Hell – B I B L E – ONLY

Daniel 12:1-3 What happens when we die?

Tony — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Daniel 12:1-3. At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. (New King James Version).

From the context of this passage it is very clear to see that the subject of time is referring to the Second Coming of Christ when Michael stands up. It refers to the time of trouble and just before the Second Coming and the resurrection. The promise is to all true believers in Christ that all shall be delivered everyone who is found written in the book (of life of the Lamb – Rev 13:8).

The subject I would like to concentrate on in this text is the resurrection to life and the resurrection to everlasting contempt. Why? Because the majority of Christian believers do not believe in the resurrection, at the Second Coming of Christ at the end of the world. So here is a little Bible study related to the resurrection.

When studying the subject resurrection one has to have a basic understanding of what happens to a person when they die. What does the Bible say:

How did death begin with the human family?

God commanded to Adam and Eve in Gen 2:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. Gen 3:6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Adam and Eve eventually died from this sin.

Why do men have to die?

Rom 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.

Where do we go to when we die?

Eccles 12:7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. (Spirit in this text means the breath of life and not the soul).

Can we praise God when we die?

Psalm 6:5 For in death there is no remembrance of You; In the grave who will give You thanks?

What will happen with our knowledge and wisdom at death?

Eccles 9:5.6.10.For the living know that they will die; but the dead no nothing, Verse 6, Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished. Verse 10 for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

How long shall we be in the grave?

Job 14:10.12. But man dies and is laid away; indeed he breathes his last and where is he? So man lies down and does not rise till the heavens are no more. They will not awake nor be roused from their sleep.

When will the heavens be no more?

2 Pet 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

Which two resurrections occur at the end of the world?

John 5:28.29. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear his voice and come forth – those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of damnation.

How will the believers be resurrected?

1 Thess 4:16.17. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with a 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.

Remember in this text that we do not meet the Lord on the ground but in the air. And in Rev 1:7 it says every eye shall see him when the Lord Jesus comes.

What happens to all unbelievers at the Lord´s coming?

2 Thess 2:8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

Revelation 6:7.8. Fourth Seal With A Pale Horse

Tony — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 15:05:30 +0000

Fourth Seal with a Pale Horse

Rev 6:7.8. So I looked, and behold a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death and Hades followed him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.

Who is the rider on this horse?

Rev 1:18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold I am alive forevermore, Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and Death.

The text is referring to Jesus Christ who is the Son of Man in Rev 1:13. In fact Rev 1:9-18 is referring to Christ speaking to John the disciple in vision. Christ has the keys of Hades and Death and is therefore the only one with authority to ride this pale horse.

Where shall we put the pale horse? In which time in the future?

It is interesting to note that Ellen G. White wrote in 1898 that this would be a period of time in the future. “Rev 6:8-11. Here were the scenes presented to John that were not in reality, but that which would be in a period of time in the future. (Letter 65-1898. 22)”.

Death and Hades refers to the time when Christ will send fire down from heaven, Rev 20:9 and destroy all unbelievers with the second death, totally, in the lake of fire. Rev 20:14. I refer to the second death. If anyone wants to know what happens when we die with the first death; open up the title on my website: What happens when we die? This is referring to the first death.

There is a teaching from the Roman Catholic Church and the Pentecostal Church, that suggests people who do not believe in God, or believe in God but have not made retribution for their sins, will burn in Hell eternally. We shall look at this teaching and see if it is related to Hades and Death, or even found in the whole of the Bible.

What does “hell” mean in the Bible?

There are four texts, which are used to support this teaching, that unbelievers will burn in Hell eternally.

Luke 16:19-31 This is a parable of the rich man.[1]

What is the definition of a parable? The Oxford Dictionary states that a parable is a “fictitious narrative used to point a moral or illustrate some spiritual relation or condition.” Furthermore, a parable cannot determine a doctrine from the Bible. You have to have more than six to ten texts to determine a doctrine like the Second Coming of Christ from the Bible etc.

There was a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. The poor man was fed by the crumbs, which fell from the rich man´s table. Then came the time when both men died. The poor man was carried away to Abraham’s bosom, and the rich man was taken to a place called Hades where he was tormented with fire. The rich man complained of his situation and Abraham said to him that their lives were now reversed. The rich man asked if someone could be sent to his brothers to warn them of a place called Hades. Abraham said “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded through one raised from the dead. Luke 19:31.

This parable of the rich man Lazarus was used by Jesus to teach the Pharisees that being rich is not a token of Gods favor or guarantees a good place in heaven. Jesus further explains in Luke 16:1-13 that the Pharisees who represent the unjust steward, the lovers of money; that money does not guarantee a place in heaven. Luke 16:13 You cannot serve God and Mammon. In addition, there is not one text in the Bible that states that Abraham, when he died, he went to heaven. So this text is a parable.

Rev 14:9-11

If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand – – -. He shall 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 ascends forever and ever (αιωνας and αιωνων, aionas and aionon in the Greek language); and they have no rest day or night, and whoever receives the mark of his name. (The words forever and ever will be explained in the following word study).

Rev 20:9.10. (Refers to unbelievers after the 1,000 years millennium)

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 (αιωνας and αιωνων, aionas and aionon in the Greek language). (The words forever and ever will be explained in the following word study).

2 Thess 1:7-9

When the Lord 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 (αιωνιον, aionion in the Greek language) destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. (The word everlasting will be explained in the following word study).

Words from the Bible like everlasting, eternal, and forever and ever, have three different meanings.

The first meaning: Joh 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting (αιωνιον, aionion in the Greek language) life.

This everlasting life has a start but no ending. We can believe in Jesus Christ now, today and then we have eternal life which has no ending which is called infinity. Start → No ending.

The second meaning: Jude 7. As Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal (αιωνιου, aioniou in the Greek language) fire.

This eternal fire, which fell over Sodom and Gomorrah, had a start and an ending. Archaeologists say they have found the ashes of these cities Sodom and Gomorrah. This would mean that these cities were on fire for about 14 days and then they were burnt to ashes. In Malachi 4:1.3. it says for behold the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up. – – – You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under your feet. The word eternal in this context means it has a start and a short period of fire, reduced to ashes, and resulting in a finish. Eternal fire means total destruction in this text.

Start → Short period of time ←Ending.

The third meaning: Psalm 90:2. Even from everlasting to everlasting (αιωνος, αιωνος, aionos in the LXX Greek Bible) You are God.

The words everlasting to everlasting has no beginning and no ending and means God is from infinity to infinity. ← No start/No ending →

When we look at the words everlasting or eternal in reference to fire, smoke, punishment and destruction from God, it refers to a short period of time only, and not many years. The words mean total destruction.

We shall now do a selected short word study in the Bible on fire from God.

Gen 19:24 Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. (This fire is not burning now. It lasted for about 14 days. The ashes of these cities have been found upon these plains. This fire means total destruction).

Luk 17:29 but on that day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.

Lev 9:24 Fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. (This fire consumed the burnt offering in a short time).

Lev 10:1.2. Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. (When fire came from the Lord, these two brothers died instantly).

Num 11:1.2. Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and when Moses prayed to the Lord, the fire quenched. (This fire from the Lord was a short period of time).

Num 16:35 And a fire came out from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense. (These men Dathan and Abiram were the head of priestly families in Israel. They and others rebelled against Moses and God. This fire from God lasted only a few seconds and consumed the men).

1 Kgs 18:38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. (This is Elijah the prophet on Mount Carmel. He built an altar, put a sacrifice on it, poured water on it, and the Lord consumed the sacrifice, the stone altar and water in a few seconds).

2 Kgs 1:10 (The king of Samaria sent fifty soldiers to take Elijah captive). So Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty men. (This fire lasted only a few seconds to consume the fifty men).

2 Chron 7:1 When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. (This fire consumed the offering within a few seconds).

Ps 11:6 Upon the wicked He will rain coals; fire and brimstone and burning wind. (This fire will be a short period of time like that in Sodom and Gomorrah).

Math 3:12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. (Unquenchable fire means that the fire does not stop burning until all is consumed and destroyed, which would be a short time for God).

Math 13:49.50. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (This is referring to the final consummation of the wicked, when fire comes down from God. Rev 20:9. This refers to a short period of time).

Math 18:8 It is better for you to enter into life lame and maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. This fire would refer to a short period of time).

Math 25:41 He will say to those on the left hand, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” (This fire is the same fire poured out from God in Rev 20:9 and will be for a short period of time).

2 Thess 1:7.8. When the Lord 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. (This is the fire from God in Rev 20:9 and is a short period of time).

2 Pet 3:7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for the fire until the day of the judgment and perdition of ungodly men. (This is the fire from God in Rev 20:9 and is a short period of time).

Rev 19:20 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 worshipped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. (This is the fire from God in Rev 20:9 and is a short period of time).

Rev 20:9 And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. (This fire devoured all unbelievers after the 1,000 years of judgment. This is the fire from God in Rev 20:9 and is a short period of time).

Rev 20:10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire. (This is the fire from God in Rev 20:9 and is a short period of time).

Rev 20:14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (This is the fire from God in Rev 20:9 and is a short period of time. It means that death is totally extinct, and does not exist anymore. It is destroyed completely in the this fire).

Rev 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. (This is the fire from God in Rev 20:9 and is a short period of time).

Conclusion

Nowhere in the Bible is fire from God related to a place called Hell which burns people for a long period of time.

The fire from God is related to: total destruction, consummation, devoured, unquenchable furnace, everlasting, flaming fire, judgment, the beast, the false prophet, those who worshipped his (the beasts) image, lake of fire, the devil, Death and Hades, anyone not found written in the Book of Life).

Explanation of the word Hell in the Bible

The word “Hell” is written 52 times in the Old and New Testament Bible. 31 times it is referred to the Hebrew word “Sheol”. 10 times it is referred to the Greek word “Hades”. 11 times it is referred to the Greek word “Gehenna”. One time it is referred to the Greek word “Tartarus”.

Not one of these words refer to a burning fire for a long period of time, a place were people are persecuted for their sins in purgatory.

Examples of the Hebrew and Greek words used in the Bible:

Deut 32:22 For fire is kindled in My anger, and shall burn to the lowest hell (Sheol); it shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. (This hell is “Sheol” in the Hebrew and refers to the end of time Rev 20:9 when God shall consume the whole of the earth with fire).

Math 11:23 And you Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hell (Hades), for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. (This is referring to the day of judgment, verse 24 at the end of time Rev 20:9 when fire will consume the whole of the earth).

Mk 9:47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than have two eyes, to be cast into hell (Gehenna) fire. (This fire is referring to the end of time Rev 20:9, but also has a parallel with the fire burning in the valley of Hinnom).

“Gehenna is the Grecized form of Gi Hinnom, Valley of Hinnom, a gorge near Jerusalem repeatedly mentioned in the Old Testament (Jos 15;8. 2 Kgs 23:10, 2 Chron 33:6, Jerm 7:31). Here the barbaric heathen rite of burning children to Molech was conducted. (2 Chron 28:3, 33:1-6.). Jeremiah predicted that because of this sin, the Lord would make the valley of the sin of Hinnom a ´Valley of slaughter´ where the corpses of the Israelites would be buried until there was no more place for them, and the remaining dead bodies would be food for the fowls of heaven. (Jerm 7:32.33). This doubtless led to the valley being regarded as a place of judgment of the wicked. Later, rabbinical tradition claims that the Valley of Hinnom was also a place outside the city for burning carcasses and rubbish.

These references to a final punishment of sinners by fire of Hell are further clarified in such texts as Mat 3:12, where sinners are likened to chaff that is burned with unquenchable fire. (Mk 9:43-48. Luk 3:9).”[2]

2 Pet 2:4 For God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell (Tartarus) and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved for judgment. (One third of the angels of heaven sinned against God in heaven. Rev 12:4 Stars in prophecy represent angels. The dragon represents Satan Rev 12:9. These were cast down to earth and await the Day of Judgment for 1,000 years Rev 20:1-3. Then they will be cast into the lake of fire and be consumed Rev 20:9.10.)

Conclusion

Not one of these references to Hell refer to a burning fire for a long period of time, a place were people are persecuted for their sins.

[1] George Arthur Butterick, Ed., The Interpreter´s Dictionary Of The Bible: (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1982), Dead, 788.

[2] Seigfreid H. Horn, Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Dictionary (Washington D. C.: Review & Herald, 1979), 474. 475.

Revelation 8:12.13. Fourth Trumpet

Tony — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 08:37:01 +0000

Rev 8:12.13. Fourth Trumpet

Rev 8:12. Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.

When interpreting the sun, moon and stars symbolically, one can do so individually or grouped together. In this text I will interpret them grouped together, because the result is a third of the day did not shine and likewise the night. If the sun, moon and stars were interpreted individually then it would give another meaning in prophecy. For example: the sun represents Christ and his righteousness, Malachi 4:2. The moon represents the enemies of Christ and the Church, Rev 12:1-17. The stars represent angels, Rev 1:20.

A short word study on “sun, moon and stars,” as a group, and related to the darkening of a day.

Eccles 12:1.2. Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them:” While the sun and the light, the moon and the stars, are darkened, and the clouds do not return after the rain. (This text refers to a man in his old age and when he dies Verse 5.7.)

Is 13:9.10. Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and He will destroy its sinners from it. For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light; The sun will be darkened in its going forth, and the moon will not cause its light to shine. (The darkening of the sun, moon and stars are related to the day of the Lord with the land becoming desolate, followed by death and destruction upon sinners. This primarily refers to the destruction of Babylon Is 13:1.)

Joel 2:10.11. The earth quakes before them, the heavens tremble; the sun and moon grow dark, and the stars diminish their brightness. For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible. (Judging by the context, this verse refers to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. Joel 2:1.2. Blow the trumpet in Zion and sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; For the day of the Lord is coming, for it is at hand: a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, like the morning clouds spread over the mountains. A people come, great and strong – – -. Verse 3. A fire devours before them.)

Joel 3:15. The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will diminish their brightness. (Judging by the context it refers to God judging all nations for their wickedness. Joel 3:12.13. Let the nations be wakened and come to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; for the winepress is full, the vats overflow- for their wickedness is great.)

Mark 13:24-26. But in those days, after that tribulation, (Refers to the Middle Ages), the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. (This text is referring to the Second Coming of Christ where two events will take place for mankind. Firstly, the elect or true Christians will be gathered Mk 13:27. Secondly, the wicked sinners over the whole earth will mourn Matt 24:30.)

Rev 6:12-17. I looked when he opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake: and the sun became black as sackcloth; and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth – – -. Verse 17. For the great day of his wrath has come and who is able to stand. (Refers to the Second Coming of Christ and a judgment day for all sinners.)

Conclusion

“Sun, moon and stars,” as a group, and related to the darkening of a day are related to the following: refers to a man in his old age and when he dies; it is related to the day of the Lord with the land becoming desolate, followed by death and destruction upon sinners; it refers to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.; it refers to God judging all nations for their wickedness; it refers to the Second Coming of Christ where two events will take place for mankind. Firstly, the elect or true Christians will be gathered Mk 13:27. Secondly, the wicked sinners over the whole earth will mourn Matt 24:30. It finally refers to the Second Coming of Christ and a judgment day for all sinners.

Ellen G. White comments on the darkening of the sun, moon and stars.

After the signs in nature taking place like the darkening of the sun and moon on the 19^th May, 1780 in the heavens in New England. “Absorbed in worldliness and pleasure seeking, the professed people of God were blinded to the Saviour’s instructions concerning the signs of His appearing.

The condition of the Church at this time is pointed out in the Saviour’s words in Revelation: ´Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

Loving the paths of unrighteousness – to these the day of the Lord is ´darkness, and not light, even very dark, and no brightness in it.´ Amos 5:20.

That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of the trumpet and alarm. Zeph 1:15.16. Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, . . . to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.´ Is 13:9.

“In the view of that great day the Word of God, in the most solemn and impressive language, calls upon His people to arouse from their spiritual lethargy and to seek His face with repentance and humiliation: `Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand.´

To prepare a people to stand in the day of God, a great work of reform was to be accomplished. God saw that many of His professed people were not building for eternity, and His mercy He was about to send a message of warning to arouse them from their stupor and lead them to make ready for the coming of the Lord.”[1]

A short word study on “darkness.”

Job 38:1.2. Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge?”

Psalm 35:6.8. (Refers to the enemies of God´s people). Let their way be dark and slippery – – -. Let destruction come upon him unexpectedly.

Ezek 30:18.19. At Tehaphnehes the day shall also be darkened, when I break the yokes of Egypt there – – -. Thus, I will execute judgments on Egypt.

Ezek 32:7. (Gods message to Pharaoh of Egypt). When I put out your light, I will cover the heavens, and make its stars dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light. (This text refers to the destruction of Pharaoh by the king of Babylon Verses 9-11).

Is 13:10.11. For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light; The sun will be darkened in its going forth, and the moon will not cause its light to shine. I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity – – -.

Is 29:15. Woe to those seek deep to hide their counsel far from the Lord, and their works are in the dark; They say, “Who sees us?” and “Who knows us?”

Amos 8:9-11. “And it shall come to pass in that day,” says the Lord God, “that I will make the sun go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in broad daylight; I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; I will bring sackcloth on every waist, and baldness on every head; I will make it like mourning for an only son, and its end like a bitter day. Behold the days are coming,” says the Lord God, “That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” (The context from Amos 8:2 reveals that the end has come for God´s people Israel and they will be taken into captivity by the Assyrians).

Micah 3:6. (The Lord accusing the false prophets). Therefore, you shall have night without vision, and you shall have darkness without divination; The sun shall go down on the prophets, and the day shall be dark for them. (The result is no communication from God).

Rom 1:21. (Paul referring to the ungodliness and unrighteousness in men). Because although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (This text is referring to spiritual blindness).

Rom 11:10. Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always. (Refers to Israel verse 7. What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. This is referring to spiritual blindness and their understanding was dark).

Ephes 4:17.18. This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. (Spiritual blindness due to not knowing God).

Conclusion

Darkness is related to the following: God´s counsel without knowledge, destruction, judgments of God, destruction of Pharaoh, evil and iniquity, a famine of hearing the words of the Lord, no communication from God, spiritual blindness results in dark understanding.

Explanation of the Rev 8:12 in the light of the above understanding.

A third of the sun, moon and stars were darkened means the Day of the Lord is at hand referring to the destruction of Israel and Judah in the Old testament. It also refers to the famine of hearing Gods word from the Bible, resulting in sinners in Jerusalem turning away from God to worship idols. As a last resort God sent the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem and Judah in 586 B.C. and deport the people to Babylon.

The same understanding is referring to the Christian Church during the Middle Ages. When the Christians elected a Pope to rule the church in AD 538, this was because of the sins of the people, the turning away from God and hearing his word from the Bible. As a result, their spiritual understanding became dark and this period became known as the Dark Ages from AD 538 – 1798.

Ellen G. White comments on the Dark Ages

“In the sixth century the papacy had become firmly established. Its seat of power was fixed in the imperial city, and the bishop of Rome was declared to be the head over the entire Church. Paganism had given place to the papacy. The dragon (Satan) had given to the beast ´his power, and his seat, and authority´. Rev 13:2 (See Appendix.) And now began the 1,260 years of papal oppression foretold in the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation. Dan 7:25. Rev 13:5-7.”[2]

“This compromise between paganism and Christianity resulted in the development of the ´man of sin´ (2 Thess 2:1-4. Referring to the papacy in the Roman Catholic Church system) foretold in prophecy as opposing and exalting himself above God. That gigantic system of false religion is a masterpiece of Satan´s power, – – – a monument of his efforts to seat himself upon the throne to rule the earth according to his will.”[3]

“At every assault, Christ presented the shield of eternal truth, saying, ´it is written.´ To every suggestion of the adversary, He opposed the wisdom and power of the world. In order for Satan to maintain his sway over men, and establish the authority of the papal usurper, he must keep them in ignorance of the scriptures. The Bible will exalt God and place finite men in their true position; therefore, its sacred truths must be concealed and suppressed.

This logic was adopted by the Roman Church. For hundreds of years the circulation of the Bible was prohibited. The people were forbidden to read it or have it in their houses, and unprincipled priests and prelates interpreted its teachings to sustain their pretensions. Thus, the pope came to be almost universally acknowledged as the vicegerent of God on earth, endowed with authority over Church and State.”[4]

“Christians were forced to choose either to yield their integrity and accept the papal ceremonies and worship, or wear away their lives in dungeons or suffer death by the rack, the faggot, or the headman´s axe. Now were fulfilled the words of Jesus: Ýe shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name´s sake. Luke 21:16.17. Persecution opened upon the faithful with greater fury than ever before, and the world became a vast battlefield. For hundreds of years the Church of Christ found refuge in seclusion and obscurity. Thus says the prophet: ´The woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and three score days.´ Revelation 12:6.

The accession of the Roman Church to power marked the beginning of the Dark Ages. As her power increased, the darkness deepened. Faith was transferred from Christ, the true foundation, to the pope of Rome. Instead of trusting in the Son of God for forgiveness of sins and for eternal salvation, the people looked to the pope, and to the priests and prelates to whom he delegated authority.”[5]

“Notwithstanding that vice prevailed, even among the leaders of the Roman Church, her influence seemed steadily to increase. About the close of the eighth century, papists put forth the claim that in the first ages of the Church the bishops of Rome had possessed the same spiritual power which they now assumed. To establish this claim, some means must be employed to give it a show of authority; and this was readily suggested by the father of lies. Ancient writings were forged by monks. Decrees of councils before unheard of were discovered, establishing the universal supremacy of the pope from the earliest times. And a Church that had rejected the truth greedily accepted these deceptions. (See Appendix).”[6]

“Another step in papal assumption was taken, when, in the eleventh century, Pope Gregory VII proclaimed the perfection of the Roman Church. Among the propositions which he put forth was one declaring that the Church had never erred, nor would it ever err, according to the Scriptures. But the Scripture proofs did not accompany the assertion. The proud pontiff also claimed the power to depose emperors, and declared that no sentence which he pronounced could be reversed by anyone, but that it his prerogative to reverse the decisions of all others. (See Appendix).”[7]

“The advancing centuries witnessed a constant increase of error in the doctrines put forth by Rome. – – – Prominent among these was the belief in man´s natural immortality and his consciousness in death. This doctrine laid the foundation upon which Rome established the invocation of saints and the adoration of the Virgin Mary. From this, sprang also the heresy of eternal torment for the finally impenitent, which was early incorporated into the papal faith.”[8]

“Then the way was prepared for the introduction of still another invention of paganism, which Rome named purgatory, and employed to terrify the credulous and superstitious multitudes. By this heresy is affirmed the existence of a place of torment, in which the souls of such as have not merited eternal damnation are to suffer punishment for their sins, and from which, when freed from impurity, they are admitted to heaven. (See Appendix).”[9]

“Still another fabrication was needed to enable Rome to profit by the fears and the vices of her adherents. This was supplied by the doctrine of indulgences. Full remission of sins, past, present, and future, and release from all the pains and penalties incurred, were promised to all who would enlist in the pontiff´s wars to extend his temporal dominion, to punish his enemies, or to exterminate those who dared deny his spiritual supremacy.

The people were also taught that by payment of money to the Church they might free themselves from sin, and also release the souls of their deceased friends who were confined in the tormenting flames. By such means did Rome fill her coffers and sustain the magnificence, luxury, and vice of the pretended representatives of Him who had not where to lay His head. (See Appendix).”[10]

“The scriptural ordinance of the Lord´s Supper had been supplanted by the idolatrous sacrifice of the mass. Papal priests pretended, by their senseless mummery, to convert the simple bread and wine into the actual ´body and the blood of Christ´. – Cardinal Wiseman, The Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Eucharist, Proved from Scripture, lecture 8, sec. 3, par. 26. With blasphemous presumption, they openly claimed the power of creating God, the Creator of all things. Christians were required, on pain of death, to avow their faith in this horrible, Heaven-insulting heresy. Multitudes who refused were given to the flames. (See Appendix).”[11]

“In the thirteenth century it was established that most terrible of all the engines of the papacy–the inquisition. The prince of darkness wrought with the leaders of the papal hierarchy. In their secret council Satan and his angels controlled the minds of evil men, while unseen in the midst stood an angel of God, taking the fearful record of their iniquitous decrees and writing the history of deeds too horrible to appear to human eyes. ´Babylon the great,‘ was ´drunken with the blood of the saints.´ The mangled forms of millions of martyrs cried to God for vengeance upon that apostate power.”[12]

“Popery had become the world´s despot. Kings and emperors bowed to the decrees of the Roman pontiff. The destinies of men, both for time and for eternity, seemed under his control. For hundreds of years the doctrines of Rome had been extensively and implicitly received, its rites reverently performed, its festivals generally observed. Its clergy were honoured and liberally sustained. Never since has the Roman Church attained to greater dignity, magnificence, or power.”[13]

Rev 8:13. And I looked, and I heard an angel (eagle in the NV and M text) flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”

The inhabitants of the earth is a place on earth were God´s people live despite the catastrophes that have happened to the Church during the four trumpets that have sounded. So, we are talking about places like Europe, Asia and North Africa where Christians lived during the Middle Ages.

What does the word woe mean?

The Greek word is ουαί. It is an exclamation of speech to speak suddenly or cry out denoting pain or displeasure.

A short word study from the New testament on the word woe.

Matt 11:21.22. Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. (In verse 23 it infers that Capernaum, Chorazin and Bethsaida will end up in Hades on the day of judgment).

Matt 23:13-36. Is referring to the woes Jesus pronounced upon the scribes and Pharisees. Fx:

Verse 13. But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men, for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those entering to go in. (The scribes and Pharisees prevented men in entering heaven. This resulted in themselves in not entering into heaven).

Verse 14. Woe to you, scribes and pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widow´s houses, and for pretense make long prayers. Therefore, you will receive greater condemnation. (Greater condemnation is the opposite to eternal life).

Verse 15. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. (Hell is a place for the lost eternally).

Verse 23. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. (Jesus calls them blind guides in verse 24 and therefore are lost eternally).

Verses 25.26. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside maybe clean also. (Refers to blind Pharisees who are lost eternally).

Verse 27. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men´s bones and all uncleanliness. (Refers to men who are spiritually dead).

Verses 29.31.33. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, “If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.” Therefore, you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? (Refers to Hell being lost).

Matt 24:19. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who nursing babies in those days. (In its context this verse is referring to the abomination of desolation in verse 15 surrounding Jerusalem before its destruction in A.D. 70. In addition, it refers to the papal system of forgiveness of sins ritual, substituting the forgiveness of sins in the heavenly sanctuary by Christ. Woe refers to women and persons being lost in these verse).

Matt 26:24. Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born. (Refers to the disciple Judas who betrayed his Lord and lost his life eternally).

Luk 6:24-26. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

Verse 25. Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.

Verse 26. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

Luk 26:24-26 is related to Luk 26:20-23 which is an antecedent and in opposition to what Christ had said. Fx. In verse 20. Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God as apposed to verse 24, but woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. It is not wrong to be rich, but it is how you use your wealth that determines the outcome of your life. In this case the rich use their wealth to console themselves. Instead of helping the poor. This results in a woe of condemnation leading to judgment and eternal death.

Luk 17:1.2. It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they did come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. (Woe is related to the judgment of God to the offender resulting in a millstone hung around the neck and thrown into the sea).

Luk 21:20-23. But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its destruction is near. (This occurred in the year AD 70).

Luk 21:22. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written maybe fulfilled.

Luk 21:23. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. (In the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 a few million Jews perished along with those who were pregnant or mothers with babies).

Luk 22:22. But woe to that man by whom He is betrayed. (This verse is related to the previous verse in 21: but behold the hand of my betrayer is with me on the table. This verse refers to Judas who betrayed Jesus and ended up with the judgment of God and condemnation for his sin).

1 Cor 9:16. For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. (This is Paul´s resolution, if he does not preach the gospel he would rather die in verse 15).

Jude 11. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, having run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. (Balaam and Korah are amongst those who rebelled against God and will be lost in the judgment).

Conclusion

The word woe is related to the following: Day of Judgment, cannot enter the kingdom of heaven, cannot obtain eternal life, hell, blind men who are lost spiritually, blind guides, dead men spiritually lost, rich men who console themselves in their wealth, men who are eternally lost, a millstone hung around the neck and thrown into the sea, destruction, judgment if one does not preach the gospel, and perish.

In Rev 8:13 states that there are three woes and not just one woe that will be confronting the Church during the following period of the remaining three trumpets. Emphasis on three woes highlights the danger of these woes trying to penetrate the Church. Those in the Church who practice these woes will be lost eternally.

[1] Ellen G. White, Confrontation (Grantham, Lincolnshire: The Stanborough Press, 1978), 309-311.

[2] Ibid., 54.

[3] Ibid., 50.

[4] Ibid., 51.

[5] Ibid., 54.55.

[6] Ibid., 56.

[7] Ibid., 57.

[8] Ibid., 58.

[9] Ibid., 58.59.

[10] Ibid., 59.

[11] Ibid., 59.

[12] Ibid., 59.60.

[13] Ibid., 60.