On the two witnesses: part 3
An Epistle on the Testimony of the Two Witnesses: Their Heavenly Origin and Earthly Mission
To those who seek understanding and faith in the days of tribulation, may the wisdom of God and the glory of His eternal plan guide your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
The Resurrection and Gathering of God’s People
Beloved, the Scriptures declare that the resurrection of the righteous and the gathering of the living saints will take place after the breaking of the sixth seal. This moment is a monumental turning point, signifying the culmination of God’s redemptive work for His people across both covenants.
The Gathering of the Church:
In Revelation 6, the breaking of the sixth seal is marked by cosmic disturbances:
"When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale" (Revelation 6:12-13, ESV).
This event precedes the gathering of God’s people, as described in Revelation 7:
"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'" (Revelation 7:9-10, ESV).
This crowd represents the Israel of God—the Church across both Testaments, including the Old Testament saints. These are they who have been resurrected and raptured, caught up to be with Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
The Resurrection in Revelation 19
Later, in Revelation 19 and 20, we see another resurrection, distinct from the first. This resurrection is specific to the saints martyred during the tribulation.
- The Fulfillment of God’s Plan:
This sequence underscores the supernatural nature of Daniel’s last week, where the tribulation saints join the Church in glory, completing the bride of Christ.
The Martyrs of the Tribulation:
"Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years" (Revelation 20:4, ESV).
These saints, slain for their faith, are resurrected to join the people of God who have already returned with Jesus. Together, they will reign with Christ during the millennium.
Heavenly Jerusalem and the Angelic Identity of the Witnesses
In Revelation 12, we are shown a vision of Heavenly Jerusalem, the woman who gives birth to the Israel of God:
Their Angelic Nature:
Like the woman, the Two Witnesses are of heaven, and their testimony is reliable because they stand before the Lord of the earth (Revelation 11:4). Their flight to heaven after their resurrection further demonstrates their divine origin:
"Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, 'Come up here!' And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them" (Revelation 11:12, ESV).
The Woman on Earth:
After her child is caught up, the woman (Heavenly Jerusalem) flees to the earth and is given the wings of an angel:
"But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time" (Revelation 12:14, ESV).
This signifies that beings of heaven will be present on earth, and it speaks to the identity of the Two Witnesses. These angelic figures take full physical form to testify and call for repentance during the first half of Daniel’s last week.
The Child Caught Up to God:
"She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne" (Revelation 12:5, ESV).
This child represents the Church across both Testaments, now caught up to God after the sixth seal. This crowd is later seen in heaven, glorifying God for salvation (Revelation 7:9-10).
The Physical Form of Angels
The Scriptures show that angels can assume full physical form, capable of eating, interacting, and even being wounded.
The Implications for the Two Witnesses:
If angels can eat, interact, and even bleed, then the Two Witnesses can also be killed while in their physical form. Yet, being of heaven, they take back their lives:
"But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them" (Revelation 11:11, ESV).
The Angels in Sodom:
"But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot, 'Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them'" (Genesis 19:4-5, ESV).
The men of Sodom sought to assault the angels, further confirming their physical nature.
The Angels Who Ate with Abraham:
"And he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate" (Genesis 18:8, ESV).
These were not spectral beings but tangible, physical entities.
The Earthquake and Glory to God
The resurrection of the Two Witnesses is a powerful testimony that causes many to glorify God:
"And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven" (Revelation 11:13, ESV).
This moment demonstrates the divine authority of their testimony and the reliability of their message.
Michael’s Victory Over the Dragon
Immediately following the resurrection and ascension of the Two Witnesses, Michael prepares for war against the Dragon:
"Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him" (Revelation 12:7-9, ESV).
- The Inversion of Roles:
Whereas Michael was killed by the Beast from the abyss, he now defeats Satan himself, casting him and his angels out of heaven. This is the final turning point, marked by the blowing of the seventh trumpet.
Conclusion
The testimony of the Two Witnesses is a testament to the glory and sovereignty of God. Their resurrection and ascension declare His power over death, and their message calls all to repentance. In their ministry, we see the heavenly intersect with the earthly, preparing the world for the final victory of the Lamb.
If you are reading this during Daniel’s last week, listen to the Two Witnesses. They testify of the truth, and their message is reliable. Turn to the Lord while there is still time, for the One who calls them to heaven will soon return in glory to reign forever.
To Him be the glory, now and forever. Amen.
