EB: 18 The Timing of Obeying Christ’s Last Great Commandment

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Chapter 18 The Timing of Obeying Christ’s Last Great Commandment

A) Antichrist’s Alliance & Attack

B) Antichrist’s Resurrection & obeying Christ’s Last Great Commandment

C) What will be the amount of time between Antichrist’s Resurrection and Antichrist’s Attack?

D) Reasons for believing Antichrist’s Attack will occur on a July 4^th holiday

E) Reasons for believing Antichrist’s Attack will occur on July 4th, 2026

Primary points

When does God expect His people to actually obey Christ’s Last Great Commandment and Move out from Babylon the Great?
The timing of Antichrist’s Attack cannot be known with certainty.
When a Christian living in America becomes reasonably certain the Endtimes have begun, it will be time to obey Christ’s Last Great Commandment.
Christians will know for certain it is time to leave Endtime Babylon when THE VERY FIRST CERTAIN SIGN THE ENDTIMES HAVE BEGUN occurs. That would seem to be the Antichrist’s Resurrection.
When Antichrist’s Resurrection occurs with the opening of the 1st Seal, the next event to occur in the Endtimes will be Antichrist’s Alliance & Attack with the opening of the 2nd Seal.
Being resurrected on Easter Sunday would certainly fit the Antichrist’s claim to be Jesus Christ returned to Earth. In fact, it is suggested there is a 50% probability that the Antichrist will be resurrected on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.
A primary reason to believe there may be an extended time between Antichrist’s Resurrection (Christ opening the first seal, Rev 6:1-2); and Antichrist’s Alliance and Attack (Christ opening the second seal, Rev 6:3-4) is God’s mercy.
God will need to graciously provide sufficient time for American Christians to understand the doctrine of the Endtimes, including Revelation 17-18, and to respond to Christ’s Last Great Commandment.
Recognizing and responding to “triggering events” before Antichrist’s Resurrection will be important. This would especially include Antichrist’s Revolution by replacing three leaders in the 10-nation Endtime Coalition (cf. Dan 7:8; 20, 24).
There are reasonable arguments to suggest there is a 50% probability that Antichrist’s Attack will occur on July 4th, 2026.
If you would like further information, feel free to write an email to: info@trainingtimothys.com

A) Antichrist’s Alliance & Attack

Let us look again at Christ’s Last Great Commandment:

Then I heard another voice from Heaven say: “Move out from Babylon the Great My people; so that you will not be connected to [the punishment of, cf. ch. 16, sec. A.2] her sins and so that you will not experience her being struck hard with a sudden and severe disaster. This is because her sins are piled up to Heaven and God has focused His attention on her wrongs” (Rev 18:4-5)

This is a very unique biblical command. Most other commands in the NT are to be obeyed by every Christian at all times. But not this one. The command to Move out from Babylon the Great My people is to be obeyed by only a select group of Christians who live in Babylon the Great. It is also to be obeyed only at a certain time, when God’s people are certain its sudden and severe disaster is imminent.

We have spent several chapters in Endtime Babylon discussing who lives in Babylon the Great and have argued that it includes those living in America. But now a very important question needs an answer: When does God expect His people to actually obey this command and Move out from Babylon the Great? More specifically, when would God want American Christians to physically escape from America and move elsewhere?

First, it is certain that God will alert knowledgeable Christians of this very thing. It is even possible that God will provide miraculous revelation or intervention for these things. Remember how God sent real Angels to help Lot escape Sodom before its destruction (cf. Gen ch. 19)?

However, it is more probable that God wants and expects His people to understand these things from Scripture. Accordingly, you read in the first chapter of Endtime Babylon:

Why would Jesus repeatedly command us to “Watch!” current events for signs of His Return (Mark 13:33, 34, 37), if He did not expect us to be able to do this? He commands us to correctly interpret biblical prophecy (cf. 2 Tim 2:15). Therefore, we should expect to be able to obey this command. Likewise, Jesus commanded us to “Watch!” current events to recognize biblical prophecy being fulfilled. Surely we are able to obey this command as well. God is not in the habit of revealing things in Scripture that His people cannot understand or obey (cf. Deut 30:11-14). (ch. 1, sec. B)

Scripture reveals the beginning events of the Endtimes. Therefore, in general, knowledgeable American Christians will know it is time to leave America when the Endtimes begin. How will we know the Endtimes have begun? The previous book, The Beginning of Birth Pains (BBP) was devoted to this topic and much of what is suggested below will be based on the biblical and reasonable arguments provided there. More specifically, much of what follows depends on the substance and sequence of Endtime events argued for throughout the Endtimes Essentials material.

Finally, it must be admitted again that absolute certainty regarding the topic of this chapter is impossible. Accordingly, no certain predictions are being made. But the following is not foolish and ignorant speculations (2 Tim 2:23 NASB). Rather, it is based on careful research. The reader can evaluate for themselves its value.

What Endtime event do we want to know the timing of? Antichrist’s Alliance & Attack. The Alliance is described in Revelation chapter 17 where we read:

The ten horns you saw are ten kings [10 nation Endtime Coalition] … who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast [Antichrist]. They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast…

For God has put it into their hearts [the ten kings] to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast [Antichrist] their royal authority, until God’s words are fulfilled (Rev 17:12-13, 17 NIV)

What will be the purpose of this Alliance between the Antichrist and the 10-nation Endtime Coalition? The Attack described in Revelation 17:16 where we read:

The ten horns [10-nation Endtime Coalition] that you saw, and the beast [Antichrist] will hate the Prostitute [America], and these will permanently remove all people from her and strip her naked and they will devour her body and will burn her down with fire… in one hour (Rev 17:16; 18:10, 17, 19)

Earlier in Endtime Babylon the following was noted regarding the relationship between this Alliance and the Attack:

The one hour when the ten kings of the Coalition will receive authority as kings along with the beast Antichrist (17:12) refers to an hour that God will give them authority to do something horrible. What will that be? Four verses later we are told [of the predicted Attack described in verse 16]…

It would seem the one hour that the Coalition and the Antichrist receive authority (17:12) to do something horrible, is the same one hour (18:10, 17, 19) they will burn Endtime Babylon (America) down with fire (17:16) such that no one can live there again (18:21-23). That one hour will change the world in an unprecedented way.

For several reasons, it seems this one hour alliance between the Antichrist and the 10-nation Endtime Coalition will be made in secrecy, such that the world will not even know it has occurred. (EB, ch. 9, sec. C.3)

For reasons given there, the secrecy of this Alliance is a great probability. Therefore, the timing of the resulting Attack from this Alliance cannot be known with certainty. Scripture does not clearly tell us the timing of Antichrist’s Attack on Endtime Babylon (America). Again, in general, when a Christian living in America becomes reasonably certain the Endtimes have begun, it will be time to obey Christ’s Last Great Commandment. Based on conclusions offered in the previous book, BBP, some suggestions can be made below about the beginning events of the Endtimes.

B) Antichrist’s Resurrection & obeying Christ’s Last Great Commandment

B.1) Antichrist’s Resurrection will be the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun

In the previous book, The Beginning of Birth Pains (BBP), it was argued that THE VERY FIRST CERTAIN SIGN THE ENDTIMES HAVE BEGUN WILL BE THE ANTICHRIST’S RESSURRECTION (cf. chs. 10-12). When Antichrist’s Resurrection occurs, Christians can know several things. One, the Lamb Jesus Christ has opened the first of the seven seals in Heaven and the Endtimes have begun (Rev 6:1). As a result, the Resurrected Antichrist will “Come!” bursting onto the world scene, imitating Christ like a conqueror on a white horse wearing a crown (Rev 6:1-2).

Indeed, many biblical arguments were made to claim that the opening of the first of the seven seals reflects the occurrence of Antichrist’s Resurrection (cf. BBP, ch. 11, sec. C). What follows the opening of the 1st Seal? The 2nd Seal of catastrophic war described in Revelation 6:3-4:

When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword. (Rev 6:3-4 NIV)

Elsewhere in the Endtimes Essentials it has been argued that Antichrist’s Attack on Endtime Babylon (America) will occur when the Lamb opens the second seal of war (cf. BBP ch. 18, secs. B.1-2; EB ch. 9, sec. B). If this is the case, then when Antichrist’s Resurrection occurs with the opening of the 1st Seal, the next event to occur in the Endtimes will be Antichrist’s Alliance & Attack with the opening of the 2nd Seal.

Additional evidence that Antichrist’s Resurrection will precede Antichrist’s Alliance & Attack was provided in BBP where it was argued:

Finally, there is another rather early event in the Endtimes that would seem to require the Antichrist’s Resurrection. Revelation chapters 17-18 describe the destruction of Endtime Babylon by an alliance between the Antichrist and the 10-nation Endtime Coalition. The prophecy states the ten kings … will give their power and authority to the beast [Antichrist] (Rev 17:12-13). The result will be:

The ten horns [Endtime Coalition] that you saw and the beast [Antichrist] will hate the Prostitute [Endtime Babylon] and they will permanently remove all people from her and strip her naked and they will devour her body and will burn her down with fire… in one hour (Rev 17:16; 18:10 ^[1])

As discussed previously in chapter 4 (sec. B.2), this kind of destruction reflects the use of nuclear weapons. Therefore, it seems nuclear powers will be surrendering their weapons and power and authority to the Antichrist. Obviously, this will require significant, even supernatural persuasion. Therefore, there are good reasons to believe this predicted alliance between the Antichrist and the 10-nation Endtime Coalition to destroy Endtime Babylon will occur only after Antichrist’s Resurrection. Why else would powerful countries entrust so much to a man if he were just a little horn (Dan 7:8)?

It will only be after his fatal wound is healed and the whole earth is amazed and will follow after the beast and worship the beast (Rev 13:3-4 NASB) that the ten leaders of the Coalition will also believe the powerful delusion (2 Thess 2:11), and be amazed by the Antichrist, and also be willing to worship and follow him and give their power and authority to the beast (Rev 13:3-4; 17:12-13). Including giving the Antichrist their nuclear weapons arsenal to destroy their primary political, economic, and military rival on Earth: Endtime Babylon. (BBP ch. 11, sec. C.4)

If you believe America fulfills the prophecies of Endtime Babylon in Revelation 17-18, then when Antichrist’s Resurrection occurs, it will be time for you and your loved ones to leave America and find the best possible place to live out the rest of God’s will for you in the Endtimes.

Therefore, when the Antichrist is Resurrected, biblically informed Christians will be like the men of Issachar … who understood the times and knew what Israel should do (1 Chron 12:32). As it says in Daniel, at the time of the end … those who are wise will understand (12:9-10 NIV). This will be because they diligently and humbly studied and correctly understood biblical prophecy.

B.2) Reasons to believe Antichrist’s Resurrection will occur on Easter 2025

It was explained elsewhere that one of the most important purposes for the Antichrist will be to imitate Jesus Christ (cf. BBP ch. 7, sec. B). This is reflected in his Greek name (antichristos, 1 John 2:18), the Greek prefix anti having the meaning “in place of.” One of Antichrist’s primary desires will be to usurp the worship of Christ. For all these reasons, he will do everything possible to imitate Jesus Christ. In fact, as demonstrated elsewhere, the Antichrist will be the first and foremost False Christ claiming to be Jesus Christ Himself returned to Earth (cf. BBP ch. 10, secs. B.1-B.2). Think about that. The Antichrist is going to claim He is Jesus Christ. This is one reason he is going to be killed and resurrected from the dead.

Accordingly, it was written elsewhere:

Let us recognize another way the Antichrist could imitate Jesus to the world. The Scriptures say, Christ died then he was buried and then he was raised on the third day (1 Cor 15:3-4; cf. Matt 16:21; Luke 24:46; Acts 10:39-40). Accordingly, we should not be surprised if the Rising Antichrist is killed on a Good Friday and resurrected on the third day the following Easter Sunday. This is only a suggestion, but it would reflect the great desire of God, Satan, and the Antichrist to have him imitate the real Christ. (BBP, ch. 11, sec. C.2)

Again, the Antichrist’s primary goal is to imitate Jesus Christ and convince the world he is Jesus Christ returned to Earth. This will be even God’s desire and, For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie [that the Antichrist is the real Christ] and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness (2 Thess 2:11-12 NIV). Imitating Christ is clearly one of God’s purposes for having the Antichrist die and be resurrected from the dead just as the Bible predicts (cf. Rev 13:3, 14).

Now Scripture says that with Antichrist’s Resurrection the pagan world will rather automatically worship him. So, Jesus said that the real target of the Antichrist will be to deceive His elect, the Christians and Jews (cf. Matt 24:4-5, 24). What would help the Antichrist deceive Christians and Jews that he is Jesus returned to Earth? What would help him imitate Jesus even more? By being killed on Good Friday and being raised on Easter.

Good Friday and Easter are the most holy days for Christians. Therefore, there is good reason to suggest the Antichrist will take advantage of the special significance of these Christian holidays. Being resurrected on Easter Sunday would certainly promote the Antichrist’s claim to be Jesus Christ returned to Earth.

In fact, it is suggested there is a 50% probability that the Antichrist will be resurrected on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. Once again, this is not intended to be a prediction. But it would be a significant possibility if God intends the SCO to be the prophesied 10-nation Endtime Coalition, and Zelenskyy to be the Antichrist, and they are emerging on the Earth.

The SCO is currently scheduled to become exactly 10 nations on July 4th of 2024 (BBP ch. 6, sec. B). It is likely the Rising Antichrist would rise up among, and after, the establishment of the Coalition (cf. Dan 7:8, 24, BBP ch. 4, sec. B.1). Again, this could occur sometime after July 4th, 2024, if the SCO is intended to be the 10-nation Endtime Coalition.

If Zelenskyy is to be the Antichrist, then his rising up would include the defeat of Russia’s army in Ukraine with all the weapons provided by other countries. This would seem to be a fulfillment of a very specific biblical prophecy that the Antichrist will have “victory in war or struggle” (qûm, cf. Dan 7:24), and succeed in everything he does … but not by his own power (Dan 8:24; cf. BBP ch. 9, sec. A). This Endtime event can be referred to as Antichrist’s Victory. When it occurs, it is suggested the probability that the Endtimes have begun would increase to 70%. Therefore, its occurrence should be taken very seriously. Zelenskyy’s defeat of Russia in Ukraine could be expected to occur in the months following July 4th, 2024, perhaps that Fall and Winter.

After Zelenskyy’s defeat of Russia, the downfall of three leaders in the SCO (e.g. Putin, Lukashenko, Khamenei) could be expected (cf. Dan 7:8, 24; BBP ch. 9, sec. B). This can be referred to as Antichrist’s Revolution. This would be the fulfillment of an even more specific biblical prophecy and should also be taken seriously. It is suggested at this point it is reasonable to believe there is an 80% probability the Endtimes have begun. At this time we could also expect Zelenskyy to be leading world peace summits (cf. BBP ch. 9, sec. C).

If Zelenskyy was able to accomplish these things by the beginning months of 2025, then perhaps we could expect his undeniable death sometime relatively soon afterwards. This is because it is likely he will be killed at the height of his popularity. The greater the Antichrist’s popularity when he is killed and resurrected, the greater will be the impact of this miraculous event.

Therefore, in the context of the above biblical prophecies being fulfilled by Zelenskyy by the beginning months of 2025, it is suggested there is a 50% probability that he will be undeniably killed on Good Friday, 2025 (April 18) and be miraculously resurrected on Easter, 2025 (April 20). Again, this would significantly promote his desire to deceive the Church and the World that he is Jesus Christ Himself returned to Earth.

There are additional reasons to suggest the Antichrist may be resurrected on Easter, 2025 (April 20). There are some extraordinary things about this date. First, Christianity is essentially divided into Western Christianity and Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The latter is followed by millions of Christians in places like Russia and Ukraine. About half the time, these two groups of Christianity celebrate Easter on a different day. For example, in 2024 Western Christianity will celebrate Easter on March 31^st. But Eastern Christianity will not celebrate Easter until 5 weeks later on May 5^th. That is what will happen in 2024. But for Easter in 2025, Western and Eastern Christianity will close that 5 week gap and celebrate Easter on the same day, April 20th, 2025.

But that is not all. The Antichrist wants to convince the Jews that he is the Messiah they have been waiting for. So do you know what else will happen on April 20^th, Easter Sunday, in 2025? It will be the last day of Jewish Passover, the most holy day of the Jewish people. ^{^[2]} This is a relatively rare event. Often Easter and the Jewish Passover occur even in separate months. The last time the Jewish Passover ended on the same Sunday as Easter occurred in 2001. ^{^[3]} The next time it will occur is 2045. ^{^[4]}

Passover is the oldest and most important religious holiday on the Jewish calendar. The last two days of Passover are special as they specifically celebrate the opening of the Red Sea and the greatest period of miracles in Israel’s history. ^{^[5]} As a man wanting to convince the Jews that he is their awaited Messiah, being killed and resurrected during Passover may be significant.

As noted below, there is some evidence that the timing of Endtime events may follow the occurrence of Jewish holidays ordained by God. We are told that after Antichrist’s Claim to be God, He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws (Dan 7:25 NLT). This implies that those Jewish festivals are operating and important before this. Therefore, the Antichrist doing his greatest and most important miracle on Jewish Passover (and Christian Easter) is worthy of consideration.

Therefore, if the Antichrist’s Resurrection occurred on Easter Sunday, April 20th, 2025, it would also occur on the same Sunday when the Western and Eastern Church will be celebrating Easter, and the last day of the Jewish Passover. The author could find no years in which these three Judeo Christian holidays occur on the same day or Sunday from 2000 to 2050.

The Antichrist’s Resurrection occurring on the same day as the most important Judeo Christian holidays around the world would help him portray himself as their new leader and a uniting figure of these sects. Because of the above data, it is again suggested there is a 50% probability of this occurring, if the SCO is the 10-nation Coalition and Zelenskyy is the Antichrist. The above suggestions can be illustrated in the following graphic.

July 2024

SCO becomes 10 members

(Dan 7:24)

Easter 2025

(Easter for Western & Eastern Church & last day of Jewish Passover)

Antichrist’s

Resurrection

(Rev 6:1-2; 13:1-14)

Zelenskyy…

1) Succeeds in war (Dan 8:24)

2) Deposes 3 in SCO (7:8, 24)

3) Leads world in peace (Rev 6:1-2)

Fall/Winter 2024-2025

Graphic: A Possible Timeline for the Rising &

Resurrected Antichrist

Please do not misunderstand. No dogmatic predictions are being made here. A “possible” or even “probable” timeline is not a certain or definite timeline. But there is a good possibility that the above timeline is how the beginning of Endtime events could unfold in the near future. Again, this is only true IF: 1) God intends for the SCO to become the prophesied 10-nation Endtime Coalition, 2) God intends Zelenskyy to be the Antichrist.

C) What will be the amount of time between Antichrist’s Resurrection and Antichrist’s Attack?

C.1) Reasons to believe Antichrist’s Attack will occur soon after his Resurrection

Unfortunately, it is impossible to know how much time will elapse between Antichrist’s Resurrection and his alliance with the 10-nation Endtime Coalition to destroy Endtime Babylon. On one hand, there are reasons to believe the time to escape will be relatively short. Jesus described Antichrist’s Rise (False Christ) and wars as the beginning of birth pains (Matt 24:5-8). Once birth pains begin, they usually progress rather quickly. Surely Jesus intended this common knowledge to instruct us in some way about the rapidity of these events. ^[6]

Therefore, there may only be a relatively short period of time between Antichrist’s Resurrection portrayed in the opening of the first seal of the Endtimes, and the opening of the second seal of massive slaughter (Rev 6:1-4). For example, it would seem there will be very little time between the massive war of the second seal and the severe economic hardship that will come with the opening of the third seal (Rev 6:5-6). Again, Jesus described these very events as birth pains.

In addition, the Antichrist will be very eager after his Resurrection to complete his domination of the world by destroying the economic, cultural, political, and military power of Endtime Babylon (America). This would be another reason to expect Antichrist’s Alliance and Attack to follow his Resurrection fairly quickly. All of this is reason to Move out from Babylon the Great (America, Rev 18:4) as soon as possible after Antichrist’s Resurrection.

C.2) The primary reason to believe there will be a significant delay between Antichrist’s Resurrection and Antichrist’s Attack God’s mercy

A primary reason to believe there may be a rather extended time between Antichrist’s Resurrection (Christ opening the first seal, Rev 6:1-2); and Antichrist’s Alliance and Attack (Christ opening the second seal, Rev 6:3-4) is this: God’s mercy.

It is likely that the vast majority of American Christians will be caught completely off guard by Antichrist’s Resurrection and will certainly not understand what Endtime events will follow, including the destruction of Endtime Babylon (America). As noted elsewhere:

Unfortunately, many Christians today do not even know the Antichrist’s Resurrection is predicted in Scripture. And even many more have never heard an accurate teaching on it. Remember the Thessalonians? Because they did not understand the biblical sequence and substance of Endtime events they had become easily unsettled and alarmed by a false teaching about the Endtimes (2 Thess 2:2; cf. CET, ch. 16, sec. B, the “Thessalonian Panic”). (BBP, ch. 17, sec. C)

There is an epidemic of confusion, controversy, and ignorance in American Christianity regarding the biblical substance and sequence of Endtime events. Therefore, God will need to graciously provide considerable time for American Christians to sufficiently understand the doctrine of the Endtimes, and especially Revelation 17-18.

When Antichrist’s Resurrection occurs, Pre-tribulationists will hopefully recognize the Church is already in Revelation 13, where they claimed it could not be. Likewise, hopefully metaphorical interpreters (e.g. Historicists, Preterists, Amillennialists) will remember that God has proven He always fulfills biblical prophecy in a physical way, if not a literal way. But the great number of Pastors and Christians believing these false teachings will be faced with a huge learning curve that will require considerable time to understand the truth.

Hopefully after Antichrist’s Resurrection, many will rush here and there, and knowledge of the prophecy in the book of Daniel and the Endtimes will increase, aided by those who have insight among the people and will give understanding to the many (Dan 12:4 NIV; 11:33 NASB; BBP ch. 1, sec. D).

Will God treat American Christians with grace despite the sinfulness and shallow Endtimes teaching they are largely guilty of (cf. ch. 15)? Will He give them sufficient time to correctly understand the biblical substance and sequence of Endtime events, including the ability to correctly and courageously interpret Revelation 17-18?

As previously demonstrated in chapter 14, there is biblical precedent and warning that God could rightly and severely discipline American Christians for their idolatry, sinfulness, worldliness, false teaching, and lack of the supernatural love, joy, and peace of the Spirit and the prevalence of living in their own will power which is their sinful nature. It’s possible that Jesus thinks American Christianity has had the opportunity to repent (used 7 times in Rev 2-3) of such things, has failed to do so, and so will exercise severe discipline, as He warned the churches in Revelation 2-3.

But we also have abundant biblical precedent and promises that Christians can expect God’s grace and mercy. Therefore, it is suggested that it is likely God will allow sufficient time after Antichrist’s Resurrection for American Christians to repent of the arrogance and apathy that has led to their ignorance of biblical prophecy, and humbly, courageously, and correctly study Scripture, including Revelation 17-18, so that they will obey Christ’s Last Commandment and Move out from Babylon the Great … so that they will not experience her being struck hard with a sudden and severe disaster (Rev 18:4).

As noted previously (ch. 16, sec. B), it is possible that the version of Christ’s Last Great Commandment in Isaiah 52:11-12 will apply to those leaving Endtime Babylon:

Get out! Get out and leave your [Babylonian] captivity, where everything you touch is unclean. Get out of there and purify yourselves… But you will not leave in a hurry, running for your lives. For the LORD will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind. (Isa 52:11-12 NLT ^[7])

As noted there:

It is probable that these prophecies apply to the exodus of God’s people from Endtime Babylon (America). Perhaps the escape from Endtime Babylon (America) will be much more like the escape from ancient Babylon rather than the exodus from Egypt. This may be reflected in the fact that the command in Revelation 18:4 says, Move out from (exelthate ex), but does not use the word “flee” (phuego). Therefore, those leaving Endtime Babylon (America) in obedience to Revelation 18:4 will have sufficient time to prepare.

Again, most scholars recognize that these prophecies concerning the exodus from ancient Babylon were not to be limited to that time, but somehow to the Endtimes. Accordingly, these scholars conclude things from Isaiah 52:11-12 that can encourage those who will be embarking on the exodus from Endtime Babylon. For example, OT scholar John Oswalt comments on this verse:

Yes, the day would come when trembling Jews would be called upon to hope for a new life and to leave familiar Babylon behind in a daring belief that God had something better for them in the unknown homeland… [The message here is that] God will not take us out; we must get up in faith and go, believing that he will go before us…

Like the exodus, God will be present, both before and behind his people. In front, he will lead, and behind, he will gather up the stragglers… But unlike that former deliverance, this one will not be in the middle of the night, scurrying away from potential pursuers … [They] would have leisure to plan their departure. ^{^[8]}

It is possible that God will provide sufficient time between Antichrist’s Resurrection and Antichrist’s Alliance & Attack for the vast majority of American Christians to understand Revelation 17-18 and obey Christ’s Last Great Commandment in 18:4. But this primarily depends on one thing: Will God want to have grace for His people in Endtime Babylon (America), or to severely discipline them? Because much of the above is uncertain, it is again encouraged that American Christians physically leave America as soon as possible when Antichrist’s Resurrection occurs.

D) Reasons for believing Antichrist’s Attack will occur on a July 4^th holiday

It has been suggested above there is a 50% probability the Antichrist’s Resurrection will occur on an Easter Sunday. It is also suggested there are reasons to believe there is a 50% probability the Antichrist & SCO will choose to attack Endtime Babylon (America) on a July 4th holiday.

D.1) July 4th is the foremost holiday for the religion of Endtime Babylon (America)

First, July 4th is the recognized birthday of America and the foremost holiday to celebrate America’s greatness. If worshipping America could be viewed as a religion, then Independence Day would be its Christmas and Easter. It is a likely day for Endtime Babylon (America) to fulfill prophecy and boast in her heart, “I am queen on my throne. I am no helpless widow, and I have no reason to mourn” (Rev 18:7 NLT). What better day for God and the Antichrist and Coalition to want to humble Endtime Babylon (America)?

The very holiday on which America boasts of its greatness, would be a very appropriate day for God to punish it for its arrogance and immorality. Previously the hatred and envy of nations in the SCO (e.g. Russia and China) was discussed (cf. ch. 12). They too might desire to attack America on the very day it celebrates its superiority, and Americans are especially off guard and partying.

D.2) Scripture describes Endtime Babylon’s destruction during a drunken holiday (Jer 51:37-43)

Second, Scripture may in fact be predicting the destruction of Endtime Babylon during a great drinking party. We read in Jeremiah another prophecy concerning Babylon that has never been fulfilled in history, but will be for Endtime Babylon:

Babylon will become a heap of ruins, haunted by jackals. She will be an object of horror and contempt, a place where no one lives…

And while they lie inflamed with all their wine [shakar], I will prepare a different kind of feast [mishteh] for them. I will make them drink that they may become jubilant [ālaz], until they fall asleep, and they will never wake up again,” says the LORD.

“I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter, like rams and goats to be sacrificed. “How Babylon is fallen—great Babylon, praised throughout the earth! Now she has become an object of horror among the nations… Her cities now lie in ruins; she is a dry wasteland where no one lives or even passes by. (Jer 51:37, 39-41, 43 NLT ^[9])

The last verse, predicting that Babylon’s cities will lie in ruins reflects the fact that this prophecy concerns a nation beyond one city and is for the future Endtime Babylon (America), as this was never fulfilled in ancient Babylon.

In general, this is a prediction that Endtime Babylon (America) will be destroyed on a holiday when people are partying and drinking. Inflamed with all their wine translates a Hebrew word (shakar) that means to be intoxicated. According to the National Beer Wholesalers Association, American beer sales are at their highest for the entire year during the Fourth of July holiday. ^[10]

Jubilant translates a Hebrew word (ālaz) which means: “exultant, jubilant.” In addition, it “describes an emotion of joy which finds expression in singing and shouting… When applied to the wicked (Ps 94:3) and Israel’s foes (2 Sam 1:20; Isa 23:12; Jer 50:11), it depicts a kind of gloating.” ^[11] Jeremiah scholar J. A. Thompson adds that the word can mean: “to be happy… be merry… or ‘be tipsy’ as from drinking. ^[12]

The Hebrew word translated feast (mishteh) especially reflects a description of the celebrations on the 4th of July holiday:

The root word (shātâ) means: “Eating, drinking, and rejoicing” and is used to describe the feasting associated with celebrations… It may express a heedless unconcern for one’s soul as in Isa 22:13, “Eat, drink [shātâ], and be merry, for tomorrow we may die” (cf. Isa 56:12; Luke 12:19; 17:26-29). ^[13]

Regarding the specific version of shātâ used in Jeremiah 51:39 (mishteh), its general meanings are “drink, banquet, feast” and specifically: “Anything that called for a celebration might be marked by a mishteh. Yearly holidays were also called a mishteh (cf. Est 9:19, 22; Job 1:4-5).” ^[14] If the Prophets were to describe a 4th of July celebration in Endtime Babylon (America), mishteh is a word they would use, and include descriptions of feasting, getting drunk, and gloating, perhaps about America.

Accordingly, OT scholars Keil and Delitzsch wrote regarding Jeremiah 51:38ff:

This avenging judgment shall come on the inhabitants of Babylon in the midst of their revelry… The Lord will prepare for them a banquet by which they shall become intoxicated, so that they sink down, exulting (i.e., staggering while they shout), into an eternal sleep of death. ^[15]

D.3) The probable 10-nation Endtime Coalition (SCO) has begun to schedule their annual meeting on July 4th

Therefore, so far, we have two reasons to believe Antichrist’s Attack and Alliance will occur on July 4th. One is that the very holiday that America celebrates its birth and greatness, would be a very appropriate day for both God and its enemies to attack and humble it. Second, Jeremiah 51:39 describes Endtime Babylon’s (America’s) destruction occurring on a day of celebration, drinking, feasting, and gloating.

All of this makes another fact a third reason to believe Antichrist’s Alliance and Attack will occur on July 4th. It has been demonstrated in The Beginning of Birth Pains (chs. 4-6) that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) matches 7 biblical attributes of the prophesied 10-nation Endtime Coalition for the first time in history. The annual Heads of State Summit is the most important meeting for the SCO. It is a meeting attended by the supreme leaders of its member nations.

In 2023 this meeting occurred on July 4th. That was a significant shift from traditionally having it in September of previous years. Evidently, this is a permanent change. In 2024 this same meeting is scheduled to occur on July 4th again. If this meeting occurs on July 4th in 2023 and 2024, this practice is likely to continue in future years.

Let us remember again that nations like Russia, China, and Iran are members of the SCO and among America’s worst enemies. Therefore, it seems more than a coincidence that they would schedule their most important annual joint meeting on July 4th. Perhaps they are attempting to “stay under the radar” of Americans and not have their meeting widely noticed. Indeed, most Americans are not even aware of the SCO’s existence. But some day, that meeting may have monumental and disastrous consequences for America.

Remember that the prophecy states that the 10-nation Endtime Coalition will for one hour receive authority … along with the beast Antichrist and will give their power and authority to the beast (Rev 17:12-13). What will happen as a result of this one hour alliance?

The ten horns that you saw, and the beast will hate the Prostitute, and these will permanently remove all people from her and strip her naked and they will devour her body and will burn her down with fire (in one hour).

This will happen because God has put a desire in the hearts of the ten kings to accomplish His purpose. They will agree to give the beast their power until God’s prophecies for the Prostitute are fulfilled. (Rev 17:16-17)

If the SCO is to be the 10-nation Endtime Coalition, the most likely way for the Antichrist’s Alliance and Attack to occur in one hour would be for him to join a SCO Heads of State annual Summit on a Fourth of July. Evidently, rather immediately after the alliance would be made, the attack would be implemented.

Because of the above, it is suggested there is a 50% probability that Antichrist’s Alliance and Attack against Endtime Babylon (America) will occur on a Fourth of July holiday. Even so, notice that there would be a 50% probability this event will occur on any other day. Again, the prophetic Scriptures simply do not tell us when Antichrist’s Attack on and destruction of Endtime Babylon (America) will occur.

E) Reasons for believing Antichrist’s Attack will occur on July 4th, 2026

The above prompts an important question. If the Antichrist’s Resurrection occurs on Easter 2025, will Antichrist’s Attack occur the following July 4th holiday? Again, this is possible. It must again be admitted that the Scriptures do not clearly tell us about any significance for Easter or July 4th in the Endtime activities of the Antichrist. The above is simply careful reasoning based on some Scriptures. Including the suggestion there is a 50% probability the Antichrist’s Attack on America will occur during a July 4th holiday. If so, then it could occur on July 4th, 2025, if the Antichrist is resurrected on Easter of 2025.

But there are reasons this would be very unlikely. Notice that if Antichrist’s Resurrection occurs on Easter of 2025, and his Attack occurs on the following July 4th, that would only be about 10 weeks later. However, if the Antichrist’s Resurrection occurred on Easter 2025, but his Attack did not occur until July 4th, 2026, it would be about 14 months later. What is more likely? For there to be a 10 week or 14 month gap between Antichrist’s Resurrection (the 1st Seal), and the Antichrist’s Attack (the 2nd Seal)? There are several reasons a 14 month gap between these events is much more likely than a 10 week gap.

E.1) 10 weeks would not be enough time for even knowledgeable Christians to wisely and safely obey Christ’s Last Great Commandment and such a short time would not reflect Isaiah 52:11-12, nor God’s character to gently lead His sheep

First, it is very unlikely that God expects even knowledgeable Christians to be sufficiently confident the Endtimes have begun until Antichrist’s Resurrection. Only then will they know for certain it is time to obey Christ’s Last Great Commandment. But even for them, recognize all the things they must do to leave America and move to a foreign country. Selling homes, and purchasing and shipping needed supplies are only a few of the many things that will be required.

10 weeks would hardly be enough time for even knowledgeable Christians to wisely and safely obey Christ’s Last Great Commandment. The multitude of Christians who know nothing of these things would have virtually no chance to do so. Such a scenario would not fit our biblical expectation of God’s mercy for such a challenging task, as discussed above.

Admittedly, obeying Christ’s Last Great Commandment will be a very challenging task. But remember what Jesus said about following Him?

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matt 11:28-30 NLT)

It is unlikely God will make this great task even harder by allowing only 10 weeks between Antichrist’s Resurrection and his Attack on America. Our good Shepherd will not be stampeding horses, but gently leading His sheep (cf. Isa 40:11). Sheep will die if you make them run.

Accordingly, Scripture tells us:

The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. (Ps 103:13-14 NLT)

Expecting Christians to accomplish all that is necessary for obeying Christ’s Last Great Commandment in a confident, wise, and safe way in a matter of only 10 weeks would not be tender and compassionate, nor reflect the loving character of our father God.

Accordingly, as also noted in section C.2 above, the prophecy in Isaiah 52:11-12 suggests those obeying the command to Get out! Get out and leave your [Babylonian] captivity … will not leave in a hurry, running for your lives. If this prophecy applies to leaving Endtime Babylon (America), then it clearly suggests having 14 months to accomplish all that is necessary, rather than merely 10 weeks.

E.2) There is evidence that there may be at least a year between the opening of the 1st Seal (Antichrist’s Resurrection), and the 2nd Seal (Antichrist’s Attack)

As explained elsewhere, the opening of the 1st Seal may reflect the Antichrist’s Religious Covenant and the beginning of Daniel’s Last 7 Years (cf. BBP ch. 11, sec. C.1; ch. 15). Daniel predicts that 3.5 years after this, Antichrist’s Abomination will occur, resulting in The Greatest Persecution. These events are portrayed in the 5^th seal with the death of Christians. Therefore, it would seem there will be approximately 3.5 years (42 months) between the opening of the 1st Seal and the 5th Seal.

Let us remember that Jesus described the opening of these Seals as “the beginning of birth pains” (Matt 24:8). Typically, the rate of birth pains start slower and then increase in frequency. We can expect the same of the Seals. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect 14 months between the 1st and 2nd Seals (birth pains) in a process that will take a total of 42 months. This would still leave 28 months or over 2 years for the 3rd-5th Seals to develop.

E.3) The Antichrist will desire significant time to implement his religion

Elsewhere it was argued that the Antichrist may implement his Religious Covenant on the day of Pentecost, exactly 50 days after Antichrist’s Resurrection on Easter (BBP ch. 14, sec. B). It was also argued that after this the False Prophet will be ordering the pagans to distribute idols all over the world in the image of the Antichrist to further his worship and control (cf. Rev 13:14-15; BBP ch. 14, sec. C.2). Finally, it has also been argued elsewhere that there is a 75% probability that modern technology will be lost with the heavy use of EMP and nuclear weapons during Antichrist’s Attack on Endtime Babylon (America, “Modern Technology in the Endtimes”). In fact, it was argued that distributing the speaking idols of the Antichrist is his strategy to continue to control and communicate with the world even after his Attack destroys modern technology.

If the above is accurate, then it would seem the Antichrist would want to implement his religious covenant and have his speaking idols manufactured and distributed worldwide before he would carry out his attack. Otherwise, if modern technology is lost as a result of his attack, he would also lose communication with his followers all over the world.

Pentecost in 2025 is on June 8, the date when the Antichrist may implement his religion. July 4th, 2025, would only be 26 days later. It may be possible to distribute these idols worldwide, but it is more likely the Antichrist will desire to allow more time for this.

There is something else that will occur with the implementation of Antichrist’s Religion and the distribution of his idols after Easter and Pentecost. Both the Antichrist and the world will recognize the relatively large number of real Christians in America who will reject the Antichrist. Such rejection of the world’s supernatural hero will be a reason that the world’s hatred of Christians will begin (Matt 24:9; BBP ch. 17, sec. A). All of this may help the Antichrist and world justify the destruction of Endtime Babylon (America), whether or not they know the Antichrist will be involved. In other words, the Antichrist will probably want more than 26 days to expose the real Christians in America.

E.4) The Jewish “Three Weeks of Mourning”

A fourth reason to suggest the Antichrist’s Attack will occur on July 4th, 2026, is the annual Jewish observance of the “3 Weeks of Mourning.” In 2025 it begins July 17th and ends on August 3rd, and therefore does not include July 4th. ^{^[16]} However, in 2026, the Jewish “3 Weeks of Mourning” begin on July 2nd and end July 23rd, and would include July 4th in that year. This may be significant for the following reasons.

Regarding the Jewish “3 Weeks of Mourning” we read:

The Three Weeks is an annual mourning period that falls out in the summer. This is when we mourn the destruction of the Holy Temple and our launch into a still-ongoing exile… The period begins on the 17th of the Hebrew month of Tammuz, a fast day that marks the day when the walls of Jerusalem were breached by the Romans in 69 CE. It reaches its climax and concludes with the fast of the 9th of Av, the date when both Holy Temples were set aflame. This is the saddest day of the Jewish calendar, and it is also the date that many other tragedies befell our people. ^[17]

Notice above that in Jewish history, “both Holy Temples were set aflame” on the exact same day, the 9th of Av. That’s right, both the First Temple built by Solomon, and the Second Temple built by Ezra, were destroyed by Israel’s enemies on the exact same day. ^{^[18]} The following historical records date the destruction of both temples on the 10th of Av. But the Jews mourn their destruction a day earlier because this is when they believe the temples were set on fire and burned for a whole day completing their destruction the next day, the 10th of Av.

Regarding the First Temple of Solomon Jeremiah records:

On the tenth day of the fifth month [the 10th of Av], in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon [423 B.C.], Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard, who served the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. He set fire to the temple of the LORD, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down. The whole Babylonian army, under the commander of the imperial guard, broke down all the walls around Jerusalem. (Jer 52:12-14). ^{^[19]}

Therefore, the tenth day of the fifth month (Av) is the day the destruction of the First Temple was completed by the Babylonian empire. ^{^[20]}

Likewise, Josephus wrote regarding when the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans:

So Titus retired into the tower of Antonia, and resolved to storm the temple the next day, early in the morning, with his whole army, and to encamp round about the holy house. But as for that house, God had, for certain, long ago doomed it to the fire; and now that fatal day was come, according to the revolution of ages; it was the tenth day of the month Lous, [Av, A.D. 70] upon which it was formerly burnt by the king of Babylon. ^{^[21]}

Therefore, both Temples apparently were destroyed on the exact same day, the “Day of Disaster” as the Jews call it, during their “3 Weeks of Mourning.” That is not a coincidence and is another indication that certain dates and even Jewish holidays are important for God’s timing of Endtime events.

Both Jewish history and tradition mark several Jewish disasters occurring on the 9th of Av:

1313 B.C: The spies returned from the Promised Land with alarming reports, and the Israelites rejected God’s command to enter the Promised Land. As a result, God condemned them to wander in the desert for 40 years.
423 B.C.: The First Temple was burned by the Babylonians.
A.D. 70: The Second Temple was burned by the Romans.
A.D. 133: The Bar Kochba revolt against the Romans ended in a painful defeat. At this time the Jews of Betar were butchered on the 9th of Av and the Temple Mount was plowed under one year later on the same date.
A.D. 1290: Jews expelled from England.
A.D. 1492: All Jews banished from Spain. ^{^[22]}

Likewise, the destruction of America, Israel’s greatest ally in the world (and in all of history), would be another great disaster for the Jews. This would include the deaths of 6 million Jews living in America, 40% of all the Jews living in the world. ^[23] Such an event would certainly make Israel desperate for a powerful ally to replace America, which is precisely what the Antichrist will desire. It is possible that God may view America as another (a third!) idolatrous “temple” to be destroyed during the Jewish “3 Weeks of Mourning,” just like the previous two Jewish temples.

Again, if the Antichrist’s Resurrection occurs on Easter of 2025, then another reason we would expect Antichrist’s Attack on July 4th, 2026, is because the Jewish “3 Weeks of Mourning” would begin two days earlier on July 2nd of that year. Admittedly, the 9th of Av (“Day of Disaster”) will not occur until July 23rd in 2026. However, such a date would not match the evidence above for July 4th of that year. Perhaps if the actual attack occurs on July 4th, the 23rd will mark the day Endtime Babylon’s (America’s) destruction and depopulation is complete.

For all of the above reasons, it is suggested there is a 50% probability the Antichrist’s Attack will occur on July 4^th, 2026. Therefore, there is a 50% probability it could happen any other day after Antichrist’s Resurrection.

The current three books of the Endtimes Essentials series have provided over 1,000 pages of in-depth study of God’s word regarding the biblical substance and sequence of Endtime events. By God’s grace it is hoped they represent sufficient hard work to do one’s best to present oneself to God and receive his approval as a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15 NLT).

Obviously, especially this last volume, Endtime Babylon presents very challenging conclusions. Fortunately, there has also been a considerable amount of research and planning invested in how to wisely obey Christ’s Last Great Commandment in Revelation 18:4, if and when the time comes to do so. If you would like further information on this, feel free to write an email to:

info@trainingtimothys.com

For an explanation of the suggested translation of Rev 17:16 see Endtime Babylon, ch. 8, sec. A.1. ↑
Dates for Passover 2025, (April 12-20) can be found online at https://researchmaniacs.com/JewishHolidays/Pesach.html ↑
Dates for Easter and Passover can be found online at

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dates_for_Easter#cite_ref-2 ↑
Future dates for Passover can be found online at

https://researchmaniacs.com/JewishHolidays/Pesach.html

Future dates for Easter can be found at

https://passiontrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/FUTURE-EASTER-DATES.pdf ↑
“The first two days and last two days (the latter commemorating the splitting of the Red Sea) are full-fledged holidays… Passover, celebrating the greatest series of miracles ever experienced in history, is a time to reach above nature to the miraculous. https://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/871715/jewish/What-Is-Passover-Pesach.htm ↑
There is a possible indication that the analogy of the increasing rapidity of birth pains does not apply to The Beginning of Birth Pains as illustrated in the 6 Seals of Preparation in Rev 6. We know that there is about a 3.5 year gap between the 5th and 6th Seals because The Greatest Persecution depicted in the 5th Seal will last exactly 3.5 years leading up to the 6th Seal portraying Christ’s Return (cf. BBP ch. 15).

If the time gaps between the birth pains (Matt 24:8) of the Endtimes are supposed to get progressively shorter, then this would mean the gap between the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Seals would all be longer than the 3.5 years between the 5th and 6th Seals. This seems rather impossible.

It has been argued elsewhere that the opening of the 1st Seal probably includes the implementation of Antichrist’s Religious Covenant and the beginning of Daniel’s Last 7 Years (cf. BBP ch. 14, sec. B). Again, Antichrist’s Claim to be God and the resulting Greatest Persecution are portrayed in the 5th Seal marking the mid-point of Daniel’s Last 7 Years. Accordingly, it would seem that Seals 1-4 all occur within about 3.5 years. Therefore, the idea that the birth pains depicted by the Seal will occur with increasing rapidity is unlikely.

In fact, it would seem that the time between the 2^nd Seal (war, destruction of the wealth of Endtime Babylon) and the 3^rd Seal (severe economic hardship) would be rather immediate. However, it would take some time between the 3^rd and 4^th Seals for death by famine to occur (Rev 6:8). ↑
This is the NLT translation of Isa 52:12, however, the word But is added at the beginning of verse 12, as the NIV and NASB have it. In the Hebrew the conjunction ki is in the text, usually meaning “because.” ↑
Oswalt, 372. Likewise, K&D write of Isa 52:11-12:

It would thus be possible for them to put themselves into the right attitude for their departure, since it would not take place in precipitous haste, as the departure from Egypt did (Deut 16:3, cf., Exodus 12:39), nor like a flight, but they would go forth under the guidance of Jehovah. ↑
That they may become jubilant (v. 39) is added to the NLT from the NASB. The NIV adds so that they shout with laughter. It is unknown why the NLT does not add it to the text. Thompson points out it is in the original Massoretic Text (Hebrew Bible) (761). ↑
https://nbwa.org/resources/fast-facts/ ↑
TWOT, 670. ↑
Thompson, 761. ↑
TWOT, 959. ↑
Ibid. ↑
K&D ↑
https://www.chabad.org/holidays/default_cdo/year/2025/jewish/holidays-2025.htm ↑
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/144558/jewish/Tisha-BAv-and-the-3-Weeks.htm. ↑
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/144573/jewish/The-Three-Weeks.htm ↑
Contrary to Jer 52:12 which says the destruction of the First Temple occurred on the tenth day of the fifth month, 2 Kings states it occurred on the seventh day of the fifth month (25:8). One explanation is that 2 Kings records the day the Temple’s destruction began, and Jeremiah records that date its destruction was completed 3 days later. ↑
While Jeremiah records the destruction of the First Temple occurred on the 10th of Av, the Jews remember it on the 9th of Av. The discrepancy is explained by the belief that “The Temple was set ablaze on the afternoon of the 9th of Av, and it burned through the 10th.” https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/144575/jewish/What-Is-Tisha-BAv.htm ↑
Josephus, Jewish Wars, Book VI, ch. IV, sec. 5.

https://avande1.sites.luc.edu/jerusalem/sources/wars6.htm ↑
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/144575/jewish/What-Is-Tisha-BAv.htm ↑
https://www.jewishagency.org/jewish-population-5782/ ↑

Chapter 18

The Timing of Obeying Christ’s Last Great Commandment

Contents

Primary points