies in the sea.

16V3: Became as blood = This verse specifically says that the sea became ‘as’ blood, not that it became blood as it does in verse 4 for the rivers and fountains of waters. This may mean that it does not become literal blood, but that the sea looks like the blood of a dead person. The blood of a dead man coagulates and doesn’t move, so perhaps here it means that the sea becomes red as blood and stops moving (the current stops).

16V3: Sea = This could be used in the general sense to refer to all seas around the world, but in the Bible this term was used specifically of the Mediterranean Sea or the Red Sea. This could be the case since the seat of power for the beast (antichrist) is in Rome which is in Italy and is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea.

Third Plague.8

Revelation 16:4, And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.

16V4: Rivers and fountains of waters became blood = This represents those seeking to slay God’s saints and prophets throughout the ages (see verse 6), especially for those that persecuted the ones keeping the Sabbath.

Revelation 16:6, “For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.”

Satan has worked through earthly agents, organizations and systems throughout time to persecute God’s people.

Revelation 13:7, 15, “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.”

Revelation 12:17, “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

16V4: Became blood = Here it specifically states that the rivers and fountains became blood as opposed to verse 3 where it says that the sea became ‘as’ blood. So here the rivers and fountains may be literal blood.

Revelation 16:5, And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.

16V5: Which art, and wast, and shalt be = Past, present, future = Refers to God’s eternal existence as part of the Godhead (The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit). Revelation is the history of people in the past, present and future. Revelation must be understood in terms of the past, present and future, which is a method of prophetic interpretation called historicism.

16V5: Hast judged thus = This is referring to the investigative judgment that occurs before the second coming of Jesus. Verses 4 to 6 refer to the investigative judgment. The last 7 plagues occur right before the second coming. Jesus is coming with His reward (Matthew 16:27; Revelation 22:12), so that would mean that there has to be an investigative judgment before the second coming.

Matthew 16:27, “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”

Revelation 22:12, “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”

Revelation 16:6, For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.

16V6: Have shed = This is past tense and refers to the martyrs slain throughout history. See comment at 16:3.

16V6: As mentioned in verse 4, this plague represents those seeking to slay God’s saints throughout the ages.

16V6: For they are worthy = As in verse 5, this points to the investigative judgment that occurs before the second coming of Jesus.

Revelation 16:7, And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

16V7: True and righteous are thy judgments = Again, this statement points to investigative judgment that occurs before the second coming of Jesus.

Fourth Plague.9

Revelation 16:8, And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.

16V8: Upon the sun = This represents those breaking the Sabbath and worshipping on the day of the sun; those that chose not to follow the first four commandments that deal with God, especially the fourth which deals with worship. The main end time issue will be about worship. There are only two sides in the great controversy; either choose to worship God on the Sabbath or worship Satan on Sunday.

Revelation 14:11, “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”

Revelation 13:4, “And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?”

Revelation 13:8, “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

Revelation 13:12, “And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.”

Revelation 13:15, “And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.”

Revelation 16:9, And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

16V9: Name of God = God’s character. Exodus 33:18-19; 34:5-7, “And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.”

So God passed by Moses and showed His glory and name and then proceeded to proclaim His character. God’s name is His character.

Psalm 138:2, “I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”

16V9: They repented not = Because the Holy Spirit was withdrawn at the close of probation before the first plague falls and repentance is a gift of God through the Holy Spirit. Repentance is a gift of God, so if the Holy Spirit is withdrawn from the earth, then repentance is impossible.

Romans 2:4, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”

2 Timothy 2:25, “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”

Acts 11:18, “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”

Acts 5:31, “Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”

The wicked have already made their choice to follow Satan either directly or indirectly and they cannot repent because the Holy Spirit has withdrawn.

Fifth Plague.10

Revelation 16:10, And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

16V10: Darkness = This represents those that do evil and reject light.

John 3:16-21, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”

Those affected by the darkness are those that loved darkness (sin and rebellion against God) rather than the light (truth and Jesus). They rejected the light of truth and followed tradition over God’s Word. If an individual rejects the light, they are rejecting Jesus, the Father, The Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the Ten Commandments.

Jesus is the truth.

John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

The Father is truth.

Isaiah 65:16, “That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.”

The Spirit is truth.

1 John 5:6, “This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.”

Word is truth.

John 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

Ten Commandments is truth.

Malachi 2:6, “The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.”

16V10: This plague is not universal, but it is world-wide because it is directed at ‘the seat of the beast’ which is the Vatican in Rome and the kingdom of the beast which is world-wide (on the followers of the beast). The saints will have light, but the wicked will be in darkness just like during the Exodus account where the Egyptians had darkness and the Israelites had light (Exodus 14:20).

16V10: They gnawed their tongues = Pain. This refers to those living in the Vatican, which is the seat of the beast. This plague will most likely be localized to allow the world to see where the seat of the beast lies and that those that receive this plague rejected true light and deceived the world with their false doctrines and false teachings. Because of this, support for the Vatican dries up in plague number six.

16V10: Something similar to this happened to Egypt and its pharaoh in Ezekiel 32:7-8, “And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light. All the bright lights of heaven will I make dark over thee, and set darkness upon thy land, saith the Lord GOD.”

Revelation 16:11, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

16V11: The first five plagues probably fall in quick succession, since the sores are mentioned here in plague number five but they started in plague number one. This also implies that the plagues are overlapping and not just successive. The first plague does not have to dissipate or stop before the second plague falls and so on. Each plague continues and builds upon the preceding plague.

16V11: Blasphemed the God of heaven = This is like verse 9 where the wicked blasphemed the name of God (or His character). This verse implies that they are again blaspheming the character of God.

Sixth Plague.11

Revelation 16:12, And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

16V12: The support for the first beast of Revelation 13 has dried up, represented by the drying up of the Euphrates. The people realize they’ve been deceived and then turn on the great whore of Revelation 17:1 (the papacy).

“The people see that they have been deluded. They accuse one another of having led them to destruction; but all unite in heaping their bitterest condemnation upon the ministers. Unfaithful pastors have prophesied smooth things; they have led their hearers to make void the law of God and to persecute those who would keep it holy. Now, in their despair, these teachers confess before the world their work of deception. The multitudes are filled with fury. “We are lost!” they cry, “and you are the cause of our ruin;” and they turn upon the false shepherds. The very ones that once admired them most will pronounce the most dreadful curses upon them. The very hands that once crowned them with laurels will be raised for their destruction. The swords which were to slay God's people are now employed to destroy their enemies. Everywhere there is strife and bloodshed.” (The Great Controversy, page 655.4)

16V12: The great river Euphrates = This points to Cyrus and how he conquered Babylon. In this case, it points to spiritual Babylon being conquered soon and God’s people will soon be set free. This is a good example of knowing the stories and events of the Old Testament will help to understand the symbolism in the book of Revelation.

Prophecy of Cyrus conquering Babylon by drying up the Euphrates river that ran under the wall of Babylon.

Isaiah 44:27-28, “That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers: That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.”

Isaiah 45:1, “Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;”

Those set free were Israelites or God’s people. Cyrus later allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem. Just like Cyrus went into the deep to open the gates to set the captives free - Jesus on the cross descended into the deep to open the gates of the graves to provide a way of escape from death.

This is really a plague on death, Hosea 13:14, “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.”

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death, 1 Corinthians 15:26, “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”

16V12: Great river Euphrates = Peoples, multitudes, nations, and kingdoms, Revelation 17:15. This reflects the support for Spiritual Babylon drying up. This is a symbolic event because a name is used (Euphrates), just like Jezebel is used symbolically earlier in Revelation. In Revelation there is a spiritual Babylon, a spiritual Israel (people of God) and so a spiritual Euphrates. Although the plagues are literal such as the sores and the water turning to blood, the distinction is that when names are used it becomes spiritual in nature (or a symbol for something).12

16V12: Kings of the east = God the Father and Jesus Christ (where the glory of God comes from).

Matthew 24:27, “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

Ezekiel 43:1-2, “Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.”

These plagues are preparing the way for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Another example from the Old Testament which parallels this verse is King Nebuchadnezzar who came from the east (Babylon) and conquered Jerusalem. He either killed certain Israelites or spared others and brought them back to his golden kingdom of Babylon, Daniel 1. This parallels Jesus coming from the east to gather His people and take them back to His kingdom in heaven.13 In Daniel 1:4, It says that Nebuchadnezzar spared those that had no blemish, just like His people will be faultless right before the second coming, Revelation 14:5.

Revelation 16:13, 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.

16V13-15: Verses 13-14, 16 occurs right before the plagues; we know that the final deception occurs before the plagues and verse 15 describes the second coming which occurs right after the last plague (this is a parenthetical within a parenthetical); this is to give hope to those reading about the plagues; sort of like saying don’t worry - Jesus is coming soon; just like there was an interlude between the 6th and 7th seal and the 6th and 7th trumpet, there is an interlude here as well.14

Spirit of Prophecy confirms that this occurs before the close of probation.

“The present is a solemn, fearful time for the church. The angels are already girded, awaiting the mandate of God to pour their vials of wrath upon the world. Destroying angels are taking up the work of vengeance for the Spirit of God is gradually withdrawing from the world. Satan is also mustering his forces of evil, going forth "unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world," to gather them under his banner, to be trained for "the battle of that great day of God Almighty." (Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 7, page 983)

So verses 13-15 are parenthetical. Verses 13-14 occur before the close of probation and verse 15 is the second coming which occurs after the seventh plague.

16V13: Three unclean spirits = Evil spirits (demons = fallen angels). These three fallen angels are the counterfeit to the three angel’s of Revelation 14:6-12. All of humanity in the last days will have a choice between the message of the three angels of Revelation 14 or the three fallen angels of Revelation 16.

16V13: The dragon, the beast, the false prophet = The false trinity that counterfeits the Godhead; the dragon fights against God the Father; the beast fights against Christ; the false prophet fights against the Spirit. The great controversy is between God and Satan or in other words, it is between God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit against the Dragon, the beast, and the false prophet.

The Dragon = Satan working through the secular powers of the world which push spiritualism and immortality of the soul.

Revelation 12:4, “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.”

It wasn’t Satan literally standing by Mary to kill the child, it was Satan working through King Herod that put out the decree to kill all the children.

“Thus while the dragon, primarily, represents Satan, it is, in a secondary sense, a symbol of pagan Rome.” (The Great Controversy, page 438.2)

“Kings and rulers and governors have placed upon themselves the brand of antichrist, and are represented as the dragon who goes to make war with the saints—with those who keep the commandments of God and who have the faith of Jesus..” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, page 38.2)

Ezekiel 29:3, “Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.”

The Beast = The papal system, Catholicism which pushes Sunday sacredness.

The False Prophet = Apostate Protestantism in the United States, which builds an image to the beast and pushes a false gospel.

“Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul, and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the foundation of Spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome. The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of Spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience.” (Ellen White, GC88 588.1)

16V13: Like frogs = They (Satan and his demons) were everywhere working miracles for the last deception before the plagues like the frogs in Egypt were everywhere, Exodus 8:1-4, 6; Frogs also represent miracles that Satan and his demons can counterfeit, Exodus 8:7; Frogs also represent the counterfeit messages that will go out in the last days; This is Satan’s counter message for the Three Angel’s Messages in Revelation 14. Everything that God has, Satan has a counterfeit. The weapon of a frog is its tongue (tongue = language or words/speech); miracles and false doctrines will deceive even the elect during this time of trouble, Matthew 24:24.

16V13: Out of the mouth = These demons will speak false doctrines and false messages. The purpose is in verse 14, is to gather people to the side of Satan. The Three Angel’s Messages of Revelation 14 are to gather God’s people to Himself (come out of Babylon, Revelation 18:4).

Revelation 16:14, 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.

16V14: Working miracles = To deceive the world, Revelation 13:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-11.

16V14: Kings of the earth = The leaders of the world.

16V14: To the battle = Referred to as the battle of Armageddon, Revelation 16:16. This is the final mobilization to destroy God’s people.15 The battle of Armageddon begins right before the second coming of Jesus and ends after the millennium when the wicked are resurrected, they try to capture God’s city and God rains fire and brimstone down upon them to destroy them once and for all. The battle of Armageddon begins before the first resurrection and ends after the second resurrection.

16V14: Great day of God Almighty = The day of the Lord, Joel 3:2, In this historical account the people are told to trust God. The situation looked hopeless and then the enemy destroyed themselves and God delivered His people without them having to lift a finger. This reference is not about a geographical location, it is about the themes and principles of the story that can be applied to God’s people at the end of time.16

Revelation 16:15, Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

16V15: In the red letter versions of the Bible, this is the only red letter words of Jesus between verses 3:22 and 22:7.

This verse contains many of the same elements as found in the message to the church of Laodicea in 3:18 (white garments, shame and nakedness).

Revelation 3:18, “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.”

The Spirit of Prophecy says that the message to the Laodicean church applies to the Seventh-Adventist Church, so this verse in Revelation 16:15 must also apply to the SDA church.

“The message to the Laodiceans is applicable to Seventh-day Adventists who have had great light and have not walked in the light. It is those who have made great profession, but have not kept in step with their Leader, that will be spewed out [the shaking] of His mouth unless they repent.” (Selected Message, volume 2, page 66)

The message to the Laodiceans will cause the shaking.

“I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God's people.” (Testimonies for the Church, volume 1, page 181)

16V15: I come as a thief = This is often explained as pointing to the second coming of Jesus, but it does not. The Spirit of Prophecy explains that this is before the close of probation and when Jesus ends his ministration in the Most Holy and lays off His priestly robes and puts on His robes of vengeance.

“Jesus has left us word: "Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." We are [Seventh-day Adventists] waiting and watching for the return of the Master, who is to bring the morning, lest coming suddenly He find us sleeping. What time is here referred to? Not to the revelation of Christ in the clouds of heaven to find a people asleep. No; but to His return from His ministration in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, when He lays off His priestly attire and clothes Himself with garments of vengeance, and when the mandate goes forth: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is

filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still." When Jesus ceases to plead for man, the cases of all are forever decided. This is the time of reckoning with His servants. To those who have neglected the preparation of purity and holiness, which fits them to be waiting ones to welcome their Lord, the sun sets in gloom and darkness, and rises not again. Probation closes; Christ's intercessions cease in heaven. This time finally comes suddenly upon all, and those who have neglected to purify their souls by obeying the truth are found sleeping. They became weary of waiting and watching; they became indifferent in regard to the coming of their Master. They longed not for His appearing, and thought there was no need of such continued, persevering watching. They had been disappointed in their expectations and might be again. They concluded that there was time enough yet to arouse. They would be sure not to lose the opportunity of securing an earthly treasure. It would be safe to get all of this world they could. And in securing this object, they lost all anxiety and interest in the appearing of the Master. They became indifferent and careless, as though His coming were yet in the distance. But while their interest was buried up in their worldly gains, the work closed in the heavenly sanctuary, and they were unprepared.” (Testimonies for the Church, volume 2, pages 190-192)

16V15: Blessed = Translates as happy and is the same word used by Jesus in the sermon on the mount. There are seven blessings in the book of Revelation. The first one is in chapter 1 verse 3 and the others are in Revelation 14:13; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; and 22:14.

These are the blessings summarized:

Those that read, hear and keep the things written in Revelation.
Those that die in the Lord.
Those that watch and keep their garments (of righteousness).
Those that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Those that are in the first resurrection.
Those that keep the sayings of prophecy in Revelation.
Those that do His commandments.

Most of these blessings are action words, which show that Christians should not only hear but be doers of the Word. James 1:22, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

16V15: Keepeth his garments = Refers to spiritual garments of righteousness. The saints during these times will be sinless and have no guile and spotless (Revelation 14:4-5, 12; 12:17; 22:11) because the Holy Spirit has been withdrawn from the earth and Jesus has left the Most Holy to return to earth.

16V15: Here are Ellen White quotes that supports the timing of verse 15 occurring before probation closes (before the start of the 7 last plagues).

“The parable of the wedding garment opens before us a lesson of the highest consequence. By the marriage is represented the union of humanity with divinity; the wedding garment represents the character which all must possess who shall be accounted fit guests for the wedding.” (Ellen White, COL 307.1)

“In both parables the feast is provided with guests, but the second shows that there is a preparation to be made by all who attend the feast. Those who neglect this preparation are cast out.” (Ellen White, COL 308.1)

“When the king came in to view the guests, the real character of all was revealed. For every guest at the feast there had been provided a wedding garment. This garment was a gift from the king. By wearing it the guests showed their respect for the giver of the feast. But one man was clothed in his common citizen dress. He had refused to make the preparation required by the king.” (Ellen White, COL 309.3)

“This decision must be made prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven; for when He comes, His reward is with Him, “to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12. Before His coming, then, the character of every man's work will have been determined, and to every one of Christ's followers the reward will have been apportioned according to his deeds.” (Ellen White, COL 310.1)

“It is while men are still dwelling upon the earth that the work of investigative judgment takes place in the courts of heaven. The lives of all His professed followers pass in review before God. All are examined according to the record of the books of heaven, and according to his deeds the destiny of each is forever fixed.” (Ellen White, COL 310.2)

“By the wedding garment in the parable is represented the pure, spotless character which Christ's true followers will possess. To the church it is given “that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white,” “not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.” Revelation 19:8. (Ellen White, COL 310.3)

“Only the covering which Christ Himself has provided can make us meet to appear in God's presence. This covering, the robe of His own righteousness, Christ will put upon every repenting, believing soul.” (Ellen White, COL 311.3)

“Our characters are revealed by what we do. The works show whether the faith is genuine.” (Ellen White, COL 312.2)

“There will be no future probation in which to prepare for eternity. It is in this life that we are to put on the robe of Christ's righteousness. This is our only opportunity to form characters for the home which Christ has made ready for those who obey His commandments.” (Ellen White, COL 319.1)

“The days of our probation are fast closing. The end is near. To us the warning is given, “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” Luke 21:34. Beware lest it find you unready. Take heed lest you be found at the King's feast without a wedding garment.” (Ellen White, COL 319.2)

“In such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” “Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Matthew 24:44; Revelation 16:15. (Ellen White, COL 319.3)

And also…

“Upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth, upon all who make this world their home, the day of God will come as a snare. It comes to them as a prowling thief.” (Ellen White, DA 635.2)

“The world, full of rioting, full of godless pleasure, is asleep, asleep in carnal security. Men are putting afar off the coming of the Lord. They laugh at warnings. The proud boast is made, “All things continue as they were from the beginning.” “Tomorrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” 2 Peter 3:4; Isaiah 56:12. We will go deeper into pleasure loving. But Christ says, “Behold, I come as a thief.” Revelation 16:15.

“The crisis is stealing gradually upon us…probation's hour is fast closing, and every case is about to be eternally decided. Satan sees that his time is short. He has set all his agencies at work that men may be deceived, deluded, occupied and entranced, until the day of probation shall be ended, and the door of mercy be forever shut.” (Ellen White, DA 636.2)

Revelation 16:16, And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

16V16: And he = The better translation is ‘they’ which refers to the three unclean spirits which are gathering Satan’s forces. Some translations actually say ‘spirits gather’ to make it even more clear who ‘they’ are.

16V16: Gathered = In Greek can be translated as entertain; The peoples of the earth are being distracted from the truth or seeking after the truth through entertainment; we are bombarded with all forms of entertainment which keeps us distracted.17

16V16: Gathered = Both sides are being gathered together, the unrighteous (lost) and the righteous (believers). “I saw the rapidity with which this delusion was spreading. A train of cars was shown me, going with the speed of lightning. The angel bade me look carefully. I fixed my eyes upon the train. It seemed that the whole world was on board, that there could not be one left. Said the angel, “They are binding in bundles ready to burn.” Then he showed me the conductor, who appeared like a stately, fair person, whom all the passengers looked up to and reverenced. I was perplexed and asked my attending angel who it was. He said, “It is Satan. He is the conductor in the form of an angel of light. He has taken the world captive. They are given over to strong delusions, to believe a lie, that they may be damned. This agent, the next highest in order to him, is the engineer, and other of his agents are employed in different offices as he may need them, and they are all going with lightning speed to perdition.” I asked the angel if there were none left. He bade me look in an opposite direction, and I saw a little company traveling a narrow pathway. All seemed to be firmly united, bound together by the truth, in bundles, or companies. Said the angel, “The third angel is binding, or sealing, them in bundles for the heavenly garner.” This little company looked careworn, as if they had passed through severe trials and conflicts. And it appeared as if the sun had just risen from behind a cloud and shone upon their countenances, causing them to look triumphant, as if their victories were nearly won.” (Ellen White, EW 88.2-3)

16V16: Armageddon = Possibly the valley of Megiddo; this has a spiritual application because it is a name, see Revelation 16:12 (Euphrates); the gathering of people to one side or the other for the final battle to exterminate God’s people; Judges 4 & 5 (5:19-20, God fought for His people); Judges 7:2 (God delivers the enemy into Gideon's hands; there was a three-fold power, the Midianites, the Amalikites, and the people of the east); 2 Kings 23:29 (the death of King Josiah); these three stories in the Old Testament that deal with the valley of Megiddo tell us of stories where God fought for His people and where a king died for his people. When Megiddo is mentioned to Jews they think of a king that sacrificed himself for them and how God saved them from situations that looked hopeless. God would save them at the last moment, which is what happens in plague seven, when Jesus Christ appears to rescue His people from what appears to be almost certain destruction.18

16V16: Armageddon = “Scripture presents Armageddon as the ultimate climax - not between squabbling nations, but between the two sides of the cosmic controversy. It’s a religious struggle, not economic or political, however much economic and political factors might come into play…In whatever manner Armageddon will unfold, it’s a worldwide conflict between the forces of Christ and Satan. It is not a local battle in the area of Megiddo any more than Babylon in Revelation is talking about events in a corner of modern-day Iraq.”19

Seventh Plague.20

Revelation 16:17, And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

16V17: It is done = This is Jesus, similar to His words on the cross, John 19:30.

Revelation 16:18, And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

16V18: Lightnings and thunderings and voices = A variation of this phrase is used four times in the book of Revelation; here, but also in Revelation 4:5, Revelation 8:5, and Revelation 11:19. In Revelation 4:5 and 8:5, it is describing the throne in the Holy Place of the sanctuary and the Holy Spirit is specifically mentioned in both verses. In Revelation 11:19 and 16:18, it is describing the throne in the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary and mentions hail (God’s judgment) in both verses. Hail falls in verse 21 as part of the last plague of judgment before the return of Jesus. In Revelation 4:5, it is describing the throne without the presence of Jesus because He is still on earth (this is prior to His ascension). In Revelation 8:5, it is describing the throne room after Jesus has ascended to heaven and the Holy Spirit is being sent back to earth for Pentecost during the apostolic age. In both Revelation 11:19 and 16:18, it is describing the throne of God in the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary after the completion of the investigative judgment and right before the second coming of Jesus Christ.

16V18: Voices = Voice of God, Ezekiel 43:2 (His voice was like a noise of many waters); Daniel 10:6 (voice of a multitude - waters represent multitudes or the sound of many voices speaking at once, Revelation 17:15). This can also represent a soothing voice as rushing waters is sometimes considered soothing, Jesus is attractive to those that seek Him. See Revelation 4:5.

16V18: Thunders = Voice of God, John 12:28-29 (God speaking sounded like thunder); Exodus 20:18 (after God spake from the mountain, Exodus 20:1); Revelation 19:6 (God the Father speaking about Jesus which is described as thunderings); Revelation 14:2 (voice of a great thunder); Job 40:9 (voice of thunder); Psalm 104:7 (voice of thunder).

16V18: Lightnings = Angels, Matthew 28:3 (countenance was like lightning); Ezekiel 1:14 (appearance of lightning).

16V18: Great earthquake = Part of the seventh plague.

Revelation 16:19, And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

16V19: Great city = This is spiritual Babylon and is world-wide. This also specifically refers to the Vatican, which is the seat of authority of the first beast of Revelation 13 and this great city is a counterfeit of God’s great city in Revelation 21:10. The great city reflects the rebellion of those against God, described in Revelation 16:13.

16V19: Into three parts = This refers to the trifold union of the dragon, the beast and the false prophet mentioned in verse 13.

The three-fold union is now divided after the sixth plague (drying up of the Euphrates) and are warring against each other, but more specifically they are attacking the beast (papal power). They realize now that they’ve been lied to and that they’re on the wrong side. You can see this in Revelation 17:16, where it says the ten horns (kingdoms) ‘shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.’ Of course, the whore is the papal system, the first beast of Revelation 13. Revelation 17 is an amplification of chapter 16, verses 12-16.

16V19: Babylon = This refers to spiritual Babylon, not the literal Babylon. See the study called, The Remnant of Her Seed at the end of chapter 12 and the study called, What Is Babylon? at the end of chapter 14.

Revelation 16:20, And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

16V20: Immediately after the last of the seven plagues the next event described is the second coming of Jesus Christ. This verse is similar to Revelation 6:14, which describes the second coming of Jesus Christ following the opening of the sixth seal. Note: The opening of the seventh seal is the second coming of Christ. See Revelation 8:1.

Revelation 16:21, And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

16V21: Great hail = This represents the ultimate punishment for seeking refuge in lies rather than in obedience to God.

16V21: Blasphemed God = Those that have not repented as in Revelation 16:9, because probation has closed and the Holy Spirit has been withdrawn from the earth.

Chapter 16 Resources and Notes

1. Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

2. Pastor Doug Batchelor, Amazing Facts Ministry video called, The Battle of Armageddon, can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QV5ffsNAJo.

3. Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, ISBN 13: 978-0-8163-1923-7, Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2005, page 628 paragraph 2.

4. Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

5. Knowing The Bible Website, 2004-2018, Yahweh Verses The Gods of Egypt, can be accessed here: https://www.knowingthebible.net/yahweh-versus-the-gods-of-egypt.

6. Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

7. Ibid.

8. Ibid.

9. Ibid.

10. Ibid.

11. Ibid for this section except where noted.

12. Pastor Doug Batchelor, Amazing Facts Ministry video called, The Battle of Armageddon, can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QV5ffsNAJo.

13. Ibid.

14. Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

15. Pastor Doug Batchelor, Amazing Facts Ministry video called, The Battle of Armageddon, can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QV5ffsNAJo.

16. Ibid.

17. Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

18. Pastor Doug Batchelor, Amazing Facts Ministry video called, The Battle of Armageddon, can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QV5ffsNAJo.

19. Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide, Preparation for the End Time, 3rd Quarter 2018, Pacific Press Publishing Association, ISSN 1096-7400, page 99.

20. Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

Ellen White references can be found here: https://beta.egwwritings.org.