" Locust - Scorpions " / " Abaddon " / " fallen star " / " Wormwood "

NEW ADDITIONS MADE

I am copying a question from the FORUM, for those who many not have read it there. I have made additions to it, here.
I received a letter, to ask if I had seen this excerpt from the Watchtower:

"Toward the end of the first century C.E., the apostle John received a vision of seven angels, each of whom sounded a trumpet blast. When the fifth angel blew his trumpet, John saw “a star” fall from heaven to earth. The “star” had a key in his hand with which he opened the shaft of an abyss. Thick smoke poured out, and from this came a plague of locusts. Rather than ravage vegetation, the symbolic locusts swarm against “those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.” (Rev. 9:1-4) John no doubt knew how devastating a locust swarm could be. Had not locusts plagued ancient Egypt in Moses’ day? (Ex. 10:12-15) The figurative locusts that John saw well illustrate anointed Christians proclaiming Jehovah’s powerful judgment messages. They are joined now by millions of companions with an earthly hope. Little wonder that our united preaching undermines the authority Satan exercises through his worldwide empire of false religion."

The person who sent it to me, asked:
So in essence, if the GB are saying that the locusts are the 144,000 then surely they must see who the locusts king is, or don't they??
Their king is the angel from the bottomless pit; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon—the Destroyer. (Rev.9:11; Isa.33:1)
-  -  -  -  -  -  -
My reply to him:

I will review this statement of the "WT" in segments, and add some considerations. 

"When the fifth angel blew his trumpet, John saw “a star” fall from heaven to earth."
Notice that they do not provide a scripture at the end of that sentence, to show who that fallen star is. That's because if the previous account of that fallen star is read (Rev.8:10-11), one can see that this is "Wormwood"... who poisons the waters. Every reference to wormwood in the Bible, is bad, and refers to leaders of God's people who mislead into idolatry (Jer.23:15; Amos 5:7) (Rev.2:20). They do not lead people to Jesus Christ, despite what they may claim (2Cor. 11:13,4,3;  2Thess. 2:1-2; Matt.24:4-5,24-25; Rev.13:11,15,8,7). "Falling", is not a good thing (1Cor. 10:12;  2Pet. 3:17).
To clarify, if the scripture the WT provides at the end of their comments is read (Rev.9:1-4), it can be seen that this occurs when the FIFTH angel sounds his trumpet... and it tells us that the star has already fallen (past tense, "had fallen"). It is when the THIRD angel sounds it's trumpet, that the star actually falls, at Rev.8:10-11). There it is clearly seen, that the fallen star, is "Wormwood". When the "WT" states... "When the fifth angel blew his trumpet, John saw “a star” fall from heaven to earth."; that is a lie. John does not see the star fall when the fifth angel blows his trumpet. (Rev.9:1) John saw the star fall, when the third angel blew his trumpet (Rev.8:10).

Note that the FORTH angel, shows that the heavenly bodies are darkened following the fall of Wormwood (Rev.8:12) 
(the bitterness of Wormwood, is associated with spiritual harlotry Prov.5:3-5 << literally, "bitter as Wormwood").
The darkening of the heavens at Rev.8:12, is also the result of the star that has already fallen, when it releases the "locust-scorpions" (Rev.9:2).

Also notice the deceptive strategy in the way the WT words this phrase...
When the fifth angel blew his trumpet, John saw “a star” fall from heaven to earth
In truth, we have seen that 
*John did not see the star fall from heaven when the fifth angel blew his trumpet. It clearly says that it already "had fallen" before the fifth angel blew his trumpet (Rev.9:1).
*If we want to see the Bible's depiction of when the star actually falls, we must retrace our steps back, to Rev.8:10-11.
Just as Prov.5:3-5 pointed out, 
the mouth (teachings) of a Harlot seems as sweet as honey (Ps.19:9-10; 119:103), but the after effect to those who ingest them, is as bitter as wormwood (Rev.10:10-11; Prov.5:3-5; Rev.13:11).
(LINK: "The Fallen Star")

"The “star” had a key in his hand with which he opened the shaft of an abyss."
 Once again, the WT uses deceptive strategy by it's phrasing. They state that the star "had a key", as if it already had it before "falling". No, according to Rev.9:1; first it fell, and then it was given the key. So their wording has the star presently falling and already having the key, at the blowing of the fifth trumpet. But the scriptures indicate that the star had previously fallen, and afterward, received the key during the fifth trumpet.
Because they lack holy spirit, they just assume what seems obvious.... that there is only one key, and that there is only one holder. That misconception results in another miscalculation... that of assuming that this key holder must be Christ (Rev.20:1). 
Is that true?
We know, that the Devil has been killing from the beginning (John 8:44; 10:10) 

(LINK: "Who holds a key to the Abyss?"). 

He opened the abyss of deception and death in Eden, and has the power to cause death, and to imprison every human to the consequence of sin, since then (Rom.5:12).
Jesus told us that he overcame the power of Satan to cause death (Heb.2:14-15; Rev.1:18). Yet death still kills. This is because salvation from the abyss is conditional, and does not come to all. Both Satan and Christ possess a key to death...
Satan opens it, and Jesus opens it... to rescue captives from it (Ps.40:2; 103:4; 49:15; Rev.12:5; Luke 4:18; Acts 26:18; Col.1:13; Ps.49:15) (Rev.13:10,7; Luke 21:24,22), or to rightly imprison there, he who created it (Prov.5:22;  2Cor. 4:4; Eph.6:12;  2Pet. 2:4; Rev.20:1-3; Prov.5:22; Col.2:15). It is my hope, that based upon the previous scriptures, readers discern that Satan's own kingdom of "darkness" (the abyss), and it's power to overcome persons by blind confusion, is rightly used against him, by Christ (Rev.20:1-3; Prov.5:22)... so that Satan himself is plunged into blind darkness... making him impotent and ignorant about how to overcome the obedient sons of light (John 1:5;  1Thess. 5:5;  1John 2:8; Luke 10:19; Acts 26:18; Col.1:13).

Yet as Rev.20:7-8 reveals; Satan will be released once again, by a keyholder (Wormwood). He will then be enabled to throw truth and light to the ground, once again (Rev.16:13-16;  1Tim. 4:1; Dan.8:12,11;  2Thess. 2:4,9-10; Rev.13:7; 11:2), by means of the disgusting thing standing in the holy place, which causes desolation to God's people (Matt.24:15; Dan.11:31-36). 
(The "thousand years" -- When?) 
("Disgusting Thing")

Are Satan and the demons the only agents of spiritual darkness?
False prophets who mislead others, can also open Satan's pit, causing others to die (Luke 6:39; Isa.9:16;  2Tim. 3:13; Eze.14:10). When they have that authority power (key is the symbol), they too have a key to the abyss of death... to send captives there. I hope you can recognize these Biblical facts. If you don't see them clearly, let me know. (LINK)
So... Wormwood  causes people to die... to be consigned to the abyss of death -Rev.8:11. Therefore, "wormwood" also gets a key to the abyss... the authority and power to open death-causing deception, and to cause people to come under the power of death (Matt.15:14). We see three identities exercising the power of the abyss (holding keys)... Satan, Wormwood (the fallen star), and Christ.
More than one person, can "open the shaft of the abyss", if they hold a "key".
Satan can give the key (authority and power) to those who do his will... He does use people (false prophets) to open deception and death/the abyss
(Rev.13:4; Matt.4:8-9; Rev.9:1,11).

"Thick smoke poured out, and from this came a plague of locusts."
The organization always used to point to Joel for their interpretation of the locust-scorpions. That is the right place to turn, for the many parallel traits between the locust-scorpions and the locusts of Joel  (LINK).
The WT has apparently stopped using the references in Joel, because both I and Obadiah have published the conclusion which Joel penned. If the references are followed through to the end, we learn that God destroys the locusts, and He compensates His people for the excessive punishment they suffered 
(Luke 21:22; Zech.1:14-16; Job 2:6; Rev.9:5; 6:9) by the locust's persecution (Joel 2:25-26). 

Rather than change this false doctrine upon it's discovery, they simply divert their readers from the Bible's truth, by now resorting to a reference in Exodus, instead.
If we give scriptural consideration to the locust's scorpion tails, their nature also becomes clear 
(Rev.9:10; Eze.2:6; Luke 10:19).
(LINK: "Tails, Stingers, Scorpions")

God is free to discipline His own people (to "seal" them as His own slaves) (Heb.12:6; Job 23:10).
At Zech.13:9, God is said to discipline and refine "one third" before calling them His people.
If we return to Rev.9 to see how people respond to the discipline that chapter contains (including the locusts), we are told that "two thirds" do not repent/accept discipline/become refined (Rev.9:18,20-21). The "one third" is "killed" (Rev.9:15,18; 11:3,7; 6:9,11; John 16:2; Mark 13:12-14; 8:35).

"Rather than ravage vegetation, the symbolic locusts swarm against “those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.” (Rev. 9:1-4)"
Of course, they fail to see the connection to Rev.7:3.
The "vegetation" is only guarded from "ravage" until the UNsealed, become sealed (1Pet. 4:17 LINK).
Again, their lack of spirit makes them assume the obvious, which is not the deeper truth.
Although the "unsealed" seem rejected... in truth we are all unsealed, until we become so.
We see that once those faithful are sealed... the "ravage" does break out on the "vegetation" (Rev.7:3; 8:7) (Isa.5:24-25) (2Pet. 3:7; Rev.20:15).

"John no doubt knew how devastating a locust swarm could be. Had not locusts plagued ancient Egypt in Moses’ day? (Ex. 10:12-15) "
"No doubt", John did. In fact, they are the very cause of the Greatest Tribulation (Joel 2:2; Matt.24:21-22) (greatest-tribulation).
Just because God sent locusts upon the Egyptians...
does not mean that the locusts cannot come upon God's own people for discipline as well. The WT seems to think that discipline is only for others, that they could not be among the "unsealed" men, and so they conclude that the proud and punishing locust-scorpions, must be themselves (Amos 9:8-10;  1Thess. 5:3; Rev.18:7).
(Amos 9:9,1; Luke 21:35; Rev.3:10; Matt.24:22,39)(Rev.12:15-16) 

("Earth"? >> who-is-earth) ("Earth swallows River")
(Jer.1:14; 47:2-3; Mal.4:5-6; Job 22:16; Luke 6:48) (Gen.7:24; 8:3; Rev.9:10)  
150=5X30 (5 months X 30 days each = 150 days) (Matt.24:39; Rev.12:15,16) >> (LINK)

As regards the rest of the paragraph....
"The figurative locusts that John saw well illustrate anointed Christians proclaiming Jehovah’s powerful judgment messages. They are joined now by millions of companions with an earthly hope. Little wonder that our united preaching undermines the authority Satan exercises through his worldwide empire of false religion."
....note that there are no scriptures (John 7:18,16-17; 16:13; Rev.22:6).
Regarding, "They are joined now by millions of companions with an earthly hope"...
   ...where is there a scripture that states that the locusts are joined by others?
   ...where is there a scripture that shows that anything comes out of the locust's mouths ("proclaiming messages")?
Are not locust's mouths known for devouring and swallowing (Nahum 3:15; Joel 1:4; Ex.10:12-14) .... not giving forth?
No, a "plague/curse" of locusts are for destroying... not proclaiming life-saving truths (John 10:10). The locust-scorpions of Rev.9 are instead said to "sting".
The Bible clearly tells us the purpose of that power (1Cor. 15:55-56) (Eze.2:6; Luke 10:19) (Rev.9:10).  Those with stingers inject sin into their victims... sin that brings forth paralysis and death (Rom. 5:12; 8:2;  1Cor. 15:56).  The identity of the "man of sin" who gains power over the unsealed anointed, is also described in 2Thess. 2:3,4; Rev.13:7; 9:10.

In stating that the TAILS have death's stingers (Rev.9:10;  1Cor.15:55,56) like scorpions (Eze.2:6);
these locusts deliver lies/sin/death, sourced in the abyss from whence they came. 
The Locust-Scorpions are in subjection to, and under the direction of, that last False Prophet/Wormwood/Fallen Star (Rev.8:10,11; 9:1,2,3). In servitude to that last Harlot, these Locust-Scorpions prophesy lies themselves (Isa.9:15,16; Rev.16:13). 

When these Locust-Scorpions falsely prophesy the Harlot's wormwood lies, what is the result to those who accept/receive/ingest those false doctrines?
Although the Harlot's lies may taste as sweet as truth (Ps.119:103,98; Eze.3:3), the result is death (Rev.10:10; Prov.5:3,4,5; 7:27; 2:16,17,18,19; Isa.28:14,15; Rev.8:11; Deut.32:32; Rev.17:2). Those Chosen who remain under that power, remain in death. They are in subjection to Satan, through his agents, and they remain under the power of the Abyss and it's destruction... unsealed as slaves of God. They are obedient to doctrines of demons, rather than obedient to the teachings of God and Christ. (Mark of slavery) (666)
(Deut.11:18; Rev.13:16) (Rev.14:1)

The WT teaches that Jesus Christ is the Destroyer... Despite Isa.33:1 and Ex.12:23 (Job 2:6) (Luke 22:31) (1Cor. 10:10; 5:5).
Yet, what do we expect?... Remember... the Wild Beast collective of Locust-scorpions is specifically spoken of as being blasphemous (Rev.13:5-6). 
The "False prophet" who empowers that Beast to dominate the anointed (Rev.13:14-15,7), "speaks like a dragon" (Rev.13:11) and teaches "doctrines of demons" (Rev.16:13-16; 13:11;  1Tim. 4:1).

There are many more scriptures which prove these things, but I hope the ones cited here are enough to convince you beyond doubt, that the Gentile WT is the "disgusting thing, standing in a holy place" (2Thess. 2:4; Matt.24:15; Dan.11:16,21-45) 

Thanks for writing to me. I hope you and your family are doing okay.
Love in Christ,
Pearl

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Who is Wormwood ?

A QUESTION:

Hello Pearl,
 I noticed that in the last two posts, you used Rev.8:10 three times, with various applications.
We have been taught that the "fallen star" "Wormwood", is "Christendom". I will give you the three places you used that scripture:
1.  "To accept power, riches, or dominion within Satan's world, would also
      cause an anointed one to "fall" (1John 2:15,16,17; Rev.2:5; Rev.8:10; Rev.9:1; 12:4; Mark 10:42,43).
2.  "There is SOME truth in it (Rev.8:10)."
3.  "We saw at Matt.24:24, that Satan is going to try to mislead the Chosen in the time of the end,
       by means of Powerful, prominent, "fallen" anointed (Rev.8:10,11; Rev.13:11;
         2Thess. 2:1,2,4; Luke 12:45).

Please prove by scriptures, that the "fallen star" is really anointed ones who rule. And then, please explain how Rev.8:10 applies in the 3 ways you have used it.

REPLY:

I am glad that you spoke up when having trouble seeing exactly what my writings mean. The disciples of Jesus also did this....Yet others, just walked away. Jesus rewarded those who were willing to "keep on asking" (Matt.13:36; 24:3; 7:7).
First, lets establish more clearly, who the anointed are.
Gal.3:29 reads:
"If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
(Rom.4:13; 8:17; 9:8)
Can you see from these scriptures, that the 144000 are considered "Abraham's seed", and "heirs" of the promise given to Abraham? Abraham was promised that his "seed", would inherit the earth, and bless all of mankind (Gen.22:17,18; 28:13,14). This "seed", was symbolized by heavenly "stars" (Gen.15:5; 26:4; Dan.12:3). The Greek scriptures also speak of these heavenly bodies of "light" which are to shine during the  "night" (1Pet. 2:5,9; Matt.5:14,16; Phil.2:15NIV ; Rom.13:12), as "stars" ...both the faithful (Heb.11:12; Dan.12:3;  1Tim. 4:16) and the unfaithful (Jude 1:13).
And so, when we wish to understand the symbols of the book of Revelation (Rev.1:1 "presented it in signs"), we must allow God's Word to give it's own interpretation (Gen.40:8;  2Pet. 1:20;  2Tim. 3:16,17).
Aside from the scriptures we have already considered, we can go to the words of the glorified Christ to learn more about these "stars". (Rev.1:16,20; 2:1; 3:1; 12:1)
According to those scriptures, Jesus "holds" "seven stars" in his "right hand". He then tells us that these "stars", are "angels" of the "seven" "Congregations" (Mark 12:25;  1Cor. 15:51). If we harmonize this with the rest of the previous scriptures, we know that these stars are "heirs" of the promises given to Abraham....the anointed. For, Jesus would not "hold" in his right hand of power, and use as beacons of light, counterfeit "Christians" not in Covenant with him, would he? What "light" would such agents of darkness have? (Matt.6:23; Eph.4:18).
No.....the "star" "angels" in Jesus' right hand, are the anointed in Covenant with him.
At Rev.12:7 we see that there are "angels"/messengers "battling" along with "Michael" (2Cor. 10:3,4,5).
This battle is also pictured, at Rev.19:11,13,14. Those "battling" alongside Christ, wear "white robes". These warriors are anointed (see Rev.19:8; 6:11; 17:14). At Rev.19:15 it tells us that Jesus here, will "strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron". Those riding with him then, have the same right (Rev.2:26,27). So according to scriptures, these "star"/"angels", are conquering anointed.

Now to get to the "star" at Rev.8:10....
"The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing as a lamp, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water."
Let's look at the rest of Jesus' description of this "star". It is also said to be "blazing as a lamp".
How does this help our identification?...
In Matt.25:1, the "kingdom of the heavens" is compared to 10 virgins (Rev.14:4) with lamps (Luke 12:35; Matt.5:15,16). Again, these are anointed ones. If one of these virgins was "blazing" as a lamp...surely it's teachings would be bright, and seen by many over a wide area.
If we continue to read into verse 11:
"The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter."

.......Can you reason that previous to the "fall" of this "star", all the waters beneath this star (John 4:14), were wholesome?
Even after this star falls and defiles the waters under it, the waters are said to be partially poisoned (one third).
Does this previous purity and position in the stars of heaven (Phil.2:15) all sound like "Christendom" to you?
If we return to Rev.8:10...
"The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water."
According to Matt.5:19; a "great" star, would be one who was doing and teaching the one Truth from Christ (Eph.4:5; John 14:6). We are told that this great "star" has enough authority, to fall upon "the rivers and on the springs of water". Christ tells us that these are the teachings of his truth (John 4:14; 7:37,38). These pure waters do not come from, nor are they under the power of, "Christendom".
Finally, Rev.8:11 tells us that the name of this "star", is now "Wormwood" (meaning: bitter). It has become "bitter'... unfaithful (Heb.12:15; Isa.1:21; 59:14;  2Pet. 3:17).

If we allow God's Word to teach us about this identity, it becomes clear that this is a name he calls the unfaithful among his own Covenanted people.
(See: Jer.2:13,19,20,21,22,32,37; 9:15; 23:15; Amos 5:7; 6:12; Deut.29:18; Lam.3:15,19,40,48,49,50,51). 

(Read all Jer.ch.2)

There is no such thing as "apostate Christendom"....for, "Christendom" was never anointed, nor in Covenant with God, that she could become "apostate". "Christendom" could never become an adulterous Harlot....for she was never in a pure marital covenant with God.

False "Christians" are Satan's Counterfeit...A decoy to prevent the Chosen from seeing their current circumstances under the genuine apostasy, those unfaithful who really were in Covenant with Yhvh God. Jesus tells us that the "wicked Steward" IS one of HIS SLAVES (Luke 12:42,45).  

2Thess. 2:4,3 makes crystal clear, that the end-time apostasy, is within and over, God's Temple of anointed ones (1Cor. 3:16).

When Rev.8:11 tells us that "many people died from the water", this tells us that previous to taking in the waters of "Wormwood"...they were living. Waters that provide life, are traced to Jesus Christ (John 4:14). Do you believe this is the case with those taking in waters from Christendom? 
If we look once again at Rev.8:10...
"The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water."
....this anointed star has charge of the "light" being shed as well as the spiritual "waters" being offered, throughout the world. Why? Because only the "Steward"/Gov.Bdy. has had the authority to determine what all are fed (Luke 12:42).
Finally, by falling "from heaven" (Rev.8:10; 2:5), it is established that this is one who had  been "enrolled in the heavens" (Heb.12:23; Eph.2:6)(Phil.2:15; Dan.12:3), and can not possibly be anyone belonging to "apostate Christendom", even if there were such a thing.

Hopefully by a consideration of all the previous scriptures, you can clearly see that the "Great Star", "blazing as a lamp" is a prominent anointed one. By reading that this one "falls" (Luke 12:45; Rev.2:5; 6:13; 8:10; 9:1), and thereby poisons the spiritual waters it's sheep are partaking of; you can deduce the implications and repercussions (which are symbolically expounded upon in the rest of Revelation).
                                          --------------------------------------
Now for the places in which I referred to that verse:
1."To accept power, riches, or dominion within Satan's world, would also
      cause an anointed one to "fall" (1John 2:15,16,17; Rev.2:5; Rev.8:10; Rev.9:1; 12:4; Mark 10:42,43).
Hopefully you can see that if an anointed Steward broke Christ's command at Mark 10:42,43 [as well as John 13:34 (Luke 12:45;  1John 4:20); Matt.23:10,8,11;  1John 2:15; John 17:16] they would "fall" from Christ's approval (Matt.25:11,12; 7:23; Rev.20:10).

2.  "There is SOME truth in it (Rev.8:10)."
I agree that reference is a bit obscure. I am now referring to Rev.8:10 C.
"The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water."
My point is that even after "Wormwood" defiles the waters of Truth, only "a third" are poisoned at first. This means that the teachings, temporarily still contain mostly Truth! So we would expect that even though the "waters" have become unsafe for a "third".....there is still "SOME truth in it.".

  Waters stand for life-imparting teachings (Rev.22:17), but they also stand for peoples (Rev.17:15). 

This symbol applies to both, because the teachings within us, mark the very nature of our soul within the regard of God.

So... there is more to this "third" who become poisoned. God's prophecies highlight the identity of the "third", because that symbolic third consists of those who will repent and advance the purposes of God in the time of the End (Zech.13:8-9; Dan.11:33,35), though for a time, they are robbed of life in a spiritual sense (Rev.13:7,10; Col.2:8; Rev.3:1) because of their being deceived for a time. The other two-thirds are considered spiritually dead already, as concerns God's purpose and will.

3.  "We saw at Matt.24:24, that Satan is going to try to mislead the Chosen in the time of the end, 
       by means of Powerful, prominent, "fallen" anointed (Rev.8:10,11; Rev.13:11; 
        2Thess. 2:1,2,4; Luke 12:45).
Matt.24:24 reads:
"For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect."

What determines whether or not it is possible?

Are the elect relying on human doctrine and an organizational Idol? 

Are they relying on Scripture and Spirit (John 4:23-24)?

If they are relying on an image of idolatry, rather than God...

       (Rev.13:15)

       (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2018/02/who-is-false-prophet-who-gives-breath.html)

       (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-fallen-star)

       (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/12/locust-scorpions-abaddon.html)

       (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2017/07/who-are-fallen-stars-of-rev124.html)

...then certainly, their being deceived is possible (Matt.19:25,26).

The original Greek word for "Christs" is....."anointed ones".
Again, these are found among "Jehovah's Witnesses". Verse 24 continues that these false anointed brothers (2Tim. 3:5;  2Pet. 2:1,2,3) will "arise" in power, and "perform great signs and wonders". This is for a certainty a parallel to the "false prophet" of Rev.13:13,14,11; Rev.19:20.
And then we are told that if it is at all possible, these "false christs and false prophets" WILL mislead the "elect"/anointed (Dan.8:12; Rev.13:7,10; Col.2:8; Luke 21:21,24).
Can you see that these deceptions come upon the Chosen, AFTER they are anointed and considered by God's Word, as already belonging to the "elect"/"chosen"? (Matt.24:24,25)
If you know any anointed ones personally, they will attest to the commonality, that all of us were not fooled by "Christendom" in the least, previous to our anointing. More so, after it (1John 2:20,27)!
Therefore it is unlikely that this masterful deception (backed by all of Satan's power--2Thess. 2:9; Rev.13:13; Matt.24:24) is "Christendom".
This dangerous trap to mislead the Chosen, would have to be baited with much Truth, in order to ensnare the Holy Ones......perhaps with as much as two-thirds Truth?
And finally, 2Thess.2 confirms to us, that this last day deception (2Thess. 2:1,2,3) (when a deceiving power takes over --2Thess.2:4)....takes rulership in the midst of the Chosen Ones, God's true Temple 

(2Thess. 2:4)....not in "Christendom". 

See  1Cor. 3:16,9; Heb.9:24; Eph. 2:22;  1Pet. 2:5.

-- (christendom?.html)

Finally I will add this link that I wrote more recently. It interprets Rev.12:4.

  LINK: (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2017/07/who-are-fallen-stars-of-rev124.html)

I hope these thoughts address your questions. If there is anything else, please let me know.
May our Heavenly Father bless your pursuit of life and truth,
Pearl

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Why Jesus came to earth / Last World Power over the Chosen Ones / "Iron" and "Clay"

I have begun a Bible Study with someone who claims to have no background in "Jehovah's Witness" indoctrination. I have been asked by a few people to create lessons to teach new Bible students. Although the hour is quite late regarding the time of the end; I will post these lessons for what can be gleaned from the cited scriptures, for this teaching purpose.

I began by asking her about her present concept of God and Jesus Christ.
Her reply to me:

"God to me is the One who was before time. The One who is able to say a word and it is done, whatever that word may be as we can see in Genesis.
The One that loved mankind so much He sent His Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ to suffer for All mankind. The spotless Lamb of God. 
In the O/T animals were sacrificed for sin, N/T Jesus death was the end of all sacrifices, he took all sin onto himself. Obey onto death. 
I believe He rose from the dead. And is seated at the right hand of the Father.
At the end of the ages, Christ will return for His bride, judgement will come to All."
______________________________________________________________________

MY REPLY to her :

Your understanding of God is accurate, and is backed up by many scriptures. What you say about Jesus Christ is also true, but there is more to look at.
Jesus did not only come to earth to suffer and to provide the ransom by dying. The most important reason he came, he told us.
It is found at John 18:37. In fact, that central reason, is why he was killed....
It reads:
"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." John 18:37

We see there, that lovers of truth would listen to Jesus. What about those who don't love truth?
Of these Jesus said...
John 8:43,37,40,42,45-47
"Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. I know that you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. ....Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me...Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
[We are either lovers of Truth and Light from God, or we are not. If we love truth, we "belong to God". If we do not, we belong to Satan (John 8:44)]

Now do you see why Jesus died? He was murdered by those who did not love truth. God knew this would happen, because this world has as it's king, Satan, the father of the lie (John 8:44;  1John 5:19;  2Cor. 4:4). This also teaches us that ANYONE who does love truth, listens to Jesus, is from God, belongs to God, and imitates him in teaching it; will be treated the same way by those who do not love truth. Those who represent Jesus in the world (2Cor. 5:20; 6:1;  2Tim. 3:12; Eph.6:20), are told to expect this experience, due to the reaction and treatment by those who belong to Satan (2Tim. 3:12; John 15:20).

But who is it that persecutes those who teach truth? Many religious leaders teach that persecution is incited by governments. This is a lie. It is always the religious leaders themselves who incite true followers of Christ to be persecuted. The pattern is well established, that they USE others to carry through their hatred and intolerance. Not only was this true in the case of Jesus Christ, but it is the case up until the very end, as is depicted in Revelation...

In Revelation, (as in the past) religious leaders who betray God's covenant are to blame (Luke 13:34; Rev.17:6; Rev.11:8; Luke 12:45; Matt.23:29,30,31,33,34,35,37,38; John 8:40; Rev.17:6).
How so?
Only those in Covenant with Christ are depicted as "stars"
(Rev.1:20; Phil.2:15; Dan.12:3; Matt.5:14; Heb.12:23; Eph.2:6).

The identity "Wormwood" is a "fallen star" (Rev.8:10,11; Isa.14:12; Jer.51:53; Lam.2:1; Ob.1:4,10)
and therefore, an unfaithful anointed one who is described as "great", "burning as a torch",
and able to cause the deaths of "many" (Rev.8:11).

...the same one to whom Satan gives the "key to the abyss"
[Rev.9:1 (the power over deception and death -Heb.2:14)].

 

We see that the first thing this unfaithful chosen one does, is unleash those now under her power (Rev.9:2,3) which is a parallel to the "two-horned beast" Rev.13:11 (Wormwood), empowering the collective Wild Beast (Rev.13:14,15).

 

The Fallen Star and two-horned Beast/False Prophet, are both parallels, to the adulterous "Harlot" riding the Beast (Rev.17:3; Hosea 9:1; 1:2).
All four illustrations are about the same identities.
Harlot=two-horned False Prophet=Wormwood=Fallen Star=spiritual Jews in Covenant
Wild Beast=locust-scorpions=man of lawlessness=disgusting thing in Holy Place=spiritual Gentiles

As you can see, the unfaithful Chosen Ones use those outside that covenant who are under their influence, to do their persecuting for them (Rev.11:7; 17:3; 13:11,12,15).
But you may notice in Rev.17:3, that in the time of the end, there is a change in this arrangement (Dan.7:7,19,23; Rev.17:3) in that the Beast which the last "woman/Harlot" uses...
                               is covered with "blasphemous names".

This unfaithful fallen star and her army of Gentile counterfeit priests, are self-proclaimed as
"God's visible spirit-directed Organization" --Blasphemy! (Rev.17:3)
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/02/YHVHs-genuine-mountain.html

The persecuting Beast itself is touted as being divine (Rev.13:15,7;  2Thess. 2:4) right in the midst of God's Temple of anointed priests!
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2018/02/who-is-false-prophet-who-gives-breath.html
It raises itself above God's Temple (Rev.13:7,8,15; 11:7), seizing the false divine authority the False Prophet/Fallen Star/two-horned beast, has given it (Rev.9:7,3; 13:14; 11:2;  2Thess. 2:4).
So although this Wild Beast is in reality, outside God's covenant...it is depicted and empowered  by the unfaithful Harlot/False Prophet/Fallen Star, as a religious power which becomes an Idol/"Image" (Rev.13:14,8).

The false prophet/Harlot/fallen anointed star, shares her religious authority with the Beast/locust-scorpions (Rev.13:12; 19:20; 9:3,7,10), so that the Beast is empowered to persecute the faithful priest Holy Ones, for her (Rev.13:7;  2Chron. 13:9; Eze.44:6,7,8,9). This Idolatrous Image of the Beast is the "disgusting thing standing in a Holy Place" that Jesus referred to, at Mark 13:14; Dan.11:31; 8:11; Jer.7:30; and  2Thess. 2:4. It "tramples" (persecutes) the Holy Ones right within the Temple (Rev.11:2;  2Thess. 2:4) under the direction of  the Harlot/two-horned False Prophet/Wormwood/Fallen Star over the Abyss. Yet this whole arrangement, is under Satan (Rev.9:1,11; 13:2,4; Luke 22:31).
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/09/trample-how-does-it-happen.html)

This is why this last power is depicted as "different"... and as an alliance, in Daniel's Image (Dan.2:41,42,43; 8:24; Rev.13:12; 19:20; 17:3).



"The metals contained within the Image of Dan.ch.2, are Satan's powers outside the realm of God's Chosen people. The dominions depicted within that image are the ones who have persecuted God's covenant people. Yet the final persecutors, are depicted as a dual power...."Iron", and "Clay". That power has mixed within it "mankind"/"clay" (Dan.2:33,43). That clay represent those IN COVENANT with God (Chosen Ones), slated to be righteous heirs of the earth (2Cor. 4:7; Isa.41:25; Ps.115:16; Ps.37:29; Rev.19:8).
   It is an abomination, that instead of this clay being molded by God (Isa.64:8; Eph.2:10 NIV;  1Cor. 3:9; Acts 7:48;  1Pet. 2:5; Isa.43:21); it has molded itself to the iron! (Lev.20:22,23; Eze.11:12; Luke 22:25-26; Matt.24:49)
The final persecutors in the Image of Daniel, will be an alliance of Gentiles (Iron) and Chosen Ones who rule (Clay). The ruling Chosen (Luke12:42) dominate God's people in imitation of the Gentiles with which they rule, in defiance of Christ (Mark 10:37-39,40-42,43-45; John 13:34;  1John 4:20; 3:15; Rev.13:15,11). Together, this alliance "tramples" the holy ones under their "feet" (Dan.8:13; Matt.7:6; Isa.63:18; Jer.12:10; Rev.11:2; Matt.24:15; Rev.13:7).
Link: pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com
Link: "Who are the 'dogs' of Matt.7:6?"
The other Chosen ones who go along with this persecution of their brothers (-failing Matt.25:42,43,44,45), are also molding their minds and deeds to the last Gentile power. (Rev.13:16).
pearl-666.blogspot.com"      

As Daniel stated, their alliance will not last (John 16:2) (Rev.17:16,17). Spiritual Gentiles have hearts that have not been circumcised (cleansed) by God's spirit (Eze.44:9), such as those in Covenant with God have (Rom.2:28,29). They have hearts of iron (Rev.9:9; Eze.36:26; 11:19; Zech.7:12), not of flesh (Eze.11:19,20; 36:26,25; Eph.5:26,27). These spiritual "Gentiles" will always lust for worldly power and position, and dominate those under them, with cruelty (Deut.4:20; Ec.8:9; 3:16; 4:1; 5:8; Rev.9:10; 13:15,17). Once they really see all the Harlot possesses (Lam.1:10)...perceive her filth and vulnerability...covet her power, riches, and influence...they will vie for it and take it by force, just as worldly powers always do (Rev.17:16). These are "confirmed drunkards" of worldly power, who become allies with the "Jewish" wicked steward . (Matt.24:49; Isa.28:7)
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/what-is-jew-what-is-gentile-answers-to.html)

             
The Harlot will experience the wrath of her own tool of persecution (Jer.13:21-22), and also come to be trampled. The very power of the abyss of death which she unleashed upon her brethren, will come to her (Isa.28:14,15,18,19). The Wild Beast is called "Wild" for a reason. It can never be tamed. So too, the Gentile powers which the Harlot, for now, exploits to her own ends
(trample-how) (the-greatest-tribulation-why).

  

That scenario is being fulfilled now. The pattern has been undergoing fulfillment since Christ, for the faithful Chosen Ones. The faithful ones in the time of the end are killed too, even if this "killing" turns out to be a symbolic death (John 16:2; Rev.11:7) (symbolic-death-by-means-of-world). In the time of the end (and when Revelation is fulfilled) the Gentile tool of persecution becomes a religious Idol to God's own Covenant people (Rev.2:9; 13:6,7,8,10; Luke 21:24; Dan.8:13; Isa.6:11; 63:18; Jer.12:10; Dan.12:6,7; Rev.11:2; Rom.3:10; 1:25). God's chosen priests are supposed to declare God's praise without ceasing (Isa.43:21;  1Pet. 2:9), but during the first 3.5 "times" of trampling, they fail to be faithful in this (Isa.62:6; 43:21; Mal.2:7; Rev.4:8; 8:1; Isa.63:3,5; 64:7; Jer.8:6; Isa.63:4,5,6; Rev.14:20; 19:15; Isa.63:2,3; 22:5) until some repent (Rom.9:27; Rev.2:5,16,21; Joel 1:13; Rev.11:3; Eze.33:11).

Worshiping an Image/Idol of their own persecutors, is different from the previous Satanic powers used for persecution (Dan.7:23). Being persecuted by a world power headed by God's fallen Chosen priests/"Clay", is also "different".
Satan has devised the greatest test ever to come upon God's Chosen people. Jesus called this final device of Satan and it's result, as the "great tribulation" (Matt.24:24-25,21-22; Luke 18:26-27; 21:20-22,24; Rev.13:10,7; Dan.9:24). Satan's final deception finds success, due to the wicked steward.... the fallen star "Wormwood".... genuine anointed leaders who have become a "great lamp" in the time of the end, only to mislead and persecute (Rev.8:10-11; 9:1). With the endowment of "divinity", now visible in the Gentile Idol of persecution (Rev.13:15; 19:20;  2Thess. 2:4) (2Chron. 23:6; Num.3:10;  1Cor. 3:16-17), we know we are in the time of Revelation's prophetic fulfillment,
and in the time of the end. (Matt.24:15,16)

Fourth Beast from sea, is "different".

Alliance of Beasts from "earth" and "sea", with Satan (Rev.16:13; 13:14,8,7).

I do not write these things to correct you, but hopefully by means of the scriptures, your understanding will expand, as to one of the central reasons why Jesus Christ came to earth.

You may wonder what Christ's mission of Truth has to do with releasing the Chosen ones from captivity to Satan's authority, or in the end, demolishing these authorities and powers....
but it is precisely by means of Truth, that both will be accomplished, by the power, and to the glory, of God. (1Cor. 15:24; Heb.2:14; Luke 10:19; 11:20; John 16:14,33; Mark 6:7; Rev.12:10,11; Rom.16:20; Gen.3:15)


I know it is deep and I am sorry for that. I know the Bible says that those who are beginning, like newborns, need milk, not meat (1Cor. 3:2).
I have put meat in this post, because I knew the subject could also help those who are mature. So I tell you that anything that is hard for you, please write to me because it is my fault. Ask me anything you may need to.
Also I need to tell you that I have made many changes to it....adding scriptures and making the words clearer. I did that till I went to bed after midnight, so if you haven't read it after that, perhaps you could re-consider it.
Thanks for your good questions, and I am here anytime, for anyone's questions,
about this post or other posts. There is a "contact form" in the right hand column of this page.
Love in Christ,
Pearl
Since posting this article, I have begun a series for baptism, according to Matt.28:19-20. The first lesson, is here: (guide-to-baptism)

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Who has the "key" to the abyss?

Do you have a key to your house?
Does your marriage mate and perhaps your children, also have a key?
It is true, that more than one person can hold the same key, and be able to open and lock the same home.
We are told by the book of Revelation, that there are identities which hold symbolic "keys".
The book of Revelation is symbolic. "Keys" represent authority and power, to open and to shut.
What about the abyss of deception and death?
How many persons, according to Revelation, gain power and authority (a "key") over deception and death?
We know that the first one to acquire this power, was Satan
(Gen.3:3,4,5,13,19; John 8:44; Heb.2:14; Eph.6:12) - (James 1:15; Rom.5:12;  1John 3:8; John 8:44)
Satan was first, to open the abyss of death. In Eden, through sin, he obtained the power to reign over the power of death and destruction, which he brought upon all of God's creation (Rom.8:20-21;  1Cor. 15:21-22,25-26,53-56).
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2017/04/what-is-sheole-hades.html
By Jesus conquering death, he also received the power to "open" and "shut" knowledge, deception, life, and death
(Heb.2:14; 9:26; Rev.1:18; 20:1; 3:7; Matt.28:18; 13:11; John 12:31; Luke 10:17,18,19,20).
And there is a third identity mentioned who is "given" the "key" to the "abyss" (Rev.9:1).
That identity is described as a "fallen star" who was "burning as a lamp" (Rev.8:10).
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/search?q=fallen+star
Jesus holds "seven stars" in his right hand of power (Rev.1:20). Those stars are angelic messengers of light, to his "seven congregations" (Phil.2:15; Dan.12:3,10). This "fallen star", is introduced to us, in Rev.8:10,11, as "Wormwood" (and at Rev.13:11 and Rev.19:20, as the "false prophet" "who speaks like a dragon").
Yes, that one also, has gotten a "key" to the deep, dark deceptions of Satan and the death that results (symbolized by, the Abyss).
Since Wormwood's fall results in a polluting of the springs of waters of truth (John 7:38; 4:10; Rev.8:11), does she use the deceptive power of the abyss ("key") to open the abyss, or to close it? Rev.9:1,2 tells us.
Which holder of the abyss's key would give Wormwood the power to open up and release, Satan's deceptions? Satan? Or Christ?

Christ does not empower the unfaithful to release darkness, deception and death.
Satan does (Rev.9:2;  1John 1:5; John 1:4,5,9; 10:10;  2Cor. 11:13-15). This conclusion is in harmony with the original king of the abyss (and original holder of the key), who is described as over Wormwood and the agents of the abyss, and is named "Destroyer" (Rev.9:11; John 10:10; 8:44; Isa.33:1).
Although Christ has been given authority over the abyss (and therefore possesses a set of keys to it); he does not release everyone from it's authority. God allows some to be deceived by Satan and his agents (Wormwood and the "locust/scorpions") (2Thess. 2:9,10,11,12;  1Tim. 4:1; Rev.16:13,14,15).
Some remain under Satan's authority, and some are released from deception and death, by Christ's authority. Both hold keys to the abyss, for a time.

 --Satan empowers his agents (messengers/angels) with his power of deception
            and death (gives key to the abyss);
            (Then Wormwood gives that power and authority to
              the "locust-scorpions" under her -Rev.9:3,19; 13:14-15,12; 19:20)
       (http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/09/tails-stingers-scorpions-rev910.html)
--Christ empowers his agents (messengers/angels), with his power of Truth and Life (symbolized by the keys to the kingdom and release from the power of the abyss of deception and death -Rev.11:3; 12:6,14)
(Matt.16:19; John 20:23; Luke 10:19; 21:15;  2Cor. 10:4,5; Rev.12:7) (Acts 26:18;  1Tim. 4:16).
These two forces (truth/deception) collide, and result in Armageddon (Rev.16:13-16; 17:14).

The following addition about this subject of the symbolic "key" to the abyss,
has been added to this past post:
http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/08/what-happened-in-1914.html

as follows:

"Jesus Christ restricted Satan's deceptive ability to mislead his faithful brothers (Luke 10:19; Matt.28:18; 26:64; John 3:35; Rom.14:9; Eph.1:20,21; Luke 10:17,18,19,20;  1Pet. 3:22;  1Cor. 15:24,25,26). This was fully accomplished when he himself conquered Satan's authority, by his faithful death. He then trumped Satan's authority over the abyss of death, enabling him to release his faithful chosen ones from it's power (1Pet. 2:9; Col.1:13;  1Thess 5:5,9 (John 10:10) ; Eph.2:1,2,3; Ps.94:17; Jer.31:11;  1Cor. 15:57;  2Cor. 2:11; Luke 8:10) (2Cor. 4:4;  2Thess. 2:11,12;  2Thess. 1:9; Col.1:13;  Luke 4:18; Rev.13:10, 7; Gal.5:13; Col.1:13; John 8:32).

Satan does not lose his key (authority) to the abyss of deception and death, until the harvest is finished, and all have been sealed as either slaves of God (Deut.11:18; Rev.7:3) or slaves of the abyss and it's agents (Rev.13:16-18; 16:13-16).
http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/05/mark-of-beast.html

http://pearl-666.blogspot.com/
(Rev.20:10,14; 21:4) (Rev.11:7 A; Rev.13:1,4,16; 9:10)
pearl-obeymen.blogspot.com
Satan retains his authority (key) over death among the unfaithful
(2Thess. 2:9,10; John 8:44; Eph.2:3;  2Pet. 3:7;  2Thess. 1:9).
Christ has attained a "key", to release his faithful from the power of Satan's abyss of deception and it's resulting death, by means of the word of life (John 5:24; James 1:21;  1Cor. 15:26) and the gift of Holy Spirit so that it may be interpreted and understood correctly, through the Body of Christ
(1John 2:27; John 16:13; Luke 8:10; Rev.2:17; Rom.12:4,6,7,8;  1Cor. 12:18; Eph.4:12,11;  1Thess. 5:19,20;  1Cor. 14:32,33; 12:28; Eph.2:22,20).
But Satan still retains that "key"...not over the faithful, but over those unfaithful at present, and those who remain unfaithful and become sealed as such.
(Heb.2:14;  1Cor. 5:5; Dan.12:10;  2Tim. 3:13).
(Heb.2:14; Matt.8:29;  2Pet. 2:4;  1Pet. 3:18,19; Jude 1:6; Rev.1:18; 5:6,5,9; Matt.28:18; Luke 10:17,18,19).

All releasing from deception and death will be accomplished, when all "144,000" are faithfully sealed, and set free
(2Pet. 3:9; John 8:32; Acts 26:18; Eph.1:7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14; Rom.8:13; Eph.2:1,2,5,6,7; Rev.6:9,10,11; 7:3; 9:4; Zech.13:9; Rev.9:2; 8:12; Zech.13:9; Mal.3:3; Rev.14:1) along with those who receive an invitation to the marriage feast and appreciate it's provisions
(Matt.22:8,9,10; Rev.22:17; 21:6; Matt.10:41;  1Cor. 4:1).

ANOTHER ADDITION:

all are under a death sentence (Rom.5:12;  1Cor. 15:22;  1John 2:2), and must be ransomed from Satan's dominion over humanity (1John 5:19; Rom.8:20-21; Rom.5:12; Heb.2:14).

Satan does not allow any to be freed from his power over death (Heb.2:14; Rev.9:11; Job 38:17) (Matt.16:18; John 1:5; Luke 10:19;  1Cor. 15:55-57; Rev.2:26-27; 3:9), without a ransom (Heb.9:22; Job 33:23-24; Rev.5:9-10; Luke 10:19;  2Cor. 10:4-5).

Just as Satan had the "key" to open death (Gen.3:1-2,3-4,19; John 8:44; 10:10; Heb.2:14; Rev.9:1-3,10;  1Cor. 15:56; Rev.9:11; John 10:10).

Christ and his Bride have the key to release those held captive there, having the "keys" to truth and life. 

see: https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2021/11/why-was-satan-put-into-abyss.html

("Key" = power and authority to open and close) 
(Rev.1:18; John 11:25; Matt.13:11-15;  1Sam. 2:6) 
(Matt.16:19; Rev.22:17; John 20:21-23) 

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Two witnesses -- "Lampstands"

This post has been refined, to accommodate the additional details provided by Zechariah, chapter 4.

QUESTION:
Dear Pearl,
I prayed about the "two witnesses" and all of the remaining ones of the woman's seed to come out of the org; how surely there must be more anointed ones to join us. When asking for direction, I turned to Acts 12 and read about Barnabas and Saul.
..."the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." (Acts 13:2). I started equating these scriptures to the two witnesses, the whole account.  We speak firstly to the chosen ones, then to the spiritual Gentiles; the Gentiles who listened to Paul and Barnabas became great in number.   Acts 13:46,47
Is this the way it will be now?  It is the spiritual Gentiles that are more willing to listen than the chosen because of the heart condition?  This also makes me think of the invitation to the wedding feast (Matt.22:8-9).

MY REPLY:
I hope your own consideration of these scriptures, afford insight for you, as they afforded to me. The answers can be right before us within a scripture. But without spirit, we can't yet see it.
I thank God for the merciful illumination of His Light!

Rev.11:3,4 "And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 They are “the two olive trees” (Ps.52:8; Zech.4:3,11)/("stars"), with/and the two lampstands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth."

Rev.1:20 "The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels (olive trees -Ps.52:8; 92:13,14) of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches."

When the truths set forth in those two verses are combined, it seems plain to me that the "Two witnesses"/angels/olive trees/stars, (who are on each side of  two lampstands), which lampstands are, two churches/congregations.
Now for a full understanding, more scriptures must be considered. But for a simplified reply, the "two witnesses"/olive trees, are angels to the lampstands/ "churches"/"congregations", of holy ones/anointed (1Cor. 14:33;  1Pet. 2:10,9,5;  1Cor. 3:16).

But in addition...
each congregation has over it, a "star"/messenger/angel/steward/prophet
[Rev.1:20; Luke 12:42-43; 21:25,26; (Amos 9:9,8,11,14,15); Rev.12:4 <"third"; Zech.13:9;  1Pet. 2:10,9]
to provide provisions ("food"/"light"/"springs of water"), to his contemporary congregation.

Now this should be seen in one's minds eye.
Imagine a lampstand (congregation).
It is useless without a flame being lit at it's top.
When a flame is added to the stand (Heb.1:7,14), the lamp-stand supports that flame.
By doing so, all in the house, receive light (Matt.5:14,15) by the representatives of New Jerusalem (Rev.3:12), the "city" (Rev.20:9; Matt.5:14).



Jesus says that to each lampstand/congregation, a *trumpeting "star"/prophet* is given 

(Rev.1:20; 8:2; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6; 10:7; 22:6;  1Cor.14:32) (Isa.58:1)
from his "right hand" [Ex.15:6,12; Judges 5:26; (Jer.23:29; Rom.16:20) Rev.22:16] (Ps.110:1;  1Cor.15:25) 

(Ps.17:7; 18:35; 45:4; Rev.19:11,14; 17:14; John 14:12; 7:39).
Does not a star give off burning light?
(Phil.2:15; Dan.12:3)

-  -  -  -  -  -  -
Is the "flame"/spirit, of each "lampstand"/congregation, it's "star"/messenger/angel?
Is the "spirit of the prophets"/"fire" of God's Word from their mouths, and is the light/spirit in their perception/eye/lamp...
        (Jer.1:9; 23:29; Rev.11:5; Heb.1:7) (2Pet. 1:21; Rev.22:6),
...the spirit/"flame" each faithful congregation of holy ones, supports?

I think an answer to this lies at Rev.8:10,11.
Firstly, we know that a false prophet exists (Rev.19:20; 13:11,15; Luke 16:1,2).
I believe that this false prophet/unfaithful steward/fallen "star", is spoken of at Rev.8:10,11, and that these verses describe for us, how that wicked steward, appeared onto the scene. What it says, will help with understanding the equivalence between "star" and "flame"...

"10 The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— 11 the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter."

 ( See: The-Fallen-Star )

In my own mind, this confirms, that the flame upon the "lampstand", is it's "star"/prophet.
In the case of "Wormwood", that steward became wicked/false, and as a result of it's "fall" (Rev.2:5; Isa.14:1213,14,15;  2Pet. 2:1,2,3; 3:17;  2Cor. 11:14,15;  1Cor. 10:12),
it's "springs of waters"/"wine" became the venom of vipers (Deut.29:18; 32:32,33) (winepress) (Rev.20:7; Job 3:8,9).

That "eye"/prophet/steward/flame, of Christ's Body/Congregation/lampstand, (1Cor. 12:21,27),
became darkened/"bad"/"sick" (Matt.6:23; Rom.1:21; Eph.4:18; John 12:40),
so that the "whole body"/congregation under that steward,
became "full of darkness"
(Luke 11:34,35,36; Rev.3:17,18; Matt.15:14; Isa.9:16; Eze.14:10)
(eye-salve) (pluck-out-eye).
[scriptures to show that the Body of Christ, is the congregation of holy ones/the church (Eph.5:23; Col.1:24).]



[See Rev.11:4 ( https://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/NTpdf/rev11.pdf )]

Rev.22:17; Matt.22:8,9,10; Isa.66:19,20,21,22,23

The "two witnesses" are all those gleaned from the last "two congregations", who accept the light granted to those last "two" prophets...

by hearing what the spirit of the prophets, says to the congregation under/beside  it (Rev.2:29; Matt.11:15,16,17; Mark 4:8,9,11)
(Rev.1:20; 2:29; 22:6;  1Cor. 14:32,33; Rev.2:29).

So while primarily, the truth being expounded and declared is being accomplished by those congregations/lampstands;
the light they carry forth is coming from their "olive trees"/"stars"/flames/tongues of "fire" (Rev.11:5),
which those able to "hear", are supporting (Rev.22:17; Heb.6:10).



Therefore, anyone "hearing" and preaching truth in the time of the end, belongs to the "Two lampstands" / "Two Congregations" of holy ones, and any Gentiles who "hear" and choose to support the last "two" prophets/"stars"/"olive trees".

As a result, the work of the two prophets..."Moses and Elijah" (Matt.17:3),
is being carried forth throughout the earth, through those "two congregations"/"lampstands"
("two", meaning supports of truth -John 8:17).

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The work of "Moses" preaches a release from captivity to "Egypt" (Rev.11:8), a testing in the wilderness outside the City, and a sorting/sifting out of those fit for the coming land of inheritance (1Cor. 10:5,6,11; Rom.15:4). During Moses' time, there is an attack by serpents, manna from heaven is received (Rev.2:17), a rock is split to provide water (Eze.36:25,26,27; John 7:38,39; Zech.3:8,9; Jer.5:1), and a sea is parted by the wind of spirit (Ex.14:21; Rev.16:12) (Rev.12:15; John 20:22; Luke 10:19; 21:15; Isa.54:17; 58:11,12), so that those fleeing can cross over to safety.

 

The work of "Elijah" preaches a restoration of the bond between God's elect,
and their Fathers (Matt.17:11; Luke 1:16,17; Isa.61:3,4). (elijah-turns-hearts)
Without the restoration of those bonds...
demonic teachings, cloudy eyes, lying hands, darkness, wormwood waters, sin, and death,
(1Tim. 4:1; Rev.16:14,15,16; 2:20; 13:11,15; Amos 5:18,20)
will take away all the "earth"/homeland of God.
(world-earth-home) (earth-swallows-satans-river)
This is why Jesus causes these "two witnesses" to prophesy (Rev.11:3),
for the sake of a late crop/remnant
(Rev.20:5; Amos 7:1; Rev.7:9,13,14; Isa.1:9; 37:32; Ezra 9:8; Eze.14:22; Luke 13:23,24; Matt.24:22; 19:25,26; Isa.37:32) (second-resurrection),
which still contains a blessing (Isa.65:8; 17:6; Joel 2:14) (John 15:4,5; Luke 21:36; 12:37; Prov.1:23).

Regarding Acts 13:46,47;
As is clear in Revelation; the majority of God's people fail God's final inspection of His nation (Rom.9:27; Rev.13:7,8).
The "marriage feast" is then open to all those "leaving the City", who accept the invitation and show due honor to their hosts. That invitation is extended to spiritual Gentiles (Rev.18:4; Matt.22:8,9,10; Rev.22:17; 19:9; 22:6).
("Jew" / "Gentile")
 

I hope that the spirit granted us, addresses your question about both the identity of the "two witnesses" that prophesy (Rev.11:3), to the "two lampstands"/"two congregations" under the "two prophets" whose traits are embodied in Moses and Elijah. (Rev.11:4; 1:20; Matt.17:3),
and the next post to follow, about "plucking out the 'eye' ".

(pluck-out-your-eye.html)

As with all truth, they are related.
Love in Christ,
Pearl

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