Christ Works with Them Directly
Back to 1The Bible’s Greatest Prophecies Unlocked!
Notice again Revelation 11:1-19. Christ calls these prophets “MY two witnesses” (Rev 11:3). Zechariah 4:14 also mentions that these men “stand by the Lord of the whole earth.”
This passage reveals a special, direct relationship and proximity to Christ Himself. All three stand together. It is obvious the Two Witnesses report directly to Christ in carrying out their duty.
God always worked directly with prophets throughout the Old Testament. Jesus Christ, the God of the Old Testament (I Cor. 10:4), always spoke face-to-face—communicated directly—with those whom He was using.
With few exceptions, you will notice a pattern throughout the major and minor prophets. Each starts with phrases such as, “The Word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel…” or “The words of Jeremiah…To whom the Word of the Lord came…” or “The Word of the Lord that came to Micah…,” and so forth. Christ worked directly with these prophets. Sometimes He also appeared as Melchizedek when He spoke to the patriarchs, and others, face-to-face.
When considering the role these men play, it should be even clearer why they work so closely with Christ. Again, just recognize that fire must at times come out of their mouths to devour their adversaries.
Martyred
The city of Jerusalem, where the Two Witnesses complete their commission, is the most fought over, and coveted, piece of land on Earth—and in history. It becomes obvious that this is one of the biggest reasons the Beast and False Prophet will want to rule from there. (They would certainly know that the Bible foretells Christ will rule from this city for 1,000 years.)
The False Prophet and the Beast will want the competition eliminated—their message stopped. This will eventually lead to a final supernatural showdown, one in which God will evidence the greatness of His power over Satan and his servants once and for all. But God will protect His witnesses until “they shall have finished their testimony” (Rev. 11:7).
After three and a half years, the Beast system will finally be permitted by God to kill these men. Let’s read the rest of the account: “And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them” (Rev. 11:7).
The world enjoys the Two Witnesses’ death, and “their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified” (Rev 11:8). Now notice: “And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations [the whole world] shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves” (Rev 11:9).
Global Event
In the modern age of globalization, this event will certainly be televised, with people also no doubt able to witness it via cell phones and computers.
Many will feel vindicated at what they perceive to be just punishment due to the drought, fire and terrible plagues these “evil men have brought.” The whole world will eagerly seek proof they are dead, excited that these “intolerant” men who spoke against their way of life—their sin—are finally gone. Life can now return to normal.
Instead of worldwide repentance at their testimony, Rev 11:10 records: “And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.”
The next three verses in context show that the Two Witnesses are resurrected, and this is accompanied by an earthquake that kills 7,000 people in Jerusalem.
Signal to the World
The Two Witnesses have not yet appeared. Neither will they arrive in the way that popular opinion suggests. Most professing Christians sincerely believe they will embrace these men. How wrong is this view!
The Bible indicates that most will likely believe the Two Witnesses to be the Beast and miracle-working False Prophet, whom the world will be worshipping. And the Beast and False Prophet may in fact be received by some as the Two Witnesses! Such will be the power of the devil’s final deceit. II Thessalonians 2:10-11 shows the Christian world—and the whole world—is being set up for such mass delusion sent by God!
But Bible prophecy reveals there will be a special, large number that ultimately rejects this deception. Independent of the Church, this group today hears—but does not yet heed—God’s warning…