"Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." - Rev. 2:16

​What is the meaning of this divine threat given to the Church of Pergamos? Some people don’t take it as a threat at all! They believe that this pictorial attribute of Jesus Christ is exclusively manifested spiritually during the Gentile Church Age.

“And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”  - Luke 2:34-35

The sword-fighting of the Messiah certainly represents the zeal of our Lord to minister the word to everyone. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12). Of course, this is an act of divine love that should be welcomed by all men, even though it hurts the flesh to be reproved and corrected (Prov. 27:6, Ps. 141:5). Who could forget that our Lord “came not to send peace, but a sword” (Matt. 10:34; Jn. 7:7)? Every true Christian knows that “the sword of the Spirit” is the word of God (Eph. 6:17). Nevertheless, Christians need to consult the full counsel of God on this matter (Acts 20:27).

There seems to be something more to the vision, seeing that John was paralyzed with fear and forced into prostration at the sight of it: namely, that “out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword” (Rev. 1:16)! A message is being conveyed that everyone needs to understand (Rev. 2:12, 16). A similar threat was given to the Church of Sardis that clearly communicated imminent danger.

“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a Thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.”  - Rev. 3:3

This is an alarming illustration! If a deity comes as a Thief, we can be sure that it is an unpleasant visitation. This is something that the Church of Sardis should avoid at all costs (Rev. 3:1-6). Apparently, this is something that all Christians should dread in the Last Days (Matt. 24:42-43, Lk. 12:39-40, 1 Thess. 5:1-5, 2 Pet. 3:10)! Why? This is the robbery of undying souls from their refuges of false security. A stormy tempest of divine wrath is coming (Matt. 7:24-27)! The same thing has been foretold for many generations (Jer. 23:19-20). Let the mockers of eschatology go and learn what this means: “prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12).
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The Sword of the LORD is coming, and it’s not what you think (Hab. 1:5-10). You don’t want to be stabbed, cut, and hewn by this sword (Hos. 6:5)! If the Christ of God does brandish the sword before anyone in this respect, then you need to know that these people are being threatened with a terrible destruction. Our Lord does not say He will fight for the Church of Pergamos. No! Jesus Christ said, “I…will fight against them” (Rev. 2:16).This means that the Lord will not meet them as a Friend but as an Enemy (Isa. 63:10, Heb. 10:26-31, James 4:4)! If the sword is unsheathed, then our Lord intends to use it! This is the Sword of the LORD through Babylon (Ezek. 21:3-7, 30:22-25, 32:10-11, Jer. 12:12, 21:4-10, 47:6-7). This will come to pass through a new and improved Babylon in the near future (Rev. 14:8, 16:19, 17:5, 18:2, 10, 21). Are you ready to face it? The Prophets of old compelled the Jews to look beyond the visible presence of Babylon, as God said, "I, even I, am against thee" (Ezek. 5:8, 13:8), speaking on behalf of what God was doing to the backslidden Church through Babylon.

The Pictorial Attributes of Jesus Christ

​- THE MOUTH - 

"...And Out of His Mouth Went a Sharp Two-edged Sword" - Rev. 1:16

John saw it! The Sword of the LORD. Prostrated at the vision, John said, “I fell at His feet as dead” (Rev. 1:17). The Sword is a form of divine judgment throughout all ages. A single glimpse of the divine being of God would unveil this to the beholder (Josh. 5:13-15). This is a coveted sight by holy men (Ps. 35:1-3)! Do you know why? Church History bears witness. Our Lord doesn’t bear the sword for nothing (Rom. 13:2-4).

Have you ever encountered an armed warrior with his sword drawn? Maybe not… but you know what it feels like to encounter someone who poses a threat to you. Everyone knows what it feels like to be in danger. Even so, there is real danger in the presence of divinity (1 Cor. 10:9)! The Church of Pergamos came to this realization when our Lord demanded that some of them would repent of their sins and get right with God. 

“Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.” – Rev. 2:16 

The Israelites were commissioned to enforce the sword upon those who were divinely chosen to die among the heathen (Ps. 149:6, Josh. 10:40, Judges 7:18, 20). Israel was compelled to do the same with backslidden Jews (Ex. 32:27; Deut. 13:1-11, 17:8-13). If judgment was slacked, then the sword would come one way or another. It is inevitable. If Israel didn’t do it, then God would even commission the heathen to do it (Ps. 17:13, Jer. 48:10)! If the heathen weren’t doing it, then Angels would come bearing the sword against Israel (1 Chron. 21:12, Num. 22:23)! At last, if ordinary divine chastisements did not bring correction to the backslidden Church, then even greater measures would be undertaken. 

“God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.”  - Psalm 7:11-13

The threat given to the Church of Pergamos should be of grave concern to Christians everywhere. Do you know what it means for the Sword of the LORD to be turned against the Church? We all know that the sword of the LORD is coming for the world. Clearly, this is the vision presented to us in Revelation 19:11-16. The same awful things are described in many places throughout Holy Scripture (Deut. 32:39-43, Isa. 34:1-10, Isa. 66:15-16, Jer. 25:16-31). Nevertheless, have you ever read that Judgment must begin at the House of God? 

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the House of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?”  - 1 Pet. 4:17-18

According to the Book of Revelation, who comes first the Antichrist or the Christ? Who is judged first: the Church or the World? Judgment must begin at the House of God! Therefore, let the eyes of the Church be fastened upon Babylon. What do you see? Now let the divine person of Jesus Christ brandish His sword before your very eyes! 

“Yea, I will make many people amazed at thee, and their kings shall be horribly afraid for thee, when I shall brandish My sword before them; and they shall tremble at every moment, every man for his own life, in the day of thy fall. For thus saith the Lord GOD; The sword of the king of Babylon shall come upon thee.”  - Ezek. 32:10-11

Do you understand the vision? Babylon is an instrument of divine judgment upon the backslidden Church (Hab. 1:5-10). This is especially true when the Antichrist is crowned as the King of Babylon! Many other nations will come under the stroke of judgment in the process. I’m sure you’ve read about “the Beast” in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 11:7, 13:1-18, 14:9, 11, 15:2, 16:2, 10, 13, 17:3-17, 19:19-20). This prophetic entity is “Babylon” during the Antichrist’s reign of terror in the Great Tribulation (Rev. 14:8, 16:19, 17:5, 18:2, 10, 21). The Prophets of old compelled the Jews to look beyond the visible presence of Babylon, as God said, "I, even I, am against thee" (Ezek. 5:8, 13:8), speaking on behalf of what God was doing to the backslidden Church through Babylon. 

“And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth My sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked. Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall My sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north: That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth My sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more…” – Ezek. 21:3-7

“...I myself will FIGHT against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath.” – Jer. 21:4-10

“...they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall put My sword into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall stretch it out upon the land of Egypt” - Ezek. 30:24-25 

The chaos of seemingly uncontrollable Battle is a divinely set stage of God’s judgment (Ezek. 5:13-15, 7:3-4). Who could doubt the marksmanship of the Sword of the LORD? Herein, God is the one doing the fighting & smiting (Jer. 21:5-6, 10, 13, 14)! Resistance is futile. The LORD renders the backslidden Church helpless and gives it into the hands of Babylon (Jer. 20:4, 21:7). Marvelously, what Babylon does then is in accordance with the judgment of God who is directing its hands (Jer. 27:8). Literally, God is actively strengthening the arms of Babylon and breaking the arms of resistors (Ezek. 30:24-25). Meticulously, in the very throes of warfare, God is turning back the weapons of war in the hands of resistors who fight against Babylon (Isa. 13:5, Jer. 21:4-10) while placing the Sword of the LORD into the hands of Babylon (Ezek. 30:24-25, 32:10-11; Jer. 47:6-7).
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Therefore, when Babylon breaks the bones of the backslidden Church (Jer. 50:17), we are to understand that God broke the bones (Lam. 3:4, 16). Babylon’s forces will not deviate from the divine targets (Ezek. 3, 18, 33, Zeph. 2:2-3). Babylon’s Army is God’s purifying apparatus and through them the divine saying is fulfilled, “I will search” (Zeph. 1:12, 2:1-3, 11, 15, 3:11-13, 17-20). Backslidden Christians hide from Babylon hoping to escape all in vain (Jer. 43:10-13, 44:11-14, 26-29). Babylon is God’s net or snare (Ezek. 12:13-14, 17:20-21) that’s alive like a “ravenous bird” - it lives and breathes to execute, God said, “My Counsel” (Isa. 46:11), and the LORD is in hot pursuit of Church Purity (Ezek. 20:33-44)! Through the tribulation, and not without it, the Bride will be purified and made ready for the coming of the Bridegroom (Rev. 7:14). 

"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." - Rev. 2:10-11

A true testimony of salvation will harmonize with the testimony of Holy Scripture. It is our responsibility to examine ourselves to make sure that our definition of Christianity is biblical (2 Cor. 13:5). Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ (Eph. 2:8-10)! It is not our work; it is God's work. Therefore, it will produce in believers obedience and perseverance according to the Scriptures. This is a matter of life and death. 

The Crown of Life: James 1:12, Matt. 24:13, 1 Cor. 9:25, 2 Tim. 4:8, 1 Pet. 5:4, Matt. 25:34, Gal. 4:6-7, Rom. 8:17, 1 Cor. 6:9-10, Eph. 5:3-5, Gal. 5:19-21, Dan. 7:18, 22, Rev. 2:26-28, 3:21, 5:9-10, 20:4, 6, 21:7-8, Lk. 19:11-27
The Second Death: Rev. 20:6, 14, 21:8

Evidently, the “crown of life” is only given to those who are “faithful unto death” (Rev. 2:10). Accordingly, it was written, “he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved” (Matt. 24:13). The trial is necessary (Rev. 2:10, James 1:12). There are winners and losers. You are going to have to fight for it if you are going to win it (1 Tim. 6:12, 2 Tim. 4:7-8, 1 Cor. 15:10)! This was the perspective of the Apostle Paul concerning the “incorruptible” crown that he desired to win (1 Cor. 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. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”  - 1 Cor. 9:24-27

The “crown of life” is the only means to escape “the second death” (Rev. 2:10-11, 20:6, 14). In other words, the crown of life is a “crown of righteousness” (2 Tim. 4:8). It is a “crown of glory” (1 Pet. 5:4). Literally, this crown is only given to those who are deemed worthy to be called the children of God (Rev. 21:7-8). Why? Because the crown symbolizes an inheritance of the Kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10, Eph. 5:3-5, Gal. 5:19-21).

As sons and daughters, Christians are heirs of God, and therefore a part of our inheritance is to become Kings and Queens under Christ (Gal. 4:6-7, Rom. 8:17, Rev. 5:9-10). This isn’t a figure of speech. This inheritance includes “thrones” and “power over the nations” to “rule them with a rod of iron” (Dan. 7:18, 22; Rev. 2:26-28, 3:21, 20:4, 6). Each designated territory of rule during the Millennial Reign will differ according to the faithfulness of each saint during their pilgrimage on earth (Lk. 19:11-27). 

“Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” - Rev. 3:9

The Christians of the Church of Philadelphia, being persecuted by the Jews, were amazed to hear such a marvelous divine word (Rev. 3:9). The holy Gentiles of Philadelphia could hardly imagine “the Jews” coming to “worship” before their feet! Such a prophecy would undoubtedly inspire many questions among the believers of Philadelphia, especially if they weren’t instructed about what lies ahead on the Prophetic Calendar.

The Synagogue of Satan: John 8:44, Matt. 23:15, Lk. 3:7-9, 1 Jn. 3:7-10
False & True Jews: Lk. 3:7-9, Rom. 2:25-29, 9:6-8, Gal. 4:28-29; Eph. 2:11-19, Gal. 3:26-29
Worship Before Thy Feet: Rev. 3:9, Isa. 49:7, 23, Ps. 72:8-11, Isa. 60:14, Isa. 45:14, 23
Know that I have Loved Thee: Jn. 17:23, 24, 26

God is going to regather and restore the Jews to Jerusalem for the commencement of the Millennial Reign in the aftermath of the 2nd Advent War. It is then that the surviving Kings and Queens of the earth will come to the City of Jerusalem and “worship” (Isa. 49:7). Literally, this act of worship means that they will “bow down” before the feet of the inhabitants of Jerusalem with their faces to the ground (Isa. 49:23, Isa. 60:14). While doing so, they will make noble confessions, like, “Surely God is in thee” (Isa. 45:14). They will call Jerusalem, “The City of the LORD” and “The Zion of the Holy One of Israel” (Isa. 60:14). Evidently, they are doing this as a strong gesture of subjection and surrender to the Jews, as a conquered people in ancient times submitted themselves to new rulers (Rev. 20:4-6, Rom. 8:16-17, Lk. 19:11-27). Furthermore, they are doing this because they recognize that Jesus Christ is enthroned in the midst of Jerusalem (Isa. 60:1-4)! Did not our Lord swear of old, saying, “…unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” (Isa. 45:23)?
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Jesus Christ will reign in splendor and majesty that far exceeds the glory of Solomon (Ps. 72:8-11)! “Yea, all Kings shall fall down before Him; all nations shall serve Him” (Ps. 72:11). Thus it shall be in all the realms of the Messiah’s dominion (Rom. 14:11, Php. 2:10)! Can you believe it? Some of the Kings will be brought to Jerusalem in chains (Isa. 45:14). Others will come freely and willingly (Isa. 60:3, 10, 11, 16). Howbeit, all of them will be seen bowing down repeatedly! Can you imagine it? See Genesis 33:3. They will bow as they are coming near to Jerusalem, they will bow before “the soles” of the feet of the Jews in Jerusalem (Isa. 49:23, 45:14, 60:14), and they will bow before the King of Jerusalem (Ps. 72:9, Isa. 45:23). Meanwhile, they will be making many noble confessions of surrender and adoration insomuch that they will be licking the dust as they speak. 

​“And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.”  - Isa 49:23
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“They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.”  - Psalm 72:9

Licking the dust is one of the unpleasant experiences of prostration when someone is breathing heavily and speaking loudly (Ps. 72:9). Literally, through bowing down to the ground as low as possible with their faces pressed upon the earth, while opening their mouths to loudly utter many noble confessions, the fine details of the prophecies shall be fulfilled.  
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The Gentile believers of Philadelphia are made to reflect on this awesome day as inheritors of the Kingdom of God through conversion to Christ (Rev. 3:9). They already know that God views them as spiritual Jews through a new birth (Jn. 3:3, Eph. 2:11-19, Gal. 3:26-29). Therefore, they can rest assured that they will stand in their lot in the Latter Days (Ps. 87:1-7, Dan. 12:8-13). 

“…suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”  - Jude 1:7

Introduction: The Water & the Fire

The divine judgments of history have left their mark. While observing the fall of angels and men, and the destruction of worlds, these two forms of divine judgment stand out among the rest: the Water & the Fire. 

“…God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to Hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;” - 2 Pet. 2:4

At the fall of angels, God created the pit of Hell in the deepest part of the earth (2 Pet. 2:4, Jude 1:6; Ezek. 31:14-15, 18, 32:18, 24, Ps. 63:9-10, Job 11:8, Eph. 4:9, Matt. 12:40). This is a cursed place that is specifically designed by God to punish sinners with “everlasting fire” (Matt. 25:41). 

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell.”  - Matt. 10:28

At the fall of men, the whole race of mankind was doomed to die because God imposed upon them a death sentence (Gen. 2:17, 3:19, Rom. 5:12-14, Ezek. 18:4, Heb. 9:27, Matt. 10:28, Rev. 21:8). There are various degrees of punishment in death: a spiritual, physical, and eternal death. Ultimately, sinning men are made to join sinning angels in that cursed place of “everlasting fire” – a place that was originally created for the angels (Matt. 18:8-9, Mk. 9:43-48; Matt. 25:41)! Therefore, it could be said that Hell has been enlarging herself more and more ever since the fall of mankind (Isa. 5:14). More and more people are going to Hell every day! Nevertheless, on one day in particular something extraordinary happened on earth that made so much noise in Hell, it could be said that Hell has a story to tell about what happened (Job 28:22). God emptied earth into Hell. 

“And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;”  - 2 Pet. 2:5

Over four thousand years ago, in ≈2273 BC, “the old world” declined into a spiritual condition of lawlessness that made billions of souls unsavable reprobates. Deep remorse and regret filled the heart of the LORD (Gen. 6:5-6). Therefore, God devised a plan to remove all sinners from off the face of the earth (Ps. 104:35). Mountains were overturned (Job 9:5, 28:9)! Continents were shifted (Job 26:12)! Oceans were divided! The earth has been deeply wounded and scarred ever since. The canyons, trenches, and deep blue holes on land and under the ocean bear witness to this cataclysmic divine judgment of history. 

“…the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”  - 2 Pet. 3:6-7

It is inevitable. Divine judgment will run its course: like water, like fire. The old world was destroyed by water. The new world will be destroyed by fire! Speaking of this, Peter said, “the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with a fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up” (2 Pet. 3:10). A burning, melting, and dissolving is coming! Solids, liquids, and gases on earth and in the heavens will be on fire and they will be rapidly dissolving because of the “fervent heat” in the End of the World. 

“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?”  - 2 Pet. 3:11-12

The heat required to accomplish this feat is comprehensible in modern times. Science teaches us that a very specific temperature is required to burn, melt, and dissolve the solids, liquids, and gases of the Periodic Table. However, in ancient times, when science had not yet explored the powers of “fervent heat”, the world was made to behold a signature event of divine judgment that revealed the incomprehensible. Sodom & Gomorrah was exhibit #1. This unique moment of history exemplifies the power of divine judgment coming in the form of fire (Jude 1:7, 2 Pet. 2:6). 

Set Forth for an Example ​

Marvelously, Jesus Christ spoke of the fire that befell Sodom & Gomorrah on numerous occasions. He was the first one to make the comparison of water & fire within the greater context of speaking about the End of the World (Lk. 17:22-37). Observe how our Lord first spoke about the water (Lk. 17:26-27) and then the fire (Lk. 17:28-29). 

“And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.”  - Luke 17:26-27

“Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.”  - Luke 17:28-29

“Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.”  - Luke 17:30-33

The destroying power of the water & fire have one thing in common. There were no survivors among the targeted peoples! When the water and fire came… it “destroyed them all” (Lk. 17:27, 29)! Remarkably, Peter was compelled to make the same comparison (2 Pet. 2:5-6), and then Jude did something very similar (Jude 1:7). Peter and Jude are very bold to declare that Sodom & Gomorrah and the Cities of the Plain “are set forth for an example” (2 Pet. 2:6, Jude 1:7). All the focus of the warning is put upon the fire.

“Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the Cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”  - Jude 1:7

“And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;”  - 2 Pet. 2:6 

Where did the fire come from? It came “from the LORD out of heaven” (Gen. 19:24). What kind of fire? Jesus said it was “fire and brimstone” (Lk. 17:29). Literally, this means that the fire was coming from burning brimstone. What did the fire destroy? Everyone and everything it targeted! Peter said the cities were turned into “ashes” (2 Pet. 2:6). However, when Jude spoke of it he emphasized the “suffering” (Jude 1:7). He spoke of the torment that would be endured because of a specific characteristic of the fire, calling it, “the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 1:7).

A Glimpse of Hell on Earth ​

Hell is an “everlasting fire” (Matt. 25:41). It is a fire that shall “never be quenched” (Mk. 9:43-49). The Lake of Fire is an eternal fire. The smoke of it shall rise up “forever and ever” (Rev. 14:11). Categorically, this kind of fire is the flame that comes from burning brimstone. 

“…and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”  - Rev. 14:10-11

“…These both were cast alive into a Lake of Fire burning with brimstone.”  - Rev 19:20

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the Lake of Fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”  - Rev. 20:10

“…the Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”  - Rev. 21:8

Where does this fire come from? Apparently, like the fire of Sodom & Gomorrah (Gen. 19:24), it comes “from the presence of the Lord” (2 Thess. 1:9, Rev. 14:10). Literally, the fire has a supernatural origin. There is no natural explanation. Look at the eyes, lips, tongue, and breath of the Lord of Glory! What do you see? Do you see something that the Sodomites might have seen? Let the reader understand (Rev. 1:14, Isa. 30:27-28, 33, 2 Thess. 2:8, Isa. 11:4).

Sodom was suddenly consumed with fire because the Lord made a visit to the City that day (Gen. 18:21, Ex. 33:1-6). The “feet” that Abraham washed in the early afternoon then walked through the Cities of the Plain in the evening time. It was then that the Cities were lit up with an “everlasting fire” and heated like a “furnace” (Gen. 18:4, 19:28, Jude 1:7, Dan. 3:23-25).

Sodom & Gomorrah became Hell on earth! The same kind of fire that is eternally burning in Hell was employed by God to consume “the Cities of the Plain” in the days of Abraham & Lot (Gen. 13:12, 19:25, 29). Do you see it? This is our chance as mortals to look into eternity! This is our moment in time where we can behold the wonders of an “eternal fire” (Jude 1:7). We will never comprehend what is happening below, in the infernal dungeon of hellfire, if we don’t look here, at Sodom & Gomorrah, to discover what it was like for them to suffer the vengeance of eternal fire in real time (Jude 1:7). 

Ashes, Brimstone, Salt, & Burning ​

All “the Cities of the Plain” were situated on very fertile land nearby the Dead Sea (Gen. 13:12, 19:25, 29). Therefore, they developed into strong and prosperous Kingdoms. The food was plentiful. The people were idle. Generally, no one was slavishly preoccupied with hard labor. In their prosperity, they became proud, selfish, curious, and mad (Ezek. 16:49-50). The Kings formed an alliance and competed for notoriety and fame (Gen. 14:1-4, 23). Naturally, in the process of time, the people in the surrounding region were attracted to the rich lifestyle of these Kingdoms, which then caused their societies to grow in population.

Cemeteries of several million graves are reported to be in the region,
​with many of them having been dug up over time by looters.

The Cities of the Plain were walled, fortified, and gated. Sinners felt a sense of peace and security in their walls. Somehow, even Lot was eventually absorbed into the walls of Sodom! This is not the kind of place where a righteous man should be residing (Ps. 1:1-3, 26:3-5; 2 Cor. 6:17-18).

Of course, Lot would like to think that he was making a difference in Sodom. He would tell you that he was making a good impact upon society (Gen. 19:1, 9). Clearly, Lot didn’t see the futility of his efforts. Nor did he realize that he and his family were in grave danger! Society there was governed by hedonistic pleasure and lawless recreation, and Lot wasn’t planning on going anywhere anytime soon. He had already given his two daughters in marriage to Sodomites (Gen. 19:14)! Lot wasn’t changing Sodom. In reality, Sodom was changing Lot! This much is clear in the testimony of Scripture.

Lot was outrageously corrupt in his convictions. His moral compass was broken. The unholy City that deceived him err long defiled him! No decent father would give his newly betrothed virgin daughters to a raging mob of lustful Sodomites, while saying to them, “do ye to them as is good in your eyes” (Gen. 19:8). This kind of thinking comes from the toxic influence of bad company. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” (1 Cor. 15:33).

First, Sodom attracted Lot. Then, Sodom corrupted Lot. Meanwhile, Sodom enchanted Lot’s wife and perverted Lot’s daughters. The man lost everything in the end! Lot’s wife died and his daughters got him drunk and raped him (Gen. 19:31-38). Lot’s misery didn’t end there! The incestuous grandchildren that would be born from this nightmare scenario were cursed (Gen. 19:37-38).

Think about it! It all began with one look towards Sodom and Gomorrah. The attraction was strong. The appeal was alluring. The Edenic scenery and the promise of prosperity was enough for Lot to willingly suffer the gross immorality of the people, even though they “vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds” (2 Pet. 2:7-9). 

“And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the Garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.”  - Gen. 13:10

Amazingly, the natural habitat of this area was comparable to the Garden of Eden. However, the narrator of Genesis emphasized that this was “before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah” (Gen. 13:10). Something unique about this fire vanquished the Cities and permanently altered the land so that it continues to this day as a wasteland of ashes. Under inspiration, the Apostle Peter emphasized that the Edenic Garden was turned into “ashes” – and by this he meant that it was doomed to remain as “ashes” forever (2 Pet. 2:6; Isa. 13:19-22). As a Jew, and a native-born Israeli, the Apostle Peter would have had ample opportunity to personally visit the site in question to see it for himself. The same could be said of his contemporaries in the 1st Century. 

“And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;”  - 2 Peter 2:6 

A Jewish historian of the 1st Century, Flavius Josephus by name, personally visited the plains nearby the Dead Sea and reported that the ashes were still there in heaps resembling the shadows of great cities. This was a well-known fact among the Jewish people. Josephus said, “…and in fact vestiges of the divine fire and faint traces of five cities are still visible.” Also, concerning Lot’s wife, Josephus boldly declared: “I have seen this pillar which remains to this day.” This is a noteworthy testimony by a credible historian. Nevertheless, we can know for sure, purely from Holy Scripture, that the fire and brimstone turned the Cities of the Plain into an uninhabitable wasteland. 

“And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:” - Deut. 29:23  

Still to this day it impossible for anything green to grow in the Cities of the Plain. The scenes of this wasteland have been broadcasted online by archaeologists and investigators for decades. You can see it for yourself! Normally, when great fires reduce cities and lands into ashes, this contributes to the fertility of the soil for years to come. In fact, a farming technique was named after this phenomenon called “slash-and-burn”. Farmers know that they need to give their lands rest to replenish the nutrients of the soil. The ashes produced by normal fires are rich in the nutrients needed for fertilization. 

The slash-and-burn farming technique leaves a layer of ash
​that fertilizes the farmland for years to come.

Normally, ash promotes the regrowth of trees and vegetation. Obviously, this wasn’t the case for Sodom & Gomorrah. Otherwise, the Edenic region of the Cities of the Plain would have regrown into even greater gardens. Literally, the ash of fire and brimstone prevents the regrowth of anything in the soil. Not even “grass” can grow in this soil! A chemical reaction takes place that changes the composition of the ash turning it into salt (CaSO4).

Remember Lot’s wife? She wasn’t the only one who turned into “salt” on that dreadful day of judgment (Gen. 19:26, Lk. 17:32). The Cities of the Plain were turned into the same thing! Of course, we are not talking about Sodium Chloride, commonly known as Table Salt (NaCl). The “salt” in this case is Calcium Sulfate (CaSO4). This is what Moses was referring to in Deuteronomy 29:23 when he spoke of the “brimstone, and salt, and burning” that filled the terrain of the Cities around the Dead Sea. 

This may seem illogical to someone who doesn’t understand chemistry. According to Dr. Moses David, “Burning sulfur will react with most materials turning them into sulfate salts.”. Partly, this is due to the extremely hot fire that is produced by burning brimstone (Deut. 29:24). Sulfur burns with a blue colored flame that can reach temperatures approaching 1600 °C. The color of fire changes with the increase of heat as follows: red (525-1000 °C), orange (1100-1200 °C), white (1300-1500 °C), & blue (1400-1650 °C).

To put things in perspective, organic material burns and vaporizes at 600-650 °C. The crust of the earth melts at 1200 °C. The hotter it gets, the more things will burn, melt, and dissolve, and as a result more chemical reactions will take place. 

Technically, the ash of something is the residue of matter that is left behind after a fire has fully consumed a combustible object. This ash normally appears as a gray powdery residue, but certain kinds of fire can produce a higher degree of heat that changes the constitution of the ash. Normal ash that is produced by wood, for example, has an elemental composition of Carbon, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, & Sodium. A scientific analysis of the ashes that are produced by fire and brimstone will help us understand the wisdom of Holy Scripture. 

“Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities of the plain were made up of buildings which were constructed from limestone. Limestone is a considered to be a rock. Normally, a rock doesn’t burn to produce ash. Organic materials such as wood burn in the presence of air to produce carbon dioxide, converting the carbon in the wood to carbon dioxide, leaving behind any inorganic material that is present in the wood as ash, which is primarily comprised of silica, calcium oxide, magnesia, and a lesser amount of other oxides. Limestone is calcium carbonate which when exposed to burning sulfur gas will react with the products of sulfur combustion, sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide.

First, the high temperature of sulfur combustion will result in calcination of the limestone, converting it to calcium oxide and carbon dioxide gas. At high temperatures, calcium oxide reacts with the oxides of sulfur (sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide) to produce calcium sulfate, which is the residue left behind in the combustion process. The ash left behind in the combustion of limestone is therefore calcium sulfate, which is a salt.” – Dr. Moses David, PhD in Chemical Engineering 

The ashes left over from Sodom & Gomorrah are cursed! When this doomed landscape turned into a hellscape, the fervent heat of the fire made it impossible for anything to be sown or reaped in the land. Moses made this clear in Deuteronomy 29:23. Not even green grass could grow in this place! God made this place an example of eternal destruction. This is what Zephaniah called “a perpetual desolation” (Zeph. 2:9). The damage done wasn’t meant to be temporary. 

“Plant life is not possible in the brimstone & salt terrains because of the destruction of organic residues by the fire that is produced by burning brimstone. Because of the high temperatures of sulfur combustion, all organic material will be converted into carbon dioxide gas and water vapor. Nitrogen containing organic matter will likewise be converted to NO2, and NO3 gases by the high temperatures of sulfur combustion. Furthermore, the desiccant properties of the salt capture any water that would otherwise be used by plant life.

Calcium sulfate will absorb water in its solid form without actually dissolving in the water up to a point. This water is the water of hydration. The solid is not dissolved in water yet at this point. The solid remains as a solid, but it has moisture in it. There are different forms of calcium sulfate as follows: (1) Anhydrous calcium sulfate CaSO4, (2) Calcium sulfate dihydrate, of Gypsum CaSO4.2H20, and (3) Calcium sulfate pentahydrate CaSO4.5H2O. Because every molecule of calcium sulfate can take up to five molecules of water in its solid form, it is very prone to suck up water into itself, thus it is called a desiccant.” – Dr. Moses David, PhD in Chemical Engineering

This was God’s plan all along. For millennia, men have gone and looked upon the destruction of Sodom & Gomorrah, and upon seeing it they began to ask questions, like, “Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? What meaneth the heat of this great anger?” (Deut. 29:24). Nearly 4,000 years have passed, and the divine message of this terrible destruction is still being broadcasted to all nations! The eternal doom of this fire is evident in the landscape. Moreover, El-esh-oklah isn’t finished! In the Last Days we will consider it perfectly. 

“And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there. But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there. And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.”  - Isa. 13:19-22

History will repeat itself. Humanity will grow proud, curious, and perverse through the wine of fornication in Babylon. Cities will be overrun with immorality. A staggering number of Sodomites will arise and parade themselves in the streets once again! Even so, let the reader understand, one fiery divine judgment is passed… but another one is still yet to come. The examples of history will be eclipsed in futurity! It is then that “the fervent heat” of “fiery indignation” will be revealed to the whole world (2 Pet. 3:10-12, Heb. 10:27). This is the End of the World. It is in this context that our Lord gave an ominous warning: “Remember Lot’s wife.” (Lk. 17:32). 

What about the Dead Sea? ​

Many theories exist about how the Dead Sea became a Salt Sea. Many unlearned men suppose that this has something to do with the rainstorm of fire and brimstone poured out upon the Cities of the Plain. 

The Dead Sea is located at the most depressed place on the face of the earth. Literally, it is sitting at the lowest point of elevation on the planet, more than 1,400 feet below sea level. The Jordan river flows into the Dead Sea from the north, bringing with it the minerals it has been carrying for about 170 miles from the Hermon Mountains in Lebanon, Syria, and it has been doing this for thousands of years.

Everything is emptied into the Dead Sea, and from there the minerals have nowhere else to go. The waters above or below land cannot travel upwards in elevation. There is no river or tributary flowing out of the Dead Sea. At the lowest place on earth the water is stuck in place. Moreover, all the runoff waters from the rainfall and especially the flashfloods in the region erode the rocks and bring a large influx of minerals into the Dead Sea.

The waters of the Dead Sea are still and quiet compared to oceans. This increases its vulnerability to evaporation. The intense heat of the desert sun rapidly evaporates the water and leaves behind the salt, steadily increasing the salt content of the entire Sea over time. It happens so fast that the Dead Sea is slowly disappearing, even despite the steady inflow of the Jordan river. Given enough time it will eventually be gone. The salt content of the Dead Sea is the end product. It currently contains 50% Magnesium Chloride, 30% Sodium Chloride, 14% Calcium Chloride, and 4% Potassium Chloride. These are completely different kinds of salts than what is created by fire and brimstone, and the salt that is present in oceans. 

The Evidence, Archaeology, Excavation, & Chemistry ​

 “...brimstone, and salt, and burning...” – Deut. 29:23

The ashes of Sodom & Gomorrah have a story to tell. Explorers and archaeologists have found evidence of manmade structures. The ash heaps resemble houses, temples, walls, gates, and statues. The geometric shapes and angles are visible to the naked eye. Such formations are not normal geological structures. These aren’t the kinds of things that are naturally formed in nature. 

How did Moses know that the Cities of the Plain and Lot’s wife became “salt” (Deut. 29:23, Gen. 19:26)? Certainly, this could have been miraculously revealed to Moses through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16); but there are alternative possibilities to this scenario. People in the bronze age would be able to recognize Calcium Sulfate as a salt by the color, texture, and taste of it after a close examination.

I’m sure many a pilgrim traveled far and wide to personally examine the infamous “pillar of salt” (Gen. 19:26)! Wouldn’t you want to go and see it? People would have noticed that the Cities of Ash in the form of Calcium Sulfate resemble a salt that is white in color and powdery in texture. The explorers of the region have demonstrated how the stratified layers of ash do crumble into powder upon being taken with the hands. 

A lot of the ashes in the area appear to be off color, where people today wouldn’t easily recognize that this is salt. The weather changes things over time. The winds and rains of the region for nearly 4,000 years would have caused the brown dust from the surrounding terrain to alter the color of the top layer in the Cities of Ash. This would explain why many areas appear tan in color instead of white. However, as demonstrated in the photograph above, after a little digging a bright white powder immediately appears.

A more extensive survey of the ruins would reveal innumerable balls of brimstone embedded in the ash. Amateur explorers without any equipment have found many fully preserved brimstones conspicuously appearing on the ashy grounds or in the stratified walls of the ash heaps. These are unique and fully preserved brimstones that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. 

There has never been any geothermal activity observed in the area. There are no volcanoes. There is no explanation for how these stones of extremely pure sulfur got there except that God rained down fire and brimstone from heaven. This is not the kind of sulfur that can be found at volcanoes. Volcanic sulfur is yellow in color and is usually around 40% pure sulfur. The brimstone found at the Cities of the Plain is white in color and around 94-98% pure sulfur. 

The flammability of the brimstone found at Sodom & Gomorrah is the visible proof of its purity. The brimstones found in the stratified walls of the ash heaps can be lit on fire without removing them from their embedded location. This has been repeatedly demonstrated by explorers in various documentary videos available online. 

Even though the brimstone is on fire, the flame cannot be detected by the naked eye in the daytime because it is a very hot blue flame. The brimstone will burn until it melts into a liquid form, and then the liquid brimstone will burn until is vaporizes, unless the flame of the burning brimstone is somehow extinguished in the process of events taking place. 

The amount of burning brimstone changes things for the Sodomites. Proportionately, the greater the quantity of burning brimstone, like in the case of a massive storm of fire and brimstone, the faster the temperature of the area would increase in heat. Fearfully, the entire atmosphere of the Cities of the Plain was turned into a fiery furnace! This much is clear (Gen. 19:28). Scientifically speaking, a heavy storm of fire and brimstone like this would have burned, melted, and vaporized the Cities of the Plain, and in the process it would have turned the buildings into salt. 

“Ancient buildings are made from stone, mortar and limestone. Upon heating, calcium carbonate and calcium hydroxide will lose carbon dioxide and water, leaving behind calcium oxide. Calcium oxide reacts with burning sulfur to form calcium sulfate as follows:

CaO + SO2 + ½O2  → CaSO4

Why not calcium sulfite? The other calcium salt, CaSO3 is not thermodynamically stable above 727 C, thus the burning of buildings that have crumbled, and comprising calcium carbonate and calcium hydroxide, will result in an ash of calcium sulfate.” – Dr. Moses David, PhD in Chemical Engineering

Cities can only be turned into ashes of Calcium Sulfate with a very special kind of fire. It must burn in an exceedingly hot flame! Furthermore, if the heat permeated the whole area like that of a furnace, and thus steadily increased in overall temperature, even the bones of the general population of people would have been turned into salt. 

“And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.”  - Gen. 19:28

The buildings of these Cities weren’t the only things turned into salt. Lot’s wife wasn’t the only person turned into salt! A heavy storm of fire and brimstone like this would have burned, melted, and vaporized the Cities of the Plain, and in the process it would have turned the Calcium Phosphate of every person into Calcium Sulfate. 

“Bone is comprised of Calcium Phosphate, which reacts with Sulfur Trioxide gas at elevated temperatures to form Calcium Sulfate and Phosphorous Pentoxide. Phosphorous Pentoxide sublimes at a rather low temperature of 360 °C, and thus will not remain with the bone but will be vaporized.

Ca3(PO4)2 + 3SO3 = 3CaSO4 + ↑P2O5

Sulfur Trioxide, or SO3 is created by burning Sulfur to SO2 followed with further oxidation to SO3, which reacts with Calcium Phosphate as per the above reaction.” – Dr. Moses David, PhD in Chemical Engineering

However, that being said, let the reader understand that the general population of the people in these Cities weren’t being turned into a bunch of pillars of salt. Something extraordinary happened to Lot’s wife! There is a scientific explanation for why the general population of sinners would have been turned into a powdery form of salt rather than pillars of salt. Once the people were turned into a powdery form of salt, their physical remains would have become virtually indistinguishable from the ashes of the rest of these Cities. 

“The physical impact of the dense sulfur balls would have caused the buildings to crumble, causing the people in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to flee from the falling debris. Upon exiting their dwelling places, the people would have unknowingly run into the rainfall of burning brimstone, which would then burn the flesh of the people, and all organic matter from the bones, as the people fall down dead in the streets. The burning sulfur would have converted the Calcium Phosphate in the bones to Calcium Sulfate, which would cause the bones to lose their physical integrity and fall apart from further burning brimstone rainfall, and thus they would crumble into a Calcium Sulfate powder.” – Dr. Moses David, PhD in Chemical Engineering

Historically, only a few excavations have taken place in the Dead Sea region. There has been very little professional digging in the area. However, a few fragments of preserved bone were found underneath the rubble of collapsed buildings. This is due to the various responses of the people during the rainstorm of fire. Some people would have chosen to shelter in place inside buildings, while others would have fled outside for fear of the trembling, crumbling, and collapsing buildings. Others would have been unable to flee into the streets for various reasons. The preservation or transformation of the bones would depend upon their direct exposure to the fire and brimstone. 

“The people who were injured from falling debris and rendered unable to flee the buildings, or those who took cover under fallen debris inside the buildings, would have been temporarily shielded from the fire and brimstone in the streets. Instead, they would have died from a chemical exposure to toxic sulfur containing gases. What happens to the bones from there depends upon on how much the consuming fire reached the bodies of these dead people, and how long it consumed them, before the buildings collapsed and buried them under the rubble. The bones could have then been protected from further physical damage through the fallen debris. The bones of these people would therefore remain intact instead of being crumbled into powder.” – Dr. Moses David, PhD in Chemical Engineering 

The more we can understand about the situation the better. Comprehending the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of the damned as they suffered “the vengeance of eternal fire” will help us fear God (Jude 1:7, Heb. 10:27). Specifically, we are learning to fear God because of the “power” that He alone possess to torment and destroy men with a “devouring fire” (Matt. 10:28, Isa. 33:14). This is biblical. 

A Physical, Chemical, & Thermal Evolution of Suffering in the Hellish Firestorm of Divine Wrath 

Now we must begin a more detailed exploration of the firestorm from the vantage point of the Sodomites as they would have experienced it when they suffered through it physically, chemically, and thermally from start to finish. No “suffering” on earth at any time in history so resembles that of hellfire like the doom of Sodom & Gomorrah (Jude 1:7)! Therefore, this dreadful event of history sheds light on otherwise incomprehensible prophecies.

“The wicked shall be turned into Hell, and all the nations that forget God.” - Psalm 9:17

Behold, the fire of God! See how divine wrath is “kindled” (Ps. 2:12). Study and comprehend with all saints “the heat” of divine anger (Deut. 29:24). Only then will we understand exactly what happened to Lot’s wife in the extraordinary circumstances that made her turn into a pillar of salt rather than powdery salt. Even so, may we be helped on our journey to fully realize the divine commandment: “Remember Lot’s wife.” (Lk. 17:32). The pillar of salt was a divinely constructed memorial. Those beholden to it should remember the day that Sodom & Gomorrah became Hell on Earth. 

The Physical Effects of Raining Brimstone ​

The rainstorm of fire and brimstone was an evolving situation of destruction and death that intensified over time. In the beginning, before most people even saw or felt the fire, they would have heard and felt the physical impact of falling brimstones causing the earth to shake and houses to crumble. The sheer weight and size of the brimstones is staggering to behold. 

Originally, the brimstones were even larger than those found by explorers in the Cities of Ash. The fire dramatically decreased the size of the brimstones before the flames were extinguished when the stones were embedded in ruins. Can you imagine the physical effect of the falling brimstone? Brimstone is comprised of elemental sulfur having a constituency of rock. These were like falling rocks from the sky! As a rule of thumb, the average range of size could have been like that of golf balls, tennis balls, baseballs, and softballs. Comparable sized hailstones of ice absolutely destroyed Egypt! Remember? 

Hailstorm of Ice: Exodus 9:19, 22-26, Psalm 78:47-48, 105:32-33, Ps. 18:12-13, 2 Sam. 22:9, 13 

Everyone without shelter died in that hailstorm! Both men and animals (Ex. 9:19). The hailstorm destroyed the tender vegetation of the land and even broke down the trees (Ex. 9:25)! Considering the circumstances, let the reader understand that the density of sulfur is about 2 g/cm3, which is twice that of water. This means that hailstones of sulfur are double the weight of comparably sized ice stones! Doubling the weight means double destruction. Can you imagine it?

Hailstones of sulfur weighing 10 lbs would reach a terminal velocity of 130 mph before striking Sodom and Gomorrah. Hailstones of sulfur weighing 30 lbs would reach a terminal velocity of 153 mph! Brimstones weighing 10 to 50 lbs would reach a terminal velocity ranging from 130 to 169 mph. The rainfall of heavy stones of this density, weight, size, and velocity would bring about a total catastrophe! This isn’t like your average hailstorm of ice in modern times. This would be more like the rain of cannon balls from the sky, like those fired on the battlefield in ancient warfare! The brimstones would crush most things upon impact. Buildings constructed from bricks of limestone would crumble and collapse. 

The Chemical Effects of the Gases Produced by Burning Brimstone 

Sinners fleeing outside would have to face the raw power of the hailstorm. If the stones didn’t physically strike and kill them, and if the fire hadn’t yet filled the land and sky to utterly consume them, then the Sodomites would have been arrested by the airborne gases produced by the burning brimstone. Literally, this would make it impossible to flee! No one can brave the storm of divine wrath.

Those who were too afraid to go outside, who found themselves hiding in the crevices of collapsing buildings, would then be tormented by the toxic smoke until the liquid fire of the storm increased overhead and they were eventually consumed in their places. The gases alone were capable of paralyzing, overpowering, and killing the entire population. The smoke produced by burning sulfur tormented everyone it touched! Why? Because a chemical reaction took place turning the moisture of the people into sulfuric acid. 

“Sulfur burns in air to form sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide gases, which are easily absorbed into human beings through the skin, eyes, nose, mouth, and lungs, entering into the bloodstream immediately. Sulfur dioxide reacts with water and oxygen in the presence of heat to form sulfurous acid. Sulfur trioxide reacts with water and oxygen in the presence of heat to produce sulfuric acid. Therefore, the moisture on the skin of the Sodomites would immediately turn into sulfuric acid all over the body in the conditions present at Sodom and Gomorrah. The moisture in the eyes would turn into sulfuric acid in the eyes! The moisture in the nose, mouth, and lungs would also turn into sulfuric acid! It would be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream within minutes according to scientific research (Dahl (1983)). The death of an average Sodomite was accompanied by much suffering due to the extreme chemical effects involving strong acidic reactions in all parts of the human body.” – Dr. Moses David, PhD in Chemical Engineering

“Upon the acid entering into the bloodstream through the lungs, the human heart would pump sulfuric acid to all parts of the body! These acids would cause severe burning and tissue damage in every conceivable place it touches, as the acid reacts violently with water to produce heat (approximately 60% of the body is composed of water), and the burning sensation would then be accompanied by headache, nausea, and vomiting. Upon contact, the destruction of bodily tissues is reported to take place in minutes and the destruction of bones within hours (Cadwell (2018)). Death of the brain cells leads to brain damage, blindness, incoordination, seizures, and death.” – Dr. Preethi Morris, PhD in Nutrition 

There is something to be learned here about “the smoke of their torment” (Rev. 14:11, 18:18, 19:3, Isa. 34:10). Under the circumstances, the longer anyone lived the more suffering they would endure in Sodom & Gomorrah. Of course, just like anyone else, the Sodomites would have tried to survive for as long as possible! But this only perpetuated their suffering. This is a horrible way to die. 

The Thermal Effects of Raining Fire & Brimstone 

By design, the Creator of heaven and earth made sulfur to have a very low melting and boiling point. The melting point of sulfur is 114 °C. The boiling point of sulfur is 444 °C. The implications of this are staggering when it comes to the creation of an unprecedented firestorm of destruction on earth. Meditatively, and prayerfully, let us imagine what the thermal evolution of the atmosphere must have been like during the rainstorm of fire and brimstone. 

This is a rare “blue lava” volcanic eruption. It affords to mankind a small glimpse into what the sky above Sodom & Gomorrah might have looked like when it was illuminated with burning sulfur. 

Amidst a constant downpour of fire and brimstone falling from the sky, let’s say, from an altitude of 4000 to 6000 ft, the temperature of the firestorm would steadily increase with the presence of the burning brimstone. As the brimstone burns in freefall it would melt and boil, and because both the liquid and vapor form of sulfur are highly flammable, the sky itself would then appear to be on fire. The solid, liquid, and vapor form of sulfur would all be present in the atmosphere behaving like a rapidly expanding conflagration.

During freefall, liquid droplets of burning sulfur would increasingly be displaced from the falling rocks, as molecules of vaporized sulfur would increasingly be displaced from the boiling liquid droplets, and all of it would be on fire. In the presence of a rapidly expanding firestorm, the whole area would begin to behave like an enclosed furnace making the temperatures at the center of the storm – inside the engulfed Cities of destruction – the hottest part of the Inferno of Hell. 

“Upon the wicked He shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.”  - Psalm 11:6

The LORD was majestically presiding over the fiery furnace of Sodom and Gomorrah. Every increase or decrease of temperature was under divine control. Practically, this means that God was controlling two things: firstly, the amount of burning brimstone in freefall during the storm; secondarily, the wind currents of oxygen that were feeding the fire. It is easy to imagine how a single jetstream of oxygen would excite and infuriate the fire! And of course this would radically increase the temperature. Similarly, depriving the firestorm of oxygen would decrease the fire and lower the temperature. Nevertheless, despite any fluctuations, we can be sure that the general temperature of the furnace was exceedingly hot! Remember, sulfur burns with a blue colored flame that can reach temperatures approaching 1600 °C. The color of fire changes with the increase of heat as follows: red (525-1000 °C), orange (1100-1200 °C), white (1300-1500 °C), & blue (1400-1650 °C).

The sights and sounds are still horrifying in the event that the firestorm was deprived of oxygen. Even if there wasn’t enough oxygen to burn up the trees of various edenic gardens in some parts of a City, the trees and plant life of that area would melt. Literally, the trees in their entirety would melt into a black slimy liquid instead of burning into ash. Those beholden to this scene would find it looking eerily like the pit of Hell, because various pockets in the inferno would be mostly void of fire, albeit surrounded by fire, as melting gardens accumulating into streams of fiery pitch flowing on the ground. 

“And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch. It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.”  - Isa. 34:9-10

Pitch is formed through the melting of organic matter, like leaves, stems, branches, and trees, in an atmosphere of extreme heat that is void of sufficient oxygen to create flames. However, in the process, yet another chemical reaction takes place to create pitch! For the sake of simplicity, I have called it melting. Scientists would prefer to use more technical terms. They would call this process a chemical conversion under non-oxidative thermal conditions. Nevertheless, let the reader understand that the mighty trees of the edenic gardens in Sodom liquified because of the fervent heat, and this makes possible the chemical conversion.

Organic material burns and vaporizes at 600-650 °C. The crust of the earth melts at 1200 °C. Seeing that a furnace of burning sulfur can reach temperatures approaching 1600 °C, the activity described in Isaiah 34:9-10 would certainly be present in the Cities of Destruction. Now this brings us to Lot’s wife. 

“Remember Lot’s Wife.” – Lk. 17:32

Why did Lot’s wife turn into a pillar of salt instead of a pile of powdery salt like the rest of the population of Sodom and Gomorrah? There is a scientific and biblical explanation for this marvelous phenomenon. 

“Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And He overthrew those Cities, and all the Plain, and all the inhabitants of the Cities, and that which grew upon the ground. But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” – Gen. 19:24-26

Firstly, during a rainstorm of fire and brimstone, the only way possible for Lot’s wife to become a pillar of salt is through a process called sintering. 

“Sintering is a process whereby the powdery constituents would fuse together to form a dense structure with good mechanical strength and integrity. It would take place when the melting and re-solidification of the calcium sulfate produced from her bones happen ultrafast, with her body in a standing position, so that the sintered calcium sulfate would appear in the form of a pillar before there was a chance for her body to fall down.” – Dr. Moses David, PhD in Chemical Engineering 

Secondarily, from a biblical perspective, let the reader understand that pillars were made to mark a special event in history to bring to remembrance something important. Those beholden to them understand the message being communicated.

Jacob did it to mark the place where God appeared to him in the wilderness (Gen. 28:18, 22). Jacob did it again, as a matter of life or death, to bring to remembrance the agreement of peace that he made with Laban (Gen. 31:45-55). Grieving spouses, like Abraham, mark the graves of their dead family members to bring to remembrance the location of their resting place (Gen. 35:20). Samuel did it to set up a memorial of victory, an Ebeneezer, to bring to remembrance how the LORD helped Israel in battle against the Philistines (1 Sam. 7:12). The reprobate, Absalom, did it in a vain quest for immortal glory, wishing that his own name would be held in remembrance forever (2 Sam. 18:18).

Even so, when God made a pillar, it served as a signpost of salvation! The message being communicated is loud and clear: Flee from the wrath to come! 

“Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” – Luke 17:32-33

Why did God turn Lot’s wife into a pillar of salt? You know. Those beholden to it know the message being communicated! The LORD did it to bring to remembrance the day when divine wrath turned the Cities of the Plain into an infernal dungeon of Hell on Earth. Now she serves as an omen, an eternal warning, bidding pilgrims of all ages to avoid her fate while fleeing the wrath to come in their generation.

How did God turn Lot’s wife into a pillar of salt? Most materials will either vaporize or sinter together at these high temperatures. 550 °C is the minimum temperature that vaporizes organic material. 876 °C is the minimum temperature for sintering the calcium sulfate. 1,485 °C is an approximate temperature that would allow for ultra-fast sintering in the case of Lot’s Wife.

Seeing that Lot’s wife was outside of the City of Sodom at the exterior of the inferno as it was heating up, when she looked back, it was then that the LORD targeted her specifically with an especially intense downpour of fire and brimstone. A finger of fire proceeded out of the mighty storm and touched Lot’s wife! It was a tornado of fire, a firenado, and it proceeded out of the firestorm and descended upon the head of Lot’s wife. It whirled around her to bury and burn her in heat reaching 1,485 °C, and then it lifted off of her as quickly as it came upon her, and this allowed the pillar to cool down and solidify. 

“A rain of burning sulfur would have vaporized all the organic matter, entombing her with the rainy deposits of burning sulfur, and converting her bones into a pillar of calcium sulfate salt, as a testimony to all mankind. Bone is comprised of calcium phosphate, along with collagen and marrow. Upon heating, the organic components will burn at 650-700 °C. Once the organic components of the bone are burned up, the bone normally becomes very porous and brittle, having a tendency to crumble. However, if the temperatures are much higher, at 1,300-1,670 °C, the bone becomes harder because of the sintering of calcium sulfate.

The high temperatures and reactive atmosphere present during the exposure of the skeletal remains of Lot’s wife create ideal conditions for the following: (1) the chemical reaction of bone material to form calcium sulfate, and (2) the melting and re-solidification leading to chemical sintering of calcium sulfate. This happens in the presence of calcium phosphate, a constituent of bone which acts as a sintering aid. Adjacent pieces of chemically converted bone fragments can likewise get sintered together when small amounts of additional material such as calcium phosphate or silica are present as sintering aids. Upon sintering, the chemically converted skeletal remains lose their form and turn into a pillar having a dense structure with excellent mechanical strength and integrity.

A heavy dose of brimstone rain must have been responsible for the extreme effect upon Lot's wife when compared to the general population of Sodom and Gomorrah. The impulsive, intense rain of brimstone would have increased the temperatures sufficiently enough to not only convert the bones to calcium sulfate, but also sinter the calcium sulfate due to the high instantaneous heat flux. This may be similar to the heat flux from a laser beam, which is frequently employed to sinter 3D printed powders. The impulse of brimstone rain would not have the sustained, moderate heating effect of a continuous brimstone rain which would have been the case in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Upon sintering the calcium sulfate, her body would have rapidly cooled down because the rainfall was not sustained over a prolonged duration, but momentarily effected by the intense wrath of Almighty God.” – Dr. Moses David, PhD in Chemical Engineering 

There is much more to this burden than what immediately appears. Sodom is explicitly mentioned a staggering 48 times in Holy Scripture! Herein, a full spectrum of topics is brought into view: Judgments in time (Jer. 49:18, Zeph. 2:9) & judgments in eternity (Matt. 10:15, 11:23-24, Mk. 6:11, Lk. 10:12)! However, that being said, the most frightening prophecies are those that foretell the judgment of God upon the backslidden Church through the Beast. Dreadful visions of a fiery divine majesty are associated with these prophecies. The prophets told us exactly what they saw: Micah (Micah 1:2-4), Isaiah (Isaiah 28:2, 17, 29:6, 32:19, 64:1-2), Ezekiel (Ezek. 1:2-28, 13:11), Nahum (Nahum 1:1-10), & Amos (Amos 9:5). Believe it or not, these visions align with the context of Luke 17:22-37.

When and if the Jews become spiritual Sodomites (Deut. 32:32, Isa. 1:10, 3:9, Jer. 23:14, Rev. 11:8), God will then be intensely provoked against them with a desire to totally annihilate them like Sodom and Gomorrah (Hos. 11:8-9). For, in reality, they have sinned worse than the Samaritans and Sodomites by virtue of sinning against a salvific influence of divine light (Ezek. 16:46-56). Nevertheless, it is written that God will not utterly destroy them for His own namesake. The annihilation of the Jews and the Holy Land will indeed be like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah (Deut. 29:23)! However, a small remnant will be saved (Isa. 1:9-10, Rom. 9:29). A remnant will be engulfed by the fire and then plucked out of it before being utterly consumed by it (Amos 4:11, Zech. 3:2). In the latter days we will consider it perfectly. 

References 

• Dahl, Alan R., Sharon A. Felicetti, and Bruce A. Muggenburg. "Clearance of sulfuric acid-introduced 35S from the respiratory tracts of rats, guinea pigs and dogs following inhalation or instillation." Fundamental and Applied Toxicology 3.4 (1983): 293-297.
  
• TRIOXIDE, SULFUR. "TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR SULFUR TRIOXIDE AND SULFURIC ACID." (1998).
  
• Cadwell, Lindsey M. Macroscopic observations of the effects of corrosive substances on bone and soft tissue when subjected to heating. Diss. Boston University, 2018.

"...and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."  - Revelation 19:15

The Winepress: Isa. 63:1-6, Rev. 19:11-16, Rev. 18:8, 10, 17, Zech. 12:3, Ps. 2:9, Rev. 6:15-17, Ps. 110:6, Isa. 26:20-21, Isa. 34:3, 7, Rev. 14:20, Jer. 25:30, Rev. 16:12, 14, 17:14, 19:19

This is the beginning of “the Battle of the Great Day of God Almighty” (Rev. 16:14). A great host will be gathered for the occasion, the likes of which the world has never seen! Now is the time that Christ will recapture Jerusalem. The greater part of all the armies of “the Kings of the East” will be on location (Rev. 16:12). Meanwhile, the number of troops will be continually increasing with the arrival of the military might of more distant nations, all of them assembling in rank with “the Kings of the earth and of the whole world” (Rev. 16:14). The reason for the gathering is clearly stated: the armies of the world are gathering to “make war” against the Lord (Rev. 17:14, 19:19), the same One who is visibly present on earth’s skyline with the newly raptured saints of all ages (Rev. 11:15-19, 15:1-4). At the appointed “day” (Rev. 18:8), lo and behold: Christ will descend by Himself to meet the armies of the world in battle! The heavenly host of resurrected saints – armed and assembled in the skies above – will stand by and watch the Lord of Glory do everything (Rev. 19:11-16). Christ will recover Jerusalem from Babylon in the treading of the Winepress “alone” and without the help of anyone else (Isa. 63:3).

"Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth."  - Isaiah 63:1-6

The battle will be over in a single “hour” (Rev. 18:10, 17). We are talking about close combat warfare! The bodies of the multitudes will be “cut” and “dashed” into pieces in a furious display of divine wrath (Zech. 12:3, Ps. 2:9). Those on the fringes will be so frightened at the sight of it, they will immediately flee to the Mountains to hide in the caves in a vain attempt to escape the Lamb of God (Rev. 6:15-17). The stricken bodies of sinners will be unburied and scattered across the ground everywhere you look (Ps. 110:6, Isa. 26:20-21). The mountains will melt with blood (Isa. 34:3). The soil and dust of the earth will become a mush of blood and fat amidst the carnage of dead bodies (Isa. 34:7). The blood of the slain will pool into a mighty swamp of blood rising 4ft in height for 200 miles, “even unto the horse bridles” (Rev. 14:20). With an average of 6 quarts of blood in a single human body, this would require the death of hundreds of millions and perhaps a billion of soldiers from Megiddo to Jerusalem, and from Jerusalem to Bozrah. This is the Winepress (Rev. 14:14-20, Jer. 25:30, Isa. 63:1-6). The garments of the Man in white became red in the process (Matt. 17:2, Isa. 63:3, Rev. 19:13).

The Location of the Winepress: Acts 1:6-12, Zech. 14:14, Rev. 14:18-20, 16:14-16, Joel 3:11-14, Ezek. 39:17, Isa. 34:3, 5-8; Jer. 49:19-22, Isa. 63:1-6

Seeing that Jerusalem will become the international capital of the Babylonian Empire, and will serve as such during the 3 ½ year reign of terror by the Antichrist, this is the primary location of the forthcoming battle (Rev. 11:7-8, 14:8, 16:10, 17:18, 18:2, 10, 16, 18, 19, 21). The Man of Sin will even build a royal palace for himself in the City (Dan. 11:45)! In preparation for the battle, the armies of the Antichrist will be sprawling and innumerable across the countryside by the space of 1,600 furlongs (Rev. 14:20, 16:12-15). However, they will concentrate their forces in three primary areas: Jerusalem, Megiddo, & Bozrah of Edom.

The order of the battle will likely go as follows: Christ will descend upon the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:6-12). Riding a white horse, He will begin to tread down the armies of sinners “without the city” (Rev. 14:18-20), in all the valleys surrounding Jerusalem, and especially the Valley of Kidron, also known as “the Valley of Jehoshaphat” (Joel 3:11-14). He will then go ≈100 miles (800 furlongs) northwest toward the plains of Megiddo, which is where we get the word, “Armageddon” (Rev. 16:14-16), to engage the primary force of the assembled armies in the open fields, while treading down all the hosts that are to be met with along the way, seeing that countless troops will be occupying “the Mountains of Israel” (Ezek. 39:17).
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The Lord will then go back to Jerusalem for another pass by the city to slaughter whoever remains, before going ≈100 miles (800 furlongs) southeast to Bozrah of Edom (Isa. 34:3, 5-8; Jer. 49:19-22). After defeating the armies that were amassed in that location, and everyone else along the way, Christ will be seen ascending from Bozrah in victory (Isa. 63:1-6)! Christ will then dismount His horse and stand with His own two feet upon the Mount of Olives (Zech. 14:14). The Armies of Heaven will look on with silent admiration. 

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ" - Rev. 1:1 

(Gal. 1:11-12, 2:7-8, 1 Pet. 1:5, 9-10, 13) 

Behold, the Christology of Eschatology! Don’t look away. This revelation isn’t a secondary issue. The first 5 words of the Book of Revelation says it all! The Book of Revelation reveals Jesus Christ.

When the Apostle Paul received “the Revelation of Jesus Christ”, the divine thing being revealed to him was “the Gospel” (Gal. 1:11-12, 2:7-8). It is neither right nor safe to ignore “the Revelation of Jesus Christ” given to Paul! So, why are so many people ignoring “the Revelation of Jesus Christ” given to the Apostle John (Rev. 1:1)? Even so, when the Apostle Peter spoke about “the Revelation of Jesus Christ” in his own epistles, the divine thing in question that will soon be revealed is “salvation” (1 Pet. 1:13; 1 Pet. 1:5, 9-10). These are plainly stated facts of pure apostolic doctrine. Therefore, I conclude, it is neither right nor safe to ignore “the Revelation of Jesus Christ” given to the Apostle John.

"The Testimony of Jesus Christ" - Rev. 1:2 

(Rev. 1:2, 12:11, 17, 19:10) 

The Testimony of Jesus Christ is the Book of Revelation (Rev. 1:1-3). Through this testimony – and not without it – the saints of the Last Days will overcome the Dragon by the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 12:11, 17)! The Book of Revelation isn’t an expendable portion of Holy Scripture. No! You need this testimony. This isn’t your personal testimony of conversion to Christ. This is “the Testimony of Jesus Christ” as it is defined in Revelation 1:1-3.

​Can it be said of you, right now, that you “have the Testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 12:17)? Maybe not. Most people are confounded when they read the Book of Revelation because they have almost completely ignored the messages given by the Prophets of the Old Testament. I’m talking about Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephania, Haggai, Zechariah, & Malachi. I must warn you! The Dragon is coming for you (Rev. 12:17). It’s time to start reading the Prophets. You will never understand the Book of Revelation without the witness of the Prophets. Scripture interprets Scripture. Even so, the angel testified, “the Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy” (Rev. 19:10). ​

Do you believe in the Bible? WWIII is coming! The Bible explicitly states that 1/3 of mankind are going to die. Out of a global population of 8 billion, this comes out to be 2.6 billion dead people. You have been warned. 

“By these three was the third part of men killed…” – Rev. 9:18 

Now is the time to question everything. This war will change your life. It may even end your life! The spark that ignites WWIII will begin with a regional war. Keep your eyes on Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. These 4 nations are situated upon the Euphrates River. They will be loosed by God, and they will go to war against Israel, and this regional conflict will spill over into WWIII. 

“And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.”  - Rev. 9:13-15

Prophetic terminology is being employed here to convey the message. The 4 nations located on the Euphrates River are identified by the four angels that preside as Princes over those earthly locations. Historically, this is how Daniel understood by prophecy that the Greek Empire would rise to power after the Persian Empire fell. 

“Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the Prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the Prince of Grecia shall come.”  - Dan. 10:20

Normally, the causalities of war are in the thousands. Rarely, if ever, they are in the millions. For the first time in history, ≈30 million people died in WWI. A little while later ≈70 million people died in WWII. To put things in perspective, about 3% of the global population died in WWII. In the near future, a staggering 33% of the world’s population will die in WWIII! Now is the time to begin to seek God.

We are living in the Last Days. Modern Christians think that these are exciting times. In a culture of lukewarmness the Church is entertained by eschatology. In 1948, the Jewish state of Israel was reborn. In 1967, the Jews recaptured and took control of Jerusalem. On December 6th, 2017, Jerusalem was officially recognized as Israel’s capital by the USA, with many other nations following suit. So, what’s next? The Jewish Temple? The Antichrist? The Antichrist is not the next thing on the prophetic calendar. Biblical prophecy states that the Antichrist will rule the whole world, and currently there is no authority structure that could feasibly crown one man as the ruler of the world. 

“And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” – Rev. 13:7 

The Beast will precede the growth of the little horn. When the Antichrist ascends to power, he will do so with the agreement of 10 governments, whose combined authority will be a worldwide dominion. Currently, there are nearly 200 nations that exist as members of the United Nations. None of them are united in purpose to give away the power of their sovereignty to someone else. 

“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. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.”  - Rev. 17:12-13
 
“For God hath put 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. 17:17

The Bible clearly states that 10 Kings, or 10 rulers, will agree together to give their power to one man. This man is the Antichrist. The geopolitics of the world-stage will have to be changed to fit Biblical Prophecy. WWIII will redraw the map. This is just the beginning. The coming One World Government will assume the role of Babylon depicted in prophecy when the Antichrist is at the helm of power. The implications of this are astounding and unimaginable. You need to know what’s coming! You need to know why the coming One World Government is known in Scripture as “Babylon the Great” (Rev. 17:5). 

The former Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, now the deputy chairman of the Security Council, is warning everyone about WWIII while quoting Revelation 9:18 

​Historically, according to the Bible, God sometimes speaks to wicked and barbaric heathen rulers like Dmitry Medvedev or Vladimir Putin. Believe it or not, this happened to the rulers of Assyria, Egypt, and Persia. Therefore, in reality, the same thing could be happening with Russia. However, the implications of this are very frightening to consider. 
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​You can read about it yourself. Upon hearing the voice of God, these various heathen rulers were compelled into some form of decisive action in a war campaign that would ultimately be used by God to satisfy a divine purpose. Of course, these ungodly rulers of heathen nations were not aware of all that God was doing. Their knowledge was very limited. Nevertheless, the LORD was clearly speaking to them, and hereby they were emboldened into action. 

Even though the Russian Orthodox Church is false and unbiblical, God can still speak to Medvedev and Putin, just like the LORD spoke to these other heathen rulers of Biblical History. Russia will ultimately fulfill its role in the grand scheme of things, exactly like divine sovereignty employed Assyria, Egypt, and Persia. 

While knowing that the former and current Russian rulers aren't true Christians, the fact that Russia is quoting unfulfilled Biblical Prophecy about WWIII on an international stage is very alarming. Revelation 9 is a prophecy foretelling the coming of WWIII. History is possibly repeating itself right before our eyes. This is a strong indication that God is strengthening Russia to play a major part in the next World War wherein one third of mankind will die. Over 2.5 billion people will die according to Revelation 9:13-19! Can you believe it? 

​Dmitry Medvedev angrily quotes Revelation 9:18 in the following context. Keep in mind that some days later Medvedev was seen on television telling Putin to finalize plans for a future nuclear strike on NATO. 

“But meanwhile the narrow-minded politicians and their idiotic think tanks are thoughtfully swirling a glass of wine in their hand and talking about how to deal with us without going to open war. Boring fools with a classical education”. - Dmitry Medvedev

"The US and its worthless lapdogs must remember the words of the Scripture: ‘Judge not, that ye not be judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged’ (Mt. 7:1–2). ‘For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?’ (Rev. 6:17)" - Dmitry Medvedev

An adversarial figure in the Book of Revelation called, Mystery Babylon, will take-over the world through war and conquest. The coming domination of this adversarial Kingdom is the wrath of God! The nation that comes out on top in the aftermath of WWIII will establish a worldwide Empire that will eventually crown the Antichrist as its King. This is the beginning of the end! You better start searching for answers in the Holy Bible. You need to know the divine message being communicated in Revelation 9. For, the alarms of Heaven are already sounding! They are called Trumpets (Rev. 8:6). 

Do You Believe that Angels Mated with Women to Produce Giants? 

This doctrine erroneously draws upon a corrupt form of the Book of Enoch, and then it confounds the following four verses of Scripture from the Holy Bible. 

Proponents of this erroneous view believe that the Sons of God in Genesis 6 are Fallen Angels. Nevertheless, we can be sure that the LORD would never call cursed, unforgivable, and hideous Devils by the dignified and endearing title, the Sons of God. In Scripture, the Sons of God are always holy Angels or holy Men who are spiritually and morally conformed to the image and likeness of God. Sinful and unholy Men or Angels cannot be called Sons (2 Tim. 2:19)! This is not to be mistaken as some inconsequential title given to both sinful and saintly Angels. 

Fallen Angels have forfeited their Sonship! Therefore, as degenerate Angels they are now called "Devils" (Lev. 17:7, Deut. 32:17, 2 Chron. 11:15, Ps. 106:37). Their lead Cherubim forfeited his beauty and became "a great Red Dragon" (Rev. 12:3). Those who followed him into battle exchanged their heavenly Sonship for hellish Serpent-hood (Rev. 12:8, Lk. 10:19). 

Therefore, "the Sons of God" in Genesis 6:2 & Genesis 6:4 could not be speaking of Devils. This isn't speaking of a great falling away among holy Angels! For, the Dragon and his Angels had fallen into sin and forfeited their Sonship over 1,000 years before this time. No forgiveness was offered to the fallen Angels and no falling away among the stary host of holy Angels has happened since then (Rev. 12:3-4, Jude 1:6, 2 Pet. 2:4). For a more detailed explanation please read the following. 

The Doctrine of Nephilim 

Some would argue that the Family Tree of humanity in Genesis 1-6 was corrupted by fallen Angels when they mated with women and gave birth to “Giants”, later called “Anakims”, “Emims”, “Horims”, “Zamzummims”, & “Rephaims” (Gen. 6:4; Gen. 14:3-6, 15:20, Num. 13:22, Deut. 1:28, 2:10-12, 20-23, 3:11, 9:2, 1 Sam. 17:4-7, 2 Sam. 21:20-22, 1 Chron. 11:23; Josh 15:8, 18:16, 2 Sam. 5:18, 22, 23:13, 1 Chron. 11:15, 14:9, Isa. 17:5), and this was the primary reason for the watery deluge that brought about the End of the World. 

“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the Sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. There were Giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the Sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.” - Genesis 6:1-7

Promoters of this false doctrine denounce the possibility that Adam and Eve’s spiritual posterity are in reference in Genesis 6:1-7. Rather, they allege that these individuals, called “the Sons of God” (Gen. 6:2, 4), are the same mysterious beings that are spoken about in Job 1:6 & 2:1. 

“Now there was a day when the Sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.” - Job 1:6

“Again there was a day when the Sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.” - Job 2:1

The Book of Job goes on to speak of Angels one more time, calling them, “the Sons of God”, while simultaneously referring to them as “the Morning Stars” because of their spectacular appearance (Job 38:7) – a metaphor that would be employed again repeatedly in Revelation 1:16, 20, 2:1, 3:1, 9:1, 12:3-4. Some would argue that this is the case and point on why “the Sons of God” in Genesis 6 must be Angels, which would mean that their posterity in the earth was a cursed hybrid creature of some kind that was half Man and half Angel.

Nevertheless, this teaching fails to put a “difference” between holy Angels and unholy Angels, or upright Angels and fallen Angels, just like the general tenor of all false doctrines do blur the line between the holy and profane in respect to believers and nonbelievers (Ezek. 22:26, 44:23, Jer. 15:19, Mal. 3:18). A few simple questions can expose the folly of this interpretation in how it grossly misrepresents the Doctrine of Angels in the Scripture. 

The Stardom of Angels: Can fallen Stars still be called Stars? If their high station of brightness was lost when they plummeted down to earth, are they still Stars?

The Sonship of Angels: Can fallen and unforgivable Sons of God still be called Sons? If their high station of royalty in Heaven was lost when they were cast down to earth, are they still considered Sons? 

“In the beginning” all Angels were created upright and sinless when the LORD created the 3rd Heaven (Gen. 1:1, 2:1, Ezek. 28:15; Isa. 57:15, 2 Cor. 12:2). This took place in the timeless moments of eternity because God created the 2nd & 3rd Heaven, and the Earth as a planet, before the creation of Light, which marks the beginning of the 1st Day (Gen. 1:1-5). Even though the 2nd Heaven was void of the sun, moon, planets, and stars, created on Day #4 (Gen. 1:14-19), and even though the Earth was void of Light & form (Gen. 1:2), created on Day #1 (Gen. 1:3-5), the combined message delivered through Genesis 1:1-2, 2:1, & Job 38:7 would indicate that the 3rd Heaven and all its personages were created to completion just before Day #1. 

“Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” - Job 38:3-7

Angels were created before and are superior to mankind (Ps. 8:5, Heb. 2:7, 9). It makes sense that these celestial beings would be made when the 3rd Heaven was created (Gen. 2:1). Nevertheless, according to Scripture, we can be absolutely certain that Angels existed before Day #1. For, according to Job 38:3-7, myriads of holy Angels stood in the galleries round about the LORD singing and shouting for joy as they beheld God creating “the foundations of the earth” – when he “fastened” it as with a “corner stone” that it couldn’t be moved (Job 38:3-7). This describes the creation of planet Earth from its core to its surface, when the planet was covered with water just before Day #1 (Gen. 1:1-2), and also when the LORD brought the land from its core to the surface as a fixed and immovable object in the midst of the seas on Day #3 (Gen. 1:9-13). Therefore, it can be deduced that both the 2nd & 3rd Heavens were created before Day #1, as is indicated by Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 2:1 (speaking of a plurality of Heavens), while we know that the 1st Heaven wasn’t created until Day #2 (Gen. 1:6-8).

However, sometime soon after the LORD rested from all his works, on Day #7 (Gen. 2:2-3), a falling out happened among the sinless Angels of Heaven (Ezek. 28:15), known as “the Sons of God” (Job 38:7). It couldn’t have been too long because Eve didn’t conceive any children until after the fall of Mankind (Rom. 5:12-14). The fateful day came when a great one from among the mighty Legions, an “anointed Cherub” of the highest rank (Ezek. 28:14), proudly revolted against the LORD because he imagined himself to be a god (Ezek. 28:2)! As one wiser than Daniel (Ezek. 28:3) and “perfect in beauty” (Ezek. 28:12), and with a heavenly voice that was divinely fashioned like “tabrets” and “pipes” (Ezek. 28:13), his appearance and stature rivaled that of the one true God in the delusional perception of a third of the holy Angels in Heaven (Ezek. 28:17, Rev. 12:4).

As one who stood out among the mighty host of “Morning Stars” (Job 38:7) by reason of his “beauty” and “brightness” (Ezek. 28:17), as a “Son of the Morning” (Isa. 14:12), somehow he was able to convince many other Angels to rebel against God, even though it was obvious that he was inferior to God because, as an Angel, he was there among them all in “Eden” beholding the divine exploits of creation from the beginning (Ezek. 28:13). Nevertheless, this “Lucifer” (Isa. 14:12), which by interpretation means “Morning Star”, desired to be exalted by a “throne” above all the other “Stars of God” just like “the Most High” (Isa. 14:13, 14). Therefore, in the angelic insurrection a War broken out in Heaven between the holy and unholy Angels (Rev. 12:7-9). 

“…I beheld Satan [the Accuser] as lightning fall from Heaven.” – Lk. 10:18

This rebellion was met with the full power of the Godhead! No forgiveness was offered. No plan of redemption was authored. Neither did the LORD spare any of them (Jude 1:6, 2 Pet. 2:4)! In Luke 10:18, Jesus bore witness to it all. The omnipotent power of divine rebuke struck down these Angels with such force that they fell as lightning from Heaven! Because they “kept not their first estate” as sinless beings, they were no longer worthy of Heaven (Jude 1:6). When they “sinned” they became unholy and “profane” in the sight of God (2 Pet. 2:4, Ezek. 28:16). Their blessings were turned into curses. Their titles of glory were turned into divine sentences of torture. As degenerate Angels they are now called “Devils” (Lev. 17:7, Deut. 32:17, 2 Chron. 11:15, Ps. 106:37). Their lead Cherubim forfeited his beauty and became “a great red Dragon” (Rev. 12:3). Those who followed him into battle exchanged their heavenly Sonship for a hellish Serpent-hood (Rev. 12:8, Lk. 10:19). 

“And the great Dragon was cast out, that old Serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his Angels were cast out with him.” – Rev. 12:9 

These “cursed”, sinful, Godforsaken, and unforgiveable Angels cannot be called the Children of God (Matt. 25:41)! God’s Angels belong in Heaven, while “the Devil and his Angels” belong in Hell (Matt. 25:41)! The reprobate Angels traded the brightness of their freedom in Stardom for the “chains of darkness” in the pit of Hell (Isa. 14:15, Jude 1:6, 2 Pet. 2:4). Therefore, as Angels who are officially “Fallen from Heaven”, their brightness and glory as Morning Stars is a thing of the past (Isa. 14:12, Ezek. 28:17). 

“…I will cast thee as profane out of the Mountain of God” – Ezek. 28:16

“…I will cast thee to the ground” – Ezek. 28:17

“…cast them down to Hell” – 2 Pet. 2:4

“…brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit” – Isa. 14:15

Therefore, when “Satan”, which by interpretation means, “the Adversary”, is momentarily allowed to enter into a heavenly assembly of “the Sons of God”, as described in Job 1:6 & 2:1, it is a divinely allowed intrusion by an “Adversary” for a preplanned purpose in the heart of God. A similar scene was beheld by the prophet Micaiah in yet another extraordinary occasion, but this time the intruding presence was called a “Spirit” that came among “all the Host of Heaven” when it was gathered as a congregation (1 Kings 22:19-23), because the LORD purposed to employ the Fallen Angel as “a lying Spirit” to bring judgment upon Ahab (1 Kings 22:1-28). For, ordinarily, the Devil isn’t allowed in Heaven! The Serpent cannot freely come and go as he pleases.

When Satan entered into the heavenly assembly of “the Sons of God”, it doesn’t say that his coming was peaceable as if he was one of them, it states that “[the Adversary] came also among [the Sons of God]” (Job 1:6, 2:1). Angelic Sonship is an exceedingly high station of sinless blessedness. This is not to be mistaken as some inconsequential title given to both sinful and saintly Angels. Angelic Sonship is a higher station of sonship than what the redeemed and holy saints of Mankind presently enjoy. 

“And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.” - Luke 20:34-38

When sinless Angels fell and became sinful, they lost their Sonship in becoming Fallen Angels. Contrastingly, when sinful men of Fallen Mankind are forgiven and saved through a new birth, they are adopted into the Family of God as Sons. Then, finally, at the Resurrection, upon becoming sinless like the holy Angels in Heaven, they will experience a higher degree of Sonship that is in fact equal to an Angelic Sonship (“…for they are equal unto Angels; and are the Children of God, being the Children of the Resurrection.” – Lk. 20:36; Ps. 8:5). Sons are always holy Angels or holy men who are spiritually and morally conformed to the image and likeness of God. That’s the truth! Sinful men or Angels cannot be called Sons (2 Tim. 2:19). Therefore, “the Sons of God” in Genesis 6:2 & 4 could not be speaking of Devils. This isn’t speaking of a great falling away among holy Angels! This is speaking about a great falling away among the holy men of the line of Seth in the Early Church. For, the Dragon and his Angels had fallen into sin and forfeited their Sonship over 1,000 years before this time. No forgiveness was offered to the Fallen Angels and no falling away among the stary host of holy Angels has happened since then (Rev. 12:3-4, Jude 1:6, 2 Pet. 2:4).

Conclusively, we can be certain that these Fallen Angels lost their Sonship. Consequentially, we can also be sure that they lost their Stardom. For, in falling from so great a height of glory, it is to be expected that they lost their Stardom. They forfeited the brightness of this station in being cast down to Hell and enchained in darkness (Jude 1:6, 2 Pet. 2:4)! Remember? Accordingly, only holy Angels are referred to as bright and shining Stars (Job 38:7, Rev. 1:16, 20, 2:1, 3:1), while unholy Angels are referred to as Fallen Stars that are darkened by reason of their banishment from Heaven (Rev. 9:1-11, Isa. 14:12, Lk. 10:18, Rev. 12:3-4).

Harmoniously, in reverse order, when redeemed men and women are physically resurrected into sinless bodies like holy Angels (1 Jn. 3:1-2, Lk. 20:34-38, Rev. 20:5-6), they are then made to inherit angelic Stardom upon becoming sinlessly perfect in a glorified human body (1 Jn. 3:1-2, 1 Cor. 13:9-13, Php. 3:12-14). “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:43; Prov. 4:18). In this physical “regeneration” the resurrected saints of all ages will “bear the image of the heavenly” (Matt. 19:28, 1 Cor. 15:48-49). Exactly as Daniel foretold, they will “shine as the brightness of the firmament” and “as the stars for ever and ever” (Dan. 12:3)! Even so, Amen.