The Battle of Armageddon represents the greatest battlefield in history in which good defeats evil. Revelations 16:16 is the only place in the New Testament in which Armageddon is explicitly described. It is told by an apostle, John, who refers to the region as “the battle to end all battles.” Several other legendary battles were fought here even though they were not apocalyptic.This setting is ideal being at the meeting point of two trade routes in the northern plains of Jezreel. The “mountain of Megiddo,” the literal translation of Armageddon, is where the forces of evil will be ruined by Christ’s descending to Earth in glory. The believers in John and Jesus Christ knew that God has already won the war. Having faith allowed each follower to survive the persecutions they were suffering; even if it took their lives. Nothing on earth mattered because God is the ultimate victory.
Through Christ, John preaches that believers must follow the book and believe in it’s message especially in the final days leading to the battle. Beginning the book of Revelations, John is in heaven and awaits the Lord’s final judgement of the world that is concealed on a fixed piece of paper. Before it’s revelation, seven seals must be broken in order to open the scroll. Each seal represents a different condition that must be occur before the judgement. After each condition was met, God removed all the faithful followers from the planet and releases his seven bowl judgements of wrath upon earth. Symbolically ending the book in Revelations 19, Satan and his deceitful followers are launched into a lake of fire and killed by the Lord’s power. Each passage contributes to a climatic effect concluding the seventh wrath in the Battle of Armageddon, and the motif that being with God wins the final battle.
Through Christ, John preaches that believers must follow the book and believe in it’s message especially in the final days leading to the battle. Beginning the book of Revelations, John is in heaven and awaits the Lord’s final judgement of the world that is concealed on a fixed piece of paper. Before it’s revelation, seven seals must be broken in order to open the scroll. Each seal represents a different condition that must be occur before the judgement. After each condition was met, God removed all the faithful followers from the planet and releases his seven bowl judgements of wrath upon earth. Symbolically ending the book in Revelations 19, Satan and his deceitful followers are launched into a lake of fire and killed by the Lord’s power. Each passage contributes to a climatic effect concluding the seventh wrath in the Battle of Armageddon, and the motif that being with God wins the final battle.
- Allusions to Armageddon:In Breaking Dawn, the final book of the Twilight series, the Volturi are determined to kill Renesmee, Bella and Edward’s child, for being “immortal.” The Volturi, being the largest pack of vampires, arrive in the meadow next to the Cullen’s house to kill Renesmee and those who try and protect her. The Cullens win the war in a landslide having a selected few siblings with special powers. The meadow represents battlefield of Armageddon that serves to defeat the last of the corrupted spirits, and signifies the dominion of the antagonist team.
- The battle of evil and good is also seen in the acclaimed novel of “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Told from a child’s perspective, Scout is exposed to the evils of racism in the world at a young age. After Boo Radley was wrongly accused of hitting Mayella Ewell, Scout chooses to use her experience and maturity to become optimistic in life even though unjust, repulsive people, like Judge John Taylor, surround her.
- The popular fantasy “The Hunger Games” has a distinct line drawn between good and evil. The government is the unjust force requiring twelve children from the country to fight for their lives. The final two children try to prove their power by attempting to kill themselves on live television so that they can express their hatred for the government and the disgusting battle. The government quickly reacts by claiming two winners of the game. The lower class districts are concerned for the childrens’ safety whereas upper class districts care about winning and fame.
References:
"A Brief Summary of Revelation." A Brief Summary of Revelation. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.
Alexander, David, and Pat Alexander. Zondervan Handbook to the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Pub. House, 1999. Print.
"Last Days Mystery - Battle of Armageddon?" Last Days Mystery - Battle of Armageddon? N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.
Pfeiffer, Charles F., and Everett Falconer Harrison. "Revelations." The Wycliffe Bible Commentary. Chicago: Moody, 1962. N. pag. Print.
"Revelation Commentary : Overview of the Book of Revelation." Revelation Commentary : Overview of the Book of Revelation. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.
"A Brief Summary of Revelation." A Brief Summary of Revelation. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.
Alexander, David, and Pat Alexander. Zondervan Handbook to the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Pub. House, 1999. Print.
"Last Days Mystery - Battle of Armageddon?" Last Days Mystery - Battle of Armageddon? N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.
Pfeiffer, Charles F., and Everett Falconer Harrison. "Revelations." The Wycliffe Bible Commentary. Chicago: Moody, 1962. N. pag. Print.
"Revelation Commentary : Overview of the Book of Revelation." Revelation Commentary : Overview of the Book of Revelation. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.