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Introduction

    Revelation chapter eleven has not been an easy chapter for theologians to discern and thus it has often been the source of some controversy. This due in no small measure to so many expositors reading their own ideas 'into the text,' rather than simply reading what is there. Whether because of political, cultural, socioeconomic, or contemporary thinking and ideas, the emphasis by these theologians has seldom been placed 'solely' on a true Biblical exegesis which consists of comparing scripture with scripture, imagery with imagery, and the spiritual with the spiritual.

As I see it, the real problem lies in the fact that so many theologians get caught up in either judging these passages by what seems right in their own eyes[1], by private interpretations of world events, or by their own Church tradition. They end up neglecting the most basic rule of fundamental hermeneutics. Namely, the true understanding of God's exposition will be found 'in the Bible,' not out in the world, or in our own personal opinions about what the imagery means. The point is not to lean to our own understanding of the text, but upon God's understanding, which is gleaned by studying to rightly divide the Word.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
-Proverbs 3:5
To accomplish this, we do not lead, we follow the scriptures. We do not struggle against the Word, we surrender to it's authority. For interpretations belong to God[1a], and the Word of God is the Bible. In order for us to come to true interpretation and hold sound doctrines, we must not theorize blindly as walking in darkness, but consider what is being conveyed in the 'light' of the scriptures. We must consider factors such as the cryptic representations or symbols, their context or setting, where else they are found, what they signified, and any other pertinent or contributing element of scripture which will affect our exegesis concerning these things.

The curious thing about many theologians' methodology is that though the language of Revelation is obviously symbolic in nature, almost incomprehensibly there are many who will insist that the book should be taken very literally. For example, some insist that the two witnesses described in this chapter must be seen as two very literal people. Their reasoning is that:

'otherwise, the many details of the chapter that speak of the Witnesses actions and the reactions of others to them would be rendered meaningless.'
But it seems to me that this is an indefensible and self-serving position. For we see very similar symbolism throughout the book of Revelation. For example, the twenty four elders with crowns, the four horsemen, the harlot woman who rides the beast, the ten kings, the four living creatures or beasts, the hundred and forty four thousand of Israel, etc., etc. These are not literal, nor does it make their actions meaningless that we don't see them as literal. On the contrary, a literal understanding would make for absurd, forced, and untenable interpretations. Likewise, understanding these two witnesses of Revelation chapter eleven as literally two olive trees, or two candlesticks is absurd. They are quite clearly portraying the very same symbolism which is used throughout the Bible, and it is only by examining that symbolism that we will come to understand it's true meaning. I do not believe that we can understand the two witnesses of Revelation chapter eleven as two literal supernaturally empowered people who can turn waters into literal blood, and who literally kill everyone who tries to harm them by breathing fire upon them. Moreover, I believe that it is prudent (rather than careless) for the sound minded Bible student to understand that God uses imagery and figures to illustrate spiritual truths. And as we shall see in this study, it is very significant that the loosing of the beast from the bottomless pit can only occur 'at the conclusion' of the time which God has given the two Witnesses to testify.

In this series of studies in the book of Revelation, we have been examining these chapters verse by verse, in the light of the scriptures. The purpose is to determine what God Himself intends by the symbolism which He has inspired illustrated there. In the end, this is what really matters in sound biblical hermeneutics. Everything else beside a Biblical interpretation, is a private (personal) interpretation. What man may think God means by these symbols (without having Biblical validation) is mere speculation, and thus is not profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, or instruction in righteousness (2nd Timothy 3:16). It is God's Word faithfully harmonized which is profitable for truth. Understanding of God's imagery must originate from scripture, and not from prominent authors, world events, the political arena, or tradition. Though some say that because people think differently, they can never come to know the true meaning of these scriptures, this is defeatism. Because understanding scripture is not about how we each see it, it's about having a more noble[2] or honest approach to it, in the Spirit of truth which will guide us. The careful study and discernment of the Word is not an accident, and scripture was not given to confuse the masses. God is not the author of confusion, but we must 'receive' it in humility, as it was intended.

It is widely held that the broad range of differing interpretations by theologians today is due to the interpretive methodology they use. In fact Theologians often wax poetic about their systems through a mountain of writings elucidating on their merits. But the simple truth is, Christians come to different interpretations because, (#1) of the way they have been taught, (#2) they handle scripture carelessly, (#3) they are not led by the Spirit, (#4) they are partial or unobjective, or (#5) they do not always allow the Bible to interpret itself.

It is human nature to gravitate towards a political and worldly interpretations rather than the concept as defined in the doctrine of 'sola scriptura.' It is much easier to use the world as it's own dictionary rather than use the Bible as it's own dictionary. It's much simpler to compare imagery of Kings to worldly nations rather than to compare scripture with scripture. But sound interpretation of the Bible, is 'by the Bible' alone. Neglecting this rule has led to the popularity of false and disjointed end-time books and Apocalyptic writings which only serve to turn itching ears away from the truth.

In this exposition of Revelation chapter eleven we will seek to let God's Word illuminate, define, correct, instruct, reveal and interpret. For God is the teacher, author and finisher of our faith. He has an immutable plan of Salvation and judgment which man in his lusts of the flesh confuses. It is the Spirit of God working within us which will 'uncover' the mystery which hasn't changed since God inspired every sentence, word and letter.

"For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven."
-Psalms 119:89
His Word is perfect, harmonious and immutable, and thus (God willing) can be understood consistently, logically, and Biblically throughout History. In this exegesis we pray that we may come to understand this truth, and recognize that wisdom and understanding is not something earned, it is a gift of God through the Work of Christ. As such, we should acknowledge that any truth we come to is because of the Grace of God, and not because of our own efforts. As King Solomon, we ask wisdom, and we pray it may be given abundantly, to His Glory.
"It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter."
-Proverbs 25:2

A verse by verse exposition of
Revelation Chapter 11

by Tony Warren

 

    Verse One
    In this first verse we see in the visions of John that a Messenger or [aggelos] gave him a measuring reed, stood, and told him to 'rise,' and measure the Temple, Altar, and the worshippers therein. There are several points to be considered here.
  1. What does the measuring rod represent?
  2. Where is this Holy Temple of God?
  3. Who is to measure?
  4. What is to be measured?
  5. Why did the messenger stand and tell John to rise?
The word stood here is [histemi] which is often used meaning support in the sense, to 'stand by, or with' one[3]. As for example in the sentence, 'he stood with His fellows' meaning He stood in agreement with them, or he stood in support giving his assent with them. Here the Messenger of God has stood, and then instructs John to rise [egeiro] and to measure the Temple of God. Note that it is the [aggelos] that first stood as support and then commands John (who in this signification is a representative of the apostolic body), to rise and to measure these things. This has the added spiritual significance of being a figure of the Messenger of God who 'first' stood, and then commanded His servant to rise for purpose of service to God. In other words, in these visions John is a signification of what the apostolic Church will do, because the messenger of God stood first, and then gave command to rise and to serve. John will make known the revelation God gives him to show the servants and prophets of God what things must come to pass (Revelation 1:1).

This Messenger of God stood and gave to the Apostle John a reed. The Greek word translated reed is [kalamos], and was a stick used by builders for the measuring of distances. Very much like someone might use a yardstick today to measure in yards. And God is careful to tell us that this measuring reed is 'like unto a rod.' This illustrates that it's symbolism is for the rule of a King in correction (as we'll see later in this study). We do not take lightly that the rod was 'given' Him. It's not something which he had, but was that which was given him when the Messenger stood. This Greek word rod [rhabdos] is used in scripture both as a symbol of rule and of correction, and this is the meaning of the imagery here. For example, it's the same word that is used by Paul to the Corinthians:

    1st Corinthians 4:21

This is illustrative of the [rhabdos] of correction. It is indicating a rod for striking someone in correcting them, as also is illustrated in old testament passages:

    Proverbs 22:15

This rod is for correction[3a]. The reed as a rod which was used to measure in revelation chapter eleven is to show God's scepter is for rule in 'correcting' any deviations in His house, sacrifice or people. This same illustration was seen in the language of Revelation chapter two.

    Revelation 2:27

The same Greek word for rod. And again it is used in the sense of rule and the strength of it in smiting or correction. The rod has always been a symbol of rule in the scriptures.

    Psalms 110:2

    Ezekiel 19:14 This reed or stick we see in Revelation is the rule of God used for measuring the temple, but it is also likened unto a rod to symbolize it is a rod of correction from this ruler God. Correction to those who are His children, whom He loves.

    Proverbs 13:24

This is where the old adage 'spare the rod and spoil the child' came from. Correction by the rod is made by those who love their children. Ultimately the reed is like a rod to signify that it is a figure of the 'Word of God' which is the rule of God, the correction of God, and that which 'defines' the exact measurements of the Sacrifice, the Holy Temple, and of the sons of God who worship therein. The Word of God shows the true dimensions and is that which illustrates when we are in need of moving to conform to a standard. The Word is the rule of God intended for everything from discipline, to comparison, to estimation, to evaluation and guidance. The Word is a spiritual rod which corrects us by showing us what is the true form, and thus we see the symbolism here of measurement. It was given John to measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. i.e., The Word is the rule of God, the very yardstick against which the Temple body and worshippers therein may be tested for trueness. And this is 'explicitly' shown to be true in an almost identical episode of this command to measure the Temple which is recorded in the book of Ezekiel.

    Ezekiel 40:5

Again, this language of measuring the Temple of God signifies showing the true dimensions of the Temple. In other words, describe what true form it is. It's synonymous with 'declaring the true God,' for He is the true Temple. When we witness or preach the gospel faithfully, we are declaring God's Temple, that people will know that the house we visualize is in accordance with God's Word. We are showing the people the house of God that they can compare it against the house that they are serving in. And if they are not that very same house, with the very same dimensions or conformity, then they should repent and turn to 'this God' and serve Him in 'this house.' Measuring the Temple is how we check or examine things to make sure we serve in the true house of God. This isn't my speculation or a private interpretation of the passages, it is confirmed thoroughly in the book of Ezekiel. The context of Ezekiel is that He is having the same type visions of God which the Apostle John is having, and when speaking about this measuring, we read:

    Ezekiel 40:4

God had brought him here to 'see' the dimensions of the house, and then to declare all that he had seen to the house of Israel. In other words, to prophecy again what God has shown him. Then God goes on in this chapter to say that the man of the vision whose appearance was like brass[3b], measured all the exact dimensions of the house, the tables, chambers, etc. He continues measuring in Ezekiel Chapters 40-42, and then in Chapter 43 we read,

    Ezekiel 43:10

The house of Israel was in rebellion against God, and were defiling His Holy name by their abominations, and God uses this language of 'measuring the Temple' and showing these measurements to them, to signify Ezekiel is to show the congregation this 'true' God. Let them see the true form of God as opposed to whom they have been serving. God says, 'shew this house to the house of Israel that they may be ashamed of their iniquities, and let them measure the pattern that they might see their iniquity in this other house they serve in, and be ashamed. We need to consider this wisely. The reed of measurement signified the rod of correction, the Word, that the people might see their error, repent and be corrected.

    Ezekiel 43:11

This house of God is a shadow looking forward to the true form or Temple, which is Christ. Except God's congregation conform to Christ (Romas 8:29), they have need to be ashamed and to repent of their iniquity. God has measured this House (a 'type' of Christ), and revealed the measurements to Ezekiel telling him to declare 'again' this house to the people that they may see and turn from their unrighteousness. So the measuring signified the revelation of God of the true nature of the Temple, and that he should declare it to the people that they might turn from their sin. God is not telling him to measure a literal Temple, because there was no literal temple in the visions he was receiving, he was given a spiritual vision of the 'true' temple to illustrate that the children of God did not conform to it.

This is the same illustration given us in Revelation 11:1. John is told to rise and measure the Temple, the Altar, and those that worship therein. In other words, show the true dimensions of the true Christ, the Altar (signifying the atonement), and His people therein. It is synonymous with declaring or revealing God, His sacrifice, and His children. Let them measure up to the prescribed dimensions that God has set forth, or let them repent that they do not. Let the people examine themselves (2nd Corinthians 13:5) by the form of this house.

The true temple is revealed in verse nineteen of this chapter, after the final trumpet sounds. We read there that the Temple was opened in heaven, and there was seen the ark of the Covenant. This is the Temple John is to measure the pattern thereof that he may prophesy or show it again to the people. A righteous Temple which resides in heaven, not on earth, is what He has seen, and should show. Just as in the preceding chapter ten, God had told John (Revelation 10:10-11) that he must eat the 'little' Book, and then must prophesy it again. He is showing John things, which he must show again to God's servants. As it is written in chapter one, 'The Revelation of Christ, signified (given in signs or symbols) to John, to show things to God's servants that would come.'

The Lord is the Temple, we (believers) are those who worship therein, and Christ is He who was sacrificed upon the altar to make this true worship possible. The Old testament sacrifices upon the altar were a 'type' of Christ's atonement. Hence, the measurement has a relationship to the death and resurrection of Christ, and to God the true builder. Those who worship therein are part of that temple through Christ and are often spoken of as the building stones in that Temple. The illustration being that God is showing us it's 'true' dimensions which can only be realized in Christ.

    Psalms 127:1

The house of God measured is the form of Christ. Revelation eleven tells us who, what, and how these are to be measured. The Temple, the Altar, and those that worship therein are to be measured with the reed like a rod. It is by no means the measuring of a literal Temple (for the believers are 'also' to be measured), but this is signifying the measuring of righteousness for the exhortation and correction of the body of Christ.

And let us not neglect that the messenger stood, and says 'rise' [egeiro] (meaning to raise up) and measure these things. It is not that John was laying down, but I believe that this is language signifying that those who measure the Temple of God must be those who are 'risen in Christ' first. Christ is our support, as He is the first risen from the dead. And because He is risen and is our support, we also rise. It is by His power and through His faith that we have ability to conform to His image.

    1st Corinthians 15:20

    Romans 8:29 This very same Greek word rise. And as signified in the symbology of John, when we are called of God to measure the Holy Temple, we also are commanded to be risen up together with Christ, and be conformed to His image. The image of the Holy Temple with exact dimensions. Indeed, that is the only way that we will even have true knowledge of the 'true' dimensions of the Temple of heaven.

    Colossians 3:1-2

This word risen [sunegeiro] is the two words [sun], meaning together or in union, and of course this very same word [egeiro], meaning to rise up. i.e., we are risen together with Christ, that we set our affections not on earthly temples in worldly cities below, but on the heavenly tabernacle in heaven in the Jerusalem from above. It is the Holy city that comes not with observation or that is observable as being in a specific location in the middle east, but which is Christ in us. Rise up and measure this Holy Temple, and all that is therein, and test ourselves to make sure we truly conform to this image and this house.

So the overview of verse one of Revelation chapter eleven, is that God is illustrating His messenger stood, and gave John a reed. This word stood shows an action of support, just as it did in the episode of measuring recorded in Ezekiel:

    Ezekiel 43:6

It is an action of support. And the messenger of Revelation eleven commanded God's servant John to 'rise' up and measure the true Temple of God. Measure or take an exact estimate of the true temple, of the altar, and of all the worshippers therein. See if they measure up to the form or image of Christ. See if they really are a habitation of God, or are conforming to the image of the beast.

    1st Corinthians 3:16

When we have the Spirit of Christ in us, we are measured as part of the Holy Temple. It is not a measurement of literal bricks and stones which were a shadow or 'type' of the true, but symbolizes the measuring of the true tabernacle in heaven, and the true believers who worship therein and who show the true image of Christ.

    Ephesians 4:16

The body of Christ, the Holy Temple of God[4] measured every part. This is why the 'exact' dimensions were spelled out so specifically in the building of the literal Temple in the old Testament. God didn't give us that information just so we might 'literally' build it again, but to 'illustrate' and paint a spiritual picture to us that the Lord has 'exact' dimensions for His Spiritual house, and anything that didn't conform (measure up) to the Lord's commandments or specifications, didn't belong there. The measuring implies an exact calculation of the temple, and those who worship therein.

Not at all unlike the way we use measurement today. If you own property, and you want to know where your land begins and ends, a surveyor will measure it to establish it's true dimensions. Here God is establishing His Church. We see here the spiritual truth that the true Temple is a house whose building and maker is God, and whose dimensions are prescribed 'by Him,' and in which only those risen in Christ can measure up. The reed is 'like a rod' [rhabdos] (meaning God's Rule, guidance and Correction) to illustrate it is the Word of God which defines the measurements of the Holy Temple, and that it is for the correction and comfort of God's people. Like the rod of God's mouth (Isaiah 11:4) symbolizing His Word, the 'reed like unto a rod' that is given John to measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein, symbolize His Word. It is the rule or the yardstick against which all houses and doctrines may be tested for true-ness by God's people. It is a rod of measurement, correction and exhortation.

    Psalms 23:4

His Rod is our comfort and our correction, and is the reason we know the true dimensions from a false building. This first verse is an illustration of the measuring of a new testament temple building, with people inside being measured, because they are indeed sanctified a very part of it.

    1st Peter 2:5

We in Christ are a part of this Holy Temple of God and are to be measured right along with it. For Christ has sanctified or made us Holy. How do we judge to see if we are a fit habitation for God? By this measuring reed. We only measure up if we have been sanctified by Christ. This is just as the shadow illustrated to Israel. The Temple, the altar, and those who worship therein were made Holy.

    Exodus 29:44-45

A promise God fulfilled[5] in the New Covenant Church which Christ instituted by His death and resurrection. By His standing, we rise with Him and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. As Ezekiel, we show the form of the house that people may see and repent and turn to God. We come with the measuring rod by which evidence is seen what are the true dimensions. Only those who measure as the true Temple in Christ, 'are' the true Temple of Christ.


   Verse Two

The theologians that insist that this chapter speaks of the literal building of a Temple in Jerusalem, completely ignore the fact that it is commanded that no court be measured for building, yet speaks of the court as being there. So if this was talking about building the literal Temple, then why would no court be measured for building, and yet God say the court is given to the Gentiles? It makes no sense. But when we understand the truth of this being a spiritual Temple, then the reason the court is not included for measuring is obvious. Because the court is indeed outside (translated 'without' in the KJV) of the Holy Temple, and thus is not the Holy. This is not the measuring of a literal building, but of the body of Christ. And anyone outside of Christ, is not Holy, Righteous, or Priests unto God[6], and therefore cannot be measured part of the Temple. Thus the court 'outside' of the Temple's dimensions symbolize the place of those who externally or covenantally link themselves with Christ (i.e., profess themselves Christians) but who are not truly raised up in Christ. In other words, they have joined the external Covenant Churches, saying they are part of the Holy Temple, but they have not truly entered therein.

Those who want to be linked with the Temple, but do not like abiding within the 'strict dimensions' which God has established for His house, remain outside. Spiritually, they are those who have never been risen with Christ. In the real sense, they are lying to themselves (1st John 2:3-5) by linking themselves to the Temple without entering therein. For all they have is a name, and an external Covenant association, but they have no seal, or power, and none of the righteousness which comes with true Salvation. It is easy to see why the court is not measured in this imagery, because as this measuring is by the Lord's scepter of righteousness, and for the correction and illumination of His elect, only those who conform to Christ's image are measured as the Temple. The rest are not to be included in the dimensions of God's House. While they have a certain form of Godliness, they deny the power of the Spirit and thus don't 'measure up' in works of righteousness. They stand without or outside the Temple in the wide court, being deceived that they are a part of the true body of Christ. Covenantally they are the external or corporate Church, but they are not the 'true' Church of those who were born from above.

This court is given to the Gentiles and the Holy City they will tread under foot for forty two months. The Holy City in this context symbolizes the body of believers. It is the spiritual city or collective population made Holy by Christ abiding in the midst of them. The Gentiles are synonymous with the heathen, or those who are not true Jews[7] and are opposed to God that they come against the body. Anyone who becomes a Christian is spoken of as having come into Holy Israel. For example, in Romans chapter eleven, Covenant Israel is 'symbolized' as an olive tree, and the Gentiles or heathen people as a wild olive tree (the unsaved nations). Those chosen of God are broken off from the Gentile tree, and are grafted into the Covenant tree, Israel (Romans 11:19). They have spiritually become Jews, and in God's sight a living part of the New Covenant with Israel. When we are risen in Christ, born from above of God, we are no longer considered Gentiles.

    Ephesians 2:11-13

Gentiles in this context is 'spiritually' synonymous with unbelievers. Spiritually we all were Gentiles before we are Christian, aliens (non citizens) and strangers apart from God's Covenant with Israel. But after we are born of the Son of God (the true Israel), spiritually we are no longer Gentiles, but Jews, and as such, sons of God and heirs according to the Covenant promises to Israel[8]. That is the picture painted in Romans eleven of Gentiles leaving their natural tree and being grafted into Covenant Israel (Olive Tree). To deny this is to deny scripture, for unambiguously the branches symbolizing Gentiles move from the wild tree to the Covenant Israel tree. And in fact, God has always made it clear that He will define who Israel is, who the Jews are, and who the Gentiles are. Man's definitions or interpretations cannot circumvent Biblical declarations and definitions.

    Romans 2:28

In God's definition, it's not in the letter, but in the spirit. In God's eyes, being a Jew is not outward in the flesh where one might receive praise of man (as so many would have us believe today), it is in knowing the father through the Son. It's not blood lines or genealogy, it is what is within the person.

    1st John 3:9

It is not being born of Jewish lineage, but being born of God that makes mankind the true Israel, because His seed remains in us. In God's eyes, this is what defines who a true Jew is. To claim we are of God and not truly be of God, is to bring judgement upon ourselves. It is woe unto them who claim they are Jews and are not (Revelation 3:9). It's not about genealogy, because the true sons of God are of literal Jewish flesh, and they are of non-Jewish flesh. If they are in Christ, then they are 'unequivocally' inwardly a Jew, being born of that Seed. If they are not in Christ, then even though they be born Jewish in the flesh, in God's defining, they are not a Jew and not His people. When we consider God's definitions carefully and not politically or superficially, we can come to no other conclusion but that which God has written. God's Promises to Israel have not been abrogated, voided, or made of non effect because national Israel has (in part) been blinded. Because the promise was 'never' to a race of people, but was from eternity to a 'Grace' of people.

    Roman 9:6-8

Those who throw up their hands in rejection of these truths protesting that Israel means those of the flesh, and that's all there is to it, are flying in the face of God's Holy Word. God says explicitly that this is 'not' the test of what or who is Israel or of who are the Children of God. I don't see how it could be written any plainer. All the nation Israel is not going to be Saved because God says there, 'all Israel are not Israel' in His eyes. In His defining. God says the children of the flesh are not the Children of God in His eyes. God says that being Abraham's seed is not what makes people the Children of God. It's being the Children of the promise which makes them Children and heirs according to the promise to Israel. A true Jew is not one in the flesh, but in the Spirit.

Verse six of Romans chapter nine started off saying it is not as if the promises to Israel had been made of non effect or broken, it is that the promise was never made to the nation Israel, it was made to the Israel of God. It was made to the Election, which are a remnant. That's why God says they're not all Israel who are of Israel. That's why God says Jews are not Jews by appearance, but inwardly. Only the remnant are. And likewise, we are all spiritually Israel when we are in Christ Israel. And man is all spiritually Gentiles when they are not in Christ.

    Romans 2:25

A Jew is spiritually a Gentile without Christ, and a Gentile is spiritually a Jew with Christ. The body of Christ is spiritually the Israel of God[9] and that is why Revelation chapter eleven speaks of the court of the Temple being given to the Gentiles and is not to be measured. It is to illustrate the heathen or unsaved of the nations of the world coming into the external congregation of God via the unfaithful (the Court), to trample the Holy City under foot. Because those of the court are professing Christians who depart from the faith and are given into the hands of the Gentiles because of their unrighteousness. This is done 'by God' as judgment for their spiritual fornication against their espoused Husband, Christ. For it is written, judgment must begin at the House of God (1st Peter 4:17). God will first judge the unfaithful house for their unrighteousness and unwillingness to receive the love of the truth of His Word, and then the wicked. The prophesy of the Apostasy (separating) from God spoken about in 2nd Thessalonians chapter 2 illustrates this judgement. God says that there is to be a great falling away or forsaking God by those who would not receive truth. These are those symbolized as being the court or those outside the true Temple, who the Gentiles will deceive that they fall away from the faith (1st Timothy 4:1). They are those who did not make their calling and election sure, and God tells us very clearly not only what He will do to them, but 'why' He will do it.

    2nd Thessalonians 2:11-12

It was for this reason that God will send them strong delusion. When the man of sin takes a seat in the Holy Temple, God takes full responsibility for sending the people this delusion that they believe these false teachings and are damned and judged for their unrighteousness. These are those that attempt to build a house themselves, rather than let God be it's builder. It is people who only profess to be of God. It is not the people of the world who have no interest in God. They could care less about either the true Christ or a false Christ. In fact, they don't want any part of Him. But it's those of the Church who are going to be deceived by false teachers who come in Christ's name that many fall away from God. Their deceit and unfaithfulness is the reason that they cannot be measured. Jesus Himself warned us about the time of Great tribulation saying there would be such great deception going on that it would even deceive the very Elect if that were possible (Matthew 24:24), and that we should be not deceived. For those in Christ it is not possible to be deceived unto falling, because they are those truly inside the Holy Temple who keep the Word of God faithfully so that (of the Spirit) they know lies and deception when they hear it. Because they 'measure' it by the rule of faith, the rod of correction, and compare it against the true form, the true house of God. This is the evidence of our really knowing God, and of our true Salvation (1st John 2:3-5). Our true authority is 'Sola Scriptura,' the Word of God alone, and considered as a whole.

The Holy city the wicked trample under foot is symbolic of the collective dwelling place of those of God. The Old testament Holy city of Jerusalem was a 'type' looking forward to the coming of the New Holy City, which is from above. Christ is that Holy City come from above. In Him we live and breathe and have our being. Comparing Spiritual things with Spiritual things (1st Corinthians 2:13) we see that after the cross, there is only one true Holy City, and that is in Christ. The Church is the earthly representation of that Holy City in heaven. All those in Christ are in the beloved City wherein dwelleth Righteousness. When we enter into Christ we enter into the City of Peace, the City of Righteousness, Jerusalem from above. The Peace that passeth understanding dwells there, and our warfare with God has been accomplished, and iniquity pardoned. The true believer is in Peace and Safety.

    Hebrews 12:22

We (the Church) are the earthly representation of the Israel of God which dwells without bars in Peace and Safety. Spiritually speaking the Bible has many symbols, figures and imagery of the Church. From being the body of Christ, to the Holy City, to the Holy Temple, the camp of the saints, or the Holy nation. God uses all these symbolisms to give us a spiritual picture of the Christian family or community. What makes this spiritual City Holy, is Christ. He is the energy which makes this City the light of the world. The same type symbolism we see in Revelation Chapter one verse thirteen where God speaks of Christ being in the midst of the candlesticks, and then reveals in verse twenty that the candlesticks represent the Churches. In other words, it's Christ in the midst of the Churches which is the energy. It is He who is the light of those candlesticks. The same thing with the Holy City. Christ is what makes it Holy. When in the prophesy of Isaiah 40:2 it was declared, 'comfort ye Jerusalem, her warfare is ended and her iniquity is pardoned,' this is that City that God was talking about. Not a literal city in the middle east, but the people of God who have had their iniquity pardoned, and have made peace with God. This is the cessation of spiritual warfare with God which every believer has come to. With this Peace comes that light which shines upon men that they reflect a glorious Holy City which the whole world can see.

    Matthew 5:14

Here Jesus is equating the Church to a city on a hill from which everyone in the whole world can see the light[10] thereof, and which spreads her evangelism to that world via this emanating light. This is the Holy City, the heavenly or spiritual Jerusalem which the external Church merely represents. We are a part of this Holy City and Christ is the light.

Understanding these spiritual truths, we can better understand why God speaks of a falling away in 2nd Thessalonians chapter two. Where we see the figure of lawless man ruling in the Holy Temple 'as if' he were God Himself, we know it represents sinful man ruling in the external covenant or corporate Church, the representation of the true. This is how the Gentiles will tread down the Holy City. This city was meant to be the light of the World, but men led by the spirit of Satan, the spirit of antichrist, trampled it under foot. When the Gentiles trample the Holy City under foot, it is a figure of an assault on the spiritual city (Jews, the Church), by the unsaved (Gentiles, the world) who cast the truth of God's Word down. They are those who have no fear of God (Psalms 36:1; Romans 3:8) and dare to usurp His Word by sitting to rule in the Church by their own word, 'as if' they were God.

In our day we see this great forsaking of God's Word in the Churches. Many in the Church are of the world, are rebellious and have no root or strength in Christ wherein they would endure this onslaught. The treading down is a time of great tribulation for the 'true believers.' It is declared in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 as a time of great distress, and wrath upon this people (The Court), and it will last till the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled and Christ returns.

The forty-two months correlates to this time just before Christ's second advent and the end of the world. It is a period of trial when the love of God will have grown so cold that men forsake His Word in the Church, and judge by what is right in their own eyes. In other words, iniquity abounds.

    Luke 21:23

When we ask ourselves, 'when shall ALL things that are written be fulfilled,' of course the answer is, at the end of the world. Again, who's vengeance is this? The answer is that it is God's vengeance and God's judgment. It is not vengeance against a literal city in the middle east, it is vengeance against the unfaithful congregation who commits spiritual whoredoms. The Lord's congregation is where this warfare takes place. A spiritual warfare, not a physical one. It's where the beast battles with the saints in the Churches and deceives the weak therein. Those who have forsaken the Lord and fallen away from the faith of God will come under this judgement because of their abominations. And talking about this Abomination of desolation when the saints are told to flee to the mountains, God declares:

    Luke 21:24

This is not talking about 70 A.D. (as some suppose), the context precludes such an understanding. This is the very same treading down by the Gentiles as spoken of in Revelation Chapter eleven. And that obviously is not 70 A.D. The sword of unsaved man is his tongue[11], and the leading away into captivity is the unfaithful marked and falling into bondage of Satan through his deception. This spiritual captivity will continue until the times of the Gentiles being fulfilled[12], is fulfilled. This will be the end of all things, or as matthew 24 says, when 'all shall be fulfilled.' After these things, both Luke and Matthew reiterate that the Lord returns in power and Glory. In other words, it is the time of the end of the world. Forty-two months (3 1/2 years) corresponds to the 'time' God has given power to the unsaved of the nations (Gentiles) ruled by Satan, that they may marshall their army of deceivers, and trample the Holy City under foot.

Many have viewed this tribulation as a bloodletting, or the literal destruction of the middle eastern Jerusalem. Despite the context, some have even said this has already taken place in 70 A.D.. In both books (Matthew and Luke), it is illustrated as being at the time of the end of the world and the coming of Christ. Some simply do not understand how God uses symbolism or 'types' in His word of Prophecy. And this is as He always has. The Jerusalem that was to be comforted wasn't a literal city in the middle east. The Temple that was to be destroyed and rebuilt in three days was not a literal Temple of bricks in the middle east. The highway in the desert to be made straight didn't mean that John the Baptist was to be a literal construction worker who would straighten earthly roads. There were no literal Hills made low, or valleys made high at the Cross. These things people brush aside like so much window dressing, when in fact they are all proof texts of the truth of the symbolism God has always used in prophecy. Jesus said the people must eat His flesh and drink His blood, and many revolted and walked away never to follow Him again. The same mistake as people make today. They had their ideas of how things should be taken literally, so they didn't really listen and 'thus' didn't hear. Comparing Spiritual things with spiritual things we know that Jesus didn't mean that He would make the disciples to fish men from the literal sea, He had something far more Glorious in view. The people of Israel were looking for a Prince to come and rule a literal earthly kingdom, but they 'missed the point' altogether. Many Premillennialists today are looking for a literal rebuilding of a Temple in the middle east, and do not understand that the rebuilding of the Temple that was prophesied was in Christ. He is not the Chief Corner stone of a Bakery, He is the Chief Corner stone of the building again of the 'The Holy Temple' of God. That is the Holy Temple that was to be rebuilt (Acts 15:15-17). All these things are clearly seen in God's Word once we compare scripture with scripture and surrender to it's authority rather than our own will. The Holy City Jerusalem that is trodden down of the Gentiles, is not a city in the middle east, it is the Church. There is no other biblical sacrifice after the Cross. The sacrifice of Christ at the cross makes that sure. There is none other Holy Temple after the cross but (#1)Christ, (#2)those in Christ (our body is the Holy Temple where God dwells), and (#3)the collection of those who profess being in Christ. i.e., the new Covenant Church. There is none other high Priest after the cross, but Christ. Because Christ fulfilled all these ceremonial 'types' which merely looked forward to His coming and His priesthood. To say that there is another prophecy of these literal things like Temples and High Priests would be confusion. It would be like saying, sacrifice of animals must start again to look forward to Christ's coming to atone for sin. There is no way that this could possibly be true, for it was a type that was fulfilled in the true. And likewise the Temple in literal jerusalem, and the Holy City there were all fulfilled in Christ. The shadow is passed away with the coming of the real. There is none other Holy City after the cross, except Christ and the Church, and there is none other Holy Temple except Christ and the Church. The end-time prophecy of Satan loosed for a little season that the man of sin sit in the Holy Temple, is a prophecy of Satan assaulting God's Church.

    Daniel 8:9-10

The horn symbolizes Satan's power to rule, and it is a little horn to symbolize that his power is for a 'little' period of time. To stamp upon the host of heaven is to trample them under foot. The Gentiles trampling the Holy City is speaking of unbelievers desolating the Church on earth as the witness to the truth of God's Word is being destroyed within it's walls. They are not abiding by the true measurements of the Temple in Heaven. The Word of God is wrested, subverted, denied, and rejected as the true doctrine. This trampling under foot is the very same principle we see demonstrated in Matthew.

    Matthew 7:6

The pearls here represent the witness of the gospel truth. The trampling them under foot signifies the people's rejection of it and their taking offense at it, to attack you. In other words, those who are opposed to Christ treat the witness of the gospel truth as worthless. It's something that they can just cast down to the ground and walk on as we would dirt under foot. The same picture is illustrated in Daniel 8:7 where it says that the 'he Goat' cast the Ram to the ground, and stamped upon Him, or Daniel 8:10 where he cast the stars to the ground and stamped upon them, or verse 10 where we read the truth was cast to the ground. These are all showing the very same principle. Wicked unbelievers casting down God's Word of truth (and His servants who bring it) as something to be treated as worthless. The faithful endure, while those who are unfaithful do not, because they have not the root of Christ whereby they could overcome in time of tribulation[13]. God has brought this judgment upon the unfaithful Church because they had departed from the faith, and lost the flavor[14], which is a 'figure' of the good of the gospel, and they are thus worthless, cast out of God's kingdom and trampled under foot. While those who abide in Christ endure this trial of faith and do not fall away from God. The disdain which unsaved people have for the witness of the truth is self-evident, and will bring great tribulation to the faithful. But it will bring desolation to the 'unfaithful,' as they are those who abide in the comfortable courts.

The forty-two months also correlates to the short time or little time that scripture says the beast (representing those of Satan's devouring Kingdom) was given power to blasphemy and come against the Holy City. This is exactly the character and evil context of his attacking the Church that we are addressing.

    Revelation 13:5-7

It is the true witnesses in the Church who those of Satan are coming against. Note carefully the direct correlation to what we read was measured in Revelation chapter eleven, verse one. These are blaspheming God, His Tabernacle (the Temple), those that dwell in heaven, and they make war with the saints. We (the saints) are those who dwell in heaven (Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 12:22), the saints are the true believers. And when you make war with the saints, you make war with God. You cannot make war with one without making war with the other, for they are sent of God and intimately related. And as we shall also see later on in this study, God says the beast from the bottomless pit makes war with the two witnesses and overcomes them. Just as Revelation thirteen says these saints were overcome by the beast. They are one and the same, as it is all a glorious and magnificent spiritual picture of the assault upon the Church of God by the Kingdom of Satan (Beast), and how the Holy City is trampled under foot by those under his rule.

We cannot help but notice that God continually uses the language that it was 'Given' unto them that they can do this. Revelation thirteen says power was 'Given' him to continue forty two months. Revelation eleven says the court was 'Given' to the Gentiles and they would tread the Holy City down forty-two months. Revelation 17:17 talking about this same episode (judgment on the unfaithful Church or harlot) says, GOD put it into their hearts to fulfill His will and to agree and 'Give' their kingdom to the beast until God's Word is fulfilled. You see, it is God who is bringing this judgment upon the unfaithful Church. He takes full responsibility for doing this. Just as we read in 2nd Thessalonians 2:10-11. He is the one who has sent this evil and given these the power to deceive the unrighteous. He is bringing this judgment just as He has warned the Church He would do if they did not repent and remember from where they had fallen. This should not be something which is unexpected.

This forty two months of Satan prospering is also spoken of as time, times, and the dividing of time (1+2+1/2 or 3 1/2).

    Daniel 7:25

This is the forty-two months. Spiritually three and one half years corresponding to the last half of the final week (weeks of years) prophesied in the seventy weeks of Daniel chapter nine. It is when the overspreading of abomination leaves the unfaithful desolate. The Covenant was strengthened by Messiah (Daniel 9:27; Hebrews 9:16-17) in His blood by the cross, and this final half of the week starts near the end of the world when Satan is loosed. The New Covenant week made strong by Christ's death is divided into two spiritual periods, both spoken of as 'time, times and a half.' The first half week starts at the Cross as Christ confirms (makes strong) the covenant for many in His Blood. God feeds and protects the Church (Revelation 12:14) in this first half of the New Covenant week (1260) to the time of Tribulation. Then is this second 'time, times and the dividing of time' (as illustrated in Daniel 7:25). In the midst of the week is when this court is given to the gentiles, and this evil comes to fruition as the beast is loosed.

The first half of the New Covenant week is spoken of as 1260 days (3 1/2 years) as well as 'time, times and a half' (see the Revelation Chapter 12 study). While the last half is spoken of as 42 months (3 1/2 years) as well as 'time, times, and a half.' This I'm sure is to distinguish between the two distinct periods when studying and comparing the scriptures. Many people suppose that the 1260 days and the 42 months are synonymous because they are both approximately 3 1/2 years. But I do not believe this is possible. Why would God say the two witnesses preach 1260 days, and the court is given to the Gentiles 42 months if they were synonymous? It seems clear to me that the trampling of the court of the Holy Temple takes place after the two witnesses are killed. i.e., it is the second half of the week while the witnessing is the first half. But I'm getting ahead of myself. The weeks of Daniel 9 (see Daniel 9 Study) are symbolic of years. That's why the final week in which Messiah confirms the Covenant is symbolized as seven years (weeks of years, or in the literal, one seven). It represents a completion, one week representing the whole New Covenant Period from the time the man-child ascended to Heaven, to the time of His return. We will see more about the thousand two hundred and threescore days later in this study.

So the overview of verse two of Revelation chapter eleven is that it illustrates that there are those who link themselves with the Temple by abiding in it's court, but who in reality are always 'outside' of the Holy Temple of God, and thus cannot be measured along with those made Righteous by being truly in Christ. They are in the court or outside of the temple proper, and therefore are not strictly part of the Temple. The great words 'leave out' [ekballo exo] there literally translated is to 'cast out' or to expel them. In other words, these are not truly part of the Temple, they will be cast out, and are not to be measured as the Temple of God. They will be cast out in the great separation between the true believers, and those who are merely professing believers. That is what is illustrated by this measuring and casting out (leaving out) the court. It doesn't belong written with the Righteous.

    Ezekiel 42:19-20

The separation between those holy, and those common or without the righteousness of Christ. These outside are not estimated, do not receive the measure of correction from God's rod, nor bow to the sceptre of God's rule symbolized by the rod. They are of those who will be given to the Gentiles (unbelievers) as judgment for their unfaithfulness, and the Gentiles shall then deceive them as they trample the Church underfoot forty two months. The heathen or strangers who come into the external covenant Church will assimilate them where you cannot tell the world from the Church. They deceive those unfaithful to the Word.


   Verse Three

In verse one we have the commanding to measure, the symbolism of showing the people the true form or pattern of the Temple building that they may know who the true God is. That it is not a literal Temple building, but a spiritual building. And in verse two we are notified that in this measuring of the Temple, there is a court which is part of the Temple proper, but which is outside of it's dimensions. It thus symbolizes those which are not secure, and which shall be trodden down of unbelievers. And here in verse three the illustration is how the measuring in this declaration will take place. God 'gives' to His witnesses to prophecy this for a thousand two hundred and threescore (1260) days. This is how the Holy Temple will be measured that the house of God conform to it's true dimensions. And this is how those who worship therein shall be rightly divided or measured. By the Word of God, the rule of faith, instruction, and correction.

First of all, contrary to popular opinion, Witnesses of God are not alien subject matter that they should be pictured as supernatural beings, or the dead coming to life. They are a recurring theme throughout God's dispensation. The title 'witnesses' implies a testimony in God's judicial law, the scriptures. Anyone who is born from above has been endowed with power by the Spirit of God in them that they become His witness. And even though the word power is not actually used in this verse, it is implied by God 'giving' unto His two witnesses that they would prophecy. This means that God has bestowed upon them the power to prophecy, which they didn't have before. And that is why the word power is included in most translations. Without that Holy Spirit within us bearing witness with our spirit (Romans 8:16), we have no power and cannot be a true witness of God. Because these are the two things which make us a faithful witnesses of God. The Word and the His Spirit.

    John 5:38-39

    John 15:26-27 The Word and the Holy spirit abiding in believers is what makes the faithful Church the witnesses of God. It is this Holy Spirit of truth which is the power which works in us and guides us to testify 'faithfully' to the gospel message. Every true believer is given this power to be a witness for God, and show the true form of the house.

    Acts 5:32

God's Word declares that He 'has given' those who are obedient to His Word this power of the Holy Spirit that they are His witnesses. Again, the word power is implied there because God has given them the Holy Spirit. That is the power to witness. This is made clear throughout scripture. Whenever we go forth testifying that Jesus Christ is the Holy Temple which was destroyed, and in three days was risen from the dead that we might be made in His image, we are measuring the Temple by being a witness of God in the power of the Spirit which He has 'given' us.

    Acts 10:42-43

To all the Prophets it was given of God to bear witness to His Holy Word, and this is the very same commission given to the Church. To witness or testify of Him who was ordained of God to be judge of the earth, and that whosoever believes on His name, shall be Saved. So we see that the witnesses of God given power to prophecy is not some new theme.

    Isaiah 43:10-12

    Isaiah 44:8 These are witnesses who declare the form of the God of Israel. These are the witnesses that declare there is none other name whereby men may be Saved. These are the witnesses that declare that His law and His Word is the authority, and that judgment awaits those who disobey it. It is what God's witnesses within His congregation have always declared. These two witnesses of Revelation eleven are a 'symbol' of God's faithful servants, the true eternal indivisible Church. There are many scriptures which illustrate that the true Church is the designated witness of Christ, but notice how verse three of Revelation says, 'And I will give power unto My two Witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days clothed in sackcloth.' So the question is, does this power to prophesy agree with what the scriptures say that God has given the faithful Church? Did God give unto His Church to prophesy? Again, when we compare scripture with scripture and consider things in an unbiased fashion, the Commission that Christ gave us is in full agreement with these things.

    Acts 1:8

This is the power which God gave unto His witnesses that they could prophecy to the world for this time period. It is the power of the Holy Spirit which was given God's witnesses at Pentecost. And because of this power given us, we come in His Spirit with the testimony of the law of God. This is just as Moses did, and just as prophets of God such as Elijah did. We are these Witnesses and Prophets.

    Acts 2:16-18

With the advent of the New Testament period, we have by the Spirit of God become prophets. Because of the similarity and the obvious language evoking the 'law and the prophets,' there are some theologians who believe that these two witnesses are literally Moses and Elijah. But that is because 'the law and the prophets' is a phrase which is a synonym for the Word of God[15]. And the Word of God is that law which these prophets of the Church comes with. i.e., the Church comes in the Spirit and Power of Moses and Elijah because they come as witnesses to the law (as Moses) and as prophets of judgment and deliverance (as Elijah). Not that this literally represents Moses and Elijah, but that God's Church is 'sent' with the law and the prophecy, just as they were. In the same sense that God said that John the baptist came in the 'Spirit and power of Elijah,' but that he was not Elijah[16]. Because of being endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word from God's mouth, the true believers give the world the same glorious evidences of God’s presence and power as Moses and Elijah did.

We can readily understand most of the symbolisms for the Church (power to prophecy, power as witnesses, power of the Holy Spirit), but the question is often asked, 'why are there two witnesses?' Many make the assumption that because it says there are two, this implies that it is literally two people. But that is like saying that because there were twelve Apostles, it implies the Church must consist of twelve people. This doesn't follow at all, the number twelve was used of God to represent the whole Church. Just as the twelve tribes of Israel represented the whole Old Testament congregation. Or as another example, in Zechariah we see the illustration of one candlestick (lampstand). In revelation chapter one we see the illustration of seven candlesticks, and in this Revelation chapter eleven we see two candlesticks. That's because with these numbers God is illustrating the different aspects of the Church in each symbolism. Three signifies the will and purpose of God, Seven signifies totality or completeness, twelve signifies the body of the Church, and the number two signifies the truthfulness of the Church[17]. And particularly the phrase 'two witnesses' is used to signify that these witnesses in the Church are those which testify in truth. In other words, the two witnesses are not symbolizing the whole corporate or external covenant Church, they are a symbol to illustrate only the faithful (truthful) indivisible Church within the external body. These are those who are measured in Christ. It is the true Church 'within' the covenant corporate Church. The true believers are the elect who don't fall headlong into the teachings of false gospels, but who come with the rod of measurement that they discern the true pattern of God's house, and consequently, the form which is not of God. The two witnesses represent those who are truly in Christ, and thus rest upon the true foundation, which is their pillar.

    1st Timothy 3:15

Being in Christ is being in the Church which is the pillar and ground (foundation) of the truth, not the external Church, it's leaders, or Church traditions. The house which is Christ is the ground of truth. That is to say, true believers dwell in the body of Christ, and are built upon 'Him.' He is that foundation, Pillar and ground of the truth. Not the assembly itself. They are witnesses to truth only as they abide in Christ, thee truth. And this is what the number two illustrates. God uses it to signify these are true (two) witnesses to His law. These are not false teachers or false prophets, these are His true prophets.

Scripture confirms that the number two identifies with a corroborated witness, signifying truth. We can see this principle explicitly illustrated in many passages. God has said that at the mouth of a minimum of two witnesses, the truth is established. By this God is demonstrating that two witnesses signifies that what is being spoken is true.

    Matthew 18:16

Two witnesses is the minimum number to establish truth. Indeed, this is a concept that goes back to the beginning. God declared that no man should be put to death by the witness of one man. It took a minimum of two witnesses to establish truth that one could be put to death (This also holds spiritual truth about the judgment of the Church by the two witnesses, but is not the scope of this study). Nevertheless, we can see in this that the number two established an honest or truthful witness. Again, Jesus said:

    John 8:17

These things aren't coincidence, every Word of God is inspired and relevant. It is written in God's law that two witnesses is the establishment that what is being said is the truth. This is why there is the symbolism of the two witnesses in Revelation. It signifies these are not just professing Christians, they are the eternal indivisible Church of God which comes with the Word of God truthfully. The number two illustrates this.

    Mark 6:7

Another illustration of the Church being 'given' power, and being sent out two witnesses at a time. And their power is over the spirit Satan, signifying the power given the Church to bring God's Salvation to the World. They brought the truthful witness of God, signified by them going out by two. Which is also as Christ also sent the Seventy out to witness with power by two.

    Luke 10:1

    Luke 10:17 An illustration of the Church sent out with power that the spirits of devils were subject to them through His Holy name. This is the marvelous way God uses these events to teach us the symbolism of the number two as used with those sent out to be His witness of the truth.

And from the time that the Church is given this power of the Holy Spirit to prophesy, to the time that their testimony (witness) is finished (verse seven of Revelation eleven), God speaks of it as a thousand two hundred and threescore (1260) days, which is approximately three and a half years. If you have read the Revelation Chapter twelve study, you will have noticed that this is exactly the length of time that God says the woman Israel (the Church) is 'fed' in the wilderness from the time after the man child Christ ascends up to heaven. In other words, that was the start of the New Testament Church period when she is fed of God by the Word. God is not the author of confusion, and this is why there is total harmony between these chapters of the thousand two hundred and threescore days. All the time periods are totally consistent with each and every other passage showing this is the time of testimony of the Church. Inconsistency is the hallmark of error. The woman is fed of God a thousand two hundred and threescore days in the wilderness away from the face of the serpent Satan, whom Christ defeated at the cross. The woman is fed with the Word of God, which is the bread of life. Revelation chapter twelve then says, after the thousand two hundred and threescore days (also signified as time, times, and a half), something happens. The Serpent (Satan) again goes to make war with the remnant of her seed. That thousand two hundred and threescore days that Revelation chapter twelve says 'the woman' was fed in the wilderness, is the exact same thousand two hundred and threescore days which Revelation chapter eleven says the Church (two Witnesses) were given power to prophecy before the beast from the pit overcomes them. Which is total agreement on the period of the new covenant Church's preaching before the beast is loosed. God is using symbolic language in both these Chapters to show us the same revelation about the journey of the Church from Christ's first advent. While the Church was testifying and going forth with the gospel, it is fed nourished and allowed to go forth prophesying, but after their testimony is finished (see verse 7 of Chapter 11), the witnesses are assaulted by the beast, and killed of Satan. In other words, the beast makes it so their testimony is no longer heard, the bread by which she was fed becomes scarce (famine), as the true Word of God is trampled upon in the Churches. This is the time of the falling away or apostasy of the Church that will come, that the man of sin may rule in the external Church. Perhaps a look at an illustration chart will help us better understand the big picture. The last days, or final New Testament week, is symbolized as weeks of years (as per Daniel chapter nine). It is representing the new covenant week which was strengthened (translated confirmed) by Messiah the Prince. The week represents the whole New Covenant/Testament period from Christ's death when He strengthened it (Hebrews 9:17), up until Christ returns. The thousand two hundred and threescore days (1260) represents spiritually the first half of this New Covenant week, which is the time of testimony of the Church before it is overcome by the beast. 

                 The Final Week of Daniel Chapter 9

      THE                                                 THE
     CROSS                                            CONSUMMATION
       | ----------- Covenant confirmed 1 week ----------- |
       |               by Messiah the Prince               |
       |             (The Wilderness Journey!)             |
       |--freed From Bondage            The Promised land--|
       |        Keeping The Feast of Tabernacles           |
       | ------3 1/2  Days ------|------ 3 1/2 days ------ |
       | (1260 days= 3 1/2 years)|(42 months= 3 1/2 years) |
       |                         |                         |
       |  Time, Times and a half | Time, Times and a half  |
       |   Rev 12:14 Fed until --|-Daniel 7:25             |
       |                         |-Daniel 12:7 Satan Rule  |
       |                         |        |                |
       |                       1260      1290             1335
      The                    Testimony   Abomination      The
     Cross                   Finished!   of Desola.   judgment Sits
                             Midst of
                               week!
It is no coincidence that Jesus preached three and a half (3 1/2) years before He was killed, and the Church is spoken of as prophesying 3 1/2 years (1260 days, spiritually speaking) before it is killed (Revelation 11:7). And God makes sure that we understand it's relationship to this end time event as He informs us that where the body of Christ (two Witnesses) is killed, is where our Lord was Crucified (Revelation 11:8). This is because the Church is intimately identified with the body of Christ as He is the Temple of God in which we live and breathe and have our being. We indeed are the Body of Christ. When they kill the two witnesses, they have in effect crucified Christ afresh. For inasmuch as they do it to Christ's Church, they do it unto Christ.

The symbolism in Revelation of sackcloth is to signify that the elect prophecy in mourning. And if anyone doesn't think that the true Church's testimony is with sackcloth, then they either don't know the true state of most of mankind, or they don't really know what the sackcloth represents.

    Matthew 5:4

We mourn both for our own sins, and the sins of others. And those who do not mourn, do not know their sins, or the sins of the world, nor what is the end of such sin. As lot's soul was vexed by sin, so all true believers souls are troubled by sin. We grieve for the world, and sackcloth is that material which in scripture illustrates that grieving or mourning. This can be seen when people of the old testament would have reason to mourn they would cover themselves in sackcloth and/or ashes to signify their vexation.

    Genesis 37:34

    2nd Samuel 3:31     Ester 4:1-3 The sackcloth in scripture signifies a cloak of mourning. And that's what the two witnesses prophecy in. They are mourning for the fact that so few will receive the Word of God that they testify of, that they might be Saved. They know the end of such actions, and they are saddened by the state of man, and their knowledge that the Word of judgment is upon them for such rejections. In other words, the Word of God is as sweet as honey to us, but it is also bitter[18] in that we know what it means to those who reject it. True Believers love their neighbor as themselves, and therefore desire the same for them which they themselves have received of God. And it is a great sadness when man rejects the truth they bring, for they know it is then judgement unto them. Therefore do they witness in mourning, their souls vexed or saddened knowing the judgement of God.

    2nd Corinthians 5:10-11

We know the terror of the Lord, and we know these are under judgement and thus do we prophecy in sadness mourning because of what we know.

The overview of verse three is that when the command was given to measure the Temple, and the altar, and all that dwell therein, that God gave to his two witnesses that they would prophecy a thousand two hundred and threescore days clothed in sackcloth. It is essential to the chapter to understand that these two witnesses do 'not' represent the corporate or external covenant church as some have surmised. These two witnesses represent a spiritual community of true believers only, who come with God's judicial law to a wicked and perverse world. They don't represent the external Church, and they don't represent two men, they represent God's Holy people, the eternal indivisible Church who is faithful and elect. It is through 'this' Church that God will show forth His judgment and prophecy. Mysteries will be made known by God's elect Church.

    Ephesians 3:9-10

This is an illustration of the indivisible Church's worldwide mission. True believers coming with the Word of correction and of judgment (law and the prophets). The true indivisible Church within the external Covenant Church. Their testimony is a thousand two hundred and threescore days in sackcloth, signifying they are those who mourn for the wickedness of the world. They are the blessed who mourn, and who shall be comforted.


   Verse Four

Christians have been taught so many different interpretations about the candlesticks and olive trees that many find these verses confusing or difficult to sort out. There are some theologians who claim that these two represent the Old and New Testament Churches. But that obviously cannot be a correct interpretation because these prophecy on the New Testament side of the cross, and thus there cannot be an Old covenant Church at this time[19]. There is only one Church at the time of their prophecy, not two Testament witnesses to whom it is 'given' to prophecy at this time. Nor can it be Biblically validated that these are literally Enoch, Moses or Elijah as has been alleged.

The number one rule when trying to understand the 'symbolism' of Revelation is to remember that, 'the Bible is it's own interpreter.' In other words, the interpretation of these passages will be found in God's Word, not in our personal conceptions or in the imaginations of our heart. We compare scripture with scripture to see what God has to say in other passages about each item of symbolism. We study to show ourselves approved unto God by examining scripture against scripture, the spiritual with the Spiritual[19a]. By this we allow God to define His own terms. When we do this, our faithful work in Christ is rewarded and we begin to see how God consistently repeats the same symbolism throughout scripture. We learn from the text, the context, and in what sense it is used throughout. In this way we come to understand what God is illustrating by the word.

The fact is, to really understand the background of the symbolism of the candlesticks (lampstands), we have to go back to the Old Testament where the candlestick was commanded to be put in the Temple of God, and to be kept burning continually [tamiyd] by the service of the children of Israel. By this God was prefiguring that He is the light of the Temple of God, and that it is by the service of His servants that it will be kept burning continually. God is the true light of the Temple. And He is the tree which supplies the pure Olive oil (Spirit) for it's burning.

    2nd Samuel 22:29

The significance in God commanding the children of Israel to keep the lamp of the Temple burning (Leviticus 24:1-3), is to show that the children of God have the work assigned them to keep light burning bright always. And this is the very same job that the Lord has given the New Testament Church today also. God's children today are commanded to keep the light burning continually, as they were commanded to do in the Old Testament congregation. We can clearly see this 'signification' as Jesus told the Church, 'Ye are the light of the world.' This is only because we are in Christ, and He is the true light of the world. And that was the same 'signification' that God was illustrating in the Old Testament ceremonial law of the lampstand (candlestick). Christ was the true focal point of it. He was the light, and they were His servants commissioned to keep it burning always. i.e., work that the light of the Lord would shine always. Unfortunately today, many have forsaken this calling, and forgotten it's history.

    Exodus 27:20

That Hebrew word translated always is the exact same word [tamiyd] translated continual. The children of God were to keep that light Shining brightly always in the Holy Temple. It illustrated the precious light of the Lord that shines in darkness. It was their work or service to assure it remained burning by the pure oil of the olive. All these things of the Old Testament (shewbread, spoons, lamps, bowls, etc) of the Tabernacle, were fulfilled in Christ. He was that true light of the Temple that burns continually. That veil in the Temple signifies His Flesh, and the sacrifice blood on the altar a figure of His blood. All these were fulfilled in Christ. To try and bring any of these things of the literal Temple back would be an abomination, and would imply that Christ didn't fulfill them, or that He wasn't what these types looked forward to. The literal ceremonial laws cannot be applicable today. The Candlestick is fulfilled in the light of Christ. And just as the Church takes on the name CHRISTian, Holy Temple, Holy City, or Olive Tree, it takes on the name of the Candlestick or the Lampstand of Christ. It is an illustration that they are in the service of keeping the light of the Holy Temple. That is because the Church is the Body of Christ. We are the reflection of Christ in the world, we are the Children of God whose job it is to go forth keeping the light of the Candlestick burning continually just as it was the job of the Old Testament Israelites to do. To this end are we called. And that is why in Revelation we see God use Candlesticks as symbolism for His Church. They illustrate the Children of God in service to the light of Christ. This is not an assumption or idle speculation, God tells us 'point blank' what the symbolism of the Candlesticks are. And He does so both in the book of Revelation, and in other books. From the very first chapter of this apocalypse of Revelation, God had revealed the mystery or secret of the symbolism of the candlestick. We need only receive His explanation of what it is an image of, rather than accept man's speculation. i.e., by that same comparing scripture with scripture and letting God be His own interpreter of His Word.

    Revelation 1:20

God says the mystery [musterion], or the secret of the symbolism is revealed. The Candlestick is a symbol of God's Church. The star is a symbol of the messenger of God's Church. So here we have God from the very beginning of the book of Revelation revealing what the imagery of the Candlesticks symbolized. And yet we have theologians who, because of presuppositions or tradition, are looking for any excuse why we are not to understand this symbolism this way just a few chapters later. God interprets the symbolism for us, and He said the seven Candlesticks signified seven Churches. Perfect harmony with the rest of scripture, because the Church is the representation of the Kingdom of Christ on earth, and it is signified as the light of the World.

And really, why should anyone be surprised at this symbolism? Despite the objections of some, Jesus used this same symbolism for the Church all during His teachings. The sound method in Biblical exegesis is achieved by checking for likeness and differences where these same terms are used throughout scripture. In that way we find out what God means by the spiritual imagery. We don't simply parrot what someone else has taught before, we bear witness to what God teaches.

    Luke 8:16

    Matthew 5:14 Here again, we have Jesus Christ Himself using the same Candlestick [luchnia] to symbolize the Church, and the witnesses work in the New Testament Church as those keeping the light shinning continually, not hiding it, but bringing this light to the World. It doesn't get much plainer than this. And note that Jesus also equates the Church with a 'city' which is set upon a hill. This is the Holy city Jerusalem, the spiritual city of peace and light. And so we have conclusive indisputable evidences throughout scripture that the candlestick symbolizes the Church, the earthly representation of the light of the Lord. There is really no reason for speculation about it symbolizing anything else, unless one is predisposed to believing such ideas. For God Himself reveals the mystery on several diverse fronts.

Will this definition of the two witnesses hold true in the other images God uses for them, such as the two witnesses or the two Olive Trees? Do those also symbolize the Church which is the earthly representation of Christ? Again, we go back to the number one rule of sound hermeneutics, 'the Bible is it's own interpreter.' If we start off with no preconceived ideas about what it signifies, and search out the pertinent scriptures, it's not long before we see that the Olive tree is indeed used by God to symbolize the Church. For example in Hosea 14, speaking of Christ we read:

    Hosea 14:5-7

The Israel of God is ultimately Christ, and the children of God who dwell under the shadow of this tree will have no scorching sun on them. When we are in Christ, we are like a green olive tree in the house of the Lord (Psalms 52:8). This is the Salvation and the hope of the Israel of God. And as we are the light of the world because Christ is the light of the world, so we are the Olive tree because Christ is this Olive tree. He is the Israel of the New Covenant in whom if we abide, we are sons of God. We can see this most clearly in a passage like Romans chapter nine or chapter eleven where the Gentile nations are grafted into New Covenant Israel, which is symbolized by the Olive tree.

    Romans 11:17

Clearly God is using a wild olive tree to symbolize the Gentile nations, and the natural Olive Tree to symbolize the representation of Covenant Israel into which believers are grafted. i.e., we join with Paul and the Apostles into Christ, the true Israel of God (Ephesians 2:11-19) which this Covenant tree merely represents. This is the New Covenant Church, and it is symbolized by the olive tree having Gentiles grafted into it that they become heirs (right along with the Jews) according to the promises to Israel. And so once again we see the Word of God showing just who the olive tree represents. All those Gentiles coming into this Jewish olive tree are the believers coming into the New Covenant Congregation. Those branches of the tree broken off are those of Israel who come under judgment and are blinded. The Jewish brethren who are Saved are the branches in this same tree right along with us. So we see Jewish people and Gentiles, all in the exact same olive tree of Salvation.

Likewise in Zechariah chapter four, the symbolism of two olive trees and the candlestick (lampstand) are signifying the Church.

    Zechariah 4:2-6

The Lampstands and olive tress stand before God, not by their own power or by their own might, but by the Holy Spirit of the Lord. This again illustrating what we've been seeing of the two Witnesses. It is not by any power we have inherently, but because of the power of the Holy Spirit of God given us that we witness or have the testimony of Christ. Not by our own oil, but by the pure oil of the Olive tree. Not by our own light, but by the light of the candle. The two olive trees symbolize the anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth (Zechariah 4:14), not by their own power, but by power of God. This symbolizes the Church, anointed by the Spirit of God. Just as we read that the two Witnesses of Revelation also stand by the Lord of the earth.

    Zechariah 4:14

The same thing revelation chapter eleven says of the two candlestick/olive trees there. They stand before the God of the earth. They are the anointed ones, meaning they are those who are anointed by the Holy Spirit, by being in Christ. The oil for the light is not theirs, it is that given them.

    1st John 2:27

So we have seen from God's Word that the Witnesses represent the Church, the Candlesticks represent the Church, and the Olive Tree represents the Church, and that they are the anointed ones who stand before the God of the earth. All roads are leading to the same inescapable conclusion. This imagery represents the Church.

The final identifying factor is that these two witnesses are also called the two Prophets (verse 10). Who are the Prophets of God today? Not in the Old Testament, but who are the New Testament Prophets? ..Again, clearly, those of the Church are the only Holy prophets of God today.

    1st Corinthians 12:28

Ever since the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, the Lord's servants of the New Covenant Church go forth prophesying (Acts 2:17). Whenever the Church declares the Word that the future holds everlasting life for the servants of God, an inheritance from above, and it holds judgment for those who do not believe, they are prophesying. Whenever they prophecy Jesus will someday return on the clouds of Glory to rapture the Church and wipe away all tears, they are prophesying God's Word. To prophesy in the broad sense means to be a messenger of God to declare His Word, or be a 'mouth piece.' In certain senses it means to declare God's Word by foretelling what God has in store in the future. And that is exactly what the Church does in it's testimony. It prophesies of God's Word of deliverance, judgment, inheritance, and Christ's coming.

It is true that there is the particular 'office' of a prophet in the Church, but in the general sense, all believers are prophets in that they are messengers to deliver God's Word. All through the scripture God calls those of the Church His prophets. This is implied also in God's warning us to 'beware of false prophets,' as opposed to true prophets (those with His testimony). You see, in one sense all true Christians today are prophets of God, declaring what shall be.

    Joel 2:28

    Acts 2:16-18 We are made prophets able to declare God's Word by the anointing of the Holy Spirit poured out at Pentecost. This was the fulfillment of that which was prophesied in Joel. That which was a mystery before, was made known. That the Gentiles in the New Testament Church dispensation would be prophets unto God and have truth revealed unto them.

    Ephesians 3:5

All of us who are messengers declaring God's Word, are prophets. When God declares to his servants the prophets, he's declaring to the Church. Whether through the Bible by the Spirit, or before the Bible was complete by angels or from a burning Bush. When we bear witness to God's Word, we are prophesying just as the prophets of old did. They took what God told them, and they bore witness to it to His people. If we do it faithfully 'from' the innerrant Word of God, we are faithful (to God) prophets. If we do it unfaithfully or deceitfully, then we are false prophets. To put it simply, a faithful Prophet declares God's Word from God's mouth faithfully.

The consistency of all these things paints a glorious picture of God's prophecy. These two candlesticks are the Church, the light of the world, the true witnesses to the testimony of Christ who stand before the God of all the Earth. Just as when Jesus sent the 70 out by two, He said rejoice not in this power, but rejoice that your names were written in Heaven. In Luke 10:21 God said that the Father was Lord of Heaven and Earth, and this is the God of all the earth that all true believers stand before. Indeed, who except the true witnesses could stand before the God of all the earth and not be consumed? For they are those clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

When we study all the pertinent facts carefully, I believe that we can come to no other conclusion but that the two Candlesticks, Witnesses, Prophets, and Olive trees are the Church. They all fit interchangeably as a sign illustrating God's people. Like a gigantic Biblical picture puzzle, every piece fits perfectly. This is how we know we have come to real truth, as inconsistency is the hallmark of error.

Olive tree = Church (Romans 11)
Candlestick = Church (Revelation 1)
Witnesses = Church (Acts 1)
Prophets = Church (Rev 1)

I'd say this is pretty conclusive evidence. We've seen clear scripture which supports the candlestick, Olive Tree, Witnesses, and Prophets, are all used in scripture as representations of the Church. We've seen Biblical evidence that God uses the number two, and specifically, two witnesses, to illustrate a confirmation of that which is true. It is the true Church of God that is sent forth with power to witness in truth (as the 12 Apostles were sent out two by two). By contrast, there are no scriptures which say that the olive tree is Moses, or that it is Elijah, or that candlesticks symbolize enoch or the two covenants. That fact alone means that such personal interpretations are purely speculation by some theologians. In other words, it is not something which is actually declared, or which stands upon solid scripture.

The overview of verse four is that God gave power to these two witnesses to prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days in mourning. This is a symbolic picture of the indivisible Church as it has been given the power to testify for this length of time. Moreover, so that there is no confusion about these being literally two men, God also enlightens us that these are the two olive trees and two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And that word standing is again the Greek word [histemi] illustrating they are able to stand with God by the support of Christ. They 'stand' before God and give assent to His will, His Word, and His purpose, because they are made righteous in Christ. We have our consistent and Biblical understanding of this imagery. These witnesses are a representation of God's Church, and specifically in this context, God's 'true Church' not the external covenant Church. They are those who are 'standing before the God of the earth,' importing that they were strengthened in Christ, faithful messengers who adhere to His cause and testimonies.


   Verse Five
Scripture tells us that the Word of God from the mouth of God's prophets is as a fire which devours His enemies. This is because it is a Word of judgment. Symbolically speaking, as fire is to wood, so is the Word of God to the wicked because it is the declaration of their firey destruction which cannot return void. The Word of God is either a witness of truth unto man for His Salvation, or it is a witness against man unto his judgment.

Again, this is the marvelous symbolic imagery which God uses here to show us that He is not speaking literally. Would those theologians who claim that these are physically two people, also claim that they are literally fire breathing people who roast the wicked with flames from their mouths? Of course not. For even they understand that this is symbolism. And yet they will inconsistently attempt to draw the conclusion that the two witnesses from who's mouth proceeds symbolic fire, are literally two people. But inconsistency is the hallmark of error. If they were two literal people, then their mouths are literal, and the fire from it literal. And the mouth is another clue that this fire is 'symbolizing' the Word of God. The very fact that we are told it comes from their mouths, brings clarity to the symbolism. The mouth is where words of fire come from, not literal flames. What words does the faithful Church speak that is like a fire to burn the enemies of God? Clearly, our Lord tells us that it is the Word of God. The Church comes in mourning because they recognize the seriousness of sin, and they know that the world is going to hell in a hand basket. Their Word of testimony to repent and be Saved is as cool waters to those who by Grace of God 'receive' it, but their testimony of sure judgment and God's vengeance upon the unrepentant is as fire to those who do not want to hear it. Man in his destitute heart reviles and scoffs and shows their hatred for the witness to the truth, and when that happens the Word is a witness of judgment upon their heads. These unrepentant are those devoured by the fire from the witness of the Church. For on the one hand God's Word is as cool waters to a thirsty soul to those who will receive it..

    Proverbs 25:25

..and on the other hand it's like a flaming fire to those who will not receive it. As the Lord spoke in Jeremiah that His Word is symbolically likened unto this fire:

    Jeremiah 23:29-31

Unambiguously, God is using fire to 'symbolize' His Word to the people. He is declaring that it will judge the false prophets of His congregation for making their own words to be the Word of God. This is spiritual idolatry. In other words, man is making a false god in the Temple by claiming his own words, are God's Words. God's Word is as a fire and will destroy these who do such things. And in verse twenty three of that chapter, God illustrates He will be a God afar off from them. Here is very clear precedence of the Lord speaking of those who come bringing 'His Word,' and He 'signifies' them as His servants who come with fire from their mouths. It's not idle speculation, it is Biblical fact that the judgment of His congregation by His servants coming with the Word, is as them coming with fire from their mouths. Consider wisely:

    Jeremiah 5:11-14

The exact same symbolic language which we see in Revelations chapter eleven of the witnesses of God with fire coming out of their mouths whereby the enemies are killed. This fire is symbolizing the Word of God, which by the Spirit is the power of judgment given the Church. These false prophets who think that they are the safe and secure and no evil shall come upon them because they are God's Congregation[20], will have a rude awakening come the day of judgment. Because the Word which they disdain is the flaming sword of the Spirit which is the judgment which shall light upon them and devour them. Just as God prophesied to the Old Testament congregation that He would bring the nations upon the house of Israel as judgment, so God will also loose the beast who will bring the nations against His New testament congregation who has forsaken Him and done the same wicked and abominable things. For there is nothing New under the Sun.

If any man will hurt [adikeo], or treat unjustly that they offend God's Witnesses, His Holy Word will come down upon those wicked like the fire that came down from heaven in Elijah's day, and devoured his enemies. For the Word of God is as the flaming sword to protect them. It's basically the very same warning that Jesus gave the wicked in Matthew chapter eighteen, of the judgment which would come upon those who come against 'His Children.'

    Matthew 18:10

This is talking not about any literal children[20a], but the Spiritual Children of God. Our spirit is always before the face of God because we are those whom Revelation 11:4 said stand before the God of the Earth. We are those raised up with Christ to sit in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6) as Sons of God, humble before His holy Word, faithful children that we are beloved of Him. There is a biblical principle at work here, and it is that the Word of God protects His children that judgement is upon those who would hurt or unjustly offend them.

    Matthew 18:4-6

Not any little child, but one such little child in humility before God. We are these Children, New Testament prophets of God, and if anyone should hurt us, they come under the wrath of God's judgment. For by God's Spirit we stand before the father as righteous offspring, and our testimony to His Word is with power. It is not words spoken in vain or that return void. Inasmuch as the wicked do evil to God's Children, they are doing evil to God. Inasmuch as any will hurt them, Revelation eleven is illustrating that he must in this manner be killed. In other words, in like manner as they try to hurt the witnesses of God, they shall have retribution in kind. Their testimony against their lawlessness shall bring them death, the wages for their sin.

    Revelation 13:10

In like manner as the wicked do to God's servants, God will require it, and bring them into captivity of the beast, and kill them with the sword. The saints are patient[21], leaning upon God's Holy Word, and putting their trust in the Lord in time of great tribulation.

    Romans 12:12

Their faith is in God's Word and their hope is in Christ, and despite the tribulation brought about by the unrighteous who hate them (both inside and outside the Church), they continue instant in prayer and supplication to God, knowing that their inheritance in Salvation is assured. Here is the patience of the saints. They have the faith 'of' Christ.

The overview of verse five is that it is illustrating these witnesses of God are as the goodness of the green olive tree (Jeremiah 11:16), and as the light from a candlestick that they are delivered from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13). They are those who are clothed in righteousness that they may stand without fault before the God of all the earth. They are under God's care and protection (Revelation 12:14) so that if any man will hurt them, the Word of God as a flaming fire from their mouth will devour them as enemies of God. For those who are foes of the true Church (the indivisible body of Christ), are foes of Christ. If anyone shall hurt God's Witnesses, he must in this manner be killed. By the Word of God they shall be judged. As indeed Jesus plainly said:

    John 12:48

The witnesses of God, the testimony of Christ comes as a Word of Salvation, but also as a Word of judgment. By their witness Salvation comes to man, and likewise by their testimony the enemies of God will be judged. By this Word of God spoken as a witness against them, which they will have to give account of it at the last day. The enemies of God aren't literally killed by fire, but this is symbolism signifying that by the true believers coming with His Word from their mouths, it is as a fire which brings them death. This power of judgment refers to the power which is granted to the Church at the time of it's witness[22].


   Verse Six
The power the believers have to shut heaven and turn waters to blood is an illustration of the power they have to bind and loose. They come with the authority of judgement as God makes His inspired testimony at their mouth, to come to pass (thus are they prophets). This word translated power here is the Greek word [exousia], and means legal warrant or right to do these things. It's the exact same word translated 'authority' in verses such as:

    Matthew 8:9

    Matthew 21:23 This authority of God given to His prophets to shut Heaven is the authoritative power of the Word of God which they were 'commissioned' to bring. Just as a solder is commissioned to have authority or legal power, so the believers in the Church are commissioned and given authority. The Spirit in the witness of the Word is the authority of the Church, that the Word at their mouth is a Word of 'sure' judgment.

The imagery of rain or water in the Bible often 'signifies' either God's Word, or the means of Salvation[23]. For example as the Prophet Moses used rain to illustrate the Word.

    Deuteronomy 32:1-2

Rain (water), Bread, and Sun light are the things which sustain life in this world, and it is no coincidence that God uses all these things as a 'figure' of His Word which sustains life. This is why Christ is spoken of as the Word, the Bread, the Light, and His blood is symbolized as the water of Life. These are all spiritual truths illustrating our Salvation in Him.

    Isaiah 55:10-11

    Deuteronomy 32:2     Isaiah 12:2-3     Ephesians 5:26 Rain or water is the symbol of the purveyor of life, the Word of God. It is the water by which we live, and the living Word that by which we wash away our sins. As when Christ hung on the cross, there was water which came forth by the shedding of His blood with a spear. These are all spiritual significations. Rain or water is a figure of the Word and of Salvation. And Heaven often signifies the Kingdom of God (Revelation 12:1,4) from which this rain comes. Thus, the authority to shut heaven that it rain not, symbolizes God's judgment upon His unfaithful Kingdom (that is, the earthly representation of the kingdom of heaven) that there be no rain from it. A famine in the land not of a lack of literal water as some suppose, but of hearing the Word of God, which is the spiritual waters. To stop rain from heaven illustrates a judgement from God because of sin, that the Church will cease to have the Word. A ceasing of the blessings which God has promised to His congregation 'only' if they remained faithful to Him, or repented and turned from their sin. Just as the old testament types in Israel also prefigured.

    1 Kings 8:35-36

So long as Israel remained a faithful congregation, God promised it rain in due season, and bread abundantly. But He also promised His congregation judgement if it turned away from Him to apostasy. He would shut up heaven that they receive no rain, and it would leave the land desolate. And this is the judgment that is spoken of in revelation chapter eleven. Judgement upon the congregation of His inheritance because of unfaithfulness.

The authority to change waters to blood and to bring plagues upon men are also significations of God's judgments on the fountains (or places where water normally flows) that they are polluted. Just as God brought these judgments in a very literal sense in the plagues upon Egypt by Moses, and literally shut heaven by His prophet Elijah. The Church, coming in that same spirit and power, are given the authority of the Word. Just as John the baptist coming in the spirit and power of Elijah was. He warned of the coming judgement just as Elijah did.

    1st Kings 17:1

We read according to His Word (illustrating that this comes from Elijah), but we understand that it is truly a Word directly from the mouth of God Himself. This language merely illustrates God gave it to 'him' to speak. i.e., he was given authority by God to say these things on behalf of God. Elijah, being God's Prophet, brought this Word of judgment, and so it is spoken of as, 'according to his word.' In other words, he is the messenger, vessel, or tool which God used to get the job done. And like Elijah, the true Church is the Prophet of God who stands before the God of the earth (Revelation 11:4) having power to shut up Heaven that it rain not. Because (like Elijah) they come with the authority of the Word of God. They come in the spirit and power that elijah did. The Spirit of God that they had is the Word of judgement.

    Luke 4:25

The chart we saw previously showing the final three and a half days after the witnesses had finished their testimony was illustrating this three and a half years. Estimated by the weeks of years of Daniel chapter nine. It is a time of wrath upon this people. Elias (Elijah)