C20th

20th Century (Revelation 16.17-21 etc.)

The 7th vial has remarkable correspondences with the 20th Century

1. The Great Shaking (Revelation 16.17-18)

A. Identification. No previous events in history produced the shaking experienced in the wars of first half of the C20th.

B. Uniqueness. WW2 was unparalleled in human experience and we cannot visualize a repetition with modern nuclear weapons.

C. Significance. It would be a great oversight not to recognize the uniqueness of this temporal judgement indicative of changing times.

2. The Threefold Division (Revelation 16.19)

A. Skepticism out of the mouth of the dragon 'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine’ was rejected.

B. Imperialism out of the mouth of the Beast. Papal jurisdiction outliving imperialist communism is still a significant political force.

C. Heresy out of the mouth of the false prophet. Modernism, 'Charismania', and Ecumenism penetrated many churches.

3. Armageddon: War with the Lamb (Revelation 17.12-14)

A. The confederation. A confederation making war with the Lamb and oppressing Bible believing Evangelicals.

B. The conquest. Things look dire but Christ exerts his sovereign omnipotence through the sword that proceeds out of his mouth.

C. The character of the victors (Ephesians 1.3-6, Rom 8.28-31).

Conclusion As we look around the world there are things to encourage us. (Cf. Revelation 22.1).