Meditation 4

Our basic study premise is that we will know the End is Near when we know the Endtime has begun with the “abomination sitting in the Temple.” Matt.24:15,33. What about the signs that precede the Endtime of 3½ years? Israel’s statehood since 1948 raises the hope of a Temple being built before it can be desecrated to begin the Endtime. Movements toward a one-world government spawn predictions of the coming Antichrist who will break a prior seven-year Covenant with “many” in order to allow another Temple.

We cannot expect these events, however, until three Pre-Endtime Signs take place. The global acts of terrorism require our nation to deal with evil forces that must be subdued before any kind of world government is forthcoming. The White Horseman in Seal One of Revelation has already begun to fulfill this Pre-Endtime Sign. Since WWII this Horseman has worn a crown.

World Government, under Mystery Babylon the Great, will confirm and extend the crown having been given to the White Horseman. Revelation reveals that this City and System must take her place “astride the Beast of world power” before Antichrist can be revealed. Rev.17:1-10. The text of these ten verses appears eleven chapters after the White Horseman, having won his crown, had "gone forth conquering in order to conquer." Rev.6:1,2.

From a textual viewpoint, we must lay down another Premise of study. Many events in Revelation are not presented in chronological order. There are Ten Keys for the study of Revelation, including the Primekey of a Three-Act Drama in heaven's Temple that by itself is not presented chronologically. The third Pre-Endtime sign of Temple worship is not mentioned until Rev.11:1,2.

With regard to these Pre-Endtime signs, we should adopt the “waiting mind-set" that Jesus instilled in the Disciples regarding precursors to His second coming. Luke 19:11; Acts 1:7. We cannot know the “times nor seasons” for His return until “we see the abomination in the Temple.” Before that happens, the world must be brought under the administration of Babylon the Great to “rule the kings of earth a short time” before Antichrist desecrates the Temple. Rev.17:10. Babylon rules the nations as a Pre- Endtime event after the White Horseman wins the war against terrorism!

God will “put into the hearts of ten kings” to support Antichrist only when they destroy the City in “one hour with fire.” Rev.17:16,17; Rev.18:8-19. The destruction of Babylon by the Ten Kings becomes one of five catalysts of the Endtime. They support Antichrist in setting the abomination in the Temple.

Paul agrees with Jesus and Daniel that we should “watch” for signs of the End in conjunction with “the Abomination having been placed in the Temple.” Dan.12:11; 2 Thess.2:3,4. We will know Daniel’s 1290-day Endtime has begun when all five catalysts are operative. Teachers who expect Christ at any moment have deceived Believers. The above Pre-Endtime signs must be fulfilled before we can expect the five catalysts to “know the End is Near.”

***Watching for Antichrist precedes watching for Christ. Revelation of the Lawless One awaits the second and third Pre-Endtime signs of Babylon the Great and the third Temple. All three signs climax with the five catalysts.

Our first four Meditations set the stage for understanding Revelation. Jesus commands us to “watch” after stating we will see the abomination of Daniel’s Endtime Beast sitting in his place of defiance against God. Only Endtime Saints can “countdown” to day #1260 with the Lastday still waiting as the Two Prophets lay dead for up to 3½ more days. Jesus strengthens those who endure to the End by stating that only “some will taste death after” the Two Prophets manifest His Kingdom Power and Authority. Rev.12:10; Mark 9:1.

In His final word to Endtime Believers, Jesus gives the third of Revelation's seven blessings. The world’s armies gather for the battle at Armageddon before He declares: “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is the one WATCHING and keeping his garments on ... lest men see his shame.” Paul teaches that this day will not overtake Believers as a thief ... because we are of the day, not of the night. Rev.16:15,16; I Thess.5:4,5.

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