Questions about prophecy
What does the Bible say about the end?
Each answer comes from the books of Dr. Mary Banks, with the scriptures it rests on and the books it is drawn from.
The Two Witnesses and the 144,000
God’s witnesses in Jerusalem and the sealed of Israel.
Who are the two witnesses?
The two witnesses are two Spirit-empowered prophets who appear in Jerusalem during the 1,260 days (three and a half years) of the Antichrist's reign, described in Scripture as the two olive trees and two candlesticks standing before God, and given power reminiscent of Elijah and Moses.
How long do the two witnesses prophesy?
The two witnesses prophesy for one thousand two hundred and threescore days, which is three and a half years.
Why are the two witnesses called olive trees and candlesticks?
The two witnesses are called the two olive trees and the two candlesticks because Revelation 11:4 directly applies that title from Zechariah's vision, showing them as the two anointed ones who stand continually before the Lord, supplying oil (a picture of the Spirit) to give light in a dark time.
What powers do the two witnesses have?
The two witnesses are given power to shut up heaven so it does not rain, to turn water into blood, and to strike the earth with any kind of plague as often as they wish, and fire comes out of their mouths to consume anyone who tries to harm them.
How are the two witnesses killed and raised again?
The two witnesses are killed by the beast that rises from the bottomless pit once they finish their three and a half year testimony, and after their bodies lie in the streets of Jerusalem for three and a half days, the Spirit of life from God enters them, they stand up, and they are called up to heaven in a cloud before the eyes of their enemies.
Are the two witnesses Moses and Elijah?
Scripture does not name the two witnesses directly, but the powers given to them, shutting heaven so it will not rain and turning water to blood, closely match what Elijah and Moses did, so their ministry echoes those two great prophets even though they are not explicitly identified by name.
Who are the 144,000?
The 144,000 are sealed servants of God taken from all twelve tribes of Israel, described as young male virgins who follow the Lamb and are counted among the firstfruits redeemed to God.
Why are the 144,000 sealed?
The 144,000 are sealed as servants of God so that they are marked and protected before God's wrath is poured out on the earth, and so the harm coming through the trumpet judgments will pass over them.