Revelation 11: Who Are the Two Witnesses?

Hello Friends!

Have you ever wondered who the “two witnesses” are described in the book of Revelation chapter 11? This intriguing topic has been up for debate among prophecy scholars worldwide. After some in depth investigation of the Scriptures, I would like to share with you who I believe these two men may be. Although I cannot - and will not - be dogmatic about this point, it is quite interesting to discover that the Bible offers glimpses as to a possible answer to this end-times prophetic scenario. 

Let’s search the Scriptures and see what we can find regarding this very interesting end-times subject…

Revelation 11: Who Are the Two Witnesses?

The first man to be taken to heaven alive was Enoch - an event recorded in Genesis 5:24. The second such incident of this kind is recorded in 2 Kings 2:11. These two accounts of a living creature being taken into the heavens - alive - are the only events of this kind recorded in 6,000 years of history. Enoch and Elijah are the only two men that have never died - and are now in the presence of God in the Third Heaven.

I'll discuss these two men more in a moment but first please notice the trip that Elijah and Elisha made to the spot where God would take Elijah into the heavenlies. In 2 Kings, chapter 2, they started their trip at "Gilgal", verse 1, which is a place of "safety". They passed through "Bethel", verse 2, a place of "commitment". Then the two men went into "Jericho", verse 4, a place of "battle".

Before Elijah was taken up to heaven in a "chariot of fire" - verse 11 - the two Prophets would cross the Jordan River - verse 8 - into the country of "Jordan" - verse 6 - a place of "departure". Once in Jordan, Elijah would give his "mantle" and "ministry" to Elisha. Then the Lord sent a "chariot of fire" that had "horses of fire" - verse 11 - and took Elijah "up by a whirlwind into heaven", as Elisha stood there watching. Jordan is indeed a "place of departure". Thus, Elijah became the second man, after Enoch, to go to heaven without first dying.

The New Testament writer of Hebrews says that "it's appointed unto man once to die" - Hebrews 9:27 - and yet these two men have not died, which leads us to other passages of Scripture for a possible explanation.

James gives us this insight:

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. - James 5:17

Revelation 11:3-12 foretells of two witnesses - two men who will have a preaching ministry from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem during the coming 7 year Tribulation Period. Here is a telling verse:

"These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy..." - Revelation 11:6

Malachi 4:5-6 tells how God will send Elijah back to earth before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

With these Scriptures considered, it is reasonable to conclude that Enoch and Elijah - two men who have never died – could be the two witnesses of Revelation 11. Whoever they may be, the popular Christian song titled "we're living in the days of Elijah" seems to speak to this issue. This scenario is evidence that the Rapture of the church is indeed close at hand…

Closing prayer thoughts:

Lord, help us to recognize the evidence that the Rapture of the Church is close at hand and to live our lives as if it could happen today – which it could!

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!


Blessings on your studies and involvement in understanding and sharing the Truth!

If you have been blessed by this message or have a specific question, prayer request or testimony, please send me a note to: encouragingconcepts@live.com

I love hearing from you.  Keep reading Encouraging Concepts!

Blessings!
Shane K. Morin <><

 

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