Sunday, April 27, 2025

Refutting the Irrefutable Proof = Demon Locust Revelation 9:1-11

Proof #3: Revelation 9 – Demon Locusts
Destroys the False Claim That the Church Will Endure the Tribulation on Earth But Will Be Supernaturally Protected from God's Wrath. 
*** My reactions in BLUE ***

This one I've never heard anyone talk about as being a pre-trib rapture proof, but it certainly is.

* Not that strong or clear of a "proof", and that is why other Pre-tribbers do not use this argument.

 Let's look at these demon locusts in Revelation 9, where we first see the blowing of the 5th trumpet of God. 

"And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power." (Revelation 9:1-3 KJV)

These are not just locusts. These are demons who have been imprisoned in the bottomless pit and are now set free to roam about the Earth. 

* Possibly demons, but it does not say that. Only implies they are under the control of a demon, Revelation 9:12 says,
And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon * DESTRUCTION *,
but in Greek he has the name 
Apollyon * DESTROYER *. )

They appear to look like locusts, but they have power to inflict intense pain on people, as that of a scorpion. 

* If you read further in the passages, verses 7 - 10, they do NOT appear to look like "locusts".

7 The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle. On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men. 
They had hair like women's hair, and their teeth were like lions' teeth. 
And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle. 
10 They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. Their power was to hurt men five months.

The swarm and destructive operation is pictured by calling them "locusts".
One should remember that much of what is told to us in Revelation uses symbolic and not literal language.
That is why you'll find so many different interpretations of most of what is written in the book.

"And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them." (Revelation 9:4-6 KJV)

These demon locusts will sting people and their sting will be so painful that the people will wish to die but death will elude them. There's only one group of people who will be protected from this attack: Those who have the seal of God in their foreheads, for it says that these demon locusts were only allowed to sting "those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads."

* Agreed.
Those who have the seal of God on their foreheads are the only ones mentioned as being excluded from the locusts.
But who and how many of the remainder of those few ( remember most have died from the first 6 seals and the 4 previous trumpets of the 7th seal )
will actually be affected ( attacked / tormented ) by the locusts is not specifically referenced by number or percentage ( as in other judgements ).
It does not say everyone without the seal of God,
nor does it say only those with the mark of the beast
( as referenced in Revelation 14:9-11 about torment and the wrath of God upon those specifically with the mark and who worship the beast ).
All I am saying is that this passage does not exclude protection to believers. 
Nor does it say there are no other children of God ( Believers in Jesus Christ ) alive on the earth,
besides the 144,000 virgin, blameless, from the 12 tribes of Israel
( not sure why Dan is missing from the list, but that is another highly debated topic ... of which Revelation is full of ). 


Who are the ones that will be protected by having a seal placed in their foreheads? There's only one group mentioned in Scripture: the 144,000 witnesses of the tribes of Israel. From Revelation 7:

"And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel." (Revelation 7:2-4 KJV)

Only the 144,000 witnesses of the tribes of Israel are sealed in their foreheads. They are the only ones protected from these demon locusts, who will sting like scorpions, causing intense pain for 5 months. No one else is sealed.

* So, would this mean there are NO believers on the Planet except the 144,000 virgin, blameless children of Israel?
It is clear the "locusts" ( which are not grasshoppers in this passage ), are not allowed to hurt those with the Seal of God.
However, I find it hard to believe that those are the only ones left on the planet who might also be protected. We see a dividing of those who do survive the great tribulation as being divided into two groups.
And we see a group who had not worshipped the beast or received the mark entering into the Kingdom here on Earth.
The 144,000 are a special and select group as referenced in Revelation chapter 14 verse 1 - 5. And would not be part of the dividing of the survivors upon Jesus' return to rule and reign.

Why is this a proof of a pre-trib rapture of the Church?

Because it shows that if the Church were on Earth during this time, then they will not be protected from these demon locusts!

* Not exactly.. the verse says the 144,000 are specifically a protected group.
It does not exclude God's wrath from sparing any other "believers" on earth ( who have not already been martyred or otherwise perished ).

The people who believe in a post-trib rapture teach that the Church will go through the entire tribulation but be protected from God's wrath. Clearly, if the Church is on Earth during this time, they will not be protected. Only the 144,000 will be sealed and protected. Scripture is crystal clear on this, even citing the exact number of people, all Jews from Israel, who will be protected. No one else will be protected. That means if the Church is on Earth during this time, they will not be protected. They will be stung by demon locusts and will be tormented for 5 months, seeking death but unable to find it.

That's CRAZY if you think God will put His children through that!

* Agreed.
That does sound CRAZY, and why it does not fit. Too much is being read into the passage. So much of Revelation is beyond our ability to understand. At least at this time.
That is why we need to look at the clear passages about when Christ is going to return as that is when are are told we will either be resurrected or changed in a twinkling of an eye ( at the last Trumpet ).
Pre-trib doctrine teaches
TWO distinct coming of Christ ( one before and one after the Tribulation )
and
TWO distincted "gatherings" of believers ( the Church before the Tribulation and newly saved survivors of the Tribulation at the gathering of the "Elect" ).
I've written and spoken about the "Elect" not being just the Jews in the past. 
AND no one can show in Scripture ( anywhere ) that there are TWO different Comings of Jesus Christ.
Each time His return is mentioned is the one and same return.
And you can try to debate when this occurs,
but Jesus clearly tells us in Matthew 24:29-31 that He returns immediately after the Tribulation of those Days.

Post-trib believers try to draw a distinction between the wrath of Satan and the wrath of God, as if that even mattered, saying that the Church won't be protected from Satan's wrath, just from God's wrath. That's crazy talk, for God uses people, kings, and even demons to deliver His wrath. That's like saying that when Old Testament Israel was taken to Babylon, it was the wrath of Nebuchadnezzar, not the wrath of God, that afflicted them. That's crazy. God used Nebuchadnezzar to deliver His wrath the same way God will use Satan and these demon locusts to deliver His wrath. And besides, the 5th trumpet that opens the bottomless pit and releases these locusts was instigated by God. 

* Agreed.
However, the wrath of God starts with the opening of the 7th seal.
And God's ability to protect His own should never be doubted.
I have written and spoken specifically about God's protection in other posts.

This whole notion that the Church will be on Earth during the tribulation but will be protected by God is blown apart by this account of demon locusts, for Scripture clearly says that no one will be protected other than the 144,000 Jewish witnesses from Israel. So, if the Church is on Earth through the entire tribulation, we're not protected. Do you really think that God, Who dearly loves His children, will allow us to be tormented for 5 months by demon locusts? 

It's not going to happen. The Church is nowhere on Earth when these locusts are released. If the Church were on Earth, then God would put a seal on our heads to protect us, just like He plans to do for the 144,000 Jewish witnesses. But Scripture is very clear that ONLY the 144,000 witnesses will be sealed. 

God loves His children and will not subject us to demon locusts.

*** Repeating the same thing 3 times does not necessarily make it true.

But aren't there Tribulation saints on earth, those who come to believe in Christ during the Tribulation? Won't they be protected?
Maybe there are no Christian believers at the time that these locusts are released.
Notice that it says the people who are stung will seek death but not find it. Why can't they find death if they seek it? Maybe, in God's mercy, He uses the torment of these locusts to wake unbelievers up to where they cry out to Him to be rescued and saved. Maybe this is one of several means He uses to turn people to Christ during the Tribulation so that there can be Tribulation saints.

We talk about the 7-year Tribulation as being a time of God's wrath, but it is also a time of God's mercy, for if He just wanted to kill unbelievers, He could do that in an instant, not take 7-years to do it. Maybe in His mercy He's allowing people to experience these horrible destructions and sufferings to give them one last chance to repent and be saved. Maybe this causes a revival. We don't know for sure.

*** That is a lot of "maybe"...
I propose that "maybe"
God can and will protect any believers still alive
IN ADDITION to the 144,000 virgin, blameless Jews ( assuming 144,000 of them are still "alive" at this time.. it does not tell us when or if they "die" during the tribulation period ).
There is a lot that "We don't know for sure".

But what we do know is that Scripture is crystal clear on there being only 144,000 Jewish witness who are protected from these demon locusts. So, if the Church is on Earth, we will not be protected. God would never let that happen. The only answer is that the Church is not on Earth when these demon locusts are released.

That's irrefutable proof #3 – Demon Locusts.

You can't deny this or explain it away. It's undeniable proof that the Church is not on Earth until the Second Coming.

That's because the Church is already raptured, already in heaven, when this happens.

The pre-trib rapture of the Church is a fact proven by Scripture.

* Again, repeating something 3 times 

  • Church is not on Earth,
  • Church is already raptured,
  • pre-trib rapture of the Church is a fact proven by Scripture

Does not make it "true".

* Please review other blog posts and videos to learn more on End Times,
and the timing of the Return of Jesus Christ to rule and reign.

Maranatha.


--
Saved by Grace,
Andrew Cross

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, 
but exhorting one another, 
and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25


Saturday, April 26, 2025

Pre-Trib Rapture Comfort Misunderstanding of I Thessalonians 4:18



One of the most common verses to try to prove
there must be a Pre-trib Rapture of the Church
is 1 Thessalonians 4:18.
Where it says 
" Therefore comfort one another with these words.  ".

I believe this is being used out of context.
Let me show you why.
And then you can decide for yourself.

The passage starts in verse 13 of chapter 4.
It is here that Paul clearly states the purpose.
He wants the Thessalonians to understand the future of
those believers that had already died.
And not be sad or grieving 
as though they would never see them again.
In verse 13 it says,

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, 
concerning those who have fallen asleep, 
lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

And then he goes on to tell them 
that when Jesus comes back,
He will raise the dead believers first,
and also 
He will gather those believers alive at the time.
And we will all meet together in the air at the Lord's return.

If you want to know where He is returning, 
I would say that  Acts 1:11 is a clear reference.
It tells us that He will descend back to the mount of Olivet
where he departed the earth nearly 2,000 years ago.

For context let's read the passages in question.
First 
in Acts chapter 1 verses 9-11 
we read,

Now when He had spoken these things, 
while they watched, 
He was taken up, 
and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 
And while they looked steadfastly 
toward heaven as He went up, 
behold, 
two men stood by them in white apparel, 
who also said, 
"Men of Galilee, 
why do you stand gazing up into heaven? 
This same Jesus, 
who was taken up from you into heaven, 
will so come in like manner 
as you saw Him go into heaven."

Focusing again
on the comfort passage in 1st Thessalonians,
let's read verses 13 - 18
You can decide what it is referring to.
It says,

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, 
concerning those who have fallen asleep, 
lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, 
even so God will bring with Him 
those who sleep in Jesus.
For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, 
that we who are alive and remain 
until the coming of the Lord 
will by no means precede those who are asleep. 
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven 
with a shout, 
with the voice of an archangel, 
and with the trumpet of God. 
And the dead in Christ will rise first. 
Then we who are alive and remain 
shall be caught up together with them 
in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. 
And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 
Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Nothing here about removing the Church from the planet before the Tribulation.
Only the promise that when He returns we can expect two wonderful things to occur.

# 1 ) He brings the previously deceased believers ( those asleep ) back with Him,

# 2 ) Those believers who are alive 
        will be caught up and join them 
        to be with the Lord ( always ).

Please check out the other Videos on this channel 
that cover more on the topic
of the Post Tribulation Rapture 
versus a Pre-Tribulation Rapture.

Thanks for making it to the end of this video.
Until next time,
Maranatha



--
Saved by Grace,
Andrew Cross

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, 
but exhorting one another, 
and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25


Sunday, April 13, 2025

The Mark of the Beast - What is it? - Who gets its? - Why you must NOT take the Mark.

You've likely heard a lot of talk about the Mark of the Beast.
But what does the Bible actually say about it?
What might this "Mark" be?
And how can one avoid getting this MARK?

I will show you the 4 specific bible passages 
that talk about the Mark.
*list = Rev. 13:16-18,14:9-11,19:20,20:4

Let's start with the first mention
and most widely quoted
passage about the Mark of the Beast.
In Revelation 13:16-18
we read

He causes all, both small and great, 
rich and poor, free and slave, 
to receive a mark on their right hand 
or on their foreheads, 
and that no one may buy or sell 
except one who has the mark 
or the name of the beast, 
or the number of his name.
Here is wisdom. 
Let him who has understanding 
calculate the number of the beast, 
for it is the number of a man: 
His number is 666.

The "he" here is the the false prophet,
or 2nd beast in Revelation 13:11.
He uses signs and wonders to deceive
the unbelievers in the world to worship the first beast.
The first beast is empowered by the dragon 
( aka Satan ).
And in Revelation 13 verse 5, 
we see that he will have authority 
to act for 42 months.
In verse 7 of this passage,
we see his influence will be felt by everyone in the world.
Whether he will have absolute control over every country
is something I discuss in more detail in the post,
Does the Beast
REALLY control the Whole World?
And I'll link to this at the end of the post ( video ).
* photo
The first mention of "the beast" 
in the book of Revelation comes 
at the death of the "two witnesses" 
who will prophesy for 1260 days, 
clothed in sackcloth.
Revelation 11:7 
it says,

When they finish their testimony, 
the beast that ascends 
out of the bottomless pit 
will make war against them, 
overcome them, 
and kill them.
* spoiler 
- the 2 witnessed rise again in 3 1/2 days
*photo
We are given several facts 
about the beast's rise to power.
If you read Revelation chapter 13 
you'll find many of the details
concerning the beast and
the false prophet who tells everyone 
they must worship the beast.

Exactly who the beast is 
will be clear to those with biblical understanding,
when the beast and his false prophet 
are deceiving most of the people in the world.
To better understand his identity and the extent of his rule 
one should examine all the scriptures that speak about the anti-christ.
I'll share the post ( video ) 
specifically on this subject:

Who is the Anti-Christ according to the Bible?

* photo
Getting back to the Mark of the Beast.
I believe it is simply a visible MARK 
applied to either one's right hand or forehead,
to show anyone with eyes
that you have sworn your allegiance to the beast.
We see this MARK can be either the Name of the Beast,
or the Number of his Name.
It is possible that the translation of his name 
into various languages could be confusing,
whereas a commonly understood Number could be simpler.
Just a thought...

This mark could be a simple tattoo 
just like the Nazis used in Germany during World War II
to mark the Jews and others they sent to the camps.
* photo
Tattoos are also used by Gang members
to identify themselves as one of the gang.
For example:
Latin American gang MS-13 ( Mara Salvatrucha ) 
* photo
And the reference we find in scripture 
about understanding or calculating 
the number of the beast
which is  666 
is not clear at this time.
Nor is it referred to elsewhere in the Bible.
However,
you can find a lot of "speculation" on the subject,
Most of which is pretty far-fetched.
Trying to "match" the number 666 
with various world leaders 
is not how to identify the beast.
The only "clue" we get 
is what it says in verse 18,

Here is wisdom. 
Let him who has understanding 
calculate the number of the beast, 
for it is the number of a man: 
His number is 666.

It could be as simple as God trying to let us know 
that this person is simply a man, and not a god.
It should make more sense 
when the time comes.

A failure to receive this mark 
and to worship the beast 
will result in many being killed.
And they are called Blessed.
In Revelation chapter 14 verse 13 
we read

Then I heard a voice from heaven 
saying to me, 
"Write: 
'Blessed are the dead 
who die in the Lord from now on.' "
"Yes," says the Spirit, 
"that they may rest from their labors, 
and their works follow them."

It is not clear when 
this mark will start to be required, 
or for how long it will be in effect
before the return of Christ 
to rule and reign on earth.
Worst case 
it will be for 3 1/2 years.
All depends on how rapidly the beast 
and the false prophet 
who speaks on his behalf
will gain enough control 
to restrict all buying and selling.
The majority of the world 
seems to fall for the lies.
And this was forewarned 
in Paul's letter to the Thessalonians.
In 2nd Thessalonians chapter 2 
looking at verses 9 - 12 
we read

The coming of the lawless one 
is according to the working of Satan, 
with all power, 
signs, 
and lying wonders, 
and with all unrighteous deception 
among those who perish, 
because they did not 
receive 
the love of the truth, 
that they might be saved. 
And for this reason 
God will send them 
strong delusion, 
that they should 
believe the lie, 
that they all may be condemned 
who did not believe the truth 
but had pleasure 
in unrighteousness.

Those who know and believe in Jesus 
should not be fooled.
Because they have the Holy Spirit inside them,
and their names are written 
in the Lamb's book of Life.
We also see this truth referenced in 
Daniel chapter 12 and verse 10
we read,

Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, 
but the wicked shall do wickedly; 
and none of the wicked shall understand, 
but the wise 
shall understand.

This distinction between the two groups on earth 
is referenced clearly in Revelation chapter 13 and verse 8
we read

All who dwell on the earth 
will worship him, 
whose names 
have not been written 
in the Book of Life 
of the Lamb slain 
from the foundation of the world.

The next passage that references the Mark
is found in Revelation chapter 14 verse 9 -12
we read

Then another angel, a third one, 
followed them, 
saying with a loud voice, 
"If anyone worships the beast and his image, 
and receives a mark on his forehead 
or on his hand, 
he also will drink of the wine 
of the wrath of God, 
which is mixed in full strength 
in the cup of His anger; 
and he will be tormented 
with fire and brimstone
in the presence of the holy angels 
and in the presence 
of the Lamb. 
"And the smoke of their torment 
goes up forever and ever; 
they have no rest 
day and night, 
those who worship the beast and his image, 
and whoever receives 
the mark of his name." 
Here is the perseverance of the saints 
who keep the commandments of God 
and their faith in Jesus.

A reminder that dying for your faith 
is not something to worry about.
Revelation Chapter 14 verse 13
we read

And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, 
"Write, 'Blessed are the dead 
who die in the Lord from now on!'" 
"Yes," says the Spirit, 
"so that they may rest from their labors, 
for their deeds follow with them."

You definitely do not want to 
receive the mark of the beast.
Instead, believers are encouraged to endure.
Knowing the final outcome of all these things
should be a source of encouragement.
The book of Revelation 
should not be a cause for fear or anxiety,
but instead it should give you hope.
We are clearly told 
that it will all be okay in the End.
If we hold on this hope,
we have nothing to fear.

And the next place we see 
the Mark of the Beast mentioned 
is in Revelation chapter 19 verse 20
we read

And the beast was taken, 
and with him the false prophet 
that worked miracles before him, 
with which he deceived 
them that had received 
the mark of the beast, 
and them that worshipped his image. 
These both were cast alive 
into a lake of fire 
burning with brimstone.

So, things are not going to end well 
for those two.

And the last place we see the Mark of the Beast mentioned 
is in Revelation chapter 20 verse 4
we read in verses 4 through 6,

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. 
But the rest of the dead 
did not live again 
until the thousand years were finished. 
This is the first resurrection. 
Blessed and holy is he who has part 
in the first resurrection. 
Over such the second death 
has no power, 
but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, 
and shall reign with Him 
a thousand years.

That covers all the passages I could find in the bible
that speak about the mark of the beast.

Before closing,
I would like to point out the key things 
you need to understand 
about the first resurrection.

We see from Revelation 20 and verse 4
that it occurs after the great tribulation period.
And this resurrection is mentioned in
both of the commonly quoted 
Rapture passages.
If you read them closely,
letting go of any preconceived ideas you've heard,
I believe it is clear that 
the Resurrection and the Rapture 
both occur at the end of the tribulation,
and not before it.

1st Thessalonians 4:13-18
we read

But I do not want you 
to be ignorant, brethren, 
concerning those who have fallen asleep, 
lest you sorrow 
as others who have no hope. 
For if we believe that Jesus died 
and rose again, 
even so God will bring with Him 
those who sleep in Jesus.
For this we say to you 
by the word of the Lord, 
that we who are alive and remain 
until the coming of the Lord 
will by no means 
precede those 
who are asleep. 
For the Lord Himself 
will descend from heaven 
with a shout, 
with the voice of an archangel, 
and with the trumpet of God. 
And the dead in Christ 
will rise first. 
Then we 
who are alive 
and remain 
shall be caught up together with them 
in the clouds 
to meet the Lord in the air. 
And thus we shall always be 
with the Lord. 
Therefore 
comfort one another 
with these words.

And in 1st Corinthians 
chapter 15 verse 50-52
we read

Now this I say, brethren, 
that flesh and blood 
cannot inherit the kingdom of God;
nor does corruption 
inherit incorruption. 
Behold, 
I tell you a mystery: 
We shall not all sleep, 
but we shall all be changed— 
in a moment, 
in the twinkling of an eye, 
at the last trumpet. 
For the trumpet will sound, 
and the dead 
will be raised incorruptible, 
and we 
shall be changed.

If you would like to hear more
about the timing of the Rapture,
please check out this video 
The Rapture
How I went from Pre Trib to Post Trib
Until next time,
Maranatha.



--
Saved by Grace,
Andrew Cross

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, 
but exhorting one another, 
and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25