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The Battle of Armageddon

For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. . . . And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.—Revelation 16:14-16


William Jennings Bryan was defeated by William McKinley in the presidential elections of 1896. In 1873 the gold standard as a basis for money replaced a bi-metallic standard. This became a major campaign issue in the election of 1896 and was highlighted by the famous “cross of gold” speech at the Democratic convention.

In October of the following year Pastor Charles T. Russell built upon this popular subject in his fourth volume of “Studies in the Scriptures” which was entitled The Day of Vengeance. The economic problems with the new standard became one of several areas probed in a broad indictment of those nation claiming to be “Christian” and of the conditions in Christianity itself.

In another presidential election, the three-way race between Woodrow Wilson, William Howard Taft, and Theodore Roosevelt saw a popular campaign slogan coined by Roosevelt: “We stand at Armageddon and we battle for the Lord.”

Capitalizing on the publicity for this election, Pastor Russell gave a series of lectures throughout the United States on the topic “The Battle of Armageddon.”.A new edition of The Day of Vengeance was issued and this lecture appeared as a special forward. The name of the new book was changed to The Battle of Armageddon.

The application of biblical prophecy to current events was appreciated by many of the readers of this work. These prophetic interpretations have stood the test of time and are as appropriate today as they were at the close of the nineteenth century when they were written.

Much has happened since the original publication of this monumental work. It is the purpose of this issue of THE HERALD to look at what has occurred in the 102 years since the original publication of this book..

In highly descriptive language, the apostle Peter says the heat of the conflicts of this “Day of Vengeance” are so intense that “the elements shall melt with fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:10,12). In Giants of Global Finance, the author shows how the events of the past century have served to prepare these elements for the troubles which James Baldwin entitled “The Fire Next Time.”

The economic scene is the subject of the next treatise, Babylon’s Confusion–Ecclesiastical. The author deals with such current developments as the multi-national corporation and the globalization of capital.

Developments in the political world form the subject matter for The Crumbling Image. Here the author seeks to trace the main political trends of the last one hundred years.

Social unrest with its clamor for equal rights—racial, gender, age, and countless others—are the subject of The Fiftieth Year Sabbath. The watchword of the French Revolution, “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity,” are well illustrated by the jubilee laws of ancient Israel.

Many biblical battles took place at Megiddo. Each of these holds lessons of the great antitype, “Armageddon.” The article Megiddo and Carchemish deals with the last of these typical conflicts, showing its connection to other biblical pictures.

While the Battle of Armageddon focuses on the fort of Megiddo, other pictures in the Bible describing the same conflict feature other locales. One of these is considered in our closing article, a verse by verse study in Zechariah 14, entitled The Battle of Jerusalem.

Much space in “The Battle of Armageddon” book is devoted to “The World Parliament of Religions” which was held in connection with the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893. A centennial celebration of this gathering was again held in Chicago in 1993. The Chicago Bible Students published a pamphlet “One World Church” about this movement at that time. Space in this issue did not permit a planned condensation of this booklet. However, we are including as a separate item with this issue a copy of the entire booklet, entitled One World Church.

READ MORE HERE:

LISTEN TO BIBLE STUDENT ELDERS DISCUSS THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON BY CLICKING HERE:

23 comments to The Battle of Armageddon

  • Marjo

    This is interesting

    http://religionnews.com/2017/12/11/trumps-recognition-of-jerusalem-excites-apocalyptic-fervor/

    I wonder if Trump knows Armageddon and everything which are linked to it. He didn’t name Jerusalem as capital city of Israel by accident.

  • Marjo

    For some reason I have been thinking of this lately. What kind of Armageddon would be? Is it going to be like huge chaos, where people are running everywhere? Is it something you should prepare of, and if to prepare then how?

    For Armageddon, would you have to collect some kind of health supplies and foods that last long? Drinks? I would do that before there is full chaos in towns. Then it is not safe to go there.

    There certainly is lot of signs of Armageddon being close.

    What do you think?

    • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

      Marjo if you are going to come on testimonial meeting for Europe Saturday morning we have a great discussion set up on this subject. Henry is working on it and it will lift the mood of everybody. If you can’t be on I will email what he is going to read. It is sort of funny and lighthearted.
      I am reminded that Christians will lift themselves up during these hard times:
      Luke 21:28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”
      Armageddon is a take down of the system by Christ and the establishment of his Kingdom here on earth. Notice the entities in the battle mentioned in Rev.16: 13-17, it involves world entities and demonic spirits. What preparations we could make for the great tribulation will to me remain to be seen. Christians need not fear with a dread because verse 15 to me gives a hint that there will be guidance during these great times of trouble.
      Others might have more to say on your direct questions. Get some crackers and coffee to sit and listen to the saga Henry has prepared on Armageddon for the testimony meetings. Kiss the babies for me. Take Care

      • Marjo

        I will be there for sure. Got my mic working again. I was just reading Zechariah 14:1, 2. It brought me mind that Trump made Jerusalem a capital city of Israel and there were heavy reactions immediately. I also found all 6 volumes in downloadable version so I can read them now also.

        • Peter K. (admin)

          Marjo,

          You might enjoy this. Notice the end of verse 6.

          Zechariah 12:2-3, 6 (ESV) “Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah.
          On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it.
          On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a blazing pot in the midst of wood, like a flaming torch among sheaves. And they shall devour to the right and to the left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem shall again be inhabited in its place, in Jerusalem.

  • So, what is Armageddon? Should we be afraid? which the opinion of many former Jehovah’s Witnesses who participate in this site? will all melt in fire or will the elimination of the wicked as well as many here have been taught?

    news-of-king.communities.net / evangelist without borders

    • Peter K. (admin)

      Eddie – Armageddon is the final destruction of the evil systems of earth under Satan’s dominion. No scripture in the Bible indicates that people who die in Armageddon are destroyed eternally.

    • Lincoln

      Dear Eddie Morgan, Dear Friends,

      I`d like to comment this:

      ”Developments in the political world form the subject matter for The Crumbling Image. Here the author seeks to trace the main political trends of the last one hundred years.

      Social unrest with its clamor for equal rights—racial, gender, age, and countless others—are the subject of The Fiftieth Year Sabbath. The watchword of the French Revolution, “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity,” are well illustrated by the jubilee laws of ancient Israel.

      Many biblical battles took place at Megiddo. Each of these holds lessons of the great antitype, “Armageddon.” The article Megiddo and Carchemish deals with the last of these typical conflicts, showing its connection to other biblical pictures.

      While the Battle of Armageddon focuses on the fort of Megiddo, other pictures in the Bible describing the same conflict feature other locales. One of these is considered in our closing article, a verse by verse study in Zechariah 14, entitled The Battle of Jerusalem.

      Much space in “The Battle of Armageddon” book is devoted to “The World Parliament of Religions” which was held in connection with the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893. A centennial celebration of this gathering was again held in Chicago in 1993.

      The Chicago Bible Students published a pamphlet “One World Church” about this movement at that time. Space in this issue did not permit a planned condensation of this booklet. However, we are including as a separate item with this issue a copy of the entire booklet, entitled One World Church.”
      quote end.

      It is a shame two ”branches” of Charles Taze Russell writings and organisation has gone this ”far”. Today I must say after talking to you that I am more confused about Bible Students movement and the Jehovah`s Witnesses than I was before.

      It makes me so sad the differences.

      Here I was thinking of maybe a mutual relationship, but I feel it gets worser and worser.

      In the meantime the world (people) are suffering. I am sending some comments and info on Revelation chapter 17 to 20 and ask;

      Is Jesus an angle? In the book of revelation there is many angles roaring; and so in chapter 17 – 20

      The Thousand Years.

      chapter 20, And I saw an ”angel” coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
      quote end.

      chapter 19: 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
      12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
      13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called ”The Word of God”.
      14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
      15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
      16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.
      17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

      chapter 18, And after these things I saw ”another angel” come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

      21 And ”a mighty angel” took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.
      quote end.

      Revelation 17.

      And there came ”one of the seven angels”.
      ___________________________________________

      I will not go into a deep discussion on this matter since I find it hopeless, but how I wish there would be a more mutual understanding on ”everything”.

      I will give you this one just so you can get the idea from me what I think. I have wasted (maybe) most my life with Jehovah`s Witnesses understanding of the Bible, the ongoing ”false” prophecies of the future; just around the corner, but today I must say I am very much interested how we can get along in this world.

      So, all along this millions of people are hungry and thirsty of, yes Jesus. As I understand their reactions, they have a hunger as if Jesus was already here second time.

      Yes, we are talking about Jesus in Israel; March for Jesus in Israel 2013

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmbcWmOkIus

      Brazil: Over A MILLION Christians march for Jesus in Sao Paulo
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOuRc6SzO40

      Christ for all Nations USA
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ6wflFPdqM

  • The image that accompanies this article is misleading. It plays into the fear that Armageddon is the destruction of THIS world.

    The ending of the world we live in today has nothing to do with Armageddon. The demise of this world comes with the installment of Christ as its king in future days. Armageddon is associated with a future age (time period) of after the ending of Christs future 1000 year reign over the earth.

    Additionally, Armageddon is not a war or a battle. No where is it written that it is. Rather, Armageddon is a PLACE. (Revelation 16:16).

    It is the PLACE in which contention over who has rightful ownership over the earth: God or what will stand up in those days on the earth, “The Throne of Satan. (Revelation 2:13).

    Two Kings (Kingdoms) will contend: (1) Gods Kingdom (from above or North) that is coming DOWN and (2) the kingdom of the Beast (the one below or South).

    No carnal weapons will exist because the time period will be after Christs definite kingdom will have ended and Satan is released. (Revelation 20:6-8)

    There is no such thing as a “Battle of Armageddon.” No one can produce this expression out of the Scriptures.

    Notice that Jesus at Matthew 24:7 does NOT say that kingdoms will rise against kingdoms (plural), but rather kingdom will rise against kingdom. He was talking about two kingdoms in the distant future that will content over the earth.

    • Jacqueline

      Ron Harris, the picture put here is taken from the Jehovah witnesses publication. We do not agree with it either. However theses articles are written from a Witness perspective, this is what they are taught and we offer biblical proof that this is not scriptural. Thank you Jacqueline

    • Peter K. (admin)

      Ron Harris – Thanks for sharing your perspective. We find the Greek word for “Armageddon” (Strongs 717 of Hebrew origin meaning Hill of Megiddo) only once in the New Testament in Rev 16:16. The Hebrew word for Megiddo (Strong’s 04023) is found in Zechariah Zec 12:11 (NKJV) which says, “In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning at Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo <04023>.” This mourning in Megiddo occurs after a great battle where all nations come to Jerusalem (Zech 14:2) and where the nations against Israel are defeated (Zech 12:9). After this battle, Israel recognizes Jesus as their savior and acknoledges that their nation and the Romans had crucified him (Zech 12:10). So you see, there is a connection with Armageddon and a great battle involving all the nations of the earth. However, this is the climax and conclusion of Armageddon. There are other aspects of it, expecially involving a final attempt to hold Satan’s empire together by a partnership among the beast (papacy), dragon (civil government) and the false prophet (denominational Christianity). What do you think the beast, dragon and false prophet represent?

      The reference to nation rising against nations (Matt 24:6) preceeds the “end” (Matt 24:6, 14) and hence would not apply to the time of Armageddon.

  • hank

    How is everything in Romania? Doesn’t the Bible teach God desires all to attain to repentence? And doesn’t God give the right to everyone to call him? Jer 33:3 Call me, and I will answer.

    • Jacqueline

      The Romania brothers are doing well spiritually. And yes all may call on his name. In fact on the basic truths is that Jesus died as a ransom for ALL (iTim 2:6)1 Not just a few survivors of Armageddon from this age as taught by the JW religion.

  • Anonymous

    JW’s…Everyone will get everlasting death at armageddon except for them
    Catholics….Everyone will burn eternally in hell fire except for them
    BS…..Everyone…. gays, murderers,fornicators,pedophiles,etc;…will be in God’s new world under Jesus’ christ millenial reign. This is by no means an exhaustive list of religious beliefs, just a basic sample.

    • Jacqueline

      Interesting what religions say isn’t it anonymous? However all that matters is what God says. I personally believe he is just. And justice demands that he makes himself clear on the matter. Right now, most people don’t know who to trust or believe. Like you say, each religion says something different. That’s why I have faith that there will be an era in which he will be clear to everyone so they can decide if they want it.

    • Jacqueline

      Anonymous I also notice that your analogy does not include non Christian religious beliefs. God seems to be letting them proceed as he did in the patriarchal age as he let his hope play out until he produced the Christ, the savior of mankind. Men were religious then also and some even worshiped Jehovah, (Gen.14:18). Melchizedek had a kingdom of worshippers of Jah, but he was dealing with Abraham and his developing nation.
      The problem seems to be with our short life span as compared to an endless God, he seems slow.

      1Cor. 2:9 “But, as it is written,‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him’—
      Rev. 21:4,5 “he will wipe every tear from their eyes.Death will be no more;mourning and crying and pain will be no more,for the first things have passed away.’

      These are among some of the simplest statements in the Bible! Would you want it to go fast while you savor the promises of 1Cor. 2:9?
      Won’t having a long time be great when Rev. 21:4,5 are fulfilled?
      Anonymous this is not a religious group writing this. This GOD making this promise. It is easy to take a jab at men and what they say.
      But that is no excuse for not finding out what God says and wait. We reading the bible and God’s promises can’t do a thing to change it. We are hotsy totsy in our own eyes! He has the plan laid out and each and every one of his children are in it.
      Yes you can opt out to be a child of God, but it won’t stop him from doing what he knows to be right for the good of all mankind.
      I am so glad he didn’t act before my grandchildren were born and for that I say THANK YOU GREAT JEHOVAH for holding your wrath off so they can see the beauty in store.
      Anonymous go pick a young child and point him out and say I wish GOD had come 20 years ago as you look into his eyes as they twinkle.
      Anonymous, I am trying to bring you to PEACE, because to make your statements there is a void.
      Hold On!
      Roman 8:22-24: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in[a] hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes[b] for what is seen? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with PATIENCE.”
      Make the GOD of heaven supply to your faith patience. Jacqueline

      • Anonymous

        Thank you Jacqueline for noticing my “void”, I’m feeling a little frustrated and I’m not sure why, maybe it has something to do with the ‘armageddon’ talk I heard last sunday at a Jw meeting:(?

        • Jacqueline

          It’s called a discouragement talk. I honestly have wondered if the governingbody has a conscience? I just don’t understand them. They are aware that their doctrine does not coincide with the bible but they will get massive lawsuits so they continue. Raymond Franz’s book shows you they are aware and said they would change over a 30yr period.
          I guess that is why I say to you. What does God say???
          Normally I would not say the majority is right, but when it comes to the hierarchy JW religion I must agree with the majority, It is a dangerous organization as it requires death in many cases. Fear and never being able to please God is bound and put on the back of God’s children that seeks him.
          They know their time periods are off and most scriptures they use to scare witnesses are metaphors and in a different time period. It works, however.
          But you anonymous have been BLESSED by God with something that most witnesses don’t have, the ability to think and read the bible without the society literature opened in front of you.
          You, unlike most JW have learned you can ask for Holy Spirit and get it from the giver of good, Jehovah. Most witnesses believe the organization saves them. Belonging to it!
          You have been priviledged and blessed to know differently.
          Jehovah is not worried about the brothers that are snug and secure in Jw or any other systems for that matter. It keeps an element of peace in the world.

          I am going to go out on a limb here and upset your space, because I think you secretly know deep down that what you have been taught in the KH does not make sense.
          You are fighting yourself! Your Angel of the spirit is doing all it can without pushing you to expose you to the freedom you need to prove to yourself what the will of God is.
          We are here if you are tossed by the JWitnesses. So don’t think all is lost. There is no push. Note these words of our God and the WORD.(looking for this scripture, will insert later)
          “No one comes to the father unless he calls him.” (insert needed). Are you being offered this opportunity? only you know.
          You are troubled! Anonymous I have been there! I can only tell you what I had to do. I had to empty myself before the LORD! I had to confess all my sins and ask for forgiveness! I was like a person torn down as I cried and begged on my knees, not once but many times. Guess what (not to boast but testify).
          Php 4:7 that the peace of GOD that EXCELLS ALL THOUGHTS came to me.
          Throw your burdens on Jehovah and accept his peace! Then watch his POWER! Accept his hand of forgiveness and peace, be gracious and say thank you. He very seldom call those that are wise for he can’t teach them anything. And if you worry about past sins, I need to ask you if you have killed any Christians lately. Also have you taken a man’s wife and had him killed on the front line. Those God calls his friend and Jesus sent as an Apostle to the nations did. But they are washed clean in the blood of the LAMB!!!

          • Anonymous

            Right Jacqueline,although I’ve noticed they’ve tonned down the “discouragement talks” lately……maybe they’ve been reading peoples comments about them on the net! Yes, I’ve definitly been given the opportunity to become a son of God(called out)and plan on running the race to the end!

            • Jacqueline

              Good for you! I have had some interesting conversations on family facebook but normally I try to be accommodating but I know they are reading when some of my xjw nieces and nephews make little comments and I answer them back. Hopefully they will just at least think.

  • Qotation from Vol.1 page 131:” Men, not God, have limited to the Gospel age this chance or opportunity of attaining life. God, on the contrary, tells us that the Gospel age is merely for the selection of the Church, the royal priesthood, through whom, during a succeeding age, all others shall be brought to an accurate knowledge of the truth and granted full opportunity to secure everlasting life under the New Covenant.” Jehovahs witnesses made this error. That is also a reason why Ruherford rejected pastor Russells wiepoints.

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