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THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST A publication of Volle Evangelie Gemeente ‘Immanuël’ Breda Author: Cees Visser (pastor) Translators: Bart den Bak, Ruud Lammers

The sixth trumpet (5)

Bible study 53

Introduction

After the sounding of the sixth trumpet the congregation of Jesus reaches the top of the mount Zion. She sings the new song. The day of the Lord dawns. The second coming of Christ is forthcoming. The glorification of His followers is at hand. By direction of Jesus the congregation gets ready for the confrontation with her last enemy, death. The moment approaches that the redemption becomes complete, after spirit, soul and body. Jesus enables His congregation – following His example – to rob death of his power and bring about imperishable life. By the power with which He subjects all things to Himself, she may – united with Him – lay down the perishable and put on the imperishable. The Lord changes the lowly body of His followers, so that it is like His glorious body. Death is swallowed up in victory (after 1Thess.5:23, 1Cor.15:53-54, 2Tim.1:10, Phil.3:20-21).

On their own ground

Death and the powers of dead do not set out as combatants (BS 32/3-4). That's why Jesus meets them on their own ground while executing His work of redemption. Voluntarily He surrenders to His enemies. Places Himself under the power of Death and the realm of the dead in the spiritual world. The enemy gets the opportunity to kill Him – and executes this too. His natural body dies on the cross, His spiritual body remains unaffected. By the power of God's Spirit Jesus frees Himself afterwards of all chains in the prison, of each tyranny in the realm of the dead. He rises from death, breaks through the power of death and his powers of the dead, dethrones the king of the realm of the dead. Death cannot hold his power over Jesus. He cannot detain Jesus (after Acts 2:24, see also BS 5,6).

Glory

Jesus throws light on imperishable life. In God's power His resurrected spiritual body reunites itself with His deceased natural body: He rises from the earthly grave. At the same time God clothes Him with glory. Jesus appears in a glorified body, in heaven and on earth. In this new, glorified form of existence He continues His work of salvation in man and creation.

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Likewise

After the sounding of the sixth trumpet the congregation also follows in the footprints of Jesus on this ground. Not to bring about once more the purification for sins – the sacrifice of Jesus is sufficient forever (see Heb. 10:14). But to cancel out now – on the basis of the work of Christ - the last consequence of the humiliation (BS 49/7-10). In the full knowledge of Christ she may be experiencing the power of His resurrection in fullness (Phil.3:10 NBV). And likewise turn the resurrection from the dead – which has become her share as from the rebirth – into a complete victory over death. The process of 'the first resurrection' gets its completion in Jesus' congregation.

Two witnesses

In this battle with Death and the realm of the dead the two witnesses act as representatives of the congregation. They do not love their lives so much as to shrink from death (see Rev.12:11 NIV). They are prepared to take on the martyrdom, and by doing so to complete the number of their co-servants who, for the sake of Christ and His gospel, have been killed (Rev.6:11, BS 33/8). They consider it as an honour to may be conformed to Jesus' death. And with regard to His congregation to may fill up in their flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's affliction (Col. 1:24 NIV).

Opportunity

Following the example of Jesus the two witnesses surrender voluntarily to their enemies, represented in the person of the antichrist. At the moment that God determines and Jesus indicates. No day or hour too early. As ultimate consequence of the pronouncement: This is your hour, the hour of the power of darkness. Just do what you intend to do, antichrist. You may conquer and kill us. This is your moment. We are ready for it (BS 52/4).

Given

The antichrist gets the opportunity to kill them. It is given to him to make war against the saints, to conquer and to kill them (Rev.13:7,11:7). That is the reality in heaven. The antichrist gives a totally different impression of things. He wants to make everyone believe that he, after having trampled down the outer court, now also tramples down the temple. Amidst his followers he presents himself as the irresistable conqueror. Who goes straight towards the absolute dominion in heaven and on earth. His followers admire and worship him with the words: Who is like him? Who can make war against him (after Rev.13:4 NIV)?

To kill

The antichrist grabs the chance, which the two witnesses offer him, with both hands. He does not hesitate one moment. He 'overpowers' the leaders of Jesus' congregation and kills

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them. In the firm conviction to break with it the 'oppositon' of the congregation, and to intimidate the believers, staying behind alive, in such a way, that they too are going to subject themselves to him. The Bible does not describe how this happens, in what way the antichrist conquers and kills the two witnesses; only that it will happen (see also Dan.7:21). From the book of Revelation we can no more than conclude on what scale this happens. How big is the group of 'two witnesses'? Are just a few leaders of Jesus' congregation involved or many ones more? Does it happen on one single place or are people being killed on more places at the same time? The details of this remain 'sealed' till the proper time. We are not going to guess or speculate about it. Apparently it is sufficient for this moment to only reveal the core of the happening. In two worlds

The antichrist overpowers the two witnesses in two worlds at the same time. In the visible, natural world they die. In the invisible, spiritual world they come under the power of Death and the realm of the dead. Not by their sins and transgressions, but because they surrender themselves to the antichrist, place themselves entirely of their own free will under the power of Death. They let themselves be put into the realm of the dead as 'war booty'. Without any resistance. After the image of Jesus Christ, their Lord. They know: this is for us, the opportunity to go to meet Death and the powers of the dead on their own territory. With this the exodus, that Jesus meant, begins: the way through the prison, the trek from the realm of the dead. This leads to triumph over death.

Jesus' stand by

Jesus personally stands by His two witnesses when they surrender themselves to the antichrist and by doing so to put themselves under the power of Death and the realm of the dead. Just as for the first martyr, Stephen, heaven is going to open for these last martyrs. They too see the Son of men standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56 NIV). Not sitting on His throne, but standing at the right hand of God (NBG): entirely involved in what is happening. He strengthens them through His Spirit, surrounds them through holy angels. Gives everything that is needed in this decisive confrontation with Death and the realm of the dead.

Praise

While they let themselves be 'shut in' into the spiritual prison, the two witnesses praise their Lord, Who counsels them. They focus constantly on Him, also in this hour of deep darkness. Because He stands at their right hand, they do not shake. Their heart rejoices, their soul shouts with joy: You will not abandon our soul to the realm of the dead, even our body will rest secure. You make known to us the path of life – right through

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death. Eternal pleasures are at Your right hand (after Ps.16:711). Publicly

The antichrist publicly admits his murder on the two witnesses. He does not hide their lifeless bodies. On the contrary: he does not even allow them to be buried. Everybody must see and hear what happens. Worldwide. He shouts it from the housetops that he will destroy the congregation of Jesus Christ. And by doing so to make an end to all tortures (!) which she causes (BS 48/8). That he is the 'redeemer', the new worldleader, who establishes an entirely new 'worldorder'. This is the hour and the power of darkness. The lie reigns.The darkness seems to be able to grasp the light and conquer it. The antichrist turns the whole world upside down. The people believing in him, make merry...

Description

Revelation 11 describes the happening briefly: Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which is figuratively called Sodom or Egypt, the city where also their Lord has been crucified. For three-and-a-half days men from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth (vs.810 NIV).

Square

John sees the square of the great city where Jesus has been crucified: the templesquare in Jerusalem. He sees the outercourt of the temple: the 'place' – rather: the situation – where the antichrist is lord and master. There the antichrist shows his booty: in front of the eyes of the world. In order that many people become impressed by it and start to believe in him. This square is located before the temple: the antichrist lets the whole happening take place before the eyes of Jesus' congregation. In order to press his reality upon the living ones who survive and remain faithful to Jesus and worship God. In order to frighten them and to get them in his power.

Jerusalem and Babylon

The situation on the square of the great city characterizes the spiritual condition of the whole city of Jerusalem at that moment. With the exception of the temple we may also call her Babel: in spiritual sense the apostate Jerusalem stands in one line with the adultary committing Babylon. In addition the trampling down of the outer court in Jerusalem coincides with the capture of Babel, with the downfall of Babylon. The two witnesses are killed at the 'captured square' of the 'devastated city'.

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Sodom

Revelation 11:8 records still two more names. The spiritual situation in Jerusalem also bears the characteristics of Sodom and Egypt. The lawlessness of Sodom rules in the apostate Jerusalem (comp.Jer.23:14). On the (temple)square of this great city one does not even find one righteous person (comp.Gen.18:32). The destruction of Sodom is similar to the downfall of Jerusalem/Babylon. Both cities will be consumed by fire in one day (see Gen.19:24,Rev.18:8).

Egypt

Although the inhabitants of Jerusalem think they are 'free', they are, in reality, under the power of the Pharao of Egypt: the antichrist. They do not participate in the redemption from the spiritual Egypt, which the Lord works through the New Testamentary Moses (see BS 51/6-8); they meet on towards their destruction (Jude:5). They are subservient to the 'king of Babel' (Jer.28:14), subjected to the whims of 'Pharao'. In spite of the delight of all 'the fleshpots of Egypt' there is an iron yoke on their necks: to make them slaves, they are subjected to great pressure, they have to do what their lord commands. This especially appears in the time that is coming, after the sounding of the seventh trumpet.

Rejoicing

And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over the death of the two witnesses (after Rev.11:10 KJV)They believe the lie of their leader and with him, increase the pressure on the congregation more and more. They are of the opinion that the battle against the congregation of Jesus is decided to their advantage. The 'proof' of it being visible to everyone... This rejoicing lasts for a short while. For only several days. Then the seventh trumpet sounds and the situation then appears to be entirely different...

Congregation on earth

The congregation does not let herself be intimidated by the antichrist. Not be diverted by the joy of the people. She knows what will happen when the antichrist and his followers kill the two witnesses. She does not look on the visible, on the situation/reality of 'the square of the great city'. She keeps on focusing on the invisible, on what Jesus works out with the two witnesses in the spiritual world. She lives from the reality of Christ. She stands with the Lamb on the top of Mount Zion, before God's throne. Youth and seniors are gathered in unity. In prayer and worship. Fully prepared to go along in what comes. The living left ones in Jesus' congregation come completely 'loose' from the earth: they cease each activity in the natural world. It now only turns around one thing: the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. His great day dawns!

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Difference

What a difference with the disciples at the time, in the period between the dying of Jesus and His resurrection. Then dismay and uncertainty regarding the future. Now a view on the victory and full certainty about the time that arrives. Then grief and mourning because of the death. Now intensive joy and expectancy because of the life that is going to reveal itself in imperishableness and glory: one looks forward to the resurrection from the dead of the two witnesses, full of faith. The victory over death becomes a fact.

Congregation in heaven

I believe that Jesus also informs His congregation in heaven about the actual situation. Amongst them are the martyrs of the first hour. With the fifth seal Jesus gives us a view on the existence of and the developments in His heavenly congregation (BS 33). These people, too, long for the completion of Jesus' work, for the reunion with their brothers and sisters on earth in the glory of the Lord. Through the speaking of the Lord they know what precedes to it: first the number of the martyrs must be 'completed' (Rev.6:11). The question 'how long, yet, Lord?', is no longer be heard. They, too, know: the moment has come. They, too, stand ready, prepared for the break of the day of Christ. God's entire Kingdom is concerned with what happens: God and Jesus, men and angels. All of them together. What a moment!

In the realm of the dead

Although the two witnesses let themselves be carried off in their dying process to the 'territory' where death rules, let themselves be 'locked up' in the spiritual prison, they remain united with Jesus. God's Spirit does not leave them. In spite of his power the antichrist cannot come up against it. Nothing and nobody can separate them from God's love and power, which works in Christ Jesus: neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither height nor depth (after Rom.8:3839).

Unique situation

A unique situation comes into being: Death and the powers of the dead have to start ruling over people, full of light and life, filled with God's Spirit. Are they able to do that? Will Death maintain his power over the two witnesses? Will the realm of the dead be able to hold these men? Can the antichrist prove his 'grip' on them? Death and the realm of the dead must let go of Jesus. As sinless and perfectly righteous man, the One and Only Son of God, appears inapproachable. Does this also apply to these righteous, adopted sons of God, who have been subjected to death? Does God's Spirit work in these sanctified ones in the same way as in the Holy One? Can they also set themselves

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free from their spiritual chains? Break open also the realm of the dead from the inside and rise from the dead? God's power

This confrontation immediately starts with the decease of the two witnesses. Who is the strongest? The antichrist – clothed with all power in the realm of Satan and Death, working with the power and the violence of death and destruction. Or the two witnesses – united with Jesus Christ, anointed with Holy Spirit, working with the power of God? The outcome does not take long. The miracle of the resurrection occurs once more. By God's Spirit Jesus resurrects His two witnesses. He enables them to dispose themselves of every spiritual domination and go around as free men. At His word they arise, throw off each 'chain'. United with their Lord they reveal the power of light and life in the centre of power of darkness and death. Not yet visible on earth: there their bodies still lie on the square of the great city. There the antichrist still keeps up the pretence. Already visible in heaven: In God's Kingdom sounds jubilation, to the honour of God and Jesus.

Walk around

The realm of the dead is again coming into commotion. Just like Jesus the two witnesses appear to be unapproachable for their enemies. They too walk around freely in the realm of the dead. Preach the gospel to the spirits in prison, after the example of their Lord (see 1Pet.3:19). For people who have met the King of Life at the time, this is a confirmation of what they already heard from Him. There is coming an end to the imprisonment. The great, general resurrection from the dead, draws near. The 'consolation' among them increases. For all those who, after Jesus' resurrection arrive in the realm of the dead, now, likewise, sounds clear and bright: life is stronger than death, light conquers darkness. They too are comforted. Everyone takes courage. Still a short period of time. Then Jesus Christ with His congregation will dismantle and untie the entire realm of the dead. And meet all those who long after light and life in endless mercy and grace. Also to make them share in His salvation.

Division into two groups

The deceased people in the light zone of the realm of the dead take courage. They sense something of the water of life (comp. Luke 16:24). They get a view on a new existence, in the time of the new heaven and the new earth. The people in the dark zone of the realm of the dead – in the abyss – react with rejection, just as was the case when Jesus walked around. They prefer darkness above light, love the lie, do not do the truth. They hate the light and do not go towards the light. And by doing so they put themselves out of the life

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which God offers each man in Jesus Christ (see John 3:19-20, Rev.22:15). The existing division into two groups in the realm of the dead appears once more. The 'great chasm' between the light zone and the dark zone in the realm of the dead draws the line along which 'the last judgement' is executed in the future (see Luke 16:26, Rev.20:11-15). The already long existing situation, in fact, is confirmed. Capitulation

After the accomplishment of their preaching in the realm of the dead a magnificent moment arrives for the two witnesses. Jesus calls on them and enables them to break open 'the gates of the realm of the dead' from the inside. In order to rise now also from the dead in the visible world. Death capitulates once more. Now for sons of God, who follow in the footsteps of the Son of God. People after God's image and likeness, filled with God's Spirit. He cannot retain them. He has to let them go. Death and realm of the dead have to acknowledge that the congregation rises above them in power and strength through the work of Jesus Christ. It's all over, the victory over death and the realm of the dead is a fact. Heaven jubilates!

Claim

The two witnesses claim that Death nullifies his infringement on the life of the congregation. That an end comes to the humiliation, the 'brokenness'. They claim the immortality and imperishableness of the congregation. The perfect unity of spirit, soul and body is recovered. The last obstacle on the route to glorification is being taken with this. Everything is now ready to enter into the day of Christ.

Resurrection

The happenings in the spiritual world become visible on earth. Before the eyes of the antichrist and his followers the two witnesses come alive again. After the three-and-a-half days a breath of life from God enters them and they stand on their feet (after Rev.11:11 NIV). The two witnesses come as conquerors from the realm of the dead. After the example of Jesus their spiritual body reunites itself with their deceased natural body. By God's power they awaken again their 'earthly tent'. After which they are 'clothed': God clothes them with His glory. The mortal is swallowed up by life (2Cor.5:4)! From heaven a voice is heard: 'Come up here'. God Himself calls His sons to come up. In order to go up in their glorified body to heaven and take their place in this new form of existence.

Feast

What a moment. The people at the temple square see it happen. First the resurrection of the two witnesses, after that

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the ascension into heaven. This is not what they expected. And terror strikes them (Rev.11:11). The congregation of Jesus makes merry. She expected this moment with great pleasure. By the victory of the two witnesses she also may lay down the mortal and the perishable, and by God's power put on the immortal and the imperishable. She too is clothed in a flash, in 'the twinkling of an eye': God clothes her also with His glory. For the entire congregation of Jesus comes true: Death has been swallowed up in victory (after 1Cor.15:52,54). Seventh trumpet

The seventh trumpet sounds. Together with the voice from heaven. All members of Jesus' congregation on earth may climb up into heaven in a glorified body. To meet the Lord in the air. The great day of the Lord dawns. The Second Coming of Jesus takes shape. About that more in the next Biblestudy.