As was indicated right from the beginning of this book, Revelation starts at a point far back in history and ends some time near the end time. This chapter is dealing with those things that are going to happen at the very end and includes the twentieth century. Times that have been established by certain words in the previous chapters are going to be used again to interpret that which Revelation wishes to convey in this chapter.

ESTABLISHING THE LAST PLAGUE

The reader will recall that in Revelation 13:13, "great and miraculous signs" could be linked to the time 1866 in the interpretation of the "number of man" (refer to p. ). It was the time of the discovery of dynamite by Alfred Noble. It was said in Revelation 14:15 that "another" means that "a generation" has to be added to the time that was indicated in the previous verse (see p ). It seems that Revelation might be adding 72 years to 1866 (1866+72 = 1938). This is not impossible for 1938 was also a year of a "miraculous" sign: the discovery of the splitting of the uranium atom that could cause a chain reaction. This would lead directly to the development of the atomic bomb. If Revelation deals with the nations and war, it surely must be an indication of the ultimate weapon of war in the twentieth century. The fact that the year 1938 that deals with "miraculous signs" is followed by "last, because with them God's wrath is completed" might mean that the last plague incorporates a "miraculous sign". This deduction is supported by the fact that Revelation seems to set the perimeters of the time span it wishes to cover in a particular chapter, in the opening verse or verses of that chapter.

It is of interest that in 1883, Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher published the first part of his major work on philosophical mysticism, Thus spake Zarathustra, in which he expresses the idea of a 'superman'. In a previous book he went so far as to say that Christianity was played out and that morality was the herd instinct in the individual. He envisaged a race of supermen, beyond good and evil. I mention this here to show how philosophers were exalting man’s achievements and behaviour. This is reminiscent of the word "rising" in Revelation 14:20 that refers to man's 'arrogance' at the end of the twentieth century.

It has been established that "sea" indicates the time 1884—1932. (See Rev 8:8 which deals with the great volcanic eruption of Krakatoa, p .)

In the following chapters we shall see that 1932 is also the time of the final fall of the "ten horns" that are ten kings. These are ten hereditary kings of ten countries. The last hereditary king to "receive authority with the beast" for about twenty—four years between 1906 and 1931, was Alfonso XIII of Spain. Later in Revelation it will be seen that the word "waters" can also mean "peoples, multitudes, nations and languages" (Rev 17:15). Therefore the fall of the kings (the "beast out of the sea") and the time of the "waters'' can also be placed at the time 1932.

"Fire"

The word "fire" relates to the years 1980—1992, but also to the very end time in the words "lake of burning sulfur" (Rev 20:10).

Revelation seems to be indicating that the masses, or the peoples of the earth, who had wished to overthrow the power of the anointed king and the direct rule of the Christian Church would have achieved their goal by the time of "water"(1932) and "fire"(1992). By using the words "water" and "fire" Revelation may again be measuring the time 1932—2004 and beyond.

Those who would not accept ("had been victorious") the ideology of freedom from the Christian code of living within the rule of the nations ("over the beast and his image") and would not destroy fellow Christians in war (1566 was the year that Philip of Spain declared war on the Netherlands because of religious differences that had become political divisions — "and the number of his name"), were standing "beside the sea".

It seems as if Revelation wishes to give the nations of the twentieth century some insight into the reasons for the "fall of Babylon" that incorporates the Second World War and the institution of the rule of man worldwide.

Transparent glass and crystal

See page , for the explanation of "crystal" in Revelation 4:6.

"sea of glass"

The words "a sea of glass" (transparent) relates to Revelation 21:21: "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass."

In these words Revelation seems to be measuring the time 1860—2004, the time of the "wall" of the chart of the new Jerusalem in which there were twelve gates, each gate made of a single pearl. The ancient peoples considered pearls as the most precious of gems. Metaphorically, it means something of great value, especially wise sayings.

By using the images of "gates" and "pearls", Revelation wants to convey that Almighty God has sympathy for the "rule of man" in the time 1860—2004. (This is later substantiated by the words: "For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast his power to rule" — Rev 17:17). Particularly with those nations and leaders of nations that through the "rule of man" tried to uphold the teachings of Jesus Christ and to apply them in the governments of the nations. The word "pearls" likely include those who in the last two generations 1860—2004 died for their faith. This is indicated by the words "street of the city " which is the year 1932.

The times of the colours of the chart of the New Jerusalem as measured in the second millennium, are 1068—1932. The "generations" at the beginning and at the end of the time 996—2004 are not measured (996—1068 and 1932—2004). The time 1068—1932 is also the time of the "great city" and the central point of this period is the year 1500. In Revelation 22:2 we are told that the "river of the water of life" flows "down the middle of the great street of the city". We also know that "street" relates to the time that Christians died for their faith. (See Revelation 11:8: "Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city", p .) It should be noted that in Revelation 22:2 the river flows down the great street and on either side of the river stood the tree of life "bearing twelve crops of fruit", therefore the central point of the time 1860—2004, which is the year 1932.

Revelation 15:1 seems to be measuring the time 1500—2004, focussing particularly on those "who had been victorious" over the influence of "the beast and his image and the number of his name". In other words those Christians who did not adhere to an amalgamation of all the religions of the earth and remained faithful to the message of the cross.

Revelation regards the periods 1068—1932 and 1860—2004 as units. In this interpretation the time 1932—2004 (the time "outside the city") is regarded as "crystal" and the very end time (the time beyond 2004) is regarded as the time of "crystal" or "transparent glass".

The "sea of glass" stands in contrast to the turbulent sea churned up by the beast seen by Daniel and referred to in Revelation 13. Revelation conveys this at the beginning of the chapter on the plagues and the bowls of wrath to ensure Christians that they do not have to fear the wrath of God in the times of the plagues.

As mentioned before, the words "… cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed (Rev 13:15) mean that if a minority of Christians would be suppressed, undermined or even put to death under the "rule of man" it would have to be accepted. The words also imply that Christians who are in the minority would ultimately largely succumb and accept the religion of the majority or an equalization of all religions. Countries that place great accent on the equalization of religions may cause the "death" of Christianity.

We must take into account that the time of the measuring of the temple is linked to the seven plagues.

Approximately twenty-four years after the Church of Rome had moved against the Franciscans in 1323, the bubonic plague or Black Death (c 1348) struck Europe.

What these verses from Revelation and Zechariah are revealing in relation to the "seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God" is that where man harmed or moved against those who had given up all their worldly ambitions and goods and set out to spread the message of Christianity, plague must follow.

As was seen in the previous chapters every word and phrase contributes to the full interpretation of Revelation. Certain phrases will link this chapter to Revelation 8 (also Rev 10) that deals with the sounding of the trumpets. This means that we have to do with the same times in both chapters.

The words "on the land" were also used in Revelation 10:2. "(The mighty angel) planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land." It was said at the time that it related to the year 1932.

In the interpretation of Revelation 8:7 the time of "earth" or the "beast out of the earth" which is the time 1266—1932 (666 years) was divided into three sections of 222 years (see p ).

1266 (+222)= 1488 1488(+222)= 1710 1710 (+222)= 1932

The "ugly and painful sores" relate to sexually transmitted diseases. In 1494 (about the time 1488) a highly contagious disease, called the French pox, plagued Europe. Cases were recorded in France, Spain and Italy. It attacked the genitals where it appeared as sores, and was transmitted through sexual intercourse. The disease also ate away at the palate and the uvula, the lips, nose and eyes, and weakened the muscles and nerves before bringing its victim to an early and painful death. The disease took on epidemic proportions, particularly after the army of Charles VIII of France had besieged Naples in that same year. In 1530 it was named syphilis, for what the Spanish called "bubas" which had been transported by sailors returning from the New World.

At this point, we can establish "the mark of the beast". In Revelation 13:17 it was linked to the year 1932 and the Great Depression.

It seems as if Revelation wants to link the plagues with what was happening in the East and the West during the years 1266—1494. In 1268 Europeans from Western Europe went to the East for the first time because the Pax Mongolia (the trade route to China) was opened after the Mongols had conquered the surrounding territory. In 1492 Europeans set foot on the American Continent.

Revelation indicates that the discovery of the new lands both East and West would cause the disease to spread. The latter was linked to the religious, moral, and political liberation of man who, as a result, became progressively more promiscuous. To gain liberty, some people used violence, and not only destroyed lives, but also destroyed the Church. As was indicated above, those who destroy the "two witnesses", or the Christians that carry out the Christian message, will suffer from one of the forms of plague. (This destruction is 'physical' as in the Reformation, in the Soviet Union, and in the Second World War, or could include the undermining of the Christian Church.)

Therefore the times indicated by the "first bowl of wrath" are the total measurement of the "number of man" (1266, 1932 and 1998). The year 1998 can be brought into relation with the sexually transmitted disease AIDS.

This verse confirms that the second witness is Francis of Assisi and the Franciscans. From c 1892 the Chinese authority turned against European foreigners and destroyed Franciscan missions. Here Revelation is indicating the wrath of God on the entire world in the time of the two World Wars. The middle of the twentieth century was the time of the establishment of the "rule of man" worldwide.

In the interpretation of Revelation 8:9 the "springs of water" fell in the time 1900—1932. It was the time that was introduced by the falling star seen by the Hopi. (See p .) The words "springs of water" is very significant in Revelation for it indicates the power of the Christian message. It comes from the words of Christ in John 4:13, where he spoke to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. Concerning the water of the well, Jesus said, " Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whosoever drinks the water that I give him, will never thirst. Indeed the water that I give him will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

The reader will recall that 1900 was the time of the Boxer Rebellion and the destruction of the Christian mission churches in China. The Spanish crown lost Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines to the United Sates in this time. In 1900 the communist ideology was gaining ground in Russia. This was therefore a time in which the rule of man was expanding worldwide.

Therefore, the years linked to the "third bowl" are probably c 1898—1900 and 1946—1948. "the waters … became blood" indicate the people of all nations that died in the Second World War. We must now refer to the sounding of the third trumpet (p .) The time measured there was 48 years — one third of 144). This correlates with what we will establish in Chapter 18, namely that the fall of Babylon includes the Second World War.

In the following verses, there is a break in the pouring of the "bowls of wrath". Revelation now focuses on the words of the "angel in charge of the waters". It seems as if Revelation wishes to indicate the time 1932( waters) and 1946, which is the time of the end of the Second World War. Later the text of Revelation ( Rev 18:24) will repeat the words of Rev.16:6 "the blood of your saints and prophets". It will be seen that the time related in Revelation, chapter 18, is the time of the Fall of Babylon which is also the time of the Second World War.

As this interlude falls between the third and fourth bowls of wrath, it could have bearing on the time 1900—1946. According to history, the devastation of the Christian Church was at its worst in the Soviet Union (1918—1938) and in the Second World War. As mentioned above, we should note that this reference is also used in the section on the fall of Babylon indicating that the times correlate.

In other words Revelation indicates that the First and Second World Wars were actually God's wrath on the world for the death of the martyrs and the Christians. We can now begin to understand the purpose of the wars and what has taken place in the world.

We are given five clues: "vial upon the sun"; "power to scorch men with fire"; "scorched with great heat"; " blasphemed the name of God" and "power". It is important that the word "power" is repeated, for it indicates that man has possibly forgotten that God allowed man to develop nuclear weaponry.

In Revelation 13:14 the word "power" had to do with the power that man had to make fire come down from heaven. In the first verse of Revelation 15, the time of " another great and marvelous sign" was indicated as the time 1866+72 = 1938. It seems as if Revelation is focussing on the time of the development of the atomic bomb.

The reader will recall that when the "sun" was measured in Chapter 7 it was measured from the time 996— 2004 or " three and a half days" ( see p ). It was shown that the time of 'sun' is measured 996 to 1860 ( three days) and 1860 to 2004 ( half day). Because Revelation indicated the two units of time, a third of the sun was therefore a third of the time 996 to 1860 , but also "a third of the sun" could also relate to the time 1860—2004. Therefore, the time of 144 years was divided into thirds: 1860—1908; 1908—1956, and 1956—2004.

Each "third" indicated a stage in the darkening of the sun. As we have reached the time beyond the Second World War, it could be the time indicated by the darkening of the sun 1908+48 = 1956. This was the time indicated by Revelation 8:13 — "a third of them turned dark" meaning "sun" (also moon" and "stars").

"The sun was given power"

These words could indicate the discovery of nuclear fusion after the Second World War. A conversion of mass into energy occurs when the nuclei of light atoms fuse together. These fusion reactions occur only at millions of degrees Centigrade, and they are therefore called thermonuclear reactions. Such temperatures are found in the center of the sun and other stars and it is there that fusion reactions take place. The most common nuclear fusion process in the stars is one in which four protons come together in stages to form a single helium nucleus. In the middle of the twentieth century man discovered that he could bring about fusion reactions on earth between deuterium and tritium — two isotopes of hydrogen. This occurs in a hydrogen bomb explosion. The high temperature needed for the reaction to occur is produced by exploding an atomic bomb — nuclear fission — first.

Revelation is once again indicating dates. The time of nuclear fusion can be placed at 1951—1952. Here is a reference to "fire". It was said in a previous chapter that "maketh fire come down from heaven" is linked to the year 1992. (See p .)

It is of the greatest significance here that the number of man is linked to the seven bowls of wrath. It seems as if Revelation is conveying that man himself has brought about the suffering of the world.

These words are brought into relation with "power". It seems as if man himself has brought about much of the destruction of the twentieth century. Therefore, as we are now in the post-war years, the end of verse 9 could mean that man has advanced so far in their search for "liberty" that, despite the horrors of the war, and the victory of the West, they did not grant the Christian Church precedence in the rule of the nations. Who would have considered having direct representation of the Christian Church in the formation of the United Nations in 1946—1952?

"The throne of the beast" probably refers to the United Nations that does not promote Christianity as the absolute truth, but accepts "freedom of religion". In other words it is based on an argument put forward by man. Revelation will explain in detail how this came about, and will urge Christians to accept only the message of the Resurrection. Who the "beast" refers to will be established in a following chapter. The "beast" will rule till the end time. This we know from Revelation 17:17: "For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule."

The "kingdom" of the beast must be distinguished from those countries that are outspokenly atheist or non-Christian. They have as their "king" (Rev 9:11) the "Destroyer" who wishes to undermine or destroy the Christian Church. This would include those countries where the rule of man or the rule of the land fell into the hands of continually revolting factions, and where lawlessness has come to prevail. It could, however, also be the rule of a state that wishes the outright conquest of Christianity. It can also be a once Christian state that has fallen into total corruption, where the Christian Church has no true worshippers.

The "beast" is therefore a rule of man that does not give priority to Christianity.

"his kingdom was plunged into darkness"

According to the measurement of the "sun" the last "third" of the time of 1860—2004 (1860 + 48 = 1908; 1908 + 48 = 1956; 1956 + 48 = 2004 ) is the time of darkness. Therefore from 1956 the kingdom of the beast was plunged into darkness.

From 1958, atheist communist philosophy has been spreading in South America and was an underlying factor in guerilla movements in Guatemala, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia.

This phrase correlates with Revelation 16:2 and the words (KJV)"grievous sore". This likely includes the time of the AIDS epidemic (1978—1998) and beyond (till, or if, a cure is found).

References to the Euphrates and the "kings of the East" place the focus on the Middle East. As we are now in the time of the "woes", we must regard this in a world context. The words "its water was dried up" means that the message of Christianity —"the living waters" — is no longer proclaimed there. It could mean the end of peace. This is true, for the Christian Church has little or no say in the rule of the nations of the Middle East.

The reference to the river Euphrates in Revelation can be linked to the years 1932 and to c 1968 (see, p and ). It thus seems that the time of the drying up of the "living waters" can also be placed in the time 1932—1968 ( 1968 is also the central point of the time 1932—2004). (See chart, p .)

In 1967—1968 the hostilities in Palestine started — a conflict that would involve the West. The word "kings" is probably used here to indicate the remnant of Christians who adhered to the Christian faith despite great trials of non-Christian rule in the Far East, Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe. Considering the deaths of Christians in the last decade of the twentieth century it could be that this "bowl of wrath" has bearing on the years 1990—1999.

Where Revelation seems to link the wars of the second half of the twentieth century with the death of Christians, we have to take note of statistics given by David Barrett, editor of the World Christian Encyclopaedia. He stated that every year 160 000 Christians are killed by rebellious populations or governments because of their religious identity. The countries that he named concerning the death of Christians were China, Vietnam, Laos, Pakistan, Iran, Egypt and Sudan.

The word "unclean" signifies that men will have to distinguish between "clean" and "unclean"; between what may and may not be done according to the teachings of the scriptures. It also suggests discerning as to when sexual relations are allowed or disallowed (Lev 15:24).

Revelation brings the "frogs" in relation with the "miraculous signs". According to the interpretation of the above verse, "miraculous signs" was linked to the year 1866 (see p ). It was said in the interpretation of "miraculous signs" that they were great explosions and nuclear fission.

By the twentieth century man had progressed to political 'freedom' and freedom from the Christian Church in the rule of the nations (the "first beast" being the "beast out of the sea" that indicates the fall of the kings). He was deceived to think that his nuclear expertise and knowledge of rockets and missiles ("fire to come down from heaven") gave him the right to manufacture any form of destructive weapon. This led to the manufacture of biological weapons that could cause mass destruction. In other words, man was developing an arrogance. He felt totally free to expand his scientific capabilities with a view to an unlimited future. He forgot or no longer believed that Jesus Christ was going to return to earth and judge the living and the dead.

In the field of biological science, man has focussed his study on human reproduction. By referring to the "three frogs" it seems as if Revelation wants to indicate that man is also being deceived as to how far he is allowed to intervene in human reproduction.

The three "frogs" could possibly represent the following three species of frogs that through their outward appearance ("unclean spirits like frogs") or reproductive behaviour are symbolical of progress made in the field of medical science, especially with reference to human reproduction.

This is a South and East African species. These frogs were widely used for pregnancy tests. Since the 1950's these tests have been replaced by immunological tests.

The Platanna could be symbolic of experiments where animals are used in the interpretation and diagnosis of human conditions, human reproduction and organ transplantation.

The Midwife Toad

A European species remarkable for the part played by the male in the care of the eggs. It coils the strings of eggs around its hind legs and carries his burden for three weeks or more, until it is time for them to hatch.

The Midwife Toad could symbolize sex-change operations and the changing of the roles of man and woman in modern times.

This frog inhabits parts of the eastern side of tropical South America and reproduces unlike any other species. The male presses the egg on to the back of the female. The eggs do not go through the tadpole stage but change directly into replicas of the parents.

The Surinam Toad symbolizes the success of researchers to exclude one of the stages of development in the natural cycle of reproduction. Considering that the first cloning experiments in 1952 were on frogs, this could be symbolic of cloning. In human cloning the natural process of fertilization and development of a human being is replaced by a non-sexual phase, developed by man, to produce a direct replica of man.

The only way to interpret this section is to refer to Revelation 18:2 where it is mentioned that Babylon "has become a haunt for every evil spirit". There the times of measurement are 288 years (one day); 240 years (one hour — when it includes the entire earth) and 96 years (for the final woe's of Chapter 18 are divided into three sections and 96 is a third of "one day").

This was the time that Louis XIV sought to remove papal authority from the French rule. There was perpetual friction between Louis and the Pope(Innocent XI) over the question of papal authority over the French Church. Louis was willing to let the Pope decide questions of doctrine, but in other matters he desired his power to be as absolute. The Pope on the other hand was just as firm in insisting upon his own authority over the French Church. This long quarrel came to a head in 1682 when the question was referred to the assembly of the French clergy. At this meeting the Declaration of Gallican Liberties was drawn up, which declared that the authority of the Pope in France did not go beyond matters of doctrine and even in that respect he was subject to the decisions of the General Council. In 1693 Louis moderated his insistence upon the declaration, but it was never officially repealed.

In 1754 Spain signed a Concordat with Pope Benedict XIV, by which the Spanish Church became virtually independent of Rome and was placed under the control of the Spanish Government. The beast here is the actual document that removes Christian rule from the State.

This was the time that modern philosophy (which started with the thinking of Thomas Aquinas) resolutely moved to ousting the Christian Church from State rule in Europe. In May 1855, Cavour abolished all religious orders and convents that were not devoted to the education and caring of the sick in Piedmont, Italy. An indication that even in Italy the Pope had no control over moves against the Church on the part of the State.

The fact that Revelation combines the removal of the Church from State rule with the intervention of man in the creation of life, possibly indicates that the decline of Christianity in society made man lose perspective of the fact that God Almighty is in control of creation and that man cannot know the effects of cloning.

"the beast"

Man’s craving for knowledge started innocently (the beast of the earth was "like a lamb"), but developed to the point in the twentieth century where he could interfere with birth, sexual behavior, and the creation of animals and humans through cloning. He could do this because "the beast" (his gradual moral liberation) had brought him to a point where he could no longer distinguish between the biblical "clean" and "unclean". Since the late seventeenth century (1693), man has become separated ("the dragon") from his Christian values and ethics. He was deceived to the point that he became sexually promiscuous, experimented with the production of "life", and did whatever he felt capable of.

Revelation 16:13—14 seems to indicate the culmination of the development of the "dragon", the "beast", and the "false prophet". It seems that the liberties of the rule of the nations and of man, and the advancement of the science of the body, have caused man to assume that he has no need for what may and may not be done according to the scriptures. It seems that Revelation wants to show that by 1999 man would probably have gone too far and would have angered God Almighty to the point where man will experience his wrath. This could be in the form of the AIDS disease.

It seems as if Revelation is focussing on man’s morally "unclean" behaviour and his inability to discern to what point he is allowed to interfere in man’s normal functioning on earth. Here one will consider the "earthly" motives such as the procurement of minerals from the planets if it is economically lucrative, and the placing of man in abnormal living conditions on the planets — not really anticipating what affect it might have on man's soul and psyche. Is man allowed to clone or interfere in the creation of man, animal and flying creatures? Is this the ultimate test before judgment must follow? It seems likely, for Revelation connects all the "miraculous signs" with the final battle of Armageddon.

At some point the entire world will drink the cup of God’s wrath, and there will be a great battle. According to the "measuring of the temple" it may even be before 2004. It is possible that it is in connection with what has been said about "the spirits of demons performing miraculous signs" that man will be drawn into the final combat. It could be that the battle would take place at the time of human cloning.

Considering that at the beginning of 1999 there is an unsettled situation in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, we may be moving to that time.

It seems as if the judgment or the Second Coming is going to be sudden. From what has been established ("vial upon the sun" and the indications of global warming at the end of the twentieth century), it could literally be a hot time when people are likely to be on the beach or without sufficient clothes. It might mean the time when people openly wear little clothing, which is now.

If Armageddon is the combination of Armenia and Megiddo — the Armenian Church being the last of the churches on the Euphrates to be "released" in 1988 with the break up of the Soviet Union (see p ) and Megiddo the place of the British occupation of Palestine on 19 September 1918, that would lead to Israeli occupation in 1947 — it is not impossible that the kings of the earth have since that time been gathering for some final battle concerning the Holy City, or political differences in the Middle East.

The "angel poured out his bowl into the air"

These words could relate to the time 1992—2004. This is the time of great air pollution in the world. It is also the time that the West is taking precautions to prevent the production of chemical weapons like that produced in Iraq in the early nineteen -nineties, and which is the cause of great friction between the West and the Middle East today.

In 1997 we experienced the effect of smoke in the air of the Far East. Not only did it affect the health of people, but it also contributed to the wavering of the economies of the Far East at the end of 1998.

These words are repeated in Revelation 21: 6. It is brought into relation with the words, "I am the Alpha and Omega." Considering that the times of the "number of man" could be linked to "the bowls of wrath" in relation to the chart of the "manner of fruits ", it seems that we cannot calculate beyond 2004 at this point in Revelation.

Revelation always seems to leave a margin of uncertainty so that man will never know exactly when the end time is over and the Second Coming is at hand. All that we know, at this point in Revelation, is that it will probably happen after the year 2004. How much time after that, we do not know.

The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with wine of the fury of his wrath.

Is Revelation warning us about what could happen to the economies of the world if a severe earthquake should occur and the "great city ", linking the economies of the world, would be torn apart?

We shall see that Babylon the Great has to do with the preoccupation of the Western nations with world trade to such a point that they would place it above Christianity. It could be that the end time will be accompanied by a time of economic depression.

It seems as if the very end time might be accompanied by the raising of the level of the sea. The "hailstones" could be the sign of tremendous changes in the weather or it could be nuclear fallout, which is the radioactive refuse of a nuclear explosion. This is not impossible for Revelation brings the pouring of the bowls of wrath into relation with the "beast out of the sea" and the "beast out of the earth" which could be linked to the discovery of nuclear fission.

Revelation could be measuring the "final hour" (1992—2016) in the words of this final bowl of wrath.