“It doesn’t say Jerusalem. That is a misnomer, invented out of thin air.”
“The “breadth of the earth” means the entire earth, according to a dictionary. The camp of the saints is on heavenly mount Sion, as follows:”
Hmm, if the “beloved city” is not Jerusalem, but heavenly Jerusalem, then how do the armies of Gog and Magog go across the entire earth to get to heaven? Is it possible for men to walk to heaven? They can walk to Jerusalem, which makes it the only sensible interpretation, unless you can reconcile that.
“You are partly correct in that Satan is coming after God’s people; but they are in the Church, not in Jerusalem.”
How is he going to get to them if they are already permanently in Heaven with Jesus as you say? By the time of those verses, Satan is on earth, and verse 9 says “fire came down from Heaven and devoured them”. If fire came down from Heaven, then they couldn’t be in Heaven, but were obviously on earth. They were gathered from the four corners of the earth, they traveled across the earth, and surrounded God’s beloved city. There is no mention of any teleportation, flying, or ladders to Heaven in any of those verses.
It is a spiritual war. It is occurring everywhere. Recall this verse:
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Mat 10:28)
I learned that verse the first day I read the Bible nearly four decades ago, and it has played a part in my interpretation, since.
>>>How is he going to get to them if they are already permanently in Heaven with Jesus as you say? By the time of those verses, Satan is on earth, and verse 9 says “fire came down from Heaven and devoured them”. If fire came down from Heaven, then they couldn’t be in Heaven, but were obviously on earth. They were gathered from the four corners of the earth, they traveled across the earth, and surrounded God’s beloved city. There is no mention of any teleportation, flying, or ladders to Heaven in any of those verses.<<<
I see you are not interested in a mature discussion. When you have anything to add to the discussion, get back with me. I will be more than obliging.
This is a hint: Christians everywhere are part of the Church, the new Jerusalem, which is located on mount Sion in heaven. They are also part of the Holy Temple, which is also found on mount Sion in heaven. Satan knows it. Many Christians do not.
This is another hint: this earth will be around forever, and generations of people will come and go, forever. Satan knows it. Many Christians do not.
This is another hint: the Church is not going anywhere. Christ gave his life for the Church, and it is here to stay. If was not an afterthought. Satan knows it. Many Christians do not.
This is another hint: Israel is no longer God's chosen people, and has not been for about 2000 years. Satan knows it. Many Christians do not.
Philip