1600 FURLONGS
Revelation 14
The number 1600 breaks down to the primary numbers of:
2x2x2x2x2x2x5x5=1600
The #2 = those whom broadcast the gospel.
The #5 = both cleansing/salvation and/or judgment.
1600 complete weeks of treading the winepress:
The 6100 days of salvation + these 5100 days of purging = 11200 days
There are exactly 1600 weeks within these 11200 days
Lets take a very close look at what's really going on within Revelation 14.
Revelation 14:1-5
* The 144,000 from the Church Age
* 1955 years of salvation + 2300 days
1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
These beginning verses are referring to all those whom were saved during the Church Age, they are represented as the 144,000, whom were trampled upon and "killed" during the first 2300 days then were told to wait until their fellow servants were to be also "killed" as they were (Revelation 6:9-11). These fellow servants were the Great Multitude which no man could number that would be saved during the 6100 days then were also "killed" and silenced during these final 5100 days of waiting (Revelation 6:9-11).
Revelation 14:6-13
* The Great Multitude which no man can number
* The final period of salvation for humanity
* The 6100 days of Truth & torment
6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
We can clearly see that this verse is speaking of the start of the 6100 days. The everlasting gospel was once again being preached. The 2300 days have now come to an end.
7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
This verse is declaring, "for the hour of his judgment is come". Is this verse describing Judgment Day (M21)? No, this verse is specifically referring to the final 6100 days of salvation. Why? And how do we know this?
* "Saying with a loud voice...", Saying when with a loud voice? This statement is directly referring to the previous verse (verse 6) when we find the angel having the everlasting gospel at the start of the 6100 days. So, it is during the 6100 days that the angel is commanding to "Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come".
* "Fear God, and give glory to him...", This seems to imply that there was a period of time when there was an overwhelming time of no true fear nor glory of God. And of course we know there was not during the previous 2300 days as mentioned in the book of Daniel.
* "For the hour of his judgment is come...", There is no judgment without law (Habakuk 1:4). Even though the world knew of the Lord due to the 1955 years of the Church Age, God's Truth became totally corrupt within the messenger (the Church) for 2300 days because the Church's righteous King had left. Without Truth/Law there is no judgment, only death (Romans 2:12 , 2 Chronicles 15:3 , Romans 7). With judgment a soul can be found to be guilty or not guilty. Without judgment there is only death. During the 6100 days judgment/salvation was once again available worldwide on a grand scale outside of the Church. There are different types of judgment within the Bible but they all "boil down" to the same simple principle... salvation or no salvation.
8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
Even though the Elect were within the Church during the first 2300 days and did not agree with the Church doctrine and sounded their beliefs of Truth, they were still in essence partaking of the wickedness (spiritual fornication). They were being "killed" (silenced) during this time (Revelation 18:24). This is the "wine of the wrath of her fornication". The Church was making the congregation drink of this fornicated gospel.
The Church had become as Babylon (just as Judah did) with fornication during the first 2300 days because it would never again be led by righteousness. It would never again have a righteous King (Jesus). This is in direct comparison with Judah's great tribulation. King Josiah was Judah's final righteous king. After he died the nation was led by wicked kings and remained within wickedness but it did not fall. It was not until the beginning of their second part of their great tribulation that the walls & Temple actually fell (Jerusalem fell) and the people had left. This is why we find Babylon (the Church) falling at the start of our 6100 days. The walls fell (Babylon fell) because the stones (the Elect) were removed (called out Revelation 18:4). Notice where this statement of Babylon falling is located - after verses 6 & 7, this (verse 8) happens at the same time as when the everlasting gospel is once again preached worldwide - the start of the 6100 days!
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
The start of the 6100 days marked the commandment to leave the Church. Now that the Elect are called out, they had the Truth to hold on to, their True King. Those whom did not have God's name written in their forehead (Revelation 14:1) had Satan's name/mark in their forehead - a spiritual sign of ownership. Who is the Beast & his Image? Satan as king and the false christ.
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
What is this "... wine of the wrath of God"? Simply put, God's judgment. A combination of perpetual death within the Church without salvation and the torment from the newly saved Great Multitude proclaiming the Truth - God's vengeance (Revelation 18:20). But those whom were not called out and worshipped the beast, their souls were spiritually tormented (wrath/judgment of God) by the hearing of this new Judgment Day Truth during the 6100 days. The True gospel is a double edged sword, it can save or it can condemn. Notice it says in the presence of the holy angels (also translated as messengers - Elect) and in the presence of the Lamb. Jesus was present within the world during the 6100 days saving, He was the Light of the world. After Judgment Day (M21), that Light was totally darkened. Jesus is no longer here saving. This torment is speaking of the 6100 days of hearing the Truth.
This wine wrath of God is God's vengeance upon the Church for it's wine wrath of fornication, spilling the blood of the saints.
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
The unsaved were tormented with the Truth during the 6100 days but their smoke or judgment of no salvation will continue until the End. This is shown by, "...no rest day nor night." Rest is salvation (see verse 13). Day nor night clearly shows 24 hour days until the End. It can also signify "day" as summer (6100 days) when the Light (Jesus) is still within the world for salvation. And "night", as winter (5100 days) when the Light (Jesus) is darkened/blotted out, no longer within the world - no salvation.
12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
To "die in the Lord from henceforth", is to spiritually die and become born-again... salvation. The word "henceforth" is most definitely referring to the start of the 6100 days of salvation just as all the previous verses are referring to.
"... and their works do follow them." - Very important: "their works" are their constant desire and "race" towards living their life pleasing to God, receiving their crown at the End. Please see the 2 Corinthians study. Notice when this "race" began, at the start of the 6100 days (September 7, 1994 / 50 year Jubilee) - "blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth". Every person that was saved during the 6100 days began their works, "race" (furlong) for their crown and will continue until their death or until the Rapture occurs which appears to be in the year 2025.
* Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth... that they may rest from their labours - salvation (6100 days)
* and their works do follow them - the "race" for their crown - the 1600 Furlongs (6100 days and all through the 5100 days)
Revelation 14:14-16
* The first harvest of Judgment Day (M21)
* The withered harvest - no fruit
* Judgment Day - May 21, 2011
14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
The white cloud represents righteousness. This is clearly a picture of Jesus Christ (Son of man & golden crown & upon the white cloud), only He knows whom are to be separated from His flock. Only He has righteous judgment.
15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe G3583.
With this first harvest, the angel that sends out the "cry" comes out of the temple. This angel is representing those of the Church (the temple). Compare this with verse 17.
As mentioned by others in the past, the word "ripe" here is Strong's #3583: referring to dry, withered, wasted ripe harvest. It's the same word used to define the unsaved within the following verses by Jesus:
Matthew 13:6-20 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away G3583. And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away G3583. And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away G3583!
This harvest that has no fruit is dry and withered. They are the non-elect. They have not received the Latter Rain.
16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on (G1909) the earth; and the earth was reaped.
Notice here within verses 15 & 16 the dry, withered, wasted ripe harvest was only reaped. The word reaped means to harvest, Thayer's goes one step further and adds to cut off. Nowhere does it declare the harvest was gathered to be cast into the winepress. Neither does it declare there was even any fruit. Because it appears there was no fruit! No grapes! Just like the fig tree that was cursed by Jesus because it had no fruit. These are the unsaved. This proves to be the separation of those that received the Mark of the Beast away from the Elect. Preparation at Judgment Day (M21) of the unsaved for the coming fire at the End of the world.
The sickle was thrust on (G1909) the earth. This word "on" has a meaning of superimposition (overlapping/sharing the same) as a relation of place, time, order, etc. The unsaved are of the world. The world and they are the same - they are both carnal.
It appears Judgment Day was the final great harvest. The final great separation.
We find that this first reaping of the withered concerning the grape harvest matches perfectly with another example the Lord gives us with the wheat harvest:
Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
This first harvest is the unsaved. They can now be separated because all that were to be saved have been saved and have the mark of God within their forehead. Take note that the tares were not burned right away. Here is an important phrase of the verse to consider: "... and bind them in bundles to burn them...".
Withered branches are not tied in bundles if they are to be immediately burned. They are just gathered and tossed into the fire. But what is declared here is, "... and bind them in bundles...", separate them, "... to burn them...", not burn them but to be burned at a later time.
Again, it appears Judgment Day was the final great harvest. The final great separation.
Revelation 14:17-19
* The second harvest of Judgment Day (M21)
* The fully ripe harvest - the Grapes & Vine
* Judgment Day - May 21, 2011
17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
In this second harvest, the angel that sends out the "cry" comes out from the alter of the temple which is in heaven. This angel is representative of the Great Multitude. This shows there was a harvest of fruit that can be offered to the Lord.
Not only does the "cry" go out to harvest but it now says to gather it also. This "cry" to harvest now declares there is fruit to gather - grapes of the vine. Jesus is the Vine. Unlike the "ripe" described within verse 15, these grapes to be harvested & gathered are "fully ripe" which is Strong's #G187, meaning to flourish or come to maturity.
19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into (G1519) the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
The sickle was thrust into (G1519) the earth. This word "into" has a meaning of a point reached, not superimposition as in the first harvest. God's Elect are in the world not of it.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Look very carefully at how this verse is written! The whole vine with the grapes is gathered. Without the Vine, there can no longer be any grapes created. Jesus is the Vine.
John 15:1-6 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Although the harvest was continual year after year from 1994 until 2011 (6100 days), Judgment Day appears to be when the final harvest was accomplished because verse 19 declares not just the grapes but the whole vine is harvested and gathered. Without the vine itself, there can no longer be a future harvest. It is finished. When did the Light of the world cease? Judgment Day. This would also correspond with when the Vine was gathered.
The final harvest occurred on Judgment Day therefore cannot happen at the Rapture as previously thought.
Mark 4:29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
If there is no more fruit being brought forth because salvation has ended, there is no more harvest. Mark 4:29 above states that the harvest is gathered immediately after the fruit is brought forth. Therefore the final fruit to be immediately harvested occurred sometime before Judgment Day (M21), possibly minutes or even seconds before Judgment Day had occurred.
Judgment Day was the final harvest.
Lets continue with the last part of verse 19,
"...and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God."
This part has always had confusion throughout the Church Age and after. Some declare that those whom are cast within the great winepress are the wicked to be under the wrath of God. Others hold that they are the Elect whom are saved and purged by God. Still others declare it is neither but is Jesus (the vine) whom died through God's wrath for the Elect. This verse is very difficult and complex. But we now see the grapes are the Elect and the Vine is Jesus and His kingdom. Lets include verse 20 which is the final verse of this chapter and take a careful look at all the Biblical evidence.
Revelation 14:20
* The Grapes & Vine are trodden
* New wine created within the winepress
20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
There is a huge population of knowledge within this single verse. If we don't take care and study each word and how it contributes to the context we will miss out on a wealth of information. Although each of the following words can be a study within itself, we will go into sufficient depth as to what each means and how it fits within the verses' context.
Lets break down this verse into sections.
1. The winepress, great winepress - verse 19
2. Was trodden
3. Without the city
4. Blood
5. Horse
6. Bridles
7. By the space of
8. A thousand and six hundred furlongs
The great winepress
As stated within verse 19, this is the great winepress of the wrath of God. What is the purpose of a winepress? To produce new wine from choice grapes that have been harvested and gathered from a well kept vineyard. There are 2 groups of people identified with the vine. The first group are withered, dry branches (possibly with wild grapes - Isaiah 5) within the True Vine... believers which are "tares" within the "Great Multitude". This group is never used to make new wine. Only those within the second group - the chosen grapes of the branches of the True Vine that the husbandman (God - John 15:1) chooses (John 15:16) are used. The husbandman or vinedresser prunes his vineyard of the withered branches before the harvest (John 15:2). This matches perfectly with verses 14, 15 & 16 above. So, we see from this single subject of the great winepress that it can only be the Elect whom are cast within it. But lets move on.
Was trodden
This greek word (Strong's #G3961) means to tread, trample or crush with the feet. The question is, whom is doing the treading? Revelation 19 & Isaiah 63 tells us the undebatable answer... Jesus Christ.
Revelation 19:11-15 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Isaiah 63:2-5 Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.
And what exactly does scripture declare the treading accomplishes? What does it represent? We find from verses like Isaiah 63:2-5 (above) and Joel 3:12-14 (below) that it represents redemption through judgment which is salvation.
Joel 3:12-14 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
But we also see through verses like Proverbs 3:9-12 & Lamentations 1:15 that it represents chastening/correction of His people. Other verses call this trying the gold, purging the silver.
Proverbs 3:9-12 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Lam 1:15 The Lord hath trodden under foot all my mighty men in the midst of me: he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men: the Lord hath trodden the virgin, the daughter of Judah, as in a winepress.
So we see that the Lord first chooses His Elect... the choice grapes. Then treads them within the winepress producing new wine (salvation) and continues the treading to refine/purge/chasten/correct/guide His Elect.
Without the city
This old English term means outside the city. But the question is which city? The Jerusalem below - the Church? Or the Jerusalem above - God's spiritual kingdom (Galatians 4:22-31)?
It was in the Jubilee year of 1994 when God's people were called out of the physical Church. Thus, the Great Multitude which no man can number began to be saved and purged within the Great Winepress outside the city (Church) on September 7, 1994.
The blood
This is a little complicated. The blood appears to be both Jesus' blood and the Elects. Foremost, it is Jesus' blood - the True Vine. Because It is only by His sacrifice being under the wrath of God (verse 19), from before the foundation of the world and physically at the Cross that His Blood paid for our sins so that we may be saved.
Jesus was the first begotten, the first to endure the winepress (being the Vine), the first to shed His blood (new wine) and become cleansed to pay for our sins.
Rev 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood
Secondly, it appears to be the blood of the Elect. The "blood" from the grapes is actually the new wine. Only saved individuals are associated with new wine. New blood. Here's the "tricky" part. Grapes on their own can not produce the liquid/plant blood. Neither can the branches. The branches & grapes receive their life blood from the Vine which is rooted in righteousness. Therefore in essence, the Elect's blood is the Vine's blood - Jesus.
We have been cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb, being born again, new wine, made righteous through God's wrath/judgment. We must be judged before forgiveness can be granted.
Isaiah 63:3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.
Rev 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
Horse
Has anyone really considered why there is a horse within the winepress? Except for this single scenario, the horse does not belong there. The winepress was always worked with human feet to crush the grapes. Although we are not told what color the horse is, we know that if it is within the winepress it must be "clean", therefore it must be white. And we also know that Jesus is riding a white horse in battle.
Revelation 19:11-15 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
This being said, we have a dilemma, the word "horse" is in the plural form. There is'nt a single horse within the winepress...there's a whole herd! Why would Jesus' army - also riding white horses - be with Him within the winepress appearing to also be treading the grapes? We absolutely know for a fact this can't be because Jesus alone treadeth the great winepress. Therefore, we must find the answer from scripture. The word "horse" has many meanings depending on the verse. It can also refer to both God's Elect or the unsaved depending on the context. In this case it has to do with the Elect. It so appears that the answer lies within chapters 9 & 10 of Zechariah:
Zechariah 9:9-10 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
10 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
We see in Zechariah 9 above that the horse will be cut off from Jerusalem when the Church Age begins. This has a dual meaning. In this verse the horse represents both the strength of Jerusalem and God's people.
Zechariah 10
1 Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.
2 For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.
3 Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle.
Verse 1 specifically declares the Latter Rain - the 6100 days when the Great Multitude was being saved.
Verse 2 is describing Jesus taken out of the Church as the Shepard, this is why verse 1 is asking for rain.
Verse 3 is giving us the solution and answer to our dilemma of why there is a whole herd of horses within the winepress. These horses within the winepress are not treading the grapes with Jesus... they are the grapes! This is yet another description of the Elect. Jesus' army being prepared for the future battle. The harvesting/gathering/purging of His flock into white battle horses. He is in a sense recruiting and cleansing His soldiers, creating His army.
When the Lord saves a person, Jesus paid the sinner's penalty by being under the wrath of God of the winepress, the sinner is a new creature with new blood (new wine) and the white horse is a symbol of that new creature (new bottle for the new wine). White represents clean righteousness. The horse represents strength.
Matt 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
We see that the horse represents the chosen people of the earth. We also see Jesus creating His army of horses as He treads the grapes creating the new wine - the white horses throughout the 6100 days.
Satan has also been preparing his own army...
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Both armies are preparing for battle. There is a war approaching and both armies are about to clash. But we already know which army is victorious.
Bridles
Why is the Lord mentioning the horse bridles? There seems to be two reasons. The first is pretty obvious, the bridles control the horse(s) mentioned above, directing and guiding His people. This guidance continues for the full 1600 furlongs until the Rapture. This is yet another sign that He is in control (not Satan). The second reason is where the bridles are located. Horse bridles are located within the horse's mouth. This is important since we read that the "blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles...". God is giving us a description of how deep the great winepress is. The walls are as high as the horse's mouth, nose, eyes and ears. He is telling us that the winepress was so full that as Jesus was treading the grapes, the blood was almost covering the horse as it was coming out of the winepress. This is the great multitude that no man can number.
2 Kings 19:28 Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.
Psalms 39:1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
Psalm 39:1 shows us that the bridles have a dual purpose. The first purpose is that the Lord guides us after salvation through the Holy Spirit. The second is that the Elect "run the race" (furlong - 1600 furlongs) to control their unsaved bodies from wicked thoughts and intentions... to sin not.
Luke 12:43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
By the space of
The word that is translated as, "by the space of" (the only time translated this way) is the greek word "apo", Strong's G575 which means a state of origination/separation of distance, time or relation. It refers to where something came from ("from") or ended at ("off").
Examples:
John 11:18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off.
Matt 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
Unlike the examples above, verse 20 has no reference point to when the great winepress began to be tread neither does it give a reference of when it ends. It simply implies it was trodden "by the space of" 1600 furlongs.
But when we compare it with the rest of scripture we find that the Lord graciously gives us the answers.
Treading the winepress is'nt just a Latter Day activity. We even find it occurring within the Old Testament. It's a symbol of the Lord saving, trying, purging, chastening, correcting & guiding His people.
The 1955 years of the Church Age symbolized the continual yearly harvest of the Wheat harvest which ended in 1988. The chaff was cast off and the Wheat was put into the Barn. We did not read about the winepress being tread during the Church Age because God used the symbol of the Wheat to correspond with the Feast of Pentecost. The people of the Church Age were the Wheat.
We know that beginning in the year 1994 there was once again a yearly harvest of souls that began and continued year after year until the final harvest of 2011 (6100 days). God is using the Grape harvest to represent the Feast of Tabernacles. The Grapes are the Great Multitude which no man can number. Knowing this we can know that the treading began on September 7th, 1994 - the start of the 1600 furlongs. Jesus Christ was once again the Light of the World on a grand scale. The True Vine outside of the Church.
Verse 19 is referring to the final harvest of the World. This occurred on Judgment Day (M21). We know this not only because the whole Vine was cast into the winepress but also because Judgment Day marked the time of darkness worldwide as the Light exited the world.
But the treading did not end at Judgment Day. "... by the space of..." continues...
A thousand and six hundred furlongs
The 1600 furlongs has meaning. It is not merely a random number. We have now seen how God began harvesting and treading the Grapes at the 50 year Jubilee of 1994 when the 6100 days of salvation began. And that those 6100 days of salvation ended in the year 2011 which resulted in the final harvest of souls on Judgment Day. Since the final harvest and the End of the World are both integrated with the Feast of Tabernacles, we must look back within the Old Testament and find out what the offerings were for the Feast of Tabernacles. What were the two liquids that were required as an offering for the Feast of Tabernacles? Oil and wine.
Deuteronomy 16:13 Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine
Joel 2:23-24 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.
The Latter Rain began at the start of the first month (Tishri) on the Day of Atonement (Tishri 1 & 2 = Sept. 7, 1994). The Latter Rain, the first month and the oil & wine offerings all coincide with the final mandatory harvest feast - The Feast of Tabernacles. Oil & wine cannot be harvested. They are a product of the process of refinement from Olives & Grapes. This refinement was ongoing year after year along with the harvests.
The final harvest occurred on Judgment Day but the refinement of the Olives & Grapes will continue until the Rapture occurs. It is the refinement of olives into oil, grapes into wine, the purging (like silver), trying (like gold) and guidance (the bridles) by God for His people within this dark world. It is also the time when the "race" continues of His Elect to keep their unsaved body & mind under subjection, to live a life acceptable to God until the End.
Daniel 12:8-10 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
When we look at Daniel 11:34-35 (below) which is referring to the period of time after Judgment Day, we notice how the Lord says that His Elect would fall. I believe it is referring to the fact that He allowed His Elect to incorrectly assume that the Rapture would occur on Judgment Day and the End would occur 5 months later at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles. We as a whole falsely proclaimed this as the Bible guaranteed it. We said, "thus saith the Lord" when the Lord did not. This was our transgression. But we also see that they will receive additional scriptural information as the Lord tries, purges and whitens them until the time appointed. As we have seen this occurs as the winepress continues to be tread. This word "fall" (Strong's H3782) is also found in Isaiah 3:8 & Lamentations 1:14-15 (below). All 3 examples refer to the Lord's people. Both in Isaiah & Lamentations we see that it is the Lord whom made this "fall" to happen due to transgression. We must remember... Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction
Daniel 11:34-35 Now when they shall fall (H3782), they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.
35 And some of them of understanding shall fall (H3782), to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.
Isaiah 3:8 For Jerusalem is ruined (H3782), and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.
Lamentations 1:14-15 The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall (H3782), the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up. The Lord hath trodden under foot all my mighty men in the midst of me: he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men: the Lord hath trodden the virgin, the daughter of Judah, as in a winepress.
The Lord has also given us another set of verses describing this same time of refining and purging as Jesus came and began His 3 1/2 years of teaching as John the Baptist prepared the land.
Malachi 3:1-3 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
We have seen how the 6100 days of salvation represented the treading within the winepress. And also how the treading of the winepress after Judgment Day represents trying/purging/correction/guidance of the Elect which continues until the Rapture occurs... these 5100 days. The 6100 days + these 5100 days = 11200 days which equal an exact 1600 weeks. 1600 furlongs (weeks) of treading the winepress. It is only Jesus whom treads during the 1600 sabbaths. We find the other example of furlong in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (below). When a person becomes saved they begin their "race" (furlong) to keep their body/mind under subjection to live their life acceptable to the Lord until they reach Heaven.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race (furlong) run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (Please reference the 1 Corinthians 9 study via the "Stadio" page)
The 1600 Furlongs began on September 7, 1994 and will end on the exact date of May 7, 2025.
There have been numerous dates and explanations by many individuals striving to find out where we currently stand within these End Times. All are searching the Word as commanded. There are many conflictions and dates from different people/organizations. Just as Noah, Moses, Daniel knew not on their own accord but only by the Lord, we too can only know by the Lord and not by our own apparent understanding. We are only pawns within the Lord's plan working together. To God let all the glory be shown alone.
