Who are the Two Witnesses in the book of Revelation? What role will China play in the end times? And are we nearing the Battle of Armageddon? Join Pastor Greg Laurie as he unpacks these prophetic questions and more, offering clear biblical insight into God’s plan for the last days.

Here’s the bigger question: can China—or any nation on earth—actually field an army of 200 million? First of all, let’s point out the United States cannot do this. Okay, so who could? There’s only one nation that could, and there’s only one nation that has said they could—and that is China.

In 1997, China boasted they could field an army of 352 million soldiers. That would put 200 million on the battlefield and 152 million to stay at home and protect their homeland. So you see, the capacity is there. But again, time will tell who’s who and what’s what. This much we know: the kings of the East face off with the forces of the Antichrist in the Tribulation.

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“Till He Comes”

The title of the message is Till He Comes. Let’s turn in our Bibles to two passages, if you would: Matthew 24 and Revelation 19.

Newspapers have a certain kind of type they save only for mega-events. It’s called “Second Coming” type. That’s the type they used when World War II broke out—when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. They used Second Coming type to announce that. That was the kind of type that announced the assassination of JFK. It’s the kind of type that was used on September 12 after the World Trade Center towers were brought down by terrorists. It’s the kind of type that jumps off the page and says, “Read me!”

It’s interesting they don’t call it “major event type” or “big news type.” They call it Second Coming type. And you know why that is? Because there is no bigger news event coming to planet earth than the Second Coming of Jesus Christ—and everyone knows it.

By the way, Christians aren’t the only ones who believe that. A Gallup poll revealed 65% of the American people believe Jesus Christ is coming back to the earth in the future. Sixty-six percent! That’s amazing—that’s 2% more than claim to be born again. Deep down it seems like people know things are messed up and Jesus is coming back again.

I saw an advertisement this week with the ominous words, “It all ends.” I thought, “Oh, is that about the Second Coming?” No—actually it was for the new Harry Potter movie. Not quite as dramatic—unless you’re a Harry Potter fan.

You wonder how this will be reported in various news outlets and magazines when Christ comes back again. Someone once came up with a list of how different publications might deal with it:

• USA Today: “We’re Dead.”
• The Wall Street Journal: “Dow Jones Plummets as World Ends.”
• Microsoft Systems Journal: “Apple Loses Market Share.”
• Victoria’s Secret Catalog: “Our Final Sale.”
• Sports Illustrated: “Game Over.”
• Rolling Stone: “Grateful Dead Reunion.”
• Ladies’ Home Journal: “Lose 10 Pounds by Judgment Day with Our New Armageddon Diet.”
• TIME: “Renew Your Subscription for Eternity.”
• People: “Brad and Angelina Get Married.”
• Food Network: “Cooked Goose Recipe.”

Oh, listen—Jesus Christ is coming back again. He’s going to come and establish His kingdom on this earth, and it’s addressed right here by Jesus in Matthew 24.

Jesus on the Second Coming (Matthew 24)

Starting in verse 29—words given from the Mount of Olives (the Olivet Discourse)—Jesus says:

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

Great glory—and I’ll tell you why I believe I will be there as well (along with you) in a few moments. We’re all going to be part of that.

By the way, hello to all of you at Harvest Orange County and Harvest Orangecrest. I want you to know I’m aware you’re there!

Is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ going to be physical or spiritual? Answer: it will be physical. The first coming of Christ was physical, and the second coming will be as well. It’s true Jesus indwells every believer when they put their faith in Him, but since His ascension Jesus has been bodily in heaven at the right hand of the Father. Remember when Stephen was given a glimpse of glory? He looked up and said, “Look, I see Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Normally we read of Him sitting, but in that case He was standing. That is where He has been bodily.

At the Second Coming, Christ returns bodily to the earth. In Acts 1, as the apostles are looking up into the sky as Christ ascends, the angel says, “This same Jesus will come back in the same way” to this earth.

Why is Christ coming back again? He is coming to judge the world in righteousness.

Would you agree we live in a world of injustice? Every day crimes are committed; bad things are done; people seem to escape the long arm of the law; sentences are handed out that we know are wrong. We say, “They got away with it.” Listen—ultimately, no one gets away with anything. At the Second Coming of Jesus, wrongs are going to be righted, and justice will be here on the earth.

Armageddon

It will all come during another event known as Armageddon. (Not “Carmageddon”—though when the 91 freeway shuts down it might feel like the end of the world.)

Whenever you hear the word Armageddon, it’s used to describe the finality or awesomeness of a conflict. General Douglas MacArthur, signing the peace agreement with Japan aboard the USS Missouri, bringing WWII to a close, said: “We have had our last chance. If we do not devise some greater and more equitable system, Armageddon will be at our door.”

After he was inaugurated, President Ronald Reagan was astounded by the complexities of the Middle East. On May 15, 1981, he scribbled in his diary, “Sometimes I wonder if we are destined to witness Armageddon.” Three weeks later, after Israel bombed the Iraqi nuclear reactor, he wrote, “I believe Armageddon is near.”

Armageddon is not so much a date as a place. From the Hebrew Har-Megiddo—the Valley of Megiddo. The Bible says the final war of mankind will be fought in a specific geographical place called the Valley of Megiddo, in Israel. We’ve stood there and looked down at this vast open plain. Much biblical history has already occurred there: Gideon defeated the Midianites; Deborah and Barak defeated the Canaanites; King Saul was slain at war with the Philistines.

Why is the Valley of Megiddo the place of the final conflict? Napoleon stood there in 1799 and said, “All the armies of the world could maneuver their forces on this vast plain. There is no place in the world more suited for war than this.”

But here’s the real reason: in the Middle East—specifically in Israel, not far from Jerusalem—world civilization as we know it is going to come to a climax. The Bible predicted this, and as we look at the headlines we realize this could come about even in our lifetime.

In our last message, we saw the battle of Armageddon raging and the Antichrist in power. In Revelation 6 we looked at the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The first is a rider on a white horse. Some mistakenly think that’s Jesus Christ, but it’s Antichrist. The similarity shows how Antichrist imitates Christ. The prefix “anti” can mean “against” and “instead of.” Antichrist comes both instead of and in opposition to Jesus Christ. Some will hail him as Messiah because he’ll bring peace to the earth—for about three and a half years. He’ll do what no world leader has done: address the global financial crisis with a system that doesn’t require currency—a new world order. He’ll help the Jewish people rebuild their temple (the third temple) and later commit what’s called the Abomination of Desolation (more on that next time).

The rider on the white horse in Revelation 6 wears a crown and takes peace from the earth. In contrast, Christ will return wearing many crowns to establish peace on the earth.

We’ve had a lot of war, but the worst is yet to come. In WWI, 10 million died—the “war to end all wars.” Then WWII—only 20 years later—50 million died. Jesus said in the last days you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Armageddon is still to come.

Consider today’s capacity: roughly 27,000 nuclear weapons. Humanity literally has the ability to bring about what we read in Matthew 24 and Revelation 6. During the Cold War there was the doctrine of MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction). Now, the Soviet Union is gone. Rogue nations like North Korea and Iran have threatened to use nuclear weapons on Israel and the U.S. Some nukes went unaccounted for after the Soviet collapse and could get into terrorists’ hands. The technology is here to bring about events the Bible spoke of.

It’s all coming to a head between two mega forces: the kings of the East and the forces of the Antichrist. There’s no clear mention of the United States in prophecy. Likely, at this point, we are either part of the forces of the Antichrist, or we’ve simply been reduced as a world power.

Revelation 16:14 says demonic spirits go out to the kings of the earth—specifically the kings of the East—to gather them for the battle of the great day of God Almighty, in a place called in Hebrew Armageddon. Revelation 9:16 says the number of the army was 200 million, and that they killed a third of mankind.

Who are the kings of the East? Before I give you my belief, let me say: no one can be certain about these interpretations. When we say Gog is Russia or the kings of the East are a particular nation, we’re offering our interpretation. We may be off. Here’s what I am certain of: the kings of the East and the forces of the Antichrist will meet in the Valley of Megiddo. A force known as Gog will attack Israel. If we can precisely identify every player, I don’t think anyone can—but we can offer an educated guess.

Could the kings of the East be Sweden? No. Canada? I don’t think so. Could they be China? There’s a very good chance.

Why? China has emerged as a superpower. Newsweek ran a cover story, “China’s Century,” asking if the future belongs to China. It is the fastest-growing large economy, with massive foreign exchange reserves, the world’s largest army, and a rapidly rising defense budget. Many analysts talk about “the rise of Asia.”

China’s population alone—about 1.3 billion—dwarfs the U.S. (about 310 million at the time referenced). They’re expanding militarily. A top Chinese military official confirmed development of a “carrier-killer” missile to challenge U.S. naval dominance and sophisticated reconnaissance satellites to support operations.

But the bigger question: can China—or any nation—field an army of 200 million? The U.S. cannot. Only one nation has said they could: China. In 1997, they boasted they could field 352 million soldiers. That would put 200 million on the battlefield and 152 million at home. The capacity is there. Time will tell who’s who, but we know this: the kings of the East face off with the Antichrist during the Tribulation.

Gospel Light in Dark Times

Let me backtrack and talk about this dark time coming to planet earth that I do not plan to be around for. If you’ve put your faith in Christ, you don’t have to fear this time. Despite the darkness, the light of the gospel will still shine.

During the Tribulation, an angel will fly through the heavens proclaiming the everlasting gospel—an “angelic mop-up operation,” if you will. This settles the question, “What about the person in the middle of the jungle who’s never heard?” God will reach them.

In Matthew 24, Jesus said the gospel would be preached in all the world, then the end would come. That refers to the Second Coming. Christ could come at any moment for His church (the Rapture). Before He comes back with His church at the Second Coming, that angel will cover what we missed.

The Lord will also raise up 144,000 powerful evangelists—not Jehovah’s Witnesses—Jewish evangelists who have met Jesus as Messiah. So we have an angel in the skies and 144,000 “kosher Billy Grahams.”

That’s not all. God will raise up two powerful witnesses—prophets—who will perform miracles: stopping rain, calling fire from heaven, turning water to blood. Who are they? Many believe Moses and Elijah (Moses turned the Nile to blood; Elijah prayed and it didn’t rain and called fire from heaven; and both appeared with Christ at the Transfiguration). It may be them; it may be others. We don’t know for sure.

These two witnesses will warn the world and then be killed. Their bodies will lie in the streets of Jerusalem and people will celebrate: “Finally, they’re gone!” The Bible says the whole world will watch them. When would that have been possible except in the last 50–60 years? Now, with satellites, internet, and phones, everyone could watch in real time.

Revelation 11:11 says that after three and a half days, “the Spirit of life from God entered them, and they stood up, and terror struck all those staring at them. A loud voice shouted from heaven, ‘Come up here!’ and they went up to heaven as their enemies watched.” God always has the last word, doesn’t He?

The Return of the King (Revelation 19)

Revelation 19:11:

“I saw heaven open, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.”

A few quick things about the Second Coming:

1. It will be public and seen by all. No mistaking it. Jesus said, “As the lightning shines from the east to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.”
2. His return will be accompanied by sadness and weeping. Zechariah 12:10 says they will look on Him whom they pierced and mourn for Him as for an only son. Many Jewish people who did not believe Jesus is the Messiah will realize He was—and is.

Verse 11 says a white horse comes—in contrast to the Antichrist’s white horse in Revelation 6. Christ wears many crowns (Antichrist had one). This is “Air Horse One.”

Three things stand out in the description of Christ: His eyes, His head, and His robe.

• His eyes (v. 12): “like a flame of fire.” When you meet someone, you look them in the eyes—the windows of the soul. Jesus looked through people (cf. Stephen; cf. “He looked at Matthew”). Hebrews 4:13: nothing is hidden from His sight.
• His head: covered with many crowns, because He rules many kingdoms. He is Lord of all—sovereign, all-powerful, all-knowing.
• His robe: dipped (spattered) in blood. The first time He came to shed His blood; now He comes to judge.

Compare His first and second comings:

• First: wrapped in swaddling cloths; Second: clothed in a royal robe dipped in blood.
• First: surrounded by animals and shepherds; Second: accompanied by saints and angels.
• First: no room at the inn; Second: heaven’s door is wide open.
• First: Lamb of God; Second: Lion of the tribe of Judah bringing judgment.

Jesus is not alone. Verse 14: “The armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.” Jude 14 (quoting Enoch) says, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints.” Who are they? True believers. Colossians 3:4: “When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” That’s you—that’s me. Those who have put their faith in Christ are taken to heaven in the harpazo—the Rapture. We’re with Him in glory; when Christ returns at the Second Coming, we return with Him.

You’ll get to take that Holy Land tour after all—but not in a bus. You’ll be with the Lord Himself as He returns to establish His kingdom.

How We Should Live “Till He Comes”

The Bible doesn’t tell us to stockpile gold, water, food, and weapons. It’s very specific about what we should be doing as we await His return.

1) Occupy till He comes.
In Luke 19, Jesus tells of a wealthy man taking a long trip. He gives each servant a sum of money and says, “Occupy till I come” (KJV). A better translation: Invest till I come. Christ has ascended; He’s coming back. What are we to do in the meantime? Occupy till He comes.

What has Jesus given every man and woman? Our life, time, and resources, yes—but also a commission: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” Paul called it “the glorious gospel committed to my trust” (1 Tim. 1:11) and said he was “entrusted with the gospel” (1 Thess. 2:4).

You’ve been given a sacred trust—a command from your Lord—to occupy till He comes. Use every opportunity to get the gospel to as many as possible. Invest your life, time, and resources into the work of evangelism. One day when we leave this earth, we leave it all behind—but what we’ve invested for the glory of God will be waiting as an eternal reward. As I’ve said before, you can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.