What Does The Bible Say About Martial Law?
Marvin Harvey
- 0
- 17
That is a very good question, but actually quite simple. First of all, there is the basic concept that most practice martial arts as a form of self-defense, but even this is way off base. Jesus says VERY clearly that we are not to respond to violence with violence.
- Matthew 5:40-48 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.
- And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
- Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
- You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
In the New Testament, both Jesus and His disciples are persecuted, whipped and “destroyed”, but NONE of them resist – instead they put their trust in God. The disciples actually learn a lesson, because when Jesus is captured, the disciples chop off the right ear of one of the soldiers – and instead of praising them, Jesus actually chooses to defy any human “fairness” and logic by putting the ear back on the soldier and healing him.
Luke 22:49-51 The Living Bible When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, “Master, shall we fight? We brought along the swords!” And one of them slashed at the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “Don’t resist anymore.” And he touched the place where the man’s ear had been and restored it.
So, all this to say that one aspect is about violence, but if you dig further into what martial arts are and where they originate, you will gain a solid understanding of why they CANNOT be reconciled with God. Kung Fu, Judo, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, Budo Jitsu, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Aikido are among the best-known types of martial arts – to which newer martial arts, such as kickboxing, MMA, etc.
have been added. People associate martial arts with China, Japan, or Korea, but actually a tomb has been found in Egypt from the year 5000 B.C. decorated with some karate-like positions – so it is unknown precisely where it started. It makes sense, however, that it would be among Rah-worshippers and/or Buddhists and Hindus, as the focus of martial arts is all about using acute spiritual consciousness to create the precision, concentration, speed, and strength required for martial arts.
Back in the day, people would become the disciple of a master, leaving EVERYTHING to dedicate their lives to martial arts. Thus, the student became part of his master’s family with everything this entails. The great paradox in martial arts lies in the fact that they are designed to achieve balance, equilibrium, and harmony between “Yin/Yan”, through meditation, and/or through yoga, while they are also extremely violent martial arts.
But when your body, spirit, and soul are balanced, you can control the characteristics used in martial arts. This is the precise reason why you will find that the better you get at martial arts, the more “serenity” in form of yoga and meditation it takes to achieve precision.
And why is that? Because yoga and meditation can be used to open “the Third Eye”, attaining deep spiritual consciousness and insight. This is one of the reasons that many professional martial artists, such as Ninja warriors, can win a fight blindfolded – because they have learned “to be led”. Make a quick Google search for “Ninja Chakra”, and you will see right away what I mean.
In martial arts, the Qi – or Chi – energy (Satan as a wolf in sheep’s clothing) is an extremely critical component – and from it derives names like “Thai Chi”, which is a martial art intended to increase concentration and gain control over the “Jing” energy, which is another definition of the Chi energy.
- When your mind is tranquil and cleansed of your own thoughts, it is possible to defend yourself correctly, and you can achieve balance between xin (heart / conscious mind) and Chi,
- When xin and Chi are in balance, you are ready to fight.
- If you read e.g.
- Venskab-danmark-kina.dk,” you will be able to read: Qi means breath, air, and energy.
The closest we can get to the meaning of the word Qi here in the West is ‘life energy’ or ‘life force’. Gong means work, activity, movement, but can also mean a great accomplishment. When we learn to use and exploit the Qi life energy correct, we enable ourselves to accomplish something extraordinary, gong.
Qi-gong’s history goes back in time for many thousands of years as one of the world’s oldest forms of therapy, from which acupuncture, acupressure, and zone therapy emerged. Therefore, there are numerous different forms of Qi-gong. Similarly, it forms the basis for Tai Chi, martial arts, and many energy-based treatment forms.
That being said, the spiritual aspect of martial arts is thoroughly hidden – or wrapped in excitement and action. But go ahead and dig into the origins and see how it emerged – precisely as with Yoga. And then you can say all you want the it is nothing but regular self-defense training to your exactly like people who practice yoga might say it’s just exercising. Let me ask you a question : Can you make super delicious beef steaks out of pork with added beef flavor? If you could, would e.g. a Moslem eat it? I don’t think so! Because it isn’t the “taste” that matters, but rather the “foundation” in it. Regardless how much you mess with the steak – even if you quote lots of scriptures while eating it, it will always be a pork chop.
What are some Bible verses related to martial arts?
Bible verses related to Martial Arts from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance – – Sort By Book Order Psalms 144:1 – (A Psalm of David.) Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (
What is the martial law of the Devil?
Martial Law Martial Law During the first four trumpets, each nation will be forced to suspend its constitution so that martial law can be enacted. Given the size and scope of God’s wrath, world leaders will do whatever it takes to maintain control. Food and water supplies will be rationed.
Medical care and energy reserves will be scarce. Hunger and thirst will drive millions of dazed and bewildered people crazy. Extreme situations require desperate solutions. Earth’s population has never seen a global crisis like the first four trumpets. The crisis will be so huge that political leaders in every nation will be set free of their constitutional obligations almost immediately.
This freedom will permit them to enact and enforce laws they would have strongly opposed during normal times. The declaration of martial law will make it very easy for lawmakers to comply with the demands of Babylon’s clergy. Given the fact that something must be done to appease God, very few citizens will complain – at first.
- After Babylon begins to function as a religious authority over the nations of the World, Babylon’s laws will become increasingly oppressive and restrictive, Remember, laws will be enacted demanding that everyone set aside one day for worshiping God.
- Later on, these laws will be amended and mandatory worship on specific days will be required.
Man’s efforts to appease God wrath explains how worship will become a focal point for persecution. The Bible predicts, “All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast – all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8, insertion and italics mine) The Ten Commandments, especially the fourth commandment, will be constantly debated.
- The topic of worship will become very important.
- The 144,000 will present the holiness of God’s seventh day Sabbath with clarity and compelling power.
- There is only one reason for rebelling against the fourth commandment.
- It is man’s natural hostility toward God’s authority.
- When the carnal nature is confronted with the demands of God’s law, hostility is the result.
Paul wrote, “The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.” (Romans 8:7,8) Cain foolishly rationalized and assured himself that God would be pleased with his choice of fruit and vegetables (Genesis 4:3), but the Bible is clear, God was not pleased at all.
- God did not accept Cain’s worship (Genesis 4:5) because He saw Cain’s rebellion for what it was.
- Think about this: Why would anyone refuse to rest on God’s holy Sabbath when God’s prophets are teaching that God demands we rest from our labors on His holy day? God wrote the Ten Commandments in stone.
- They are inseparable and unchangeable.
The Bible is not in conflict with itself. Paul wrote, “For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: ‘And on the seventh day God rested from all his work’. There remains then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.” (Hebrews 4:4,9,10) During the Great Tribulation, God will test the inhabitants of Earth with His Sabbath rest test.
- Observing God’s seventh day Sabbath will become a global test of faith when Babylon’s legislates other days for worship.
- Consider the parallel: God required ancient Israel to rest on His Sabbath before He delivered them from slavery in Egypt.
- Similarly, God will require mankind to rest on His Sabbath before He sets us free from the slavery of sin.
There was persecution in ancient Egypt for resting on Sabbath and there will be persecution for everyone who defies Babylon’s authority. Incredible as it may seem, many people will fear Babylon’s persecution more than God’s seven bowls. However, the honest in heart will receive the gospel of Jesus and embrace the Creator’s Sabbath.
A large number of Moslems, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants, Heathen, and Atheists will receive the gospel of Jesus Christ and rest on His Sabbath day once they understand who Jesus really is and what He wants! Summarizing Babylon’s Persecution Thus far, we have examined Babylon’s persecution of the saints between the fourth and fifth trumpet.
Here is a short summary: 1. Once it comes into power, Babylon will move quickly to appease God’s wrath. The first enabling lie told by the religious leaders is that everyone worships the same God even though He is called by different names. The second enabling lie is that God will be pleased with laws that outlaw sinful behavior.
The third enabling lie will be Babylon’s assertion that is has the authority to determine when God is to be worshiped.2. At first, Babylon’s efforts to appease God will seem logical and appropriate to billions of people, however, the wheels will quickly fall of the wagon after a few weeks because man’s religious diversity will not permit a world of diverse religions to worship the same God in the same way.
Babylon will consist of seven diverse religions and the worship of God will become inconsistent and internally conflicted topic. Babylon’s duplicity in appeasing God with laws regarding worship will undermine Babylon’s lies. The honest in heart will see through Babylon’s lies and embrace the gospel of Jesus.
The Gospel of Jesus Will Stall The only people authorized to speak for Jesus during the Great tribulation will be His servants, the 144,000. Jesus will not use churches, clergy, priests, imams, rabbis, pastors, or evangelists. The 144,000 will begin their work on the day the censer is cast down. Their first message is the first angel’s message found in Revelation 14:6,7.
“Fear God – worship Him.” Later, when Babylon begins persecuting the saints, the 144,000 will give a second message, “Babylon is fallen.” (Revelation 14:8, KJV). Some of the 144,000 will speak before legislatures, parliaments, kings, prime, ministers, dictators, and presidents.
(Revelation 10:11) The 144,000 will explain the plan of salvation from the Bible, including the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, to young and old, rich and poor. They will present the love and sacrifice of Jesus and the terms and conditions of His gospel. They will boldly declare that Babylon is full of blasphemy and lies.
In a word, the 144,000 will declare that “Babylon is fallen,” ( Revelation 14:8, KJV, insertion and italics mine) The 144,000 will tell the world that contrary to Babylon’s claim, everyone does not worship the same God. They will also inform the world that the God who has destroyed much of the world is Jesus Christ, the Creator of the world.
- The 144,000 will tell parliaments and congresses that legislating worship and moral conduct will not appease God’s wrath.
- If Jesus wanted moral legislation imposed on people, He would have imposed His Ten Commandments on mankind long ago.
- Jesus could have sent legions of angels with torturing devices if forced obedience was His objective.
The 144,000 will tell the world leaders that the last resort of false religion is force and contrary to what Babylon claims, Jesus will not accept coerced behavior as a substitute for repentance. Tortured confessions are unacceptable to a God of love.
- Jesus will only forgive our sins when we are truly sorry and willing to turn away from our sins.
- Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15) Of course, those who believe the formation of Babylon is appropriate will reject this testimony.
- Religious leaders will demand that politicians punish those “fools” who know nothing about God and are inciting and misleading others to offend God! The 144,000 will plainly say, “The devastating judgments have stopped until the fifth trumpet occurs!” World leaders will not believe them.
When fear and panic rule, people retreat to what they think is secure and this is why the whole world follows after the leopard-like beast. Everyone will be looking to their religious experts for direction and instruction. No politician will be willing to risk more of God’s wrath by embracing the claims of 144,000 nobodies.
The leaders of Babylon will argue and political leaders will agree that there is safety in numbers and remaining united, as one family is the best way to appease one angry God. After two years of persecution during the Great tribulation, almost everyone on Earth will have decided whether or not he is willing to submit to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
When the advance of the gospel ceases, the fifth trumpet occurs. Jesus will release Lucifer from the spirit realm where he has been confined. After he is released, the devil will physically appear before mankind masquerading as Almighty God. Paul calls the devil “the man of sin” (KJV) or “the man of lawlessness” (NIV) because the devil will not be subject to human laws.
He will do a she pleases and no one will be able to stop him! As you read the following verses, notice that the devil is called a man and notice why the devil is permitted to physically appear before mankind: “And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.
The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12, italics and insertions mine) God Releases a Destroyer Before we examine the fifth trumpet, we need to discuss the full cup principle and God’s use of a “destroyer.” At the beginning of this study, we learned the full cup principle is a policy that God consistently uses to manage groups of people.
When the majority of a group of people becomes so degenerate and defiant that extended mercy has no redeeming effect, God’s love for the innocent victims of sin, as well as oncoming generations, cause Him to respond to the decadence of the current generation.
He sends warnings and redemptive judgments so that if possible, His wayward subjects will change course. If His warnings are ignored and His redemptive judgments do not produce repentance and reformation, God will send a destroyer to destroy the unrepentant. If the situation is not redeemable, He will send totally destructive judgments.
Sometimes, Jesus Himself is the destroyer. He destroyed the world in Noah’s day. (Genesis 6:7) Jesus destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 19:24) Jesus also killed the firstborn in Egypt. (Exodus 12:12) Centuries later, Israel ignored the warnings which God mercifully sent through Jeremiah.
Notice Jeremiah’s words, “For twenty-three years – from the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day – the word of the Lord has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened. And though the Lord sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention’But you did not listen to me,’ declares the Lord, ‘and you have provoked me with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves.'” (Jeremiah 25:4,5, italics mine) “Therefore the Lord Almighty says this: ‘Because you have not listened to my words, I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations.
I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin. I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voice of the bride and bridegroom, the sound of millstones and the light of the lamp. This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years.'” (Jeremiah 25:8-11, italics mine) Two important parallels can be applied to the Great Tribulation.
- First, there is a clear parallel between the work of Noah, Moses, Jeremiah, and the work of the 144,000.
- God warns people of forthcoming actions through appointed messengers.
- Second, when Jesus saw that extended mercy did not produce change in ancient times, Jesus took action.
- He either imposed destruction on His rebellious subjects or He raised up a destroyer (as in Jeremiah’s case, king Nebuchadnezzar) to accomplish His will.
The same thing will happen during the Great Tribulation. For 890 days, Jesus will grant everyone a chance to hear and receive His gospel and be saved. When it becomes clear to Jesus that extended mercy has no further redeeming effect, Jesus will release the devil ( a destroyer) on the world.
- The devil will ultimately lead the wicked in a war to destroy Jesus at the Second Coming.
- Of course, the ultimate destroyer is Jesus.
- He will destroy His enemies with a command (represented as a sword that comes out of His mouth – Revelation 19:15-21) and return the devil to the Abyss.
- Revelation 20:1-3) Just as Jesus released the king of ancient Babylon on Israel to bring Israel’s rebellion to an end, Jesus will release Lucifer, the king of modern Babylon to bring the world’s rebellion to an end.
Remember, the fifth trumpet does not occur until a majority of the wicked and the undecided have refused to accept the clearest evidences of truth. Paul wrote, “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie.” (2 Thessalonians 2:10,11, italics and insertions mine) : Martial Law
What does martial law mean for Egypt?
Egypt – In Egypt, a State of Emergency has been in effect almost continuously since 1967. Following the assassination of President Anwar el-Sadat in 1981, a state of emergency was declared. Egypt has been under state of emergency ever since with few short exceptions.
- Parliament had renewed emergency laws every three years since they were imposed.
- The legislation was extended in 2003 and were due to expire at the end of May 2006; plans were in place to replace it with new anti-terrorism laws.
- But after the Dahab bombings in April of that year, state of emergency was renewed for another two years.
In May 2008 there was a further extension to June 2010. In May 2010, the state of emergency was further extended, albeit with a promise from the government to be applied only to ‘Terrorism and Drugs’ suspects. A State of Emergency gives military courts the power to try civilians and allows the government to detain for renewable 45-day periods and without court orders anyone deemed to be threatening state security.
- Public demonstrations are banned under the legislation.
- On 10 February 2011, the ex-president of Egypt, Hosni Mubarak, promised the deletion of the relevant constitutional article that gives legitimacy to State of Emergency in an attempt to please the mass number of protesters that demanded him to resign.
On 11 February 2011, the president stepped down and the vice president Omar Suleiman de facto introduced the country to martial law when transferring all civilian powers from the presidential institution to the military institution. It meant that the presidential executive powers, the parliamentary legislative powers and the judicial powers all transferred directly into the military system which may delegate powers back and forth to any civilian institution within its territory.
- The military issued in its third announcement the “end of the State of Emergency as soon as order is restored in Egypt”.
- Before martial law, the Egyptian parliament under the constitution had the civilian power to declare a State of Emergency.
- When in martial law, the military gained all powers of the state, including to dissolve the parliament and suspend the constitution as it did in its fifth announcement.
Under martial law, the only legal framework within the Egyptian territory is the numbered announcements from the military. These announcements could for instance order any civilian laws to come back into force. The military announcements (communiques) are the de facto only current constitution and legal framework for the Egyptian territory.
What happens when martial law is imposed?
Use – Martial law can be used by governments to enforce their rule over the public, as seen in multiple countries listed below. Such incidents may occur after a coup d’état ( Thailand in 2006 and 2014, and Egypt in 2013 ); when threatened by popular protest (China, Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 ); to suppress political opposition ( martial law in Poland in 1981 ); or to stabilize insurrections or perceived insurrections.
- Martial law may be declared in cases of major natural disasters; however, most countries use a different legal construct, such as a state of emergency,
- Martial law has also been imposed during conflicts, and in cases of occupations, where the absence of any other civil government provides for an unstable population.
Examples of this form of military rule include post World War II reconstruction in Germany and Japan, the recovery and reconstruction of the former Confederate States of America during Reconstruction Era in the United States of America following the American Civil War, and German occupation of northern France between 1871 and 1873 after the Treaty of Frankfurt ended the Franco-Prussian War,
What are some Bible verses related to martial arts?
Bible verses related to Martial Arts from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance – – Sort By Book Order Psalms 144:1 – (A Psalm of David.) Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (
What is the martial law of the Devil?
Martial Law Martial Law During the first four trumpets, each nation will be forced to suspend its constitution so that martial law can be enacted. Given the size and scope of God’s wrath, world leaders will do whatever it takes to maintain control. Food and water supplies will be rationed.
- Medical care and energy reserves will be scarce.
- Hunger and thirst will drive millions of dazed and bewildered people crazy.
- Extreme situations require desperate solutions.
- Earth’s population has never seen a global crisis like the first four trumpets.
- The crisis will be so huge that political leaders in every nation will be set free of their constitutional obligations almost immediately.
This freedom will permit them to enact and enforce laws they would have strongly opposed during normal times. The declaration of martial law will make it very easy for lawmakers to comply with the demands of Babylon’s clergy. Given the fact that something must be done to appease God, very few citizens will complain – at first.
- After Babylon begins to function as a religious authority over the nations of the World, Babylon’s laws will become increasingly oppressive and restrictive, Remember, laws will be enacted demanding that everyone set aside one day for worshiping God.
- Later on, these laws will be amended and mandatory worship on specific days will be required.
Man’s efforts to appease God wrath explains how worship will become a focal point for persecution. The Bible predicts, “All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast – all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8, insertion and italics mine) The Ten Commandments, especially the fourth commandment, will be constantly debated.
The topic of worship will become very important. The 144,000 will present the holiness of God’s seventh day Sabbath with clarity and compelling power. There is only one reason for rebelling against the fourth commandment. It is man’s natural hostility toward God’s authority. When the carnal nature is confronted with the demands of God’s law, hostility is the result.
Paul wrote, “The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.” (Romans 8:7,8) Cain foolishly rationalized and assured himself that God would be pleased with his choice of fruit and vegetables (Genesis 4:3), but the Bible is clear, God was not pleased at all.
- God did not accept Cain’s worship (Genesis 4:5) because He saw Cain’s rebellion for what it was.
- Think about this: Why would anyone refuse to rest on God’s holy Sabbath when God’s prophets are teaching that God demands we rest from our labors on His holy day? God wrote the Ten Commandments in stone.
- They are inseparable and unchangeable.
The Bible is not in conflict with itself. Paul wrote, “For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: ‘And on the seventh day God rested from all his work’. There remains then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.” (Hebrews 4:4,9,10) During the Great Tribulation, God will test the inhabitants of Earth with His Sabbath rest test.
Observing God’s seventh day Sabbath will become a global test of faith when Babylon’s legislates other days for worship. Consider the parallel: God required ancient Israel to rest on His Sabbath before He delivered them from slavery in Egypt. Similarly, God will require mankind to rest on His Sabbath before He sets us free from the slavery of sin.
There was persecution in ancient Egypt for resting on Sabbath and there will be persecution for everyone who defies Babylon’s authority. Incredible as it may seem, many people will fear Babylon’s persecution more than God’s seven bowls. However, the honest in heart will receive the gospel of Jesus and embrace the Creator’s Sabbath.
A large number of Moslems, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants, Heathen, and Atheists will receive the gospel of Jesus Christ and rest on His Sabbath day once they understand who Jesus really is and what He wants! Summarizing Babylon’s Persecution Thus far, we have examined Babylon’s persecution of the saints between the fourth and fifth trumpet.
Here is a short summary: 1. Once it comes into power, Babylon will move quickly to appease God’s wrath. The first enabling lie told by the religious leaders is that everyone worships the same God even though He is called by different names. The second enabling lie is that God will be pleased with laws that outlaw sinful behavior.
- The third enabling lie will be Babylon’s assertion that is has the authority to determine when God is to be worshiped.2.
- At first, Babylon’s efforts to appease God will seem logical and appropriate to billions of people, however, the wheels will quickly fall of the wagon after a few weeks because man’s religious diversity will not permit a world of diverse religions to worship the same God in the same way.
Babylon will consist of seven diverse religions and the worship of God will become inconsistent and internally conflicted topic. Babylon’s duplicity in appeasing God with laws regarding worship will undermine Babylon’s lies. The honest in heart will see through Babylon’s lies and embrace the gospel of Jesus.
- The Gospel of Jesus Will Stall The only people authorized to speak for Jesus during the Great tribulation will be His servants, the 144,000.
- Jesus will not use churches, clergy, priests, imams, rabbis, pastors, or evangelists.
- The 144,000 will begin their work on the day the censer is cast down.
- Their first message is the first angel’s message found in Revelation 14:6,7.
“Fear God – worship Him.” Later, when Babylon begins persecuting the saints, the 144,000 will give a second message, “Babylon is fallen.” (Revelation 14:8, KJV). Some of the 144,000 will speak before legislatures, parliaments, kings, prime, ministers, dictators, and presidents.
Revelation 10:11) The 144,000 will explain the plan of salvation from the Bible, including the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, to young and old, rich and poor. They will present the love and sacrifice of Jesus and the terms and conditions of His gospel. They will boldly declare that Babylon is full of blasphemy and lies.
In a word, the 144,000 will declare that “Babylon is fallen,” ( Revelation 14:8, KJV, insertion and italics mine) The 144,000 will tell the world that contrary to Babylon’s claim, everyone does not worship the same God. They will also inform the world that the God who has destroyed much of the world is Jesus Christ, the Creator of the world.
- The 144,000 will tell parliaments and congresses that legislating worship and moral conduct will not appease God’s wrath.
- If Jesus wanted moral legislation imposed on people, He would have imposed His Ten Commandments on mankind long ago.
- Jesus could have sent legions of angels with torturing devices if forced obedience was His objective.
The 144,000 will tell the world leaders that the last resort of false religion is force and contrary to what Babylon claims, Jesus will not accept coerced behavior as a substitute for repentance. Tortured confessions are unacceptable to a God of love.
- Jesus will only forgive our sins when we are truly sorry and willing to turn away from our sins.
- Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15) Of course, those who believe the formation of Babylon is appropriate will reject this testimony.
- Religious leaders will demand that politicians punish those “fools” who know nothing about God and are inciting and misleading others to offend God! The 144,000 will plainly say, “The devastating judgments have stopped until the fifth trumpet occurs!” World leaders will not believe them.
When fear and panic rule, people retreat to what they think is secure and this is why the whole world follows after the leopard-like beast. Everyone will be looking to their religious experts for direction and instruction. No politician will be willing to risk more of God’s wrath by embracing the claims of 144,000 nobodies.
- The leaders of Babylon will argue and political leaders will agree that there is safety in numbers and remaining united, as one family is the best way to appease one angry God.
- After two years of persecution during the Great tribulation, almost everyone on Earth will have decided whether or not he is willing to submit to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
When the advance of the gospel ceases, the fifth trumpet occurs. Jesus will release Lucifer from the spirit realm where he has been confined. After he is released, the devil will physically appear before mankind masquerading as Almighty God. Paul calls the devil “the man of sin” (KJV) or “the man of lawlessness” (NIV) because the devil will not be subject to human laws.
He will do a she pleases and no one will be able to stop him! As you read the following verses, notice that the devil is called a man and notice why the devil is permitted to physically appear before mankind: “And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.
The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12, italics and insertions mine) God Releases a Destroyer Before we examine the fifth trumpet, we need to discuss the full cup principle and God’s use of a “destroyer.” At the beginning of this study, we learned the full cup principle is a policy that God consistently uses to manage groups of people.
When the majority of a group of people becomes so degenerate and defiant that extended mercy has no redeeming effect, God’s love for the innocent victims of sin, as well as oncoming generations, cause Him to respond to the decadence of the current generation.
- He sends warnings and redemptive judgments so that if possible, His wayward subjects will change course.
- If His warnings are ignored and His redemptive judgments do not produce repentance and reformation, God will send a destroyer to destroy the unrepentant.
- If the situation is not redeemable, He will send totally destructive judgments.
Sometimes, Jesus Himself is the destroyer. He destroyed the world in Noah’s day. (Genesis 6:7) Jesus destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 19:24) Jesus also killed the firstborn in Egypt. (Exodus 12:12) Centuries later, Israel ignored the warnings which God mercifully sent through Jeremiah.
- Notice Jeremiah’s words, “For twenty-three years – from the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day – the word of the Lord has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened.
- And though the Lord sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention’But you did not listen to me,’ declares the Lord, ‘and you have provoked me with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves.'” (Jeremiah 25:4,5, italics mine) “Therefore the Lord Almighty says this: ‘Because you have not listened to my words, I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations.
I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin. I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voice of the bride and bridegroom, the sound of millstones and the light of the lamp. This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years.'” (Jeremiah 25:8-11, italics mine) Two important parallels can be applied to the Great Tribulation.
- First, there is a clear parallel between the work of Noah, Moses, Jeremiah, and the work of the 144,000.
- God warns people of forthcoming actions through appointed messengers.
- Second, when Jesus saw that extended mercy did not produce change in ancient times, Jesus took action.
- He either imposed destruction on His rebellious subjects or He raised up a destroyer (as in Jeremiah’s case, king Nebuchadnezzar) to accomplish His will.
The same thing will happen during the Great Tribulation. For 890 days, Jesus will grant everyone a chance to hear and receive His gospel and be saved. When it becomes clear to Jesus that extended mercy has no further redeeming effect, Jesus will release the devil ( a destroyer) on the world.
- The devil will ultimately lead the wicked in a war to destroy Jesus at the Second Coming.
- Of course, the ultimate destroyer is Jesus.
- He will destroy His enemies with a command (represented as a sword that comes out of His mouth – Revelation 19:15-21) and return the devil to the Abyss.
- Revelation 20:1-3) Just as Jesus released the king of ancient Babylon on Israel to bring Israel’s rebellion to an end, Jesus will release Lucifer, the king of modern Babylon to bring the world’s rebellion to an end.
Remember, the fifth trumpet does not occur until a majority of the wicked and the undecided have refused to accept the clearest evidences of truth. Paul wrote, “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie.” (2 Thessalonians 2:10,11, italics and insertions mine) : Martial Law
What does the Bible say about hands in war?
He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
What does the Bible say about a man of war?
Exodus 15:3 – The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. Luke 22:36 – Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.