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You Can't Handle This!  

My View of the "End Times" & Revelation

Go to any major search engine and type in anti-Christ, Whore of Babylon (careful with this one, you'll likely get some porn sites in the listings), Mark of the Beast, Apocalypse, Revelation and similar terms and you will come up with an endless variety of interpretations as to the identity of the anti-Christ, the Whore of Babylon, the Mark of the Beast, the Millennium and other "end times" matters.

My "Creeds" page contains many groups who still believe that the Pope/Papacy is the anti-Christ and the Catholic Church the "Whore".

But there are other views. The anti-Christ has been identified as Ronald Reagan, Bill Gates, Saddam Hussein, David Hasselhoff, Henry Kissinger, Prince Charles, someone called Maietrya...even Barney. Others identify the anti-Christ as merely a spiritual force, even our old, sinful selves. The "Whore" has been identified as pagan Rome, apostate Jerusalem, New York City, the United States of America, the European Common Market, or simply the spiritual Babylonian religious system of the apostate world, among others. The Mark of the Beast is either the sign of the cross in the Catholic Church; or Sunday worship according to Seventh-Day Adventists, the Church of God and others who adhere to the Old Testament Sabbath; or bar codes and implanted micro-chips to others.

Preterism1 is the belief that all or most of Biblical prophesy came to pass during the first century with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. This group generally sees the return of Christ (spiritually) after the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, may identify the "Beast" as Nero and other pagan Roman Emperors, and probably identifies the "Whore" as either pagan Rome or apostate Jerusalem.

Historicists believe that Biblical prophesy has been unfolding throughout history. Many, possibly most, in this group believe that the Papacy is the anti-Christ and the Catholic Church the "whore".

Futurists believe that all or most of prophesy is yet to come (although it may be imminent). This group is constantly on the watch for events that will identify the anti-Christ and the "whore". Speculation runs rampant, with new theories spawning as fast as old theories die. The Catholic Church is still generally seen as an apostate religious system playing a sinister role, with the Pope and Church among the potential candidates for anti-Christ and "whore". Some demote the Pope from the anti-Christ to the False Prophet.

Most fundamentalist Protestants are looking forward to a literal 1,000 year millennial reign of Christ. But the dominant view of Catholicism and classical Protestantism has been amillennialism: the belief that the millennial reign of Christ is the entire Church Age. The 1,000 years of Revelation 20 is symbolic, not literal.

All of this I have learned since discovering religion-on-the-web around September 1998.

As a young man in the early 1970's I didn't know any of this...even the "official" Catholic views on Revelation and the "end times" scenario. In fact, I assumed that the Church's view was similar to that of the dominant Protestant culture around me: the sensationalistic Hal Lindsay "Late Great Planet Earth" view of most fundamentalists.

But I had my own, amateur view of Revelation and prophesy. I believed that you could take Revelation and lay it out over history for the past 2,000 years. I didn't set my view to writing and hardly thought about it for the next 20 (+) years.2

Below is my view, first set to writing in November 1998 in a post on CARM's bulletin board. Just Prior to Thanksgiving, CARM listed the anti-Christ as the topic of its Topical Board. I made the following post...partly tongue-in-cheek...as I still had not researched the various views and thought I was way out in left field. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my view might not be so heretical afterall.

Most Protestants speak as if their particular theory and interpretation were the veritable Word of God, and proselytize accordingly. I don't. I acknowledge that it is just a theory. But I believe my theory is as valid as any other theory.

I suppose my view is a combination of Preterism, Historicism and Amillennialism...but with a period corresponding to a literal 1,000 year reign of Christ and the Saints during the Church Age.

I now call it simply my Historicist view.

 

You Can't Handle This!

My (probably heretical) theory of the "last days" and Revelation. Takes tack that most has already been fulfilled in History, rest ongoing even as we speak.

Written in highlighted, notebook style to ease your suffering.

Here we go.

Matt 16:18

"You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church."

 Christ founds his Church, will be built (literally) on Peter. Christ's words fulfilled, Church is built on Peter. We all know what Church that is. Holy Catholic Church is only Church that could not exist if Christ never said these words.

Revelation 12-18:

Beast, Whore of Babylon, Blood of Saints, Fall of Babylon

 This possibly refers to the ancient Roman Empire, terrible Christian persecutions, destruction of apostate Jerusalem and eventual fall of the Roman Empire. A truly stunning world event.

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The "Beast"

The Beast of Revelation Identified by (Protestant) Rev. Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr., Th.D. Best work I've yet seen arguing for Nero as the "Beast". See his other comments at this Table of Contents.

The "Whore"

Beast FAQ By (Protestant) Rev. Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr., Th.D. Scroll down to 9. Who is the "Great City" in Revelation? It's Jerusalem.

The Whore of Babylon & the Book of Revelation at Defending the Bride (Catholic). Notes from Dr. Scott Hahn arguing that apostate Jerusalem was the "Whore of Babylon".

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"Depart from her, my people...."
Revelation 18:4

The Christian population of Jerusalem apparently evacuated the city prior to its destruction by Rome in 70 AD.

Church History, Book III, chap V by Eusebius Pamphilius, Bishop of Cesarea (325 AD):

"But the people of the church in Jerusalem had been commanded by a revelation, vouchsafed to approved men there before the war, to leave the city and to dwell in a certain town of Perea called Pella. And when those that believed in Christ had come thither from Jerusalem, then, as if the royal city of the Jews and the whole land of Judea were entirely destitute of holy men, the judgment of God at length overtook those who had committed such outrages against Christ and his apostles, and totally destroyed that generation of impious men."

The Destruction of Jerusalem by George P. Holford (Protestant, 1805):

"And it is with reason supposed, that on this occasion many of the Christians, or converted Jews, who dwelt there, recollecting the warnings of their divine Master, retired to Pella, a place beyond Jordan, situated in a mountainous country, [10] whither (according to Eusebius, who resided near the spot) they came from Jerusalem, and settled, before the war (under Vespasian) began. Other providential opportunities for escaping afterwards occurred, of which, it is probable, those who were now left behind availed themselves ; for it is a striking act, and such as cannot be contemplated by the pious mind without sentiments of devout admiration, that history does not record that even one CHRISTIAN perished in the siege of Jerusalem. Enduring to the end faithful to their blessed MASTER, they, gave credit to his predictions, and escaped the calamity." [bold emphasis mine]

"And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword; that with it he should smite the nations...."

Revelation 19:11-21; 19:15 KJV

Destruction of Pagan Nations

 This victory of Christ possibly refers to events relating to the much-maligned Constantine and the conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity, another stunning world event. The pagan Roman Empire falls to be replaced with a Christian civilization for the next thousand years.

What Protestants generally call the apostasy of the Church, I call the conquest of nations leading into the millennial Age of Faith.

Revelation 20

Millennium

The Thousand-year Reign; Satan Bound for a Thousand Years.

The Age of Faith

 This possibly refers to the Middle Ages, the thousand-year period following the fall of ancient Rome when Christianity reigned supreme. Satan was bound for a thousand years. Not in the sense that people - lay, clergy and even popes - did not sin, they did. But he was bound for a thousand years in the sense that Christ, God the Trinity, reigned supreme.

Much of the coming Reformation is not so much a desire to return to the New Testament as it is to return an increasingly worldly world back to the Christian society of the Age of Faith. Best example, Pilgrims coming to America to establish God's society, kingdom. Also, Calvin's Geneva & other Protestant states.

Even history books call this thousand-year period (when Protestants claim there was no Christianity) the Age of Faith. A coincidence? Maybe not.

Revelation 20:4-5

First resurrection...martyred saints reigning with Christ

 Possibly refers to the Communion of Saints and the honor given them by the Church. Although honor/veneration of the Saints is as old as Christianity, Protestants generally allege that it essentially took off and became widespread following Constantine and the "paganization" of the Church. In the Holy Catholic (and Orthodox) Church, the Saints do reign with Christ in a subordinate manner. Most of the Saints who begun the "cult" of the Saints were probably martyred by pagan Rome or apostate Jerusalem.

Revelation 19:15 KJV

"... and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."

What do you think ruling them with a "rod of iron" means?

I know that today it isn't politically correct to defend seemingly atrocious actions like the Inquisition, but there once was a time when heresy was a very, very serious matter.

Rather than destroying my theory, the common objection against the Inquisition only strengthens it.3

Revelation 20:7

Thousand-year period over, Satan released to seduce nations.

 Almost a thousand years later to the day, the Renaissance. Society re-discovers and even starts to long for the glory of ancient/pagan Greece and Rome. Increase in world commerce; society starts to look worldlier by time of Luther. Due to Satan, world is ready to dump Christian Church and eventually Christ and God himself. When looking at Christian Middle Ages, question is not that it came to an end. Real question is why it lasted so long

2 Thessalonians 2:3:3

Great Apostasy)

 The Reformation, what else? Another stunning event.

The apostasy of the Reformation is closer to the "last days" than the supposed apostasy of the Catholic Church during the first few centuries.

Satan, released into the world from his bonds after a thousand-years, goes on the attack. Knows he has to attack, and try to break, the Church. Comes up with the most cunning and diabolically ingenious strategy since speaking to Eve in the Garden of Eden: Plants in the minds of some the delusion that scripture and the Gospel are to be pitted against the Church, that Scripture and the Church are natural and mortal enemies. Comes up with the doctrine of Sola Scriptura and private judgment.

A spell seems to be cast over Protestants, who don't even bat an eye that a thousand (+) years of Christianity just seemingly disappears; not bothered by Christ's words that "the gates of hell shall not overcome it." Also, can't seem to see the Church Christ built on Peter standing right in front of them.

Rather than leading back to New Testament, the Sola Scriptura of the Reformation disintegrates into anarchy. Protestantism not united by Eucharist or even common belief in Christ. Only united by one thing: They all stand against the Church built on Peter. In sense, pope is their only unifying principle; a sort of anti-Church. Disunited Christendom makes easier going for Satan.

The Enlightenment

 All Hell continues to break loose. Society falls further from God. Christ, God the Trinity, no longer supreme. Now must compete with Deism and outright Atheism. (Recently read somewhere on web that one-third of Protestant clergy in Germany doesn't even believe in God.) Higher Criticism of Bible, mainly out of Protestantism, attacks scripture.

Revelation 20:7-8

Satan musters troops of Gog & Magog.

 Gog & Magog possibly refer to Protestantism and the Enlightenment/Modernism.

Magog specifically represents a force from the North:

"Finally, Josephus and others identify Magog with Scythia, but in antiquity this name was used to designate vaguely any northern population." Catholic Encyclopedia [Emphasis mine]

Where was Luther from? Where did the Reformation break out? The Reformation broke out in Germany and its stronghold was in Northern Europe and England...the North!

A "coincidence"? Let's continue.

Revelation 20:9

Gog & Magog (Protestantism & Enlightenment) invade, surround city & God's people.

 Possibly refers to Protestantism & the Enlightenment, which have in fact surrounded and batter at the Church built on Peter. Scene is one of siege; Church built on Peter has, since the Reformation, been described as a "fortress" Church. Another "coincidence"?

Satan, released from his 1,000 year bonds following the Middle Ages - the Age of Faith - goes on the attack. Musters Gog & Magog (Protestantism & Enlightenment/Modernism) to attack, surround, batter at and attempt to destroy the Church built on Peter. Counter-Reformation Church becomes a "fortress" Church. Titanic struggle is sometimes physical...but is mostly a spiritual war over men's souls.

This could be why Protestantism has historically so viciously attacked the Holy Catholic Church with unceasing propaganda, and why so much of Protestantism still does so to this day. It is the spirit of Gog & Magog.

Yet, "fortress" Counter-Reformation Church is strong compared with today. Gog & Magog (Protestantism & Modernism) not only surround and batter at Church built on Peter, they threaten to breach her walls and invade from within.

Church built on Peter under siege as never before.

Present time

 Satan appears to be reigning supreme. World becoming "religious", but not Christian. Real danger is a generic religion where the Trinity is not the God but merely one manifestation of God along with Islam, Buddhism, etc. Growing belief in a generic God taking in all worlds' religions. Also, growing belief in no Hell & universal salvation. What I call the Gospel (good news) of Satan

1 Timothy 4:1-5

Demons & deceitful spirits teaching things through plausible liars in latter times.

 New Age Movement (NAM) seems to lead way at present. Professional, college educated people believe in all sorts of kooky things, everything but Christianity. They can believe that "Ramtha" - a 30k-year-old spirit - speaks through a woman, but can't believe Christ walked on water. Psychics & astrologers not so plentiful since ancient pagan world.

The forbidding of marriage and abstinence from certain foods (1Timothy 4:3) appears to be coming to pass.

(No, it's not Catholic clergy celibacy and fish Fridays. Matrimony is a sacrament and meat is eaten on other days - nothing wrong with it.)

The forbidding of certain foods could possibly be the growing Animal Rights/Vegetarian movement. It is often couched in the avoidance of meat & meat products for health reasons. But in reality, it is based on a NAM inspired moral/religious theology that all living things are basically the same and deserve the same respect and dignity. Sounds good to many, but not Christian - makes human beings equal to a rat. Movement is militant, trying to establish their belief not only by "guilt trip" on society but by force of law worldwide. These are the same people you probably hear about "rescuing" turkeys from the Thanksgiving table. If they succeed, you will have to obtain a depredation permit to swat a fly on your wall.

The forbidding of marriage could possibly refer to those who believe the world is coming to an end unless we institute zero population growth. They look for salvation in the condom rather than God. What could be going on here is the regulation of having children by the State. I understand that already in China a couple has to apply for a permit to have a kid. This could easily become much more widespread. Church built on Peter is already at war with the advance troops of this movement over birth control & abortion.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Paul's "Man of Lawlessness"

 I have not yet decided if John's "Beast" and Paul's "Man of Lawlessness" are the same person, or two different people.

I am leaning toward the theory that they are two different people. If so, John's "Beast" has already come and gone (Nero & Emperors).

Paul's "Man of Lawlessness" is yet to come.

In this theory, he would represent the final assault upon the Holy Catholic Church prior to the final coming of Christ.

I understand that many traditional Catholic writers expect a final anti-Christ. See this link from Suzanne's Communion site: Is the Pope the Anti-Christ?

"While there is no Catholic tradition that requires our adopting any particular view of Antichrist, nearly all Catholic writers have expected a personal Antichrist, and not one of them has excluded the idea of a personal Antichrist (Martindale Antichrist, 26)."

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There is a case for Nero as the "Man of Lawlessness":

The Parousia by James Stuart Russell (1878, Protestant) Scroll down to his section on 2 Thess. and the "Man of Sin".

II Thessalonians & the Olivet Discourse by Don K. Preston (Protestant). Argues that the "mass apostasy" occurred in the first century.

All could be in place for final show. It's Church built on Peter versus the world. Can rest assured in Christ's words: "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

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Most Protestants are waiting for Revelation to begin. According to my theory, we are already well into Revelation 20, verse 9.

Look up what comes next!4

First published on CARM's bulletin board - November 1998. Last major update 3/2/00 and I may continue to update and develop it as thoughts come to mind. SPH

Links

Preterist Archive A Protestant site with many materials defining and supporting Preterism.

The Historical Alternative An anti-Catholic Protestant site supporting the Historicist view.

Commentary on Revelation Interesting Protestant site devoted to Revelation. This page defines the various schools of thought.

The Last Things Link to many Catholic "end times" materials at "Catholic Apologetics on the Internet/Et Cum Spiritu Tuo".

The Catholic Origins of Futurism & Preterism A link to a vehemently anti-Catholic5 Seventh-Day Adventist site (on my "Creeds" page as "666...Number of the Beast".) Has definitions of Preterism, Historicism & Futurism. Claims that Preterism (and Futurism) are the result of a Catholic conspiracy to mislead people from the truth of the SDA Historicist view that the Pope is the anti-Christ and the Catholic Church is the "Whore of Babylon". No it isn't! As I stated above, I came to a Preterist view as a young man on my own! Just linked this site to point that out. The page also claims that Catholic writers make "no application of prophecy to the middle ages or to the papacy." Well, now there is one! :)

Apocalypse! The Evolution of Apocalyptic Belief & How it Shaped the Western Word Very interesting site on Revelation and Bible Prophesy by Frontline/PBS. Goes over the various views and schools of thought. Make sure you take the Antichrist Quiz...the answer page will list many candidates for the Antichrist. Donated by John R. S.

1 I understand that full Preterists, claiming that all prophesy has been fullfilled in the first century, deny Christ's coming at the end of time, the resurrection and last judgment. That is blatant heresy, going against the great Creed of the Holy Catholic Church: The Nicene Creed.

2 I did have the opportunity to use the central idea in the late 1970's. I took several Religious Studies courses to round out my History major at a public university. The subject of a take-home essay was the Reformation. Rather than discussing the usual Catholic vs. Protestant theme I took a chance on a different tack: I argued that the Reformation was really about the Church (Catholic & Protestant) vs. the World following the Age of Faith; that the Reformation was about the World dumping the Christian Church. It was my Satan being unbound after 1,000 years idea, although I didn't present it that way as in my above post. The professor (a Lutheran minister) really liked the paper.

3 Hey! It's better that the ruling with the "rod of iron" take place in the past rather than something we all have to look forward to in the future! :)

4 The fire of Rev. 20:9 which devours Gog & Magog could possibly be the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. If so, it could represent Vatican II and the Ecumenical Movement and eventual reconciliation with and conversion to the Holy Catholic Church.

5 Calling SDA's "anti-Catholic" is redundant...in the extreme!

Part 2: Defending the Theory

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