The words of Jesus are in red text.

Part 3 of 3 The Latter Time of Indignation Note: The following content (in this section) is based upon logical speculation. Indignation is commonly defined as strong anger aroused within someone who perceives they have received unjustified and unfair treatment. Many of us can remember our response when someone treated us unfairly, spoke untruths about us, or caused us to experience unwarranted emotional pain. As our indignation (anger) welled up from deep within us we (1) mentally “chewed on” (over and over) what happened, and (2) considered possible responses involving various types of retribution and punishment for what they did. Those who are filled with the Holy Spirit will also experience an opposing struggle between the desired response of our flesh (to extract a pound of their flesh), and the urging of the Spirit to forgive them. Christians are instructed to forgive as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14, Mark 11:25, Colossians 3:13). When wronged, remember the following when experiencing anger and considering retribution: • Jesus asked the Father to forgive those who unjustifiably crucified Him as He hung on the cross to die…because, “They do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34 • Paul said do not retaliate when wronged. “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 God gave Daniel a prophetic vision about the last days—which was interpreted by Gabriel (an angelic messenger of God). Gabriel stated Daniel’s vision is about the end times, the Beast and his source of power, and what the Beast will do—all of which will occur during “the latter time of the indignation.” • “The vision refers to the time of the end.’” Daniel 8:17 • “What shall happen in the latter time of the indignation ; for at the appointed time the end shall be.” Daniel 8:19 Gabriel’s words of “latter time of the indignation” provides an interesting insight into the Tribulation; Great Tribulation; motivation behind Satan’s actions; and why God will deliver His wrath upon earth prior to the return of Jesus. Daniel 9:27 reveals the Beast will confirm a covenant with the many for “one week” (7 years) for the Israelites to resume sacrifices and offerings. This is the first half of the Tribulation when the Beast will “lay the framework” to execute his revenge. But when 3½ years have passed (mid Tribulation) the Beast will break his covenant—which initiates the Great Tribulation, or the “latter time of the indignation.” Those who are living during the Great Tribulation will experience the consequences of Satan’s unrighteous indignation, and God’s righteous indignation. Satan’s Unrighteous Indignation Satan lost in his attempt to overthrow God, and was cast out of Heaven to his earthly prison to await his final punishment. Meanwhile, he has experienced indignation because his malignant mind is unable to recognize what he did was wrong; he perceives his punishment is unjustified and unfair; and he seeks retribution for his pain. When he (the Holy Spirit) who restrains is taken out of the way (2 Thessalonians 2:6-12), is when the lawless one (the Beast) will be revealed; and when the unbridled source of global devastation will arise as Satan (via the Beast) will destroy as many as possible. For Daniel was told by Gabriel, “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king shall arise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes. His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; he shall destroy fearfully, and shall prosper and thrive; he shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity.” Daniel 8:23-25 Because of Satan’s delusional darkness; because he cannot see beyond his mind-bending indignation; because he has a grandiose perception of who he is and his abilities; and because he does not understand God has used him from the beginning to fulfill His will—Satan will (1) create global devastation and death, and (2) attempt to achieve his greatest retribution by making a stand against Jesus—but he will be defeated again. “He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means.” Daniel 8:25 God’s Righteous Indignation God designed us and equipped us with the capacity to love Him as He loves us. Throughout time, God has sought a loving relationship with His human creation. Jesus was asked, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” Matthew 22:36-37 God has done everything to reach us and change our hearts towards Him. However, many have “turned their backs” on Him—starting with Adam and Eve. As the human population grew, Ezekiel chapter 16 reveals God’s love for Jerusalem. It describes how God chose Abrahams’s descendants for Himself; took them under His wing; dwelled amongst them; anointed them; and adorned them with gifts of His love. However, the scripture reveals they also turned their back on God and became a “harlot” because they sinned with other lovers. “For thus says the Lord God: ‘I will deal with you as you have done, who despised the oath by breaking the covenant.’ Nevertheless I will remember My covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you.” Ezekiel 16:59-60 God’s everlasting covenant is based upon believing in His Son, Jesus Christ, who shed His blood on the cross as a propitiation for our sins. Propitiation may be defined as appeasing the wrath of an offended person and being reconciled to him—for when we sin…we sin against God. Simply stated, the sins of those who believe in His Son are forgiven. The evening before Jesus was crucified, as He ate with His apostles, “He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.’” Luke 22:17-20 Jesus declared, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:16-21 Those who reject Jesus prefer sin, turn their backs on God, and will experience His righteous wrath as it is poured out upon earth (Revelation chapters 8, 9, and 16)…and for eternity. Messaging That Attacks Christians Note: The following content in this section is based upon logical speculation. Jesus declared (in Matthew 24:24) that false christs and false prophets will perform signs and wonders to deceive during the last days. As such, in addition to false christs and false prophets, it is probable that “public persons” (those who are depicted in various types of communication media) will claim to be Christian—but will speak inappropriate words, and/or will demonstrate hypocritical behavior—which will provide content for the deceived that will justify verbally and physically attacking Christians. These persons who claim to be “Christian” will either be demonically inspired, or will lack spiritual maturity. Regardless, their actions will provide strong evidenced- based messaging that declares to those who follow the Beast: “Do not believe Christians because they are hypocritical, delusional, judgmental bigots, and filled with hatred.” Besides, this type of messaging is becoming more commonplace today. However, because Christians will see and understand the signs of the times; and because they will reject the beast and his mark; and because they will warn anyone who will listen about the beast, who he is and what he will do—an additional message will be propagated that will increase the anger within those who are deceived: “Christians stand in the way of the Beast!” This messaging, combined with the aforementioned lies, will serve as a means to justify and magnify Christian persecution—against those who are easily identifiable because they do not have the Beast’s mark! “Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction.” 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 Christian Response to the Beast There will be many who know and see truth—and they will spiritually recognize the Beast is the embodiment and personification of Satan, and the fulfillment of prophecy. As such, Christians will become more vocal during the last days—as they warn against the Beast and declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, as the power and control of the Beast becomes more dominant, it will become increasingly difficult for Christians to warn others about the Beast, and to share their faith as persecution increases. It is highly probable the Beast will declare Christians should be stopped via whatever means—for this is what religious and government leaders did to Jesus and His disciples, and what Hitler did to the Jews. The Bible reveals Christians will die for their testimony. “And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:4 If the rapture occurs prior to the murderous events described above, those who will die for their testimony may have committed their lives to Christ after they witnessed the Rapture. If so, these are those who heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and were aware of future prophetic events—but failed to make a decision for Jesus and were left behind—and now must endure unimaginable hardship, afflictions, and even death for their faith. As such, now is the time to prepare your heart and be continually ready! Jesus said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:36-44 The following scripture is relevant for all Christians living at this time. “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Tim 4:1-5 Christians will experience unimaginable fear during the Tribulation. As such, remember the following: • Jesus said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 • “Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways.” Psalm 128:1 The Beast’s Final Demise The culmination of Satan’s desire is to destroy Israel; and to kill every Jew and every person who is saved by faith in Jesus—as he amasses armies around Israel. Jesus warned us about these times: “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.” Luke 21:20 Known as the Battle of Armageddon, is when the Beast, the False Prophet, and kings of the earth (who will fall prey to the Beast via the performance of signs by demons) will gather their armies together to attack Israel. “Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. ‘Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.’ And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.” Revelation 16:12-16 However, victory in this battle will not occur because of human tactics and earthly power. This war against Israel’s enemies will be won by Jesus Christ—the Messiah promised by God. “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, ‘Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.’ And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.” Revelation 19:11-21 It is important for all to realize…all that has occurred, is occurring, and will occur…is about the Israelites. God made promises to His chosen…and He will fulfill every one of them. God said to Abram, “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and I will curse him who curses you.” Gen 12:2-3 All of the darkness; all of the division, all of the anger, all of the destruction, all of the death; and all of the unimaginable events the world will experience during the last days—will be allowed by God as a means to separate the wheat from the tares, as He places Israel in the center of His universe when Jesus returns. Jesus will simultaneously destroy Satan, the Beast, the False Prophet, Israel’s enemies, and fulfill God’s promises. This is when God’s beloved will realize Jesus Christ is His promised Messiah—the one whom they pierced—and they will mourn. “In that day the Lord will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; the one who is feeble among them in that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God, like the Angel of the Lord before them. It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.” Zechariah 12:8-10 Satan received an eternal death sentence for his attempt to overthrow God. Similar to a person who receives a death sentence for their crime is put into prison to await execution of their physical body. Satan was thrown out of Heaven and cast down to earth to await his execution in the lake of fire—for spirits (including our soul) will never die. However, those who are thrown into the lake of fire will greatly desire the absolute extermination of their existence—because the eternal torment of God’s wrath far exceeds any form of torture man has devised, and beyond human comprehension. “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:10-15   What is Your Response? Take a close look at what’s going on in the world today. Although there is increasing division between people, strife, hatred, and chaos; although we are shocked daily by the number of people killing one another, and by the atrocities of world leaders; and although we have a deep awareness that something is not right and the future looks unsure and bleak—things will get much worse. As we see last day events come to fruition, it will serve as a confirmation we are witnessing the fulfillment of prophecy. If it is your heart’s desire to fulfill the demands of your flesh—you know your final destiny. However, if you desire to seek and know God, there is a much better way. Jesus Christ willingly gave His life as a ransom for our sins so that we can be forgiven and live for eternity with Him in Heaven? Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 There is nothing we can do to improve ourselves to make us more acceptable to God—for if this was possible He would not have sent His Son to die for our sins. It is only when we are truly forgiven is when the darkness, and bondage, and consequences of sin is replaced by His light, His grace, and His love—which causes a compelling desire to well up from within our heart to follow and serve Him. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20 It is an indescribable feeling when we know Jesus is knocking on the door to our heart. However, this is also when an unseen spiritual battle is going on for our soul—because lies will also enter into our thoughts that provide reasons to not let Him in. Spending eternity with Jesus begins with a simple prayer—from your heart—unto God. If you decide to let Him in…pray in this manner: Holy God, I am a sinner. I believe Your Son, Jesus, paid the price for my sins when He died on the cross. Jesus, I open the door of my heart to you, and ask you to live within me as my Savior and Lord. Holy Spirit change me to become more like Jesus and less like myself. To learn more about Jesus, discover more about yourself, and understand God’s love for you…first read “3 Types of Death 1 Source of life” then “What is a Born-Again Christian” on UniqueBibleStudies.com. Prepare because He is coming soon! All for His Glory! Harold D. Thomas Bible Study Thought-Provoking Questions The purpose of the questions is to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Bible, this Bible study topic, and ourselves. The questions may be answered by each reader, or used by a Bible study group leader, or church pastor. The questions should be answered or discussed after reading “The Beast.” In addition, the questions are designed to enhance learning via the determination of personal opinions and/or discovering how the lesson content relates to our personal lives. As such, no answers are provided. Questions Identify at least one national leader (past/present) that demonstrated sociopathic and narcissistic behaviors. • What lies did/do they use to gain/remain in power? • Did/do they use techniques used by Hitler (indoctrination, cult, fear, scapegoats, war)? Why did Jesus declared the Temple would be destroyed? Why do you think Satan wants the Temple rebuilt? The lesson stated the following. Do you agree or disagree with each? Explain. • God will allow Satan (via the Beast) to exercise unrestrained deception (see 2 Thess 2:7-8). • The Mark of the Beast will: o Serve as the final “separator” of the wheat from the tares. o Be visible and easily identifiable (see Rev 20:4) How do you think Christians will survive without the mark? Scripture declares the Beast will be given authority over every tribe, tongue, and nation; and those who dwell on earth will worship him (Revelation 13:4, 7-8). The lesson used logical speculation to identify possible means for this to occur. Do you agree or disagree with each? Explain. • Nations will either willingly join him, or will be overcome by war. • Existing factors will likely have an impact, such as: o Economic Interdependence between nations. o Unsustainable debt that may cause a global economic meltdown. The lesson used logical speculation to downplay the role of the UN, and elevated the potential role of NATO during the last days. Do you agree or disagree? Explain. The lesson stated truths will become lies, and lies will become truths. • Do you agree or disagree? Explain. • Consider the following: Lies often include a component of truth. Explain how and why this is done.   Scripture states great signs and wonders will be demonstrated by the lawless one, false christs, and false prophets (2 Thess 2:9-10; Matt 24:24; Rev 13:11-14, 16:13-14, 19:19-20). • Why will these events occur and how will people respond? • Read Revelation 11:1-13. o Why do you think God will send His two witnesses? o What signs will they demonstrate? o What will enable tribes, tongues and nations to see their dead bodies for 3½ days? Plus, was this possible when this scripture was written? o What do you think will occur after they rise from the dead for all to see? The lesson used logical speculation to interpret the meaning of the “Latter time of the indignation” for both Satan and God (Daniel 8:19). Do you agree or disagree? Explain. “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.” Revelation 20:1-3 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:7-10 Read the above scripture. • Why do you think Satan was not thrown into the lake of fire with the Beast and false prophet, but was bound and thrown into the bottomless pit for 1,000 years? • What type of influence will Satan have during the Millennial (1,000 year) Reign of Jesus Christ? • Why do you think God will release Satan to deceive the nations into battle? • Does his release relate to the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares? Explain. • Satan will be cast into the eternal lake of fire to receive his final execution. Note Satan was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are (and not was). o What does the word “are” convey? o Is the word “are” reinforced by the next verse (“they”)? o Referred to in the Bible as the second death (Rev 2:11, 20:6, 20:14, 21:8): ▪ Attempt to describe what someone may experience in the lake of fire, day and night for eternity. ▪ Can you think of anything upon this earth…and in your life…that justifies rejecting Jesus and being cast into the lake of fire for eternity? Jesus declared, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 You may download a PDF version of the questions by clicking on this button. Can you think of someone who may benefit from this lesson? If yes, PASS IT ON!