The Two Witnesses and God’s Coming Judgment (Revelation 11:3-19)

 Today, we open God’s Word to Revelation 11:3-19, a passage that pierces through the veil of time to reveal the literal events of the last days. As fundamentalist Christians, we stand on the inerrant, unchanging truth of the Bible. This is no allegory or symbol to be twisted—it is a prophecy of what will happen, straight from the mouth of God through the Apostle John. It speaks of two witnesses, divine judgment, and the triumphant return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us hear this Word with sober hearts and respond with unwavering faith.

The Two Witnesses: God’s Anointed Prophets

God declares in verse 3: “I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are not vague figures but real individuals, chosen by God to testify during the Tribulation—a time of unparalleled evil yet to come. Many believe they are Moses and Elijah, returned to earth, for their miracles echo those of these Old Testament prophets: fire from their mouths to consume enemies, power to shut the heavens, and authority to turn waters to blood and strike the earth with plagues (verses 5-6). The “two olive trees” and “two lampstands” signify their divine anointing, standing as lights in a dark world under God’s sovereign command.

For 1,260 days—three and a half years—they will proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ with boldness and power. Their sackcloth signals mourning over the world’s sin, a call to repentance that will echo across the nations. This is no gentle suggestion; it’s a divine ultimatum: turn to Christ or face God’s wrath.

Their Ministry and Martyrdom

These witnesses will face fierce opposition. The world, deceived by Satan and led by the Antichrist, will despise their message. Yet, God protects them until their mission is complete. As verse 5 says, “If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies.” No one can stop God’s plan.

But when their 1,260 days end, the beast—the Antichrist, empowered by Satan—will rise from the abyss and kill them (verse 7). Their bodies will lie in the streets of Jerusalem, here called “Sodom and Egypt” because of its end-times apostasy (verse 8). For three and a half days, the godless will rejoice, gloating over their defeat, even refusing them burial—a final insult to God’s servants (verses 9-10).

Resurrection and God’s Triumph

But God’s power reigns supreme! After three and a half days, “the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet” (verse 11). Like Christ’s resurrection, this miracle will stun the world. Their enemies will tremble as God calls them to heaven in a cloud—a visible ascension proving His authority over life and death (verse 12). At that very moment, a great earthquake will strike Jerusalem, destroying a tenth of the city and killing 7,000 people (verse 13). Survivors will give glory to God, not in repentance, but in fear—for their hearts remain hardened.

Then the seventh trumpet sounds (verse 15): “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever!” Heaven erupts in worship as the elders proclaim God’s judgment on the nations and His reward for the faithful (verses 16-18). This trumpet heralds the nearness of Christ’s return to establish His millennial kingdom, a literal reign of righteousness on earth.

What This Means for Us

This prophecy is not a distant tale—it’s a wake-up call for today. Here’s what God demands of us:

1. Believe the Literal Truth of Scripture. 

Revelation is God’s Word, not a riddle to reinterpret. The two witnesses, the beast, the earthquake—all will happen exactly as written.

2. Be Faithful Witnesses Now.

 Like these prophets, we must proclaim Christ boldly, refusing to compromise with a sinful world. God equips us to stand, just as He empowered them.

3. Warn of Coming Judgment.

 The plagues, the beast’s reign, and the wrath of God are real. Those who reject Jesus will face eternal consequences. We must plead with others to repent.

4. Hope in Christ’s Return. 

The seventh trumpet assures us: Jesus will reign, and we who are saved will share in His victory. Our resurrection, like the witnesses’, is certain.

The Call to Action

So, examine your life today. Are you ready for the King’s return? The two witnesses show us that God’s truth cannot be silenced, and His plan will unfold with precision. Live holy lives, share the Gospel without fear, and watch for Christ’s coming. The days are short, the judgment is near, and the stakes are eternal.

Repent, believe, and be ready—for the King is coming soon! Amen.

DMMc. 06-07-25