Posted by Elana Janson on April 07, 2006 at 14:08:40:
In Reply to: Re: Wind storms in the outer reaches of the earth posted by Ben Curran on April 03, 2006 at 05:11:08:
The “image” of the “beast out of the earth” and the Statue of Liberty
In order to understand why the Statue of Liberty is the “image” of the beast (the word “image” relating to the latter part of Rev 13:14 “saying to them that that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image of the beast, which had a wound by a sword and did live”) - as well as your other questions - one has to firstly realise the following.
I am convinced that Revelation is a construction of information and symbols that through the ages could only be partially understood. In 1996 I was given the insight that the total Revelation relates to a specific time. Once this time frame was revealed the meaning of the symbolism and the words became clear.
With this knowledge I now know that Rev 10:11 “And he said unto me, thou must prophecy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues” means that the prophecy of Revelation would be translated into many languages and its ultimate meaning would in the beginning of the twenty-first century be made known to all the nations of the earth.
Therefore the meaning of Revelation is global. It comes at the time that the testimony of Jesus Christ had spread to the ends of the earth. Revelation relates to the present time and the ruling of the nations that is currently dominant in the globe which is democracy. Democracy came in the place of the rule of kings in Europe and spread to the ends of the earth together with the spread of Christianity.
According to my understanding of Revelation we are very near the end time. I believe it is of the utmost significance that we are at present witnessing the death of millions of fowls and birds at the time that the existence of the state of Israel is being threatened. Both these happenings are according to my understanding of Revelation signs of the end.
Therefore any interpretations of verses in Revelation that do not take into account the total understanding of the prophecy are at this point in time redundant.
The opening of the first four seals
It was only after the Divine intervention on 22 August 1996 that I was given insight into the times of the four riders of the Apocalypse (AD 216, AD 792, 1896 an 1947) and that we are near the end time. The knowledge that these four times are linked to riders of the Apocalypse opened the first four seals of Revelation. I did not know in 1996 how near to the end we were. Hence the name of my first book “How near Armageddon”. I now know after the happenings of the past some ten years that the prophecy of Revelation is being fulfilled. Two of the most significant events were the attack of 11 September 2001 and the great earthquake off the coast of Sumatra on 26 December 2004.
The beginning
Through the words “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” it is made known that the time construction of Revelation begins at the time of the birth of Jesus Christ and ends at the time of the Return.
Stern warning
The reason that there is the stern warning in Rev 22:18 and 19 is because Almighty God did not want anyone to tamper with the words of Revelation till it would be revealed to man that the words of Revelation pertains to the rise of the Christian faith (the faith that accepts the concept of the Trinity) within the European nations in the first millennium and also to the spread of the Christian faith to the ends of the earth in the second millennium after the birth of Jesus Christ.
It was with this knowledge that I knew that the “beasts” of Revelation pertain to a time within the period of the past two thousand years.
Through the symbol of the rider on the white horse, wearing the crown and carrying the bow, relating to the time 216, Revelation reveals that the Christian faith would spread by war (the rider carries the bow) and that the Christian faith would be the faith of the kings (the rider wears the crown). This happened in history. In the first millennium the Christian faith was established in Europe. The monarchs of Europe were Christian.
Revelation reveals through the symbol of the rider on the red horse carrying the sword that conflict would prevail within the Christian nations right up to almost the end of the second millennium, the year 1896, the time of the rider on the black horse carrying the scale, when there would be a global change to the rule of the Christian nations. It would be the time of the “weight” of the majority of the peoples of the nations (hence the symbol of the scale) that would determine the ruling of the nations.
In 1947, the time of the rider of the pale horse, there would be a further change for the rule of the Christian nations would lead to death and Hades which is hell.
This is what was revealed to me. I therefore knew that it could only be that the total separation of Christian Church and State that came about in the middle of the twentieth century would ultimately lead to Christians falling away from their faith in a way that they would no longer inherit everlasting life.
Revelation uses the symbol of the horses to show that these changes of rule in the Christian nations would be brought about by war. The ‘horse’ in Scripture is not a domestic animal but one used in battle.
Therefore if I say that the Statue of Liberty is the image of the beast is not just a statement. It is verified by not only this time frame but also by the total understanding of Revelation as well as the signs of the end that we are witnessing at the present time. Because the whole world has for decades “wondered after the beast” Rev (13:3) it is difficult for the majority of the citizens of the globe to even consider that the Statue of Liberty that is the symbol of political and religious freedom can be the ‘image’ of the ‘beast’ of Revelation. So deceived are the nations by the “wonders” of modern man that they regard the laws and prophecies of Scripture to be outdated. Therefore Rev 17:8 says “They that dwell on earth shall wonder, whose names are not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is”.
And yet is
It must be remembered that when Christians worship in church on Sundays or whenever and take Holy Communion they commit themselves to the testimony of Jesus Christ. They believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins and only he can cleanse them to be fit to enter the kingdom of heaven. When in history the nations destroyed the rule of the Christian king and the unity of Christian state and church many realized that the authority of the Christian faith was being undermined, but the circumstances of the ordinary people who wished to have more say in their rule had to be met. Secular government seemed to be the answer to ending the bloody religious wars of history. Therefore Revelation says “the beast that was”.
The nations at various times accepted secular rule. This happened in France in the time after the French Revolution, England after Parliament put to death Charles I. At that time no one thought that the termination of the rule of absolute kings was at all questionable for secular rule that accepted all religions as equal was the answer to ending religious strife. This is still believed today. Therefore Revelation says “and is not”. After all what is wrong with secular rule that has as a fundamental law that all religions are equal before the law. No one is interfering with doctrine within the Church and everyone is fee to worship as they please. However today when the governments of the world and the international media propagate an equalization of religion as all religions being equal we have to do with the influence of the beast out of the sea and the beast out of the earth as described in Revelation. The doctrine of Christianity cannot be equalized with any other faith. Therefore Revelation says “and yet is”. Christian who know their Bible, understand their faith and are committed Christians will not be easily influenced by the onslaught of modern politics and communication, but the younger generation is influenced to discard their values. It is for this reason that Revelation is now being made known to us in its totality and we are seeing the signs of the end. God wishes to save some of the last generation that is being lost through the influence of modern thought.
The beast out of the earth
Revelation reveals the “beast out of the earth” through indicating years in which certain men used the knowledge of minerals from the earth to make discoveries that would have great impact (“great wonders”) on the development of the twentieth century. In other words the “beast out of the earth” relates to the development of the sciences (nuclear, biological and medical), technology, mathematics and economic and political science. Readers should refer to the Q&A section of this website and the question on the analysis of the beast out of the earth. The total analysis of the beast out of the earth is also in my books.
Wonders
Revelation reveals that “the beast out of the earth” is under the control of God and that God allowed man at certain times to make great discoveries. Revelation however also wishes to reveal that man was misled by these discoveries. Scripture confirms this meaning in the reference where “signs and lying wonders” appear in 2 Thes 2:9 “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believe not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
Political freedom from the unity of Christian king and Church
In Revelation the word “image” has both a literal and a figurative meaning. ‘Literal’ for the Statue of Liberty was completed in the year 1886, that is a year in the time of “threescore” in the “six hundred threescore and six” (Rev 13:18) that reveals the gestalt or symbol of the “beast out of the earth”. ‘Figurative’ because the Statue of Liberty is symbolic of the political freedom brought about by the French Revolution that would bring about the fall of the Christian kings of Europe. That ideology of freedom would be transported to not only the Americas by also ultimately to all nations of the earth.
The Statue of Liberty that was completed in 1886. It was built to commemorate the alliance of the United States and France during the American War of Independence. It is also a symbol of French gratitude to the people of America for support and sympathy especially during the Revolution and the wars of the late eighteenth century. It is symbolic of the 'rights' of man to freedom, equality and to put a government in place of his own choice that were developed in France and transported to the United States. The Statue of Liberty is the image that stands for freedom from unjust kings, but also a break in the unity of the Christian Church and a state ruled by the laws of Christianity. Unfortunately, as Revelation will indicate, by placing Christianity on a par with all other religions, in time man's regard for the Christian faith as the sure way to salvation would be undermined.
The beast out of the sea
The “beast out of the sea” in Revelation Chapter 13, reveals that evil would influence the transition from the rule of kings in the first millennium to the rule of ordinary men in the second millennium. The “beast out of the earth” deals with the discoveries of certain men (man) in particular years to harness the minerals taken out of the earth. The “beast out of the earth” reveals that the freedom that ordinary men were given after the fall of kings and the decline of the authority of the Christian Church vested in the anointed king, would be just as great an influence in influencing the state of mind of the citizens of the nations to make them rebel against the Christian faith.
Protection of the Church
However, and this is crucial in the understanding of Revelation, history reveals that the transition to the rule of men would protect the Christian Church in the spread of the faith to the ends of the earth. This is revealed through Rev 12:14 “she is nourished”. The discoveries of men through the harnessing of the minerals of the earth would also be to the benefit of mankind. This is revealed through Rev 14:4 “bring the first fruits unto God”.
The other chapters of Revelation are not apart from the chapters that reveal the “beasts” for all the chapters of Revelation pertain to the past some two thousand years. The other chapters reveal that the Trinity was and is in full control of all that has taken place and is taking place on earth.
In the past centuries theologians and scholars tried to interpret Revelation without realizing that Revelation is a total construction of words of which the verses pertain to a very specific time.
The second part of your question:
‘I also understand that you see the 'Beast from the Sea' and the Beast from the Earth as actually being states of mind that have become prevalent in mankind, in first world nations in particular.’
The first part: I also understand that you see the 'Beast from the Sea' and the ‘Beast from the Earth’ as actually being states of mind that have become prevalent in mankind,
The transition from the rule of kings in the first millennium to the rule of men in the second millennium was brought about through Christians accusing each other (symbolized by the ‘dragon’ in Revelation). The leadership of the Christian nations quarrelled and this led to the death of Christian martyrs (in many instances the leadership of the Christian church) and terrible wars. Yes, this situation led to a state of mind among a majority of citizens of the Christian nations that ordinary men had to have a greater say in the rule of the land. For those who do not know history this was a process that lasted for decades and centuries.
The state of mind was caused by war and death in the strife between the leadership of the Christian nations and the Christian faith that led do the death of thousands of Christians. (The “beast out of the sea” pertaining to kings – Rev 17:10 “And there are seven kings” - and the death of Christians - Rev 17:9 “The seven heads are seven mountains” – “mountain” or “hill” - relating to the hill of Golgotha where Christ died as the first martyr”). The division among Christians is also symbolized by the “dragon” Rev 12:10 “the accuser of the brethren”.
In these situations in history some would adhere to the faith and some would rebel against the Church. Of course this is a revelation to us in the twenty-first century. The persons living history could not know this. Revelation reveals to us today, to what degree the Trinity was preserving the Church. The greatness of Revelation lies in the fact that this was already prophesied in the time of John on Patmos. This confirms and illustrates to what degree the Trinity was in control of the ruling of the nations through the past centuries. God is exceedingly great.
It was only through my knowledge of the history of the Christian nations that the symbolism of Revelation could be applied the strife of the kings and the times of the death of martyrs.
The strife of the leadership of the nations would bring about a state of mind among Christians to rid themselves of the rule of kings and Church that would bring misery to ordinary citizens. History is full of the cruelties of the Inquisition and torture in lands across the sea.
One must however not forget that Revelation is not only about the beasts it is also about the power of the Trinity that was in control of all that was taking place on earth. This is revealed through the words of Rev 12:5 “And she brought forth a man child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron.” The words “man child” relates to Jesus Christ who came as the Saviour. “She” relates to the mother of Christ, but also the time of the beginning of the first millennium, the time of the birth of Christ (“beginning”). “She” also relates to the person who at the end of the second millennium (the “ending”) would be given the insight into the time measures of Revelation and who would reveal that Jesus Christ who lived as “man” on earth, knew of the suffering of Christians under brutal kings and leaders of nations. The Trinity would allow a rule of men to come in the place of the rule of kings.
This is revealed through the words of Rev 17:17 “For God hath put it in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast until the words of God shall be fulfilled”.
Rev 13:14 which had the wound by the sword and did live
The words “image to the beast which had the wound of the sword and did live” refer back to the fall of the first king in Rev 13:3 “was wounded to death”. In other words the “image” that is freedom (the symbolic meaning of the Statue of Liberty) came in the place of the fallen kings, that was a rule that for a time would protect the Christian Church and the Christian faith. This would continue to the time of the middle of the twentieth century after which time the “freedom” would cause many to no longer enter the kingdom of heaven (symbolized by the rider of the pale horse followed by death and Hades).
Therefore the freedom of faith under democratic rule was a good thing, but the state of mind that political freedom (beast out of the sea) and ‘miracles’ that man could achieve through scientific discovery, brought about, that is freedom without bounds and contrary to the laws of God that came about particularly in the second half of the twentieth century would deprive many of the kingdom of heaven.
The second part of your question
In first world nations in particular
Revelation applies to all Christians in all nations. The fall of Christian kings pertains to those nations in which there was a unity between the Christian king and the Christian Church. That is the Christian faith according to the Creed of Chalcedon that accepts the concept of the Trinity in its doctrine. These nations were in Europe. This is confirmed in my books by indicating that the last king of at least ten nations in Europe was no longer an absolute monarch, but ruled with a government of ordinary people or parliament for about 24 years. 24 years is an “hour” in Revelation. Rev 17:12 “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.” Parliament is the ‘beast’ for it has as its highest authority a Constitution that accepts all faiths as equal before the law. Revelation reveals that God wished all to be “kings and priests” in Christ. Rev 17:17 reveals that God allows this situation to continue for a time till ‘the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled’.
The rule of men or democracy that came about in Europe and ultimately passed to all the nations of the earth. Therefore it is not first world nations in particular.
The third part of your question
* It seems to be a common view within mainstream Christianity that
(a) the anti-Christ will be a figure who holds that the great religions are the main cause of trouble in the world, and
(b) the anti-Christ is represented in the Book of Revelation as at some stage being the champion of Israel.
With my understanding of Revelation neither of these views is correct.
(a) The belief that the anti-Christ is a figure comes from Revelation 13:18 “For his number is a man; and his number is six hundred, threescore and six.” Therefore it is understandable that it would be interpreted as a figure. However with the knowledge that the words of Revelation may not be changed, the words “a man” has to be examined in combination with all the verses in which the word “man” appears in Revelation. Only then can its meaning be fully grasped. With the understanding of the total beast out of the earth, the words “a man” is used to show that in specific years, a person would be given the insight to make great discoveries regarding the minerals of the earth. These discoveries would however be used by Satan to influence man to place the aspirations and desires of “man” as the most significant force.
The anti-Christ that has been released at the present time for the ‘short season’ according to Revelation (Rev 20:3) developed over centuries. It manifested itself in the strife between Christians (personified in the dragon) that led to a revolt against Christian authority vested in the Christian king and the Christian Church. This led to a state of mind among Christians through the centuries that man must be politically free. This opinion became the opinion of the majority. Political freedom that is secular brought with it an ideology to equalize faith before the law. This law protected the Christian faith.
However, because man so loves his freedom this would be where evil could convince many that they do not have to strive to the goal of everlasting life through Jesus Christ. The reliance of the nations on commerce and the global economy would strengthen this conviction. This is illustrated through the image of the ‘great whore’ in Revelation chapter 17. Because of the strife among Christians in past history and even at the present time, as well as the enmity caused by differences of the faiths of the globe; also because the state of mind of the majority to oust the Church and the acceptance of a higher being to which man was committed from the daily endeavours of man, there developed an ideology to equalize faiths.
This is unacceptable in the Christian doctrine. The anti-Christ developed in the minds of citizens of the Christian nations when the Christian nations became powerful through the ‘miracles’ brought about by man’s expertise in scientific discovery. Revelation reveals that man should not be arrogant and think that he can confront the truths of Scripture through his expertise (this includes all the theories of evolution) for it was already predicted in the time of John that in certain years man would make certain discoveries. This is revealed through the analysis of the beast out of the earth and the number 666. For the uninformed and because I cannot explain the entire Revelation in this post, Revelation confirms that knowledge would expand, but with all the good came the arrogance of man to place his expertise above the truths and laws of Scripture.
(Being very near to the end time and with democracy spread to almost all the nations of the world I doubt whether any figure will have that kind of authority.)
(b) I understand Israel in the end time as being the place where “the abomination” will clearly be seen and it will relate to something that will take place in Jerusalem or concerning Jerusalem. The “abomination” being when the priorities of secular government (ultimately the priority of trade, commerce and wealth) override the religious beliefs of its citizens (Rev 17:4). Revelation reveals that it has happened in the West and all the countries where Christianity has spread.
According to Daniel (Rev 12:11) and Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:15) when the “abomination” is seen in Jerusalem we are very near the end. It may be the dictates of secular government (that has at this point in time spread to most of the nations of the world) on Israel that may ultimately bring about Armageddon.
Therefore pressure on Israel to abandon aspects of its faith to secular rule (that is happening at present) may be what is meant by Dan12:11 “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away and the abomination that maketh desolate is set up”.
Revelation reveals that the Christian nations discarded the authority of Christian Church in the ruling of the nations. Secular rule will only be tolerated by God for only as long as predicted in the time measures of Revelation. Revelation reveals that we are in the final “season”. Jesus Christ said that we would not know the time of the Return but that we shall know the “season”. Matthew 24:32-33 “Now learn a parable of the fig tree: When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know the season is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.”
Your last question
“Given all the above, what is your opinion of the following suggestion?
That the anti-Christ is collectively the post-Christian population of the first-world nations”.
Collectively anti-Christ is vast and arrogant. With the understanding of Revelation - It is seen when secular government place the rights of men above the laws of God; when the powerful news corporations of the world accentuate opinion contrary to the laws of Scripture and the testimony of Jesus Christ; when human life is only regarded as a tool for scientific experiment and not a gift from God; when harm is done to children and the innocent; when scientific knowledge is used to contradict Scripture - when it is obvious that man has forgotten that there is a God in control.