Tag Archives: Spoiler Alert

The Biblical Armageddon

Politicians often use World War III as a talking point to convince voters that their opponent is far too extreme to get elected or too dangerous to remain in power. As mid-term elections continue to ramp up this month, advertisements and commercials will continue to demonize other candidates. While the 1998 film Armageddon is entertaining, there is one war that will occur known as the biblical Armageddon.

And I saw three loathsome spirits like frogs, [leaping] from the mouth of the dragon and from the mouth of the beast and from the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For really they are the spirits of demons that perform signs (wonders, miracles). And they go forth to the rulers and leaders all over the world, to gather them together for war on the great day of God the Almighty, Revelation 16:13-14.

According to a vision from God by one of Jesus’ former disciples, the final battle on earth, Armageddon, will take place at Megiddo. This former territory of the Tribe of Manasseh will serve as the scene of World War III. Despite all the lead up this this event in the Bible, John is vague about the actual details in Revelation 19:19-21. Instead of providing thrilling accounts like Saving Private Ryan, John summarizes this battle in a sentence: the beast was seized, overpowered, along with the false prophet who were defeated and judged by God. Spoiler Alert!

Behold, I am going to come like a thief! Blessed (happy, [a]to be envied) is he who stays awake (alert) and who guards his clothes, so that he may not be naked and [have the shame of being] seen exposed! 16 And they gathered them together at the place which in Hebrew is called Armageddon. 17 Then the seventh [angel] emptied out his bowl into the air, and a mighty voice came out of the sanctuary of heaven from the throne [of God], saying, It is done! [It is all over, it is all accomplished, it has come!] – Revelation 16:15-17.

Perhaps, this may explain why no famous movie writer has attempted to make a modern version of the biblical Armageddon. What John does provide in the passage above, Armageddon serves as the last piece of the puzzle of God’s plan on earth. This final event on earth will open the doors of heaven for eternity where all dead Christians will be reunited for a never-ending reunion. While I’m sorry there is no drama about the Armageddon, make sure you get your life right with God now, so you’re prepared.

by Jay Mankus

Spoiler Alert

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o11wY_SAz90

As society evolves, new words arrive on the scene to define what’s really happening.  Such is the case of a spoiler alert, derived from someone watching a repeat of an episode, film or show.  Individuals sometimes memorize lines or think out loud, ruining a punch line before a first time listener can enjoy it.

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel,” Genesis 3:15.

While clergy, pastors and theologians may use lofty words, the Bible is full of spoiler alerts.  These clues are known as prophecy, a foreshadowing of what God is planning to do in the future.  Following the fall of mankind, also known as original sin, the author places a subtle hint in between the punishment of Adam and Eve.  The passage above promises to send someone a second Adam to restore that which was lost.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost,” Luke 19:10.

A well known doctor echoes this point in the New Testament.  Luke issues this spoiler alert to his readers, highlighting purpose for Jesus’ life on earth.  Meanwhile, the disciple John shares another spoiler alert at the end of the book of Revelation.  The plot for life has been exposed, but the hardest part is the waiting for God’s prophecies to be fulfilled.  May faith carry you to the finish line or as show biz states, “the grand finale.”

by Jay Mankus