The Background Setting

Revelation requires two events to precede the Great Day of God’s Wrath. One, described by the 7^th Plague, sees the armies of the east gathered to make war against Israel at Armageddon on this Great Day of God Almighty. A great voice, coming out of the Temple from the Throne states, “It is Done” and it means the “Day of the Lord has come.” In this context, Jesus says: “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is the one watching and keeping his garments on.” Rev.16:12-17.

The 2^nd is required by Joel, Peter, Jesus and the opening of Revelation’s 6^th Seal. The signs in the sun, moon and stars must occur “before that great day comes.” Joel 3:31; Acts 2:20; Matt.24:29; Mark 13:24-25; Luke 21:25-26; Rev.6:12-13. The problem keeping believers at odds is that they put days or months between these events (the armies and totality of heaven’s signs) and Christ’s appearance! Instead, once these two events occur, that Great Day comes as a “snare upon all the inhabitants of the earth and Christ will come as a thief;” except to Believers!

The Lastday will be imminent for the first time with every Believer prepared. Chronos-Time ends with the deaths of the Two Prophets. Less than 3½ days remain to resurrection and deliverance of all the Saints. The Sign of the Lastday sees the sudden darkening of the sun; at noon-time; as stars begin to fall from heaven; and at a great quake. Amos 8:9; Matt.24:30; Rev.6:12-13. On that day all Israel know the End has come; their kingdom is near. Luke 21:31.

Jesus put His coming on a “day immediately after the great tribulation.” Mark 13:24; Matt.24:29. No one can know that Day, in advance, or even the “hour” of that Day once they see the signs occurring in the sun, moon and stars. But it is obvious that armies from the East will have killed ⅓ of mankind at the appointed “year, month, day and hour” of the 7^th Trumpet and cross the Euphrates River at Plague #6 to destroy Israel. Rev.9:15.

Since that Day is after the great tribulation, the Two Prophets will be killed and left in a street of Jerusalem for up to 3½ days. We know this because “time ends in the days the 7^th Trumpet is about to sound that “God’s wrath has come.” The Two Prophets finish their 1260-Day Task to manifest God’s Kingdom Power and God’s mystery, as told to the prophets, will be complete. Rev.10:6-7; Rev.11:6-7. The Mighty Angel verifies this by telling John the 2^nd Woe (Trump #6) had “passed and the 3^rd woe is coming quickly.” Only at the 7^th Trumpet will God’s wrath “destroy the destroyers of earth.” Rev.11:14-18.

Every viewpoint of the order of events in Revelation agrees the signs of Seal 6 launch the Day of the Lord. They just don’t agree this Day is a 12-Hour-Day that begins a 1000-year Day of the Lord. I believe Trump #6 and Plague #6 precede the signs of Seal #6. Seal #6 is the Day of God's and the Lamb's Wrath! Its setting, described in Rev.16:12-17, occurs 10 chapters after Seal 6 opens. Rev.6:12-17. Trump #6 and Plague #6 precipitate Seal #6.

But Seal #6 is the 2^nd of 22 major events of the Lastday. The timing of the first event is known only to the Father who had promised to avenge the Martyrs, in answer to their prayers, when “all those who must be killed have been killed.” Rev.6:9-11. The last one will be killed during the 3½ days the Two Witnesses lie dead in Jerusalem. Rev.11:7-11.

With the armies gathered to Armageddon in Plague #6, the 7^th Plague empties in the air and a great voice out of the Temple, filled with smoke, decrees: “It is Done”! Rev.16:17.

This Decree signals the Lamb to open Seal 6 before the predicted events of that day can begin. That is why Joel and Peter state these signs occur “before that day.” But it is NOT a 7-year day or a 3½ year day or a day that must be followed in succession by the 7 Trumpets and 7 Plagues. We shall see that the Plagues only set the stage for God’s wrath.

The first two events of that Day require Rev.16:12-17 be fulfilled prior to Rev.6:12-17.

Six Trumpets do not follow Seal #7 because they occur as part of the great tribulation and are reviewed on open display in the Court of Seal 7 which, like Seal 6, opens “in the days after the great tribulation.” The 7^th Trump sounds after “time is no longer, the mystery of God was finished” and the Two Prophets lie dead in Jerusalem. For no one can enter the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony until the Plagues “complete God’s anger and the last plague empties in the air.” Rev. 15:1,5,8. The “open Temple” to announce God’s wrath in Trump #7 awaits the Verdict of Seal 7’s Court in the days after great tribulation. This is the setting for Christ's coming suddenly, as a thief, at Armageddon. Rev.16:15-16.

According to OT Prophets, the Day of the Lord is the final great Day of Deliverance for the Hebrews at Messiah’s Presence. In this year of 2005, March 25 is the Christian’s Good Friday and Israel’s Purim. One commemorates the Lamb slain to deliver God’s people from bondage in Egypt (and sin) and the other recalls the destruction of Israel's enemies in ancient Persia. Destruction and Deliverance will also occur on one of the days "immediately after the great tribulation" at the setting Scripture portrays for that Day.

Predicted by Daniel to last for 1290 days, the great tribulation begins with removing the sacrifice and setting up the abomination. Dan.12:11. Those days are the "benchmark" for knowing the Endtime is here and the End is near. Matt.24:15,21,29,33. John's method is to first reveal the Judgment of that Day at Seal #7 by showing the evidence for about ½  hour’s silence. It presents the incriminating evidence from 6 of 7 Trumpets! Rev.8:1-9:21. He will then give additional events of that Day before the Temple opens to sound Trump #7. These events are presented in a series of “flashbacks” after the Verdict of Seal #7.

John uses this flashback method for the climax, after the Drama in the Temple at Rev.7:9 to Rev.8:5, by showing 6 Plagues had manifested that God's deeds were holy and true and had exhausted His anger. "No one can enter the Temple of the Tabernacle of Testimony at Rev.15:5 (Rev.7:9) until the Plagues complete God's thumos" (anger); not His orgay (wrath). Rev.15:1,4,8. God first proves the wicked are incorrigibly wicked. Rev.16:9-11.

Daniel repeated his question about the very End. Two men appeared, one on each side of the river. One swore in the name of the eternal Creator repeating what Daniel knew: the Endtime equals 3½ times. The Mighty Angel swore to John in the same manner. The setting will be understood by the Jews only at the Endtime "when the power of the holy people will be shattered." Dan.12:5-11; Rev.10:5-11.

Jesus referenced this abomination for end-timers to know the End is near, but promised the end (1290 or 43-30-day months) will be cut short for the Elect's sake. Matt.24:22. Revelation reveals it would be cut short to 42-30-day months---cut short by one unit of the 70th Seven’s 85 units. Each of 69 Sevens has had 84-30 day units. The final 43-30-Day units are cut short to 42 units; with up to 3½ days still remaining until the Lastday!

Trump #7 comes "in the days after the great tribulation" of 1260 days. It sounds “in the  days whenever God's mystery was finished." Trump #7 is about to sound "in the days when the Two Prophets are killed and Daniel's Chronos-Time of prophecy is no longer subject to a countdown...i.e., Trump #7 sounds “after the great tribulation.” The 6th Trumpet and 6th Plague and 6th Seal precipitate the 7th Trumpet---after the Court sits! For "the third Woe comes quickly” after the armies kill 2 billion people! Rev.11:14.

Like the man who swore to Daniel about the 3½ times, so the Mighty Angel swore in the eternal Creator's name that the countdown of Chronos-Time ends in the days the Prophets lie dead in Jerusalem. They are caught up on the Lastday. Rev.10:6-7; Rev.11:6-7. "God's Mystery was finished" when the Two Prophets are killed. The great quake that launches the Day of Wrath in Seal 6 may occur in the same hour the 2 Witnesses arise, ascend to heaven and Trump #7 is about to sound. Rev.11:11-14. The armies gather to Armageddon before Plague #7 empties and before Seal #6 opens. Seal #7 and Trump #7 follow the resurrection of the Two Prophets on the day that "God's wrath has come"! Rev.11:12-18.

God's mystery was finished as told to Daniel in the days which Jesus places after great tribulation. "He will gather the Elect from the earth on one of these days immediately after the great tribulation." Matt.24:29; Mark 13:24. With the (1290) days cut short and knowing the end is imminent, Jesus cautioned: "No one can know the exact day of His coming." And not even the Hour until the major events which occur until He appears.

Revelation stipulates these days are when the 7th Trumpet is "about to sound that God's wrath has come and the time appointed to destroy the wicked." Mark 13:27; Matt.24:30-42; Rev.10:7; Rev.11:18. That day is also the appointed time to judge the dead; reward the Saints and destroy the wicked. Jesus destroys the wicked and brings the rewards with Him for each believer on the Day He is revealed in glory! Luke 17:30; Matt.16:27.

Earlier, Ten Kings destroy Mystery Babylon. They confiscate the System, summon 200 million soldiers from lands of the rising sun to destroy ⅓ of mankind and invade Israel. They would make war with the Lamb using weapons of fire, sulphur and brimstone. But they are all destroyed in one Hour! Rev.9:15-21; Rev.17:14; Rev.16:12-14.

I. The Sixth Trumpet

Killing 2 billion people at the 6th Trumpet is the 2nd woe. The 3rd  woe comes "quickly," but not until the Two Witnesses arise and the Court of Seal #7 judges the wicked gathered to Armageddon. Rev.9:12-13. God's patience is nearly exhausted as the wicked refuse to repent. Rev.9:20-21.

The 6th Trumpet angel commands the 4 angels be released, having been bound for that year, month, day and hour at the great river Euphrates. These angels prepare for the killing of a third of mankind on a set day. The 3rd Woe of Trump #7 comes quickly after the Two Witnesses arise for the Court scene of Seal #7. Rev.11:11-15.

Most interpreters see all 7 Trumpets sounding before the 7 angels empty their Plagues. But the Last Trump sounds only after the Temple opens and it will not open "until the last Plague empties in the air!" Seal #7's Court convenes just before Trump #7 sounds.

The Mighty Angel told John that "time will end in the days before the 7th Trumpet sounds. And Jesus taught the Day of Destiny will occur "in the days after the great tribulation." Revelation agrees with Daniel that "Time ends when the power of the holy people has been scattered." Israel will be in a total state of helplessness with the armies gathering to Armageddon. Believers will watch and be blessed by knowing the coming of the Lord is imminent. Rev.16:15-16.

II. Sixth Trumpet and Sixth Plague in Tandem

I believe the 6th Trumpet and 6th Plague occur in tandem before Seal 6 and Plague 7 overlap the Lastday's 22 major events. With the soldiers having killed a third of mankind and the 4 angels unbound at the Euphrates in the 6th Trumpet, the armies invade Israel for Armageddon in the 6th Plague. They cross the Euphrates at the appointed year, day, month and hour for the climax of the final 3½ days. The angel pours out his vial upon the Euphrates to dry up its waters so the armies from the lands of the rising sun pass through to destroy Israel and make war against the Lamb. Rev.16:12-14; Rev.17:14.

I also believe the wicked are deluded by God and Satan. "God sends them an operation of error" to believe *the lie.* (2 Thes.2:11; Alfred Marshall). The Evil Trio gather these millions to Armageddon under the strong delusion that the False Prophet dries up the Euphrates. They are deluded to think they will destroy Israel. Rev.16:13-14. "While saying `peace and safety,' sudden destruction comes." I Thes.5:3; Luke 21:34-35.

The 3½ days are climactic as the final words of Jesus bless those who watch for His coming. His blessing occurs at this amazing point of reference. Rev.16:15. The voice coming out of the Temple declares: "It is Done." Rev.16:17.

Armageddon has come. Rev.16:16. The 7th Plague empties in the air, but nothing happens immediately in the text because, even with the 7th Plague in suspension, no one enters the Temple until Seal 6 opens and the first 10 events of that Day take place. At Plague #7 the voice out of the Temple signals the Day of Wrath has come and the Lamb opens Seal Six.

This is when our Lord will come at any moment. Believers "keep their clothes on since  only they know He is coming as a thief." Rev.16:15. "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is the one watching and keeping his garments lest he walk naked and they see his shame." This blessing applies to the days after the great tribulation during which the Two Prophets arise and the Last Trump sounds that God's wrath has come. Rev.10:6-7; Rev.11:7-18.

The Lastday will be imminent for the first time with every Believer prepared. Chronos-Time ends at the deaths of the Two Prophets. Less than 3½ days remain to resurrection and deliverance of all the Saints. The Sign of the Lastday sees the sudden darkening of the sun; at noon-time; as stars begin to fall from heaven; and at a great quake. Amos 8:9; Matt.24:30; Rev.6:12-13. On that day all Israel know the End has come; their kingdom is near. Luke 21:31.

III. Two Prophets Lie Dead Less than 3 Days

Many believe the Two Witnesses prophesy during the first half of Daniel's 70th Seven. Revelation stipulates they "stand before the God of earth for 1260 days or 42 months." Rev.11:1-7. This period will end when the Beast kills them with no more than 3½ days left until the 7th Trumpet sounds that "God's wrath has come." Rev.11:7-15. Their deaths take place as one of two major signs by which the Elect know the "End of Time" has come. The other major sign will be the armies invading Israel.

We have seen that "Chronos-Time will be no longer when the 7^th Trumpet is about to sound." Rev.10:6-7. Upon being told he must prophesy again, John described the task of the Two Witnesses. The events of Revelation are not written in Chronological order because all the Martyrs having come out of great tribulation sing and testify to God seated on His throne before the 7th Trumpet sounds!

Since all the events of "Chronos-Time" must be fulfilled in logical order in the days before the 7th Trumpet sounds, the 1260 days of Chronos-Time must end within 3½ days of the Lastday; the Day of Wrath. This fact requires the armies from the East to cross the Euphrates River on dry land and kill a third of mankind and invade Israel before the completion of 1260 days of Chronos-Time.

The 3½ days during which the Two Witnesses lie dead on a street in Jerusalem signal the Lastday is imminent; meaning "at any moment." It follows Chronos Countdown Time. Scriptures that require immediate pre-signs of the Day of God's Wrath refer to the 6th Trumpet, 6^th Plague and killing the Two Prophets with less than 4 days remaining.

IV. Seal #7 and Trump #7

Seal 7 and Trump 7 present the only time the Temple opens for the Decree to be fulfilled that God's anger must mix full strength in the Cup of Wrath. Rev.14:10. Its wine pours out on the entire world to destroy its cities and mountains as the islands move out of their places. The Day of Wrath begins at Seal #6. The Court of Seal #7 and Dan.7 issue in the sounding of Trump #7. God's wrath causes the contents of the 7th Plague, being suspended in the air, to implode. Rev.16:18-21.

V. Last Plague Anticipates the End at the Opening of Seal Six

I believe the climax of the ages occurs on the same solar day of Plague #7, Seal #7 and Trump #7. Seal #7 reveals the evidence from 6 Trumpets. The Temple OPENS for the Testimony of the Martyrs, the Tribunal and its Verdict at Seal #7 and the first sound of the Last Trump. God's wrath has come and the appointed kairos-time to resurrect the dead and reward the Saints and destroy the wicked.

The 7th Plague empties in the air and the voice signals the moment to open Seal #6. The voice from the Throne of the Temple in heaven authorizes the Lamb to launch Day One of the 1000-Year Day of the Lord. We will show, in order for the Temple to open for its Three-Act Drama, 10 of the Lastday's 22 major events will have already taken place.

The First Two Events of God's Day of Wrath occur as the 7th Plague empties in the air. It empties after the armies of the 6th Trumpet kill a third of mankind and then, in the 6th Plague, invade Israel and gather to Armageddon. ONE: At the 7th Plague a voice out of the Temple comes from the Throne: *Gegonen; The End has Come.* This word in the perfect tense appears twice in Revelation. Here it is the signal for the Lamb to open Seal #6 as Plague #7 suspends in the air. TWO: Seal 6 opens for 20 more events of that Day!

The Plagues exhaust God's anger and prepare for the Drama in the open Temple. The Testimony of the Martyrs in Rev.7:9-17, the Tribunal of Seal 7 in Rev.8:1-5 (to observe the evidence of 6 trumpets) and the Triumph of Trump 7 in Rev.11:15-19 flow from God's decree while the warnings of Seal 6 continue unabated on Day One of the Day of the Lord. After 1000 years, at the Day of God, the 2nd decree stating: *Gegonan,* "All is Done," reveals the Ends of the Ages have Come." Rev.21:6; I Cor.10:11; Matt.12:32.

VI. Why the Day of God's Wrath is a 12-Hour Day

I believe the prime reason it must be one 12-Hour Day is that God withholds His wrath until the last Plagues prove the wicked will not repent and this leaves them without excuse. As of the 4^th and 5^th Plagues, there is no opportunity of repentance for the wicked. Rev.9:20-21; Rev.16:9-11. Even before the Hour of God's Cup of Wrath begins,  it’s also too late for anyone to become a member of the Bride of the Lamb!

At the 6th Trumpet's sudden hour of killing 2 billion people, the wicked reach the point of total rebellion. In the 6th Plague their armies gather to Armageddon. With the 7th Plague, the End has come. That day’s 22 major events, launched by the fearsome signs of Seal 6, require less than six hours of the 12-Hour Day of the Lord.

Trump #6 and Plague #6 set the stage to begin the Day of God's wrath in Seal #6. The Decree and opening of Seal #6 launch 20 more events while Plague #7 hovers in the air. The Drama in the Open Temple, with its smoke cleared during the Last Plague, climaxes with the Hour of Wrath at Trump #7. I believe the Two Witnesses arise just before that hour. God's patience, expressed and exhausted by 7 Plagues, requires the participation of these Prophets at the Tribunal of Seal #7. Dan.7:22. Then the first of three soundings of the Last Trump, the 7th Trump, reveals the Hour of Deliverance/Destruction has begun! Mel Miller