The Battle Over “Armageddon”
BY ANGEL MANUEL RODRIGUEZ

Could you tell me the meaning of the word “Armageddon” in Revelation 16:16? I keep getting different answers.

You will continue to hear different opinions, I’m afraid. Sometimes we confront biblical information that is ambiguous and subject to several possible interpretations, making it difficult to interpret the one that expresses for certain what the biblical author intended to say. In those cases we simply have to examine the possibilities, identify those that are compatible with the immediate context, and accept our limitations as interpreters by acknowledging that lack of information gives us several ways of reading a particular passage. The meaning of “Armageddon” is one of these situations.

I will comment briefly on the components of the name, and then on the two main possible interpretations of it.

1. Components of the Name: The noun Armageddon, written in Greek as Harmagedon, designates the place where the forces of evil gather to fight the Lord. The text states that it is a Hebrew name. Hence, most interpreters find in the name the combination of two Hebrew words. The first is har, which in Hebrew means “mountain, mount.” But the second part of the word, magedon, is the bone of contention. Is there a Hebrew word that corresponds to the Greek spelling?

2. Mount of Megiddo: The traditional solution has been to find in the term magedon a reference to the ancient city of Megiddo in Israel. The name of that city is spelled in the Greek translation of the Old Testament as Mageddo (Joshua 17:11) or as Magedon (2 Chron. 35:22), the same spelling we find in Revelation 16:16. The same spelling would support this interpretation. The problem is that we do not find in the Old Testament the noun Megiddo preceded by the term har (“mountain”). There is no such place as Har-Magedon.

Some have attempted to partially solve the problem suggesting that “mountain” refers to the mountain that was in front of the city of Megiddo, namely, Mount Carmel. That was the mountain on which Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal and the Lord revealed Himself as the true object of worship. In context that would mean that Armageddon is Satan’s last attempt to become the sole object of worship on Planet Earth. That function of the name nicely fits the message of Revelation, but the explanation of the name itself is far from certain.

3. Mount of Assembly: The other main possibility is to find in Harmagedon a reference to Isaiah 14:13, where we find the Hebrew phrase har moced, usually rendered “mount of assembly.” The main problem here is again a linguistic one. The g of magedon is absent from moced, as well as the ending on. The vowels are not exactly the same, but that is not a major problem, because the Hebrew script did not have vowels. The g is not a major problem.

Confused? Let me explain. The raised c in moced represents a sound absent in English and Greek languages. When writing Hebrew names the Greeks tended to use the letter gamma (English: g) to represent it. Therefore, maged could be the way moced was written in Greek. Are you still with me?

What about the on ending (Armageddon)? It is argued that the ending was added to the Hebrew word in order to make the noun sound like a Greek word. Possible, but we cannot be absolutely certain that John had that in mind when he used the word “Armageddon.”

However, that interpretation of the term nicely fits the context. Isaiah 14:13 describes Lucifer’s intention to sit enthroned on the “mount of assembly,” that is to say, in God’s heavenly dwelling, as if he were God. Revelation uses that language in order to demonstrate that Lucifer has not given up his plans and that he will try again to occupy God’s place on this planet. The battle of Armageddon is Lucifer’s last attempt to occupy the mount of assembly, to be like God.

Even though we have two different interpretations of “Armageddon,” they both reach basically the same conclusion concerning the message encoded in that term. They’re both compatible with the message of the book of Revelation. Therefore, one could chose one over the other and still agree in terms of its meaning in the book. So please, do not be dogmatic.

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Angel Manuel Rodríguez is associate director of the Biblical Research Institute of the General Conference.

Christ’s Second Coming
Ekkehardt Mueller

The idea of the end of the world or the invasion of planet earth by extraterrestrial beings has repeatedly been the topic of popular films. Already in 1974 a film about the second coming of Christ in the form of a documentary frightened hundreds of Canadians. Obviously many viewers regarded the broadcast as reality. In the film, which most of the time played in a TV station, reports about earthquakes, floods, and other disasters followed each other. The TV station received numerous calls from terrified viewers who in spite of the announcement that the film was pure fiction wanted to know whether or not the portrayed events were true.
Scripture tells us that indeed there will be an invasion, but it will be the second coming of Jesus Christ—John 14:1-3. It is important to know about it and to be prepared.
I. How Does Jesus Come Again?
Jesus pointed us to five characteristics of His second coming—Matt 24:30-31:
(1) He will come personally and visibly for all those who live (Rev 1:7).
(2) He will come on the clouds.
(3) He will come with power and great glory.
(4) He will come audibly.
(5) He will come with his angels.
Furthermore, at Jesus’ second coming the first resurrection will take place—1 Cor 15:22-23. These characteristics are given so that we may not be deceived by an imitation—Matt 24:23-26; 2 Thess 2:8-9.
II. Why Does Jesus Come Again?
Many people may not want Jesus to come back again. They are doing well, and they enjoy life. Others can hardly wait for Christ’s return.
(1) Jesus will come again because he has promised he would (John 14:1-3).
(2) He will come again to complete the plan of salvation which includes our resurrection, our being with God, and eternal life on a new earth–John 5:25-29; Rev 21:1-5. This will bring earth’s history to an end and will mark the transition to eternity.
(3) He will come again to bring His reward—Rev 22:12 and to judge the nations—1 Tim 4:1, 8; Matt 25:31-46. The “reward” cannot be earned, but has two dimensions:
(a) Final salvation—1 Thess 4:15-17
(b) Destruction—1 Thess 5:1-3; Luke 17:26-30; Rev 6:15-17
This will result in a separation between people, including the Christian community, families, and marriages—Matt 24:40-41; 25:31-33.
III. When Does Jesus Come Again?
(1) Only God knows the time—Matt 24:36, 44.
(2) Nevertheless people have set various dates:
(a) Among Catholic Christians were Apollinaris the Younger suggesting A.D. 490, Hippolyt A.D. 500, and others who suggested the years 1000, 1010, 1260, 1651 etc.
(b) Among Protestants were M. Luther (but for a short period only), A. Bengel, M. Stiefel. The latter suggested October 10, 1533, 8:00 am as the time of Christ’s second coming..
(c) The Millerite Movement came up with October 22, 1844.
(d) Other denominations/Christians suggested various dates in the 20th century (e.g., 1914, 1975).
(3) The other extreme is not to count on Jesus’ second coming at all or to postpone it in one’s mind indefinitely—Matt 24:48.
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IV. Being Ready
(1) It is important to be ready all the time—Matt 24:42-44. We are ready, when our life belongs to Jesus and we live with him constantly. Martin Luther talked about expecting the day of the Second Coming with joy. And he continued: Whoever is not ready and does not desire the day, does not understand the Lord’s prayer nor can he wholeheartedly pray it.
(2) God’s children are looking forward to Jesus’ return, because only then is salvation complete–Rev 22:20. Are you looking forward to it?
The teaching of Christ’s second coming is one of the doctrines most frequently expressed in the New Testament. It wants to shape the way we are living our lives today.

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” This He said, signifying by what death He would die.
The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”
Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them. John 12:32-36

1.Everyone will see Jesus come!!

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1:7

For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Matthew 24:27

2. He comes with Great Glory!!

Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:30-31

3. What is the manner of His coming?

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9-11

4.What about the Dead?

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
1Thessalonians 4:15-18

5.We shall all be changed when He comes!!

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory!! 1 Corinthians 15:51-54

6. Only those who believe in Jesus will be ready!!

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:9-10,17.

7. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ ALONE!!!!

Christ’s salvation comes only through the Cross of Christ!!

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Click for “In The Light of The Cross”

but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.
1Corinthians 1:18,23-24,30-31

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2

8. Jesus wants to live His Life of victory inside you!!

And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:10-14

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27

9.The time is very near!!

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

10.His Promise is Real!!

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:1-3

Jesus has an appeal for you!!

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:12-14

Let All Come!!

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17

They Shall See His Face!!! Forever and Ever!!

They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
Revelation 22:4-5

He wants a relationship with you!!

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20

How Do I Find Jesus?

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Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

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