Monday, May 9, 2011

The Two Witnesses

Bible Knowledge and Understanding: The Witnesses
Scripture is in red and comments are in black

In Revelation 11:3 who are the two witnesses? It has been guessed that they were Elijah and Moses or perhaps some other prophets. IF they are Old Testament prophets as many believe then their identities are obvious. The Bible does not call them by name but scripture shows it is only possible that two certain people can qualify. Here are the clues and proofs.

In Revelation 11:7-8 the two witnesses are killed by the beast, the fact of their death at this time is our first clue.

The second clue is in Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

There were only two people generally known in the Bible who never endured death and as Hebrews 9:27 points out it is appointed unto men to die only once, therefore it follows that the only two men in Biblical history that have not yet suffered death are Enoch and Elijah; thus it has to be these two men. These two were reserved for the last days for a special work that God chose them for. All other prophets (and everyone else) have suffered death once already. None will die twice in the flesh.

Once again I say: IF these two witnesses are Old Testament people then the answer is obvious. It amazes me that there could be any question about this from biblical scholars today. Oh yes, I forget, the Sadducees, Pharisees and scribes (the most scripturally learned men in the time of Jesus) were proven wrong by Jesus many times and in the end times (today) it shall be the same because God will bring low the wisdom of the wise.

Note: Enoch was taken by God in Genesis 5:23-24.
In Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Elijah was taken by a whirlwind into a chariot of fire in 2 Kings 2: 11-12
No death for either was recorded.

By the way there was a third in the Old Testament (a king and priest of the most high God) that never died in the Old Testament: Melchizedek, which brings up an entirely new study which is to follow:

In the previous study we talked about the identity of the only two people generally known to have escaped death in the Old Testament. There is a third that is not generally included into this group. His name is Melchizedek. Just like Enoch and Elijah this Melchizedek will do service in the New Testament and die in the flesh. What is the real identity of Melchizedek? We know this same person appeared many times in the Old Testament. The answer is in:

Hebrews 7:
1For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
King of Peace and King of righteous. Note that King is capitalized in both instances indicating this is speaking of God. This is one title of Jesus: King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The word Lord here comes from righteousness; which means Priest.
3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; this can only be one person; Jesus but made like unto the Son of God more proof here, the only Son of God; Jesus; abideth a priest continually.

These three were taken from the earth in order to do a service for God in the end times. One saw death and resurrection in the New Testament by being crucified on a cross for our sins and the other two are witnesses against the anti-christ and those that follow him. These two are also witnesses for the true scripture and the true Christ whom is still to return.

Christ Jesus paid for our sins and brought the love, truth and grace of God to the earth. The two witnesses will bring accusations against the anti-christ and plagues, drought and death to those who follow the false Christ.

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