ARMAGEDDON
By Lee Warren B.A., D.D.
(C) 1998 PLIM REPORT Vol. 7 No. 3
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See Related Articles: REVELATION & END TIME PROPHECIES
Introduction
As we approach the year 2000 A.D. on the Christian calendar or near the 3rd millennium, there are all types of speculations from every quarter of religion imaginable about Armageddon. Most of these theories promote a physical, literal battle where good prevails over evil. According to the current model or explanation of Armageddon, Nelsons Illustrated Bible Dictionary states that Armageddon is: "the site of the final battle of this age in which Elohim (God) intervenes to destroy the armies of Satan and to cast Satan into the bottomless pit <Rev. 16:16; 20:1-3,7-10)." Hal Lindseys interpretation of Armageddon in his book Late Great Planet Earth, states "the final war will be triggered by the invasion of the new state of Israel (p. 33)." According to Lindseys interpretation of Gog and Magog (Ezk. 38th- 39th chp.), Russia will invade Israel.
With ominous signs (Matt. 16:1-4; Lk. 21:7-11) looming in the world, a physical war does seem imminent. There is an increase in terrorism, two new nuclear powers of India and Pakistan have appeared on the scene, and CIA reports state weapons of mass destruction will be used within the next ten years. One thing is definite and for sure. Armageddon, as the world believes it will be physically fought, CANNOT be ignored, taken lightly, or made to evaporate or disappear as a passing fad. Thus, mass pandemonium and frenzy (Jer. 51:45-48) will plague those that are in Mystery Babylon (Rev. 17:5), as the sign of the times (Gen. 6:5, 13; Matt. 24 Chapter) manifests more and more.
There is great disagreement and heated debate between Biblical scholars and theologians concerning the interpretation and time of the Armageddon prophecy, as they believe it to be. None of the Bible commentators such as Matthew Henry fully understand this prophecy. However, they do believe that its symbolic codes refer to various world nations and religions such as the Turkish Empire before WWI, the Islamic religion, or the Roman Catholic Church. Astonishing as it may sound, Armageddon is as much a mystery now as it was when it was revealed to the Apostle John in A.D. 96.
Many great men and various denominations of Christians have given their interpretation of Armageddon¾ all of which have failed. For example, the Jehovah Witnesses said that WWI and WWII were Armageddon. Yet neither of these wars were the war to end all wars. President Reagan made mention of Armageddon, which he believes will occur during this generation, some 11 times during 1983/1984. Even Saddam Hussein of Iraq has said repeatedly that he was ready to start the Great Mother War, which many interpret to mean Armageddon.
What was Johns vision of Armageddon?
Now the Apostle John had his vision almost 2,000 year ago. He saw the Lamb open a book with 7 seals. When the seventh seal was opened, he saw 7 angels with 7 trumpets who began to sound.
Now after the seventh angel blew the trumpet, he saw seven more angels with seven vials, which were the seven plagues that would be poured upon Mystery Babylon and those that had the Mark of the Beast (Rev. 16:1-2). These seven plagues that will be poured out on Mystery Babylon correspond to the last seven plagues poured out on Egypt by Moses and Aaron (Ex. 8th - 10th chp.). It is the sixth angel that mentions Armageddon.
John wrote "And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of Elohim (God) Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon (Rev. 16:12-16)."
It is apparent that the world has absolutely NO way of knowing and understanding what the Apostle John saw in his Panoramic Vision and Divine Revelation in A.D. 96 on the Isle of Patmos (Rev. 16:16). This is because they have no Divine Pattern and have received no Vision and Revelation (Pro. 29:18; Ezk. 7:26; Num. 12:6) from Yahweh-Elohim Himself.
What is the intent of this article?
In this article we will analyze both the literal and symbolic interpretation of Armageddon. We will show that the current literal model of Armageddon contradicts some of the fundamental principles laid down in the scriptures.
Most books and articles on the subject usually only deal with the literal interpretation of Armageddon, as the final great physical war between good and evil. In this war the general consensus is that Evil will be cast down and a thousand years of peace will follow. The book The Late Great Planet Earth written in the 1970s by Hal Lindsey expounds this view.
Most Biblical scholars fail to see that it is Yahshua the Messiah that causes good or righteousness to triumph over evil. This means that there has to be another interpretation.
So the question that arises is what does Armageddon have to do with Yahshua the Messiahs and His Apostles spiritual war, fighting evil through the preaching of the gospel and the working miracles? Does the individual, personal war that each individual have to face in the journey through life have anything to do with Armageddon? (See "Pauls Spiritual Struggle," p. 6) Is Armageddon a symbolic war? What does the beast with ten horns burning the harlot that sits on seven hills have to do with Armageddon (Rev. 17:16-17)? These are some of the questions this article intends to answer.
This article will also show that the final war of good over evil has always been a part of Hebrew theology as is documented in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Biblical history reveals the significance of a place called Armageddon.
Does the current model of Armageddon contradict the scriptures?
The current model of Armageddon contradicts the purpose of Yahshua the Messiahs death, burial, resurrection, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the establishment of the Kingdom of Elohim within mankinds hearts and minds. If a physical war could be fought to establish good over evil or bring peace on the earth, why would the Messiah need to die?
Paul points out that Yahshua the Messiah already defeated the power of darkness and setup a Kingdom 2,000 year ago. "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (Col. 1:13)."
From Pauls quote, it is clear that Armageddon taken in the literal sense would disannul the Messiahs death, burial, resurrection, and the setting up of the spiritual kingdom within mankinds hearts and minds. The Master said behold: "the kingdom of God is within you (Lk. 17:21), which was established under the New Covenant." Again, we have scriptures that contradict the current model of Armageddon.
Paul said that the war is not physical, nor is it fought with physical weapons. "&(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:4-5);" No physical weapon can cast evil ideas from the mind (Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9; Matt. 15:11-17).
Now the Master told His disciples: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: & (Jn. 14:27)." Here we have the Messiah giving peace to His disciples in this spiritual war, which the world believes they can obtain by winning some physical battle.
What did the Dead Sea Scrolls say about Armageddon?
In the history of Hebrew theology, the principle of a final war between good and evil where good achieves victory, existed before the Apostle Johns vision in A.D. 96. A last great battle was a common belief that was taken literally before the coming of the Messiah. The Jews viewed the Gentile nations, especially the Roman Empire, as evil.
The Dead Sea Scrolls, which were found in 1945 in a cave in the Middle East, revealed that the Jewish Essene sect believed in a final war between the Sons of the Light and the Sons of Darkness. Quoting from the War Scroll of the Dead Sea Scrolls, it states the following. "The first attack of the Sons of Light shall be undertaken against the forces of the Sons of Darkness, the army of Belial &(1QM,4Q491-491)" Scholars dated these scrolls between 100 and 200 years before the birth of the Yahshua the Messiah. This shows that the principle of Armageddon, the war to end all wars, was in existence two to three hundred years before the Apostle Johns vision.
Although the views of the Essene sect were not accepted by the masses of the Jews and their leaders, it shows that the principle of the "final battle where good triumphed over evil" existed prior to the Messiah. It also shows that the Essenes interpretation of Armageddon did not differ much from the modern day Christian beliefs about Armageddon. Both believed the literal interpretation of a final, physical war where good will triumph over evil and bring about total peace. Now the question arises: does the Old Testament support these views about Armageddon?
What is the history of the place called Armageddon?
Armageddon is the Greek word for the Hebrew word "Har Megiddo," which means "hill or city of Megiddo." According to Nelsons Illustrated Bible Dictionary, it is one of the most important fortress cities of ancient Canaan because it was the crossroads of two ancient trade routes making it a strategic military site.
Israel fought many battles at Meggido, which means "place of slaughter," according to Strongs Exhaustive Concordance. Joshua defeated the king of Megiddo among others (Jos. 12:21) after Israel spent 40 years in the wilderness. It was listed as Manassehs inheritance (Josh. 17:11; I Chron. 7:29). Near the waters of Megiddo, Bara and Deborah defeated the Canaanites led by Sisera (Jgs. 5:19). Gideon also defeated the Midianities (Jud. 7th chp.).
Now two kings of Judah died at Megiddo. Jehu wounded and killed Ahaziah King of Judah there (II Kgs. 9:27). Also the Gentile, Pharoah-Neco, who was en route to join the king of Assyria killed Josiah King of Judah (II Kgs. 23:29; II Chr. 35:22). In addition, King Saul of Israel and his sons died at Megiddo (1 Sam 31:8).
Now the significance of Megiddo lies in the fact that King Josiah of Judah who was the greatest Jewish reformer died there. He became king of Judah at the age of eight (2 Kgs. 22:1), rebuilt the temple that had fallen into disrepair (2 Kgs. 22:3-7), overthrew idolatry (2 Chr. 34:3), and restored the law (2 Kgs. 22:8-23:3). In short, Josiah upheld the righteousness of Yahweh.
When Pharoah-Neco killed Josiah, there was much lamentation for him. Josiah symbolically represented the Messiah, who was the true reformer. Josiahs death reflected the Messiahs death. This is the key to Armageddon, which will be revealed later in this article.
What was the final war in the angelic realm?
Let us consider the possibility that Armageddon is symbolic. It would not have to be a physical war fought with physical weapons. This battle could be waged between the two mysteries. They are the Mystery of Righteousness-Sons of the Light and the Mystery of Iniquity (Evil) or the Sons of Darkness.
The first final war or Armageddon took place in the angelic realm. It must be remembered that there was a war fought in heaven between Lucifer and his host and Michael and the rest of the angels. Michael and his Host overcame Lucifer by the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 12:7-11).
Lucifer and his host were cast into the earth where they began to vex humans souls. Now they have to be overcome here on earth by the blood of the lamb, which are His words of truth (Jn. 6:28-63). As is above, so is below (Rom. 1:19-20).
Is Armageddon a spiritual battle with the Messiah as victor?
John confirms the symbolic interpretation of Armageddon in Revelation as the war in heaven. The three unclean spirits, the dragon, the beast and the false prophet, in reality are the fallen angels gathering the kings of the earth to battle on that great day of Elohim Almighty (Rv. 16:14). So we have unclean spirits directing the kings of the earth to battle against Elohim as Satan influenced the angels in heaven to battle against Michael.
The Messiah told the elders of Israel that they were of their father the devil (Jn. 8:44). As Lucifer was overcome in heaven by the blood of the lamb, so will the blood of the lamb on earth overcome him.
Are the kings of the earth warring against Yahshua?
In the Psalms David explains how the kings of the earth set themselves against Yahwehs Holy One, who is Yahshua, the Messiah, which is also the battle of the great day of Elohim. David writes: "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the YAHWEH (LORD), and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us (Ps. 2:1-3)."
Luke, the physician, explains the interpretation of this verse in his writings in Acts of the Apostles, when the Apostles were brought before the elders and head priests of Israel for preaching the gospel (Acts 4:1-23). They said the following to the heads of Israel after being threatened. "Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against Yahweh (the Lord), and against his Messiah (Christ). For of a truth against thy holy child Yahshua (Jesus), whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done (Acts 4:25-28)." From the Apostles statement, Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles and the people of Israel all came together to kill the King of the Jews, Yahshua the Messiah in combat, which was the Great Day.
Yahshua was crucified at a place called Golgotha (Mt. 27:33). This is the fulfillment of Pharoah-Neco killing the great King Josiah of Judah at Megiddo. Hence, Golgatha was the place where good triumphed over evil and the Holy Spirit gave true inward peace (Jn. 14:27) and the "fruits of the spirit" to mankind because of the blood of the lamb.
These unclean spirits moved Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel to hold council against Yahwehs Holy OneYahshua. They killed the Messiah. Yet, he got victory over them through His resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that established His kingdom. This was a spiritual operation that did not come by observation for it was an inward process.
Who were the Kings of the East?
Now the Apostle John in his vision mentions the "Kings of the East," who crossed the River Euphrates. Again the error of Biblical scholars and various TV ministers is that they interpret the images in Revelation literally. They believe that Russia will invade the Middle East based on their interpretation of Ezekiel 38th and 39th chapters.
From a historical perspective the "kings of the east," namely the Persians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, were enemies of Israel. When these countries invaded Israel, they crossed the Euphrates River.
With an understanding of these two points, along with the fact that the great battle of that Great Day of Elohim almighty is a spiritual battle and not physical, we can understand more about the symbolism of Armageddon.
These natural enemies of Israel "the kings of the east" were symbolically Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, who were enemies of Yahshua the Messiah for they killed Him, as King David stated.
Today the identity of these natural "kings of the east" is unclear. Yet there is evidence from global politics that the world is divided into East (Russia and China), and the West, (the USA, and Europe, etc.). These are two camps that divide the world and when the next world war breaks out it will be along these lines. The Cold War ended with the fall of USSR and it was divided along these same lines of East vs. West.
What did the resurrection have to do with Armageddon?
When the Messiah resurrected from the grave, all those that resurrected with Him (Mt. 27:51-53) were considered spiritual Jews and joint heirs with Him destined to enjoy Eternal life (Jn. 17:1-3). [See in this issue of "PLIM REPORT "the article: Who is a Spiritual Jew?, p. 9]
Now those human spirits or souls that did not resurrect when Yahshua arose from the grave were spiritual Gentiles. This was a slaughter of dead souls by the Messiah for they refused to believe His words of eternal life. They were like the Egyptians that were killed by the death angel, that did not have the blood of the lamb on their door-posts (Ex. 12:22-23, 28-30). Clearly, the resurrection of Yahshua the Messiah was a place of slaughter or Megiddo for those dead souls that did not resurrect or make the Passover from death unto life.
What spiritual battle did the Apostles wage?
Now many souls were slain in this spiritual battle, for the leaders of Israel turned many Jews against the Messiah. John wrote of the parents of a blind boy that Yahshua healed who were afraid to acknowledge this miraculous healing. "&because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was the Messiah (Christ), he should be put out of the synagogue (Jn. 9:22)." Before Pauls translation, he persecuted the assemblies of Yahshua and aided in the perpetuation of fear among the Jews (Acts 8:1-4; 9:1-4).
The Messiah told His disciples at His ascension; "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover (Mk. 16:17-18)." So one with eyes can see that the spiritual war, light vs. darkness, has been going on for the last 2,000 years (Eph. 5:1-7), which victory has already been won and the kingdom of Elohim already established.
Was the grafting in of the Gentiles a spiritual battle?
These same enemies of the Messiah persecuted the Apostles and their converts, who were the true Spiritual Jews after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Messiah told them that these things would come to pass many times during His ministry (Jn. 15:20).
When the Gentiles were grafted into the spiritual body of Yahshua along with the Jews, Peter received a vision from Elohim. He saw a sheet let down from heaven with all manners of unclean beasts therein. He was told to rise, slay and eat. Now the unclean beasts represented the Gentiles (see illustration on p. 28). They had to be slain by the words of truth so that they could be resurrected. Surely, this was a spiritual war that took place.
What is Armageddon within?
The Apostles explained the spiritual reality of Armageddon within the human psyche. "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through Elohim (God) to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of Elohim (God), and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:4-5);" There are concepts that we have in our mind that the beast, dragon and the false prophet have perpetuated with man-made religions and the media that have brought about atrophy of our spiritual growth. Seeing that a soul is eternal, if these thoughts are in a mans mind while he is in the flesh, destroying his body with carnal weapons of warfare wont transform his inner man. The soul will exist throughout eternity with these negative, harmful thoughts in a state of turmoil and darkness.
Is there a physical reflection of Armageddon?
This article showed according to the scriptures that a spiritual war has been going on for the last 2,000 years. This does not mean that there will never be a physical war to overthrow the devils kingdoms, which are divided. Remember, the unclean spirits came out of the mouths of the dragon, beast, and the false prophet and as they moved men against the Messiah, they will move nations against one another. No nation of this world is the Kingdom of Elohim. So all physical nations of the world are Satans kingdom divided against itself.
In the 17th chapter of Revelation the Apostle John reveals that Armageddon is the beast with ten horns burning the harlot (Rev. 17: 16-18), which is the city of Rome. This woman represents Mystery Babylon the Mother of Harlots (Rev. 17:1-5), who many have recognized to be the Roman Catholic Church for 500 years. In fact, the seven vials are the judgements of this harlot (Rev. 17:1), which numerous Roman Church saints have prophesied. Thus, those that say that Armageddon is a war concerning the nation of Israel do greatly err not knowing the scriptures.
Will there ever be peace for the nations of the earth?
Finally, the nations of the world are bound to go to war, for there is no peace of a divine nature among them. The Messiah did not give them peace as He did His disciples (John 14:27). John said the red horse with its rider was sent forth to take peace from the Earth (Rev. 6:3-4). In fact, darkness has been poured out upon them. The current state of the world reflects this. Thus, the inevitable World War III is a curse upon nations for failing to acknowledge Yahshua the Messiah and those principles He espoused. Now James points out the dilemma of these nations. "From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (Jms. 4:1-3)."
Conclusion
What this article intended to show is that the current model and interpretation of Armageddon being a physical battle that will result in peace on earth contradicts the principles laid down in the scriptures. It was Yahshua the Messiah who established the spiritual Kingdom of Elohim or peace at His resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This kingdom exists within the hearts and minds of men that have partaken of the lambs words (Jn. 6:63).
John said in one his letters: "&I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of Elohim (God) abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one (1 Jn 2:14)." In short, those of us that walk in the light have already overcome evil and are not looking for peace to take place in the distant future by some war. No physical war between nations can alter this fact. John said the fifth angel poured out darkness of the seat of the beast. So only those that are blinded by the doctrine of the harlot cannot see the truth of the matter.
The flaw in the literal Armageddon model is that many believe a physical war is needed for good to overthrow evil, as if a nuclear bomb can purge a mans mind of evil thoughts (Gen. 6:5; Matt. 15:11-17). The bomb would destroy the body, but not the mind. The error lies in the interpretation of the Apostle Johns vision of Revelation (Rev. 16:16). The impending physical war is not Armageddon, but a punishment that will destroy the nations of the world for their disobedience. John said these nations have been made drunk by the wine of Mystery Babylon the Great and will suffer the wrath of Yahweh (Rev. 17:11-2).