Read Revelation 16:13-17

Sure it is the title of a blockbuster movie starring Bruce Willis. But what is Armageddon? Well let’s look at the word’s etymology. Armageddon...it is believed is a term describing a mountain, “har” meaning mountain, and “meggido” for the name of an actual mountain in the Middle East. Many Biblical scholars believe that this will be a physical battle, with armies from all over the world, a two million strong force gathered to fight World War III.

Is it possible to uncover the true nature of Earth’s final conflict? We’ll allow the Bible to answer this question. Before we go on it must be made clear that like evolution and the big bang, the rapture is not a theological fact, but a theory. Christians will be around for the tribulation (Jn 14:1-3). In fact the conflict will be the final test that fits them for translation. You see friend, God’s will is being done in heaven and it must be done on Earth. So as Christ is preparing heaven for us...we must be preparing our lives to live there. Armageddon reveals the true nature of our hearts.

A Spiritual Battle

The Sunday Law will be the test (see Rev.14: 9-12). It is as simple and as complicated as that. The world will not be gathered in a specific place, but the world will be focused of a specific people-“har” mountain of “meggido” congregation (see Isa. 14:13).”God’s holy mountain”(ibid 57:13). God’s people are here being likened to mountains (Isa 56:7;Joel 2:32). A global campaign will be waged against those who keep the true Sabbath. For six millennia Satan has had a special hatred for this sacred day, and its observers. For they still hold to the ancient faith. They are a constant (mountain) reminder of who God is. Now at the end of time he has the resources to annihilate them in one single stroke.

Why Armageddon?

Lets look at the steps that will lead to the final conflict. Imagine it! Since the summer of 1988,when the world witnessed change almost to the second, Earth has not had a moment of peace. Even at the dawn of the New Age, war was taking place across the planet. It isn’t difficult to imagine that the chaos of these times is having a profound impact on Earth’s six billion people. Soon a cry will go up from Protestant America to its leaders calling for legislation to stay the hands of a vexed God. Those who keep Sabbath holy will be made scapegoats (Lucifer will see to it). The New World Order now in place a call goes up to legalize Sunday as a universal day of rest and worship. Very soon, the law is given teeth, and violators will be prosecuted (Revelation 13), soon they decide to issue a death decree against the Sabbath keepers. But before they carry it out, (Revelation 16:12-21), they are interrupted by the footsteps of an approaching God. (Rev.6: 12-17).

In the days ahead many will be deciding to prove God is telling the truth (Isa 58:13,14) when He promised rich blessings to Sabbath-keepers, they will indeed be turning their feet from trampling upon the Sabbath. Millions even now are making decisions for eternity. Even angels are being sent to teach those isolated by space from any missionary...praise God!

Christ will not come until every person has decided for or against Him. Down to the final moments before probation closes (Rev.8: 1-3), He will be seeking to save the loss (Matthew 18:11).

At the heart of the tribulation will be the issue of loyalty and obedience to our heavenly Father (Rev.14: 6-11). It isn’t over two days, but over two ways. It just so happens that God says Saturday, and man says Sunday. Isn’t it interesting that it will take a crisis for us to choose? But dear reader, stay close to Christ. No matter what you may see over the coming days, know that Christ has your best good at heart. He will never leave you.

Separation

Sin must be separated from those who will be victorious in the tribulation. There can be nothing between them and God; He must have their heart...guard your heart! When our probation closes, we will have to live without Christ as mediator...something that has only happened to Adam and Eve. Even when Christ was forced to destroy the Earth via the flood, He waited patiently for 120 years. So loving is our divine Creator that they would move the entire universe to save us.

Then why Armageddon?

Because, even God runs short of waiting, He wants his children home; only, sin stands in their path. Armageddon removes any trace of doubt in the heart of His people, and they willing risk death to prove that God indeed is love. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance...now is that time.

When He Comes

Most Christians today believe that Jesus will come to fight in Armageddon. Jesus is not coming to fight; all the issues would have already been decided. When Jesus comes, it is simply to raise the dead and transport His people home. His feet will not touch the ground. His people will meet Him in the air. (1 Thess.4: 16,17), we will meet Him in the air.... and everyone who doesn’t will be killed...but there will be no secret rapture.

“In comparison with the millions of the world, God’s people will be as they have ever been, a little flock; but if they stand for the truth as revealed in His Word, God will be their refuge. They stand under the broad shield of Omnipotence. God is always a majority. When the last trumpet shall penetrate the prison house of the dead, and the righteous shall come forth with triumph, exclaiming ‘O death, where is thy sting, O grave where is thy victory?’(1 Corin. 15:55)- standing then with God, with Christ, with the angels, and with the loyal and true of all the ages, the children of God will be far in the majority. Christ’s true disciples follow Him through sore conflicts, enduring self-denial and experiencing bitter disappointment; but this teaches them the guilt and the woe of sin, and they are led to look upon it with abhorrence. Partakers of Christ’s suffering, they are destined to be partakers of His glory.” AA 368

“As the members of the body of Christ approach the period of their last conflict they will grow up into Christ, and will partake largely of His Spirit .I saw that God will in a wonderful manner preserve His people through the time of trouble. The decree will go forth that they must disregard the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. And honor the first day or loose their lives. But they will not yield, and trample under their feet the Sabbath of the LORD and honor an institution of the papacy.”1T 354

Appeal

It doesn’t matter that it is the year 2005 and Jesus hasn’t come yet. In 2005 BC He didn’t come, but in the fullness of time (Gal 4:4) He did come. Don’t let go of what little faith you have left...God sympathizes with you...but He cannot send Jesus, until His people are ready. Jesus will not come until his character is perfectly replicated in the heart of His people. This is our final mission. Through the aid of the Holy Spirit...it can happen. At this moment will you choose Jesus?

Copyright 2005. Vernon S. Peters.

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