Spirit of the Antichrist in 2020 :: By Randy Nettles & Pete Garcia

Well, it is not often that I would openly agree with the Chinese Zodiac, but 2020 certainly has been the Year of the Rat. There are certain years that have stood out in human history as being the worst years on record. Certainly, the year of Noah’s Flood (1656 Anno Mundi) should take the record as THE worst year. However, if you were a Creation-denying, godless heathen, you would probably relegate that honor to the year 536AD. In recent history, we have the years 1918 (Spanish Flu outbreak), 1929 (Great Depression), and 2001 (9/11) as coming in the top ten of all-around terrible years to live through.

That was, until 2020.

Volcanic eruptions? Bubonic Plague?

Those were nothing compared to 2020. So far this year, we have been treated to: COVID-19(84), a faux presidential impeachment, mandatory lockdowns, forced economic shutdown, murder hornets, racial conflict, rampant rioting and looting, tolerance of the anarchist’s and Marxist violence by progressive politicians and the media, the hyper-sensationalism by the media to ramp up hysteria, the normalization of pedophilia by California, unchecked Trump Derangement Syndrome, Beirut explosions, massive wildfires, 10 hurricanes (thus far), state-sanctioned mail-in ballot fraud, and a potential civil war centering around one of the most contentious elections since Abraham Lincoln.

And we still have two months left in this year.

All apocalypticism aside, this is an article about certain numbers and their spiritual significance in reference to Biblical Scripture, particularly the number 2020. Does 2020 mean anything? Is it just simply some number on the Gregorian calendar that has no bearing to reality? It has been largely believed by many sources (Ussher, Masoretic Text, Jewish tradition, etc.) that Abraham (the Patriarch of the Genesis account) was born in the year 1948 Anno Mundi (from Creation). Is it a coincidence then that after nearly 2,000 years in diaspora, that national Israel is reborn as a nation in the year 1948? Alternatively, how about the year 2033? According to some (Beresheet Passover Prophecy), the timeline for the start of man’s 6,000-year history on the earth did not begin at Creation day, but 33 years later when Adam and Eve sinned, thus allowing sin and death to enter into the world.

This article is not about gematria, numerology, astrology, or the occult. Although men under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote the Bible, God was actually the author. Thus, we must conclude that either God is a God of numbers (that numbers have significance), or He is not. However, there are too many numerical instances in Scripture to ignore the prodigious correlations. God is perfect in both his works and his words, and according to His own method of creation and sovereignty.

The existence we currently live in is built almost entirely on numbers. Whether that is in the numbers describing the size and distance of the planets from the sun, to the mathematical formulas for how we understand the elements that make up our physical world. Therefore, we conclude numbers matter greatly to God, especially certain numbers in Scripture that are used repeatedly by Divine design so man can understand their meaning. Nevertheless, this article will only be concentrating on a few numbers and their significance. E.W. Bullinger, the author of the book Number in Scripture, had this to say about God’s work and words:

“They are both perfect in power, perfect in holiness and righteousness, perfect in design, perfect in execution, perfect in their object and end, and, may we not say, perfect in number. As He is perfect, so His works and His words also must be perfect. And when we see numbers used not by chance but by design, not haphazard but with significance, then we see not merely so many works and words, but the Living God working and speaking.”

The year 2020 has been (and continues to be) a very tumultuous year, as we can all agree. Of course, that is all we can agree on these days. The divisiveness of the nation and the world has happened so quickly that it begs the question as to the nature of the rapidity at which it is occurring. Underlying the societal and global divide — of which politics, religion, governmental philosophies, economics, etc., reside — is the spiritual component. Geo-spiritual affairs have always governed the activities of man, regardless of whether we acknowledge it or not. From the ancient Egyptian’s belief in their demigod Pharaohs to the Catholic Crusades, and from Manifest Destiny to ISIS, our beliefs govern why people (and nations) do what they do.

Nevertheless, the Apostle Paul warned us that in the last days, perilous times would come and that our battles would not be with people, but the forces of darkness.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Still, the speed and intensity of these perilous times are unnerving. It is as if the world has become unwitting recipients of massive psychological-spiritual warfare operation on a global level, and we simply think it is just a byproduct of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Perhaps the reason for this is that Satan knows his time is short, and he is readying his demonic forces to act in preparation for the impending great separation (the Rapture of the Church). He knows it could happen at any moment; thus, he is working quickly to prepare the world for what comes after the Restrainer has been removed.

“Paul does not specifically identify what or who the restraining force is since the Thessalonians already knew. Many scholars have speculated as to the identity of the restrainer, naming the restraining force as 1) the Roman government; 2) gospel preaching; 3) the binding of Satan; 4) the providence of God; 5) the Jewish state; 6) the church; 7) the Holy Spirit; and 8) Michael the archangel. We believe the restrainer is none other than the Holy Spirit, or we could say the Holy Spirit working through the New Testament church.

“Supporting the idea that the Holy Spirit within the church is the restrainer is the fact that the restrainer is referenced both as a thing (neuter gender, verse 6) and as a person (masculine gender, verse 7). Also, the power delaying Satan’s masterplan to unveil his false messiah must be of God. It makes much more sense to say that the Holy Spirit is curbing the devil than a political entity or even an angel. The Holy Spirit of God is the only Person with sufficient (supernatural) power to do this restraining.” (Source)

The Numbers​

The number two represents division, opposition, enmity, and oppression. The number 10 stands for perfection of divine order and completeness. The number 20 is reconciled with the perfection of division. Of course, most recognize the number six as being the number for man, with 666 (the number of the Beast) being the multiplication and ultimate perfection of an imperfect man. The number 2020 can be fragmented into two numbers, 2 and 10 (2 x 10 x 10 x 10) + 2 x 10 which equals 2020.

“Two is the first number by which we can divide another, and therefore in all its uses, we may trace this fundamental idea or division or difference. Where there are two people, ideas, or acts concerned, they can be either in unity or in opposition to one another. Where man is concerned, the number 2 testifies of his fall more often than not, for that difference implies opposition, enmity, and oppression.” {1}

However, with God, ‘two’ is a good thing, and so is the division that comes with it. This is especially true during the time of the creation… in the beginning. On the first day of creation, God said “Let there be light, and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:3-5).

On the 2nd day of creation, God divided the waters by making a firmament, which separated the waters, which were under the firmament from the waters above the firmament. God called the firmament heaven. God divided the land from the seas on the 3rd day. He also created all vegetation on this day. On day 4, God made two great lights; the greater light (sun) to rule the day and the lesser light (moon) to rule the night. He divided them (kept them apart) by time and space. He also made the stars.

The Bible records many instances of two people who became divided or separated: Cain and Abel, Noah and Ham, Abraham and Lot, Sarah and Hagar, Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau (twins who struggled with each other even before they were born), Jacob and Laban, Joseph and his brothers, Saul and David, and many others. The spiritual significance of the number 2 is difference, division, separation, and enmity. Is it beginning to sound familiar yet… as in the year 2020?

“The number 10 signifies completeness and the perfection of Divine order.” Entire cycles are complete with the number 10. Noah completed the antediluvian age in the 10th generation. The 10 commandments contain all that is necessary for the law to be complete. The Lord’s Prayer is completed in 10 clauses. The 10 plagues were representative of the complete circle of God’s judgment on Egypt. The tithes of 10% represent the whole of what was due from man to God as marking and recognizing God’s claim on the whole.” {2}

Abraham, the father of many nations, was the 10th generation from Noah and the 20th (2 x 10) generation from Adam. There were 10 rebellions of the children of Israel in the wilderness, which marks the completed series of their sin and rebellion against God during their 40 years of testing in the wilderness. There are many more examples of the number 10 representing completeness and Divine order in Scripture. See more of these here.

Next, we come to the number 20 itself, which is the product of 2 and 10 and represents division or separation that is complete or of divine order. With the number 2020, the duplication of 20 means it is important, such as “verily, verily,” etc. Some examples of the number 20 include the following: Jacob spent 20 years working for his father-in-law, Laban, and was separated from his father and mother. His wages for these 20 years were marriage to Laban’s two daughters, Rachel and Leah, and his livestock. Joseph’s brothers sold him for 20 shekels of silver to the Ishmaelite’s, who took him to Egypt. Thus he was separated from his family.

No one (including the Levite family of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam) who was 20 years of age or older when they started the journey would survive to enter the Promised Land except for Caleb and Joshua, the two faithful scouts of Israel who trusted and believed in God. Their faith and reward is a prophetic-type in regard to the Rapture of the Saints (Church), where all believers in Christ will enter their new home in the Promised Land of Heaven (the New Jerusalem).

20 was the age of the men of Israel when they were finally able to serve in the army during the time of Moses and Joshua. At this time, they were separated from their family. During the time of the Judges, the Israelites spent 20 years being oppressed by the King of Canaan due to their apostasy against the Lord. Samson led Israel for 20 years, in the days of the Philistines, attempting to separate his people from their oppression. The Ark of the Covenant was separated from the Israelites for 20 years, for it remained at Kiriath Jearim. These are just a few examples of the number 20 and its Biblical significance.

Conclusion​

In this current year of A.D. 2020, we are 13 years away from the prophetic year of 2033. I believe 2033 is prophetic because Jesus could possibly return to the earth at the Second Coming during this year, making the length of his absence exactly 2,000 years, as he was crucified in the year A.D. 33. Not only is God a God of numbers, but He is precise in His execution. What is in question here is not His perfect timing but our obvious lack of omniscience. We cannot know exactly when God will return, but if historical consistency and God’s word holds true (it will), then we can know with a degree of certainty that the season of His return is soon.

The number 13 represents rebellion, apostasy, defection, corruption, disintegration, revolution, ill omen, and evil power. Does this sound like the year 2020 to you? It certainly seems that the spirit of antichrist is blowing hard across our nation and the world these days.

The Bible is full of examples of rebellion, apostasy, division, and evil behavior. Some of these examples are recorded in the 13th chapters of the books of the Old and New Testaments. We will only focus on a couple of them in this article, but it does warrant further study. The first mention of the number 13 is in Genesis 4:14: “Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and the thirteenth year they rebelled.”

Genesis 13 describes the division of Abraham and Lot and the strife between their herdsmen. This division was necessary due to the lack of land for the great number of cattle, which they both possessed. Abraham told Lot, “Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and you, and between my herdmen and your herdmen; for we be brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself, I pray you, from me” (Genesis 13:8-9). Abraham then told Lot to choose the land he preferred for his herd. Lot chose all the plain of Jordan and dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. “But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly” (Genesis 13:13). Does this verse sound comparative to the inhabitants of the earth living in the year 2020?

The most famous example of the number 13 representing evil and apostasy occurs in Revelation 13, where the apostle John introduces the formation of the unholy trinity of Satan, Antichrist, and the false prophet. This is Satan’s plan to deceive the world into believing that the Antichrist is the long-awaited messiah of the world and is a god who needs to be worshiped. “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy” (Revelation 13:1). This occurs at the mid-point (in the midst) of the seven-year Tribulation after the remaining seven kings abdicate their authority to the Antichrist.

“And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty-two months” (Revelation 13:5). Revelation 13:11-17 introduces the false prophet and describes the power he exercises in the presence of the first beast. Revelation 13:13 describes the supernatural miracles he is able to accomplish by Satan’s power, such as making fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.

Revelation 13:14 describes the event known as the Abomination of Desolation that was first mentioned by Daniel the prophet in Daniel 12:11. Revelation 13:16-18 describes the “mark of the beast” and the number it represents. “Here is wisdom, Let him that has understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred threescore and six (666)” (Revelation 13:18).

In my recent article entitled The 30330 Man, I discussed the power and principalities operating behind the scenes of world government officials and the new world order elites. The number 30330, in my opinion, represents their goal of a one-world government, religion, and economy. It is the number for the spirit of antichrist that comes before the lawless man himself, the Antichrist. 30330 is the precursor of 666. These demonic powers are paving the way for a one-world government, which in turn will pave the way for the Antichrist.

After the 30330 article was published, I received several emails informing me of a new fact regarding this number that I was not aware of, and which had a significant relationship with the article itself. This fact comes in the way of a mathematical equation: 2020/666 = 3.0330…. For some reason, the Biden administration chose the number 30330 for his supporters to contact his campaign. So why was this particular number used? Evidently, numbers matter to these evil beings, both human and demonic. Why is the Democratic slogan called “Build Back Better”? The Secretary-General of the United Nations had previously used this slogan as a code word for the Great Reset and/or Climate Change. We believe the answer is because Satan’s powers and principalities are using these institutions to bring about a New World Order.

Another interesting tidbit regarding 2020 is this fact: November 3 ,2020, is election day in the U.S. or Heshvan 17th on the Jewish calendar. In ancient times, including the Antediluvian epoch, the first months of the year occurred in the fall. God, through Moses, changed the calendar (Hebrew) during the time of the Passover exodus, so the first months of the calendar year would be in the spring to commemorate the Passover. “In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened” (Genesis 7:11). So the 2nd month of the Antediluvian period would now be the 8th month of the modern Jewish calendar, which is Heshvan.

Kind of strange don’t you think? The presidential election for the U.S. in 2020 occurs on the same day that the great flood of Noah’s day began. When it rains, it pours, especially in 2020!

“There are many speculations, almost as old as the Bible text itself, regarding the meaning of 666 or to whom it is referencing. The Catholic Church states that Irenaeus (130 – 202 A.D.), an early church “father,” wrote about whom this number might reference. He stated that the Greek word “Lateinos,” when given their corresponding Greek values and added up (30 + 1 + 330 + 5 + 10 + 50 + 70 + 200), equals 666. The word itself means “Latin man.” (Source)

Although we do not know who the Antichrist is, we do know he will herald from somewhere within the boundaries of the Old Roman Empire (Dan. 9:25-27). As for 2020, we are again left to speculate as to its significance of the life-changing nature of this year. Perhaps this idea of the new normal is not so much the death of the old-world order and the birth of the new, but the start of Satan’s groundwork for world-dominance and submission by his chosen man: the beast, known as the Antichrist.

Satan’s demons and human acolytes are working feverishly to bring this plan to fruition. In the short time that is left before the Rapture occurs, we as watchmen on the wall must sound the alarm of the danger that is now at the gate. If you want to know what the future holds, do not go to a medium/psychic/astrologer (as King Saul did), listen to corrupt politicians, or pay attention to fake news; but instead, read your Bible. It has all the answers you will ever need. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

Amen, even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Randy Nettles and Pete Garcia

nettlesr@suddenlink.net

Endnotes:

{1} Number in Scripture by E.W. Bullinger by Kregal Publications

{2} Number in Scripture by E.W. Bullinger by Kregal Pu

Can We Know the Identity of the Two Witnesses? :: by Mark A. Becker

[Note: This author is a pre-Tribulation rapture believer, and this article reflects that view.]

Introduction

For many years into my own studies of the Scriptures, it seemed to be a foregone conclusion that the Two Witnesses were Moses and Elijah. Later on, I came to believe it would be Enoch and Elijah. Then I was introduced to the concept that it was John and Elijah. Finally, I had heard a new theory that the Two Witnesses were actually two angels.

We sure have come a long way since the days of what seemed to be a universally agreed to interpretation of the Moses and Elijah scenario: Moses representing the law and the 10 plagues of Egypt, and Elijah being the other undisputed representative of the two.

So, I decided to tackle this issue for myself and see what I could find. As I have mentioned before, I usually don’t like to consult other commentaries or search other Bible teachers’ studies, as I really enjoy trying to figure things out for myself. This study is no different.

This article was not written in linear fashion. It began with the two major passages of Scripture cited, and the body of the article was written around them as my research progressed.

Using only the Holy Scriptures, and starting with a clean slate, let’s find out where the evidence leads.

The Passage Without Refute?

The following passage is considered the go-to portion of Scripture identifying Elijah as one of the Two Witnesses:

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” (Malachi 4:5-6). (Emphasis mine)

Notice that God states that He “will send you Elijah… before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.” This is very important: The Two Witnesses have their ministry “during” the day of the Lord, not “before.”

(Please see my article, An Examination of the ‘Day of the Lord’ here https://www.raptureready.com/2020/08/11/an-examination-of-the-day-of-the-lord-by-mark-a-becker/ or https://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=205363 for a detailed look at what the “Day of the Lord” entails).

Now, let’s examine what this prophecy in Malachi is actually referring to.

What Did Jesus Say?

Jesus, answering his disciples’ questions regarding just this topic, paves the way for us to know how Malachi’s prophecy was to actually be fulfilled:

“And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist” (Matthew 17:10-13). (Emphasis mine)

Is there other Scriptural support for what the Lord had revealed to His disciples?

What Did the Angel of the Lord Say to Zecharias the Priest and Father of John the Baptist?

The answer to this question shows the fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy:

“And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:11-17). (Emphasis mine)

Some similarities to note between Elijah and John the Baptist:

Both were described as hairy and wore a leather belt (2 Kings 1:8 & Matthew 3:4).

Both lived in the wilderness (1 Kings 19:4 & Mark 1:4).

Both preached repentance from sins (1 Kings chapter 18 & Mark 1:4).

Both had enemies in power (1 Kings 21:20 & Luke 3:18).

As we can plainly see, Malachi’s prophecy was fulfilled in John the Baptist. Therefore, Elijah – based on Malachi’s prophecy alone – is not one of the Two Witnesses. This prophecy has nothing to do with our investigation, so we must move on.

What Does Revelation Say?

Let’s try to analyze the definitive passage on the Two Witnesses’ ministry in Revelation:

And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

“And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

“And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 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. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 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.

“And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them” (Revelation 11:3-12). (Emphasis mine)

“Fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies” brings to mind the demonic/fallen angel horde of Revelation 9:17-19 where “out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.”

(For more information on this demonic/fallen angel horde, please see my article, Do The Kings of The East Field a 200 Million Man Army? here: https://www.raptureready.com/2020/10/22/do-the-kings-of-the-east-field-a-200-million-man-army-by-mark-a-becker/ or https://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=206207 ).

In the whole of Scripture, not one time has fire ever proceeded out of the mouth of a man. Elijah called fire down out of heaven (1 Kings 1:10-14), but never a case of a human being spewing out fire from their mouth.

Another interesting item I noticed in this passage is that the Two Witnesses are never mentioned as “men,” let alone Jewish men. The closest their description comes to human is “prophets” as they “prophesy,” and that their “bodies” will lay dead and then rise again. They are referred to only as “these,” “them,” “their,” and “they.”

We should keep these facts in mind as we proceed.

Prophets

The Greek word for “prophets” in Revelation 11 regarding the Two Witnesses is “prophḗtēs,” with the following definition:

A prophet (4396/prophḗtēs) declares the mind (message) of God, which sometimes predicts the future (foretelling) – and more commonly, speaks forth His message for a particular situation. 4396/prophḗtēs (“a prophet”) then is someone inspired by God to foretell or tell-forth (forthtell) the Word of God. (Biblehub.com).

When we think of “prophets,” we invariably think of human agents of God, speaking on God’s behalf. And while this is most certainly true, we tend to omit angels from the realm of prophet when, in truth, they are just as much a prophet as a human agent would be. From Genesis to Revelation, we have numerous accounts of angels “declar[ing] the mind (message) of God, which sometimes predicts the future (foretelling) – and more commonly, speaks forth His message for a particular situation.”

There is one passage of Scripture I believe we should consider, in light of this thought, when defining who a prophet can be:

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world” (1 John 4:1-3). (Emphasis mine)

John tells us that it is the spirit’s message that defines a prophet, and that spirit should by tried – whether a man or an angel (as both are spirit beings) – to determine whether the spirit is “of God” or “of antichrist.”

The Olive Tree

One thing that is common knowledge is that the nation of Israel is often compared to an olive tree. The only other passage regarding the olive tree in the Old Testament that caught my eye in my research is below.

The following is from the detailed account of Solomon’s Temple:

“And for the entering of the oracle he made doors of olive tree: the lintel and side posts were a fifth part of the wall. The two doors also were of olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees” (1 Kings 6:31-32). (Emphasis mine)

The “oracle” is often translated as “the inner sanctuary” or “the Holy of Holies.”

Notice that the “two doors” were made from the “olive tree.” This is the only other Scripture where I could find a relationship between the number two and the olive tree.

What is interesting is that the two doors were carved with “cherubims.”

Two Candlesticks

Of course, the candlesticks are usually referring to what we commonly call the Menorah, the “lampstand” found in the Tabernacle and Temple located in the Holy Place across from the table of shewbread.

We also know of the seven candlesticks in Revelation, representing the seven churches (Rev. 1:20).

Other verses of importance to consider regarding light and light’s relation to the symbolism of the candlestick(s), or lamp(s), would be:

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).

God’s first recorded act of creation: “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light” (Genesis 1:3).

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

And finally, Paul said that we should, regarding our enemy, not marvel “… for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14b).

Returning to Revelation’s description of the Two Witnesses:

These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth” reminds us of a passage in Zechariah. Let’s investigate this.

The Prophet Zechariah’s Vision

And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep. And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.

So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.

“Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

“Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth” (Zechariah 4:1-14). (Emphasis mine)

In both the Zechariah vision and the Revelation account of the Two Witnesses, we learn they “stand by the Lord of the whole earth (Zechariah 4:14)” and are “standing before the God of the earth (Revelation 11:4).” These are definitely one and the same; but who are they?

Anointed Ones

Here’s where it starts to get interesting. The phrase “These are the two anointed ones” brings to mind the description of Lucifer (Satan) in Ezekiel’s prophecy of the “prince of Tyrus.” In particular:

“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). (Emphasis mine)

Angels?

I find it fascinating that the Two Witnesses are standing by the Lord/God “of the earth,” and not “heaven” or “heaven and the earth.” Is this a clue?

When we consider what a “witness” is, we understand that witnesses are defined by what they have observed and have firsthand knowledge of. In our case, these Witnesses have knowledge and have observed the Lord/God “of the earth.” This seems to imply that they were there from the beginning of the foundation of the “earth” and, therefore, are witnesses to all that God has done since witnessing that foundation.

This brings my mind back to God’s demand of Job:

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7). (Emphasis mine)

Scripture reveals that the angels were present when God “laid the foundations of the earth” and “all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Obviously, this was before the fall of Satan and his rebellious host, as “all the sons of God” witnessed God’s creation of the foundation of the earth and “shouted for joy.”

Angels, as we know, are “messengers” and are “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 20:14).

And if that wasn’t enough to consider: “Who [God] maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire” (Psalm 104:4).

Ezekiel’s Living Creatures/Cherubim and Revelation’s Four Living Creatures

The mighty cherubim, or living creatures (Ezekiel 1:5-25 & Ezekiel 10:3-22) that Ezekiel witnessed are very similar to the four living creatures in Revelation 4:6-11. These cherubim, like Satan “the anointed cherub that covereth” (Ezekiel 28:14), seem to be the closest of the angelic hierarchy to the throne of God.

We know the role of the four living creatures from Ezekiel’s visions, but what about the role of some of the others? What was the role and position of Satan (Lucifer), and did he have any cohorts that “covered” or stood by the throne of God?

Can it be that the “two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth” signify these covering cherubim? That at one time, there were three surrounding, or “covering,” cherubim at the throne of God – one to each side of the throne and one (Lucifer) over the throne? That these three angels were the first of God’s creation of the angelic host?

I do find it very interesting that Satan took a “third” of the angels with him in his rebellion (Revelation 12:3-5 & Revelation 12:7-9).

With what we have learned up to this point, we really do have to consider this possibility. This is where we can infer the idea that the two angels that stand by the throne of God and have “witnessed” God’s creation from the foundation of the world might, in the future, take on human form as God’s Two Witnesses.

Some may ask, “Why would God use angels to be His witnesses when human agents could suffice?” This is an honest question and should be reciprocated with a Scriptural answer: “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people(Revelation 14:6).

Also, “What is an angel doing in a human body?” Another good question. Remember, humans are spirit beings living in earthly bodies, and angels very often appear in human form. Not to mention the Genesis 6 account.

(For my thoughts on this controversial subject, please see Genesis 6:4 Commentary and Genetics, that can be found here: https://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=204120 )

So, what do I make of this? Honestly, I don’t know. We just don’t seem to have enough information to state unequivocally and emphatically that this is, in fact, the case. But, in light of what we have learned in this study, it certainly seems possible that the Two Witnesses could be angels in human form.

Some Observations on the Popular Candidates for the Two Witnesses

Moses: Moses died (Deuteronomy 34:1-12). “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this is the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). It would seem outright unfair, and without Biblical precedence, for Moses to have to die twice. I realize that Scripture documents others that had died and were resurrected, but in each case, these were short-lived deaths, and one could reasonably presume their spirits never made it to their final destination.

Enoch and Elijah: As two of the clearest pictures in the Old Testament of the rapture of the church, it would seem more than odd that these two righteous men would need to die. As representatives of saints living on earth at the rapture, it seems clear, at least to me, that they would never need to die. Sure, God can do anything He wants, but He is also a God of order; to me, this would seem to be somewhat out of order, but then again, I’m not God and am in no position to define what His order may or may not be. This is only my observational and logical opinion.

John: The rationale for John being one of the Two Witnesses usually comes from the dialog between Jesus and Peter in John chapter 21. Jesus, in essence, told Peter that he would die a martyr’s death, and Peter, referring to John, asked, “What shall this man do?” Jesus replied, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” John summarizes this account by adding, “Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? (John 21:22-23).

The point I would like to make is this: Even if the Lord supernaturally kept John alive for the last 2,000 years, John most certainly would be taken in the pre-Tribulation rapture of the church and, as all other believers in the body of Christ, wouldn’t be allowed to live during the Tribulation when God’s wrath is being poured out on the world.

Conclusion

If someone had put a “gun to my head” and asked me who the Two Witnesses were before I began researching this article, I would have answered, “Enoch and Elijah.” After examining this issue in-depth and writing this article – with that same “gun to my head” – I would have to answer, “Two angels in human form.” But in both cases, I would have to admit, “I really don’t know for sure.”

The answer to our question, “Can We Know the Identity of the Two Witnesses?” seems to be, “No. Not with unequivocal conclusiveness.”

It does seem that the Scriptural evidence points to the Two Witnesses as being angels in human form, but I’m just not willing to take that leap… yet.

There are a lot of things I don’t know; but one thing I do know is that I don’t know who the Two Witnesses are with absolute certainty. At least I don’t think I do… right now… at this very moment…

Love, grace, mercy, and shalom in Messiah Yeshua, and Maranatha!

Email: mab10666@yahoo.com