Return of The Dragon

 

  In order to understand how Satan (that old serpent the dragon) comes about in the end times, we must first go back to the old testament of the bible to learn more about him from the beginning. We will be going back as far as the first earth age; "When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." (Job 38:7). Yes there was a time of joy when all the children of God lived in their spiritual bodies in paradise, right here on earth. The dispensation of time millions of years ago when the dinosaurs roamed the earth. (Job 40:15-24). Read our newsletter study topic titled: "Three earth ages," or Appendix 146, "The Foundation of The World." Now lets go back to when "The Word of the Lord came upon Ezekiel (son of man), as the Lord called him; making him aware of God's judgment on Tyrus and exposing the dragon, as the king of Tyrus. Just one of many roles that Satan plays before the return of that old serpent the dragon in the end times.

  Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. (Ezekiel 28:12). Son of man, weep for the king of Tyre. (Speaking of Satan). He was perfect in wisdom and beauty.

  Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. (Ezekiel 28:13). You were in Eden, the garden of God. Bejeweled with every precious stone set in the finest gold. Given to you when you were created. He had it all!

  Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. (Ezekiel 28:14). God appointed Lucifer as the anointed cherub that covered and protected the mercy seat of God; giving him access to the holy mountain of God. (Mount Zion, Gods favorite place).

  Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. (Ezekiel 28:15). He was perfect in all he did since the day he was created. Until he messed up and wrong was found in him. We all mess up at times, but Lucifer messed up big time.

  By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. (Ezekiel 28:16). All his wealth filled him with turmoil and he sinned. So God cast him out of the Holy Mountain of God like a common sinner. So, what was Lucifer's sin that he would be cast out of God's Holy mountain and lose his title as the anointed cherub?

  Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. (Ezekiel 28:17). His heart was filled with pride! Lucifer corrupted his wisdom because of his beauty and pride. (The I'm so great obsession). He wanted to be like God! Satan drew one third of the children of God to follow him which caused the overthrow of Satan, and destruction of the first earth age. And in the present earth age, God cast him to the ground and exposed him helpless before the curious gaze of kings. As it would be written in the book of Genesis when the serpent beguiled Eve. (Genesis 3:14-15).

  Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. (Ezekiel 28:18). Lucifer defiled his holiness because of his pride and lust for gain. He wanted it all, he wanted to be God! Therefore, he will be destroyed with fire from the inside out. Cast into the lake of fire as it is written. (Matthew 25:41, Hebrews 2:14, Revelation 20:10).

  All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more. (Ezekiel 28:19). Everyone that knows him will be appalled at his fate; he is an example of horror that will be no more. Now remember that we were mainly speaking of Lucifer in the first earth age. There is much more to come in the present and future.

  Lets go to the book of Daniel and discover another role that Satan, that old serpent the dragon plays. (A fierce king that comes in peaceably and prosperously). The future prophecy that was given to Daniel in a dream by the angel Gabriel. Gabriel explained to Daniel that he was here to tell him what is going to happen in the later days of terror and the final events in history.

  And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. (Daniel 8:23). Toward the end of their kingdoms, when all has become morally rotten, a fierce king shall rise. A reference to Antiochus Epiphanes, (A type referring to anti-Christ). But, we are talking future here in the later times. This refers to the anti-Christ, the false messiah!

  And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. (Daniel 8:24). He comes in peaceably and prosperously and he will try to destroy anyone who opposes him.

  And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Daniel 8:25). He is a master of deception and catches many people off guard as they bask in false security. (He destroys by peace and deception). "He is so puffed up that he will try to take on the Prince of Princes in battle, but he will be broken by the hand of God."

  And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. (Daniel 11:21). Then a "vile person" not directly in line for royal succession, will come in peaceably and with flatteries to take over the kingdom. (A "vile person" one of the twelve titles given to the anti-Christ). He will become the head of every religion.

  And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant. (Daniel 11:22). From his "flood of lies and deception," all opposition will be swept away before him. (Even those who think they are real Christians will fall for his deception).

  Now lets move on to the new testament book of Matthew when the disciples came to Christ and asked Him what the signs would be when He would return at the end of this world age. Christ will warn the disciples not to be deceived. His main objective was the make them aware that the anti-Christ will come first before His return.

  And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (Matthew 24:3). The word world here is (aeon, eon), or earth age. They wanted to know signs bringing us to an end of this world age, not the world itself. And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (Matthew 24:4). Christ made it very clear not to let anyone fool you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (Matthew 24:5). Many will come in Christ's name, saying they are Christians and will deceive many with their false teachings and doctrine. So much of it going on right now.

  And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (Matthew 24:6). When you see these wars beginning, this does not signal my return. What we should look towards is when they call for peace among all these nations. Wars and rumors of wars have been taking place for some time, but now we are hearing the cry for peace, peace, peace. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. (Matthew 24:7). We are now experiencing famines, plagues, and earth quakes in many places like never before. We must also keep in mind that the famine in the end times is for hearing the Word of God. (Amos 8:11). People are starving for the truth of Gods Word. All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:8). When you see these things, this is only the beginning of the horrors to come.

  Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. (Matthew 24:9). Many will be tortured, killed, and hated all over the world because of what true Christians believe and stand for. (They are killing Christians as we speak). And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. (Matthew 24:10). Many will fall back into sin and betray and hate one another. Can you see this in the world today?

  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. (Matthew 24:11). Many false prophets (So called teachers of the Word), will appear and lead many astray. Just turn of the television, radio or click on the internet and you will find all kinds of deception and false teachings. There are some good churches, television, radio and internet ministries out there, but not that many who teach the full gospel truth. If you find one, stick with them.

  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (Matthew 24:12). Sin will be rampant everywhere and will cool the love of many. You don't need to look to far to see this taking place. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 24:13). Those enduring to the end shall be saved. Notice it says that those who hang in there till the end will be saved. That means till the return of Christ; the second advent. Remember that antichrist comes first and will deceive many pretending that he is Christ.

  And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24:14). The Good News of the gospel will be preached throughout the whole world for all nations to hear the truth and then finally, the end will come. The time is near. With television, radio, and the internet, this is becoming possible. Even here at the Good News Ministry, we reach and fellowship with members from over 50 countries around the world. And we are just a drop in the bucket. The Word is spreading like a disease and people are hungry for the truth.

  When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, whoso readeth, let him understand! (Matthew 24:15). When you see the horrible thing standing in the holy place spoken by Daniel the prophet. (Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11). Remember that Satan is coming first as antichrist, and he comes in peace. (Daniel 11:21).

  Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains. (Matthew 24:16). Those in Judea should flee into the Judean hills. For he is the fake Christ and comes to deceive many if they let him. Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house. (Matthew 24:17). Literally, "roof tops" which being flat, were used as porches at the time. (Acts 10:9). They are not to even go inside to pack a bag before they flee.

  Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. (Matthew 24:18). Those working in the fields should not even return to their homes for their clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! (Matthew 24:19). We are not necessarily speaking of pregnant women. This is also a warning to those who fall for the antichrist. Christ is returning for a virgin bride spiritually speaking. But, He will return and find that many have become spiritually impregnated by antichrist. Nursing along his teachings, not God's Word. Stay a spiritual virgin for the return of Christ. Do not be deceived by Satan!

  But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day. (Matthew 24:20). The city gates were closed on the Sabbath and not only would winter be a bad time to flee, but it is out of season for the locust. The locust army of Revelation 9, which tells us that this army of locust will prey of those without the seal of God. Remember we are talking of the end times here and the return of antichrist as well as the return of Christ. I am not setting any dates here, but this could be a good time to be on guard for these things to take place. (May thru September of any upcoming year).

  For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21). There will be persecution such as the world has never seen before in all history, and will never see again. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. (Matthew 24:22). In fact, unless those days are shortened, all mankind will perish. But, for the sake of God's chosen, those days will be shortened. (Speaking of the 1,290 days of Daniel 12:11). The time of the locust army that will be shortened to a five month period. (Revelation 9:5, 9:10).

  Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. (Matthew 24:23). Don't believe it if anyone tells you that Christ has returned at this time or arrived at such a place. Remember that the antichrist returns first pretending to be Christ. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (Matthew 24:24). Many who claim to be Christian and prophets of God will arise and do wonderful miracles, and if possible even deceive God's elect. You can start to see it today in our society. Those who prey on the weak minded with their hands on healings. Even some who may think they are of the elect are being deceived by false teachings and doctrines. The true elect will not be deceived. "They know better."

  Behold, I have told you before. (Matthew 24:25). See, I have warned you! God has foretold us all things if we study His Word. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. (Matthew 24:26). If they tell you Christ is in the desert, or hiding in a secret place, do not believe them. As long as you are in this flesh body, the true Christ has not returned yet. The minute Christ returns to the mount of Olives, we will all be changed to our spirit bodies. (1 Corinthians 15:44, 51, 52).

  Now let us switch to Paul's letter to the Thessalonians. They did not understand what happened to us when we die. Are we still in the ground, or are we in heaven? And you may say; what does this have to do with the return of Satan? Well, in 2 Thessalonians, Paul will make it very clear that Satan will return before the real Christ, so that we would not be deceived. Lets see what the scriptures say.

  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Paul wanted them to know what happens to a Christian when they die, so when it happens, they would not be sorrowed. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (1 Thessalonians 4:14). If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we must believe that when a Christian dies, God will also bring them with Him. Upon death; the body returns to the dust of the earth and the spirit goes back to the Heavenly Father who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12-7). When we are absent from this flesh body, our soul (or self), is present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:7-8).

  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (I Thessalonians 4:15). Those who are alive when the Lord returns will not prevent (or precede), those who are dead because the dead are already there with the Lord. (Read our study topic: Where are the dead).

  Now lets see what Paul has to say to us about our gathering back to the Lord, and that the son of perdition, (that old serpent the dragon) be revealed.

  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him. (2 Thessalonians 2:1). We are talking here about the return of Jesus Christ at the second advent and our gathering back to Him. That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. (2 Thessalonians 2:2). Don't get upset or excited by rumors that this day of the Lord has begun. If you hear of people of having visions and special messages from God about this, don't believe them. The falling away must take place first.

  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Do not be deceived! Christ will not return until the "Great Apostasy" (rebellion against God, fallen away of the church, or one who gives up their professed beliefs). And the son of perdition, one of Satan's names, be revealed. The false messiah! (Revelation 17:8).

  Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (2 Thessalonians 2:4). He will defy God and will try to take the place of God, sitting in the temple of God in Mount Zion. (Isaiah 14:12-16).

  Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? (2 Thessalonians 2:5). Don't you remember I went into much detail about these things. And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. (2 Thessalonians 2:6). The son of perdition can only come at his time.

  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (2 Thessalonians 2:7). The work this man of rebellion, will do when he comes is already going on. We are speaking of Satan here. That war in heaven is already taking place till Michael cast Satan (that old serpent the dragon), out of heaven. (Revelation 12:7-9). The key word here is "letteth" (katecho), Greek Strong's 2722, meaning to hold, keep or retain. Michael the ark angel is the one holding Satan in heaven until he casts him out.

  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming. (2 Thessalonians 2:8). This wicked one will appear and only be allowed a short time to do his work, till the Lord consumes him with the "Holy Spirit" and destroys him with the brightness of the Lord's presence. Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders. (2 Thessalonians 2:9). We are speaking of one of Satan's roles as antichrist. He will trick everyone with strange demonstrations, great miracles, and lies, because he is the father of lies. (John 8:44).

  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (2 Thessalonians 2:10). He will completely fool those who refused the truth of the Word that they might be saved. Those who follow Satan will perish. Once saved always saved? I don't think so! And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. (2 Thessalonians 2:11). If you want to be ignorant of God's Word and follow lies, deception, and traditions of men; God will send you strong delusion to believe those lies. He will close your eyes to the truth. (Isaiah 29:10). Look at how people are so comfortable with their teachings. Comfortable with their spirit of slumber.

  That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:12). They will all be judged for believing falsehoods, refusing the truth, and enjoying their sins. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13). God chose you from the very first to give you salvation, cleansing you with the Holy Spirit and by your trusting in the truth of the Word.

  The apostle Paul would explain to Timothy that in the end times, many would fall from the faith and follow those with seducing spirits.

  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. (1 Timothy 4:1). The Holy Spirit tells us; that in the later times many will fall away (the apostasy), from the faith (the true teachings of Christ), and listen to a bunch of false teachers and traditions of men.

  The apostle John warns us of false prophets and teachers and the return of the anti-Christ.

  Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. (1 John 2:18). This world's last hour has come. You have heard about the antichrist who comes first and is against God. Many fakes are already here in the world today and more will come in the form of false prophets and teachers of deception. (Matthew 24:24).

  "Now we come to the return of the dragon in the end times."

  And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. (Revelation 12:3). A sign in heaven... The great red dragon is Satan, and he utilizes the same government as he did in the first earth age. In the first earth age he wanted the mercy seat of God. He no longer wanted to serve God, but wanted to be like God. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels. (Revelation 12:7). The war in heaven against good and evil, just before the return of the dragon to this earth. And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. (Revelation 12:8). The dragon looses the battle and is no longer in heaven.

  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:9). This is when Satan is cast out of heaven and into the earth. Up to this period it was just his spirit roaming the earth. Satan will be cast out to the earth just before the return of Christ, the 5 months of tribulation when Satan will be here in the flesh pretending to be Christ. (Mark 13:22-25). Jesus warns us in the seven seals (Revelation 6:12-13), and also in (Matthew 24:36-38). It will be as in the days of Noah when they were eating, drinking, and marrying with the fallen angels. (Genesis 6). Noah's flood also lasted 5 months.

  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10). The accuser is Satan himself who accuses us today when we fall short, just as he did to Job in the Old Testament. (Job 1:6-11). And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11). They overcame by the blood of the lamb and the Word of their testimony which is the Word of God. The truth of God's Word, not a bunch of false teachings and traditions of men.

  Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (Revelation 12:12). They rejoice in heaven because Satan is gone. But woe to those who are biblically illiterate on earth because Satan is coming here to deceive many. Yes, the dragon, right here on earth to consume and deceive all who let him.

  Now lets go to the 13th chapter of the book of Revelation to explain more about the return of the dragon and who he might utilize at his return.

  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. (Revelation 13:2). Swift like a leopard, trample like a bear, and the tearing power of the lion. Satan's spiritual powers will utilize this political system, or one world order. (This one world order started to take shape around 2005).

  And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. (Revelation 13:3). This one world power will almost come together but it receives a deadly wound and falls apart. But, Satan will come as antichrist playing the roll of Jesus to heal the wound and bring it all together. Much of the world will marvel at this miracle and follow after Satan.

  And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? (Revelation 13:4). Many will worship Satan and the political system. This is when the spiritual war will take place against him.

  Now we move to chapter 17 of the book of Revelation and find that the Mother of harlots (Mystery Babylon), that whores around with Satan is exposed to the world.

  And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication. (Revelation 17:4). Her idolatry! The woman is a city or group of people. Babylon, the city or state of confusion.

  And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. (Revelation 17:5). She is the mother of prostitutes and of idol worship, the harlot that whores around with Satan. Mystery in the Strong's #3466 is (Musterion), initiation of religious rights. The religious rights of Satan. As explained in (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12), the mystery of iniquity doth already work and will be revealed. Again, God will send many a strong delusion that they should believe a lie.

  To finish up we go to Revelation 20 and find out that we who believe get the victory. We are entering the millennium age (1,000 years of teaching) and the dragon will be bound for that time. But, he will be back again for a short while to test those after the millennium. Testing them for truth of the Word and to see who they will follow. 

  And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:2). All the roles of Satan shall be bound. Remember that Satan is a play actor and a fake with many rolls that he plays throughout the bible.

  And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. (Revelation 20:3). This is a full proof seal from almighty God. Satan's evil spirit is locked up so that he cannot fool the nations any more until the thousand years are finished. But, then he must be loosed for a short period of time. Why? To test those who never new the truth before. There will be many at this time of the millennium (1,000 years of teaching), who never had a chance to know God's Word, and also those who have been deceived in God's Word most of their lives. Many have already overcome and were chosen before the foundation of the world in the first earth age. (Ephesians 1:4, 2 Peter 3:5-10).

  And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4). These are the souls who had overcame Satan (that old serpent the dragon). They overcame his lies and deceptions, and many died for their testimony of Christ. These are the ones who will teach with Christ in the millennium. Do not be deceived at the RETURN OF THE DRAGON!

Keep The Faith,
Barton