Learn the Revelation

We Moved Our Site

2009-06-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

Thank you for visiting. We have, however, moved Learn the Revelation to http://www.learntherevelation.com

Please join us at our new location. Let's learn the Revelation.

God bless,

Jim Kobzeff

Have You Left Your First Love?

2008-12-30T07:33:00.000-08:00

In the second chapter of Revelation, Jesus made a remarkable complaint against the congregation at Ephesus. "Nevertheless I have this against you", He lamented, "that you have left your first love."

Before we explore that complaint, however, let's look back for a moment.

In about 95 AD, while imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos, the Apostle John was approached by Jesus and instructed to record the Revelation (see our article, "The Day the Revelation Came to Man"). Moreover, Jesus told John that the Revelation would consist of three parts, including one portion devoted to the Church comprised of seven letters to seven congregations. (For more about the outline, see our article, "Jesus Outlines the Revelation").

The seven letters are recorded in Chapters two and three, and are particularly noteworthy because they are as relevant today as they were in John's time.

Yes, Jesus addresses issues appropriate to those particular congregations, but at the same time can also apply to all congregations, and even more, to all individuals. In other words, when Jesus ascribed His knowledge of these congregations' works and condition (good or bad) in the first century, He was also speaking to you and me in the twenty first century.

We must, therefore, explore each letter and therein embrace each praise and rebuke, encouragement and hope, despair and delight. Bearing in mind, that our Lord continues to move about the Church, watchful to guard against internal and external evils and mindful to rightly preserve its spiritual well-being as steadfastly today as yesterday.

Okay, with that in mind, let's consider this letter to Ephesus and see whether it strikes a chord and perhaps intends to admonish us.

"I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil", Jesus said. "And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary" (vs. 2-4).

Foremost, we must notice the good works attributed to the Ephesians lest we consider ourselves above reproach and ignore the admonition. This is not a lazy congregation devoid of church service; the works of the Ephesians were admirable. "Nevertheless," Jesus said, "I have this against you, that you have left your first love".

What does Jesus mean?

The love in question is the "early love" of the congregation. That first enthusiastically warm and affectionate love following a new life in Christ, where self is denied, all that displeases God is gladly abandoned, and fellowship one with another is joyfully embraced. In other words, despite commendable devotion to the Word of God, the members had strayed from sincerity; or as one commentator puts it, "members were going through the motions without emotion".

Has that happened to you? Do you attend church services out of obligation or a force of habit rather than a passionate desire to worship God (as you did in the beginning)? And has your fellowship (where your earlier heart was tender for one another) become argumentative and divisive?

If so, confess that condition to God right now and return to your first love. He loves you as a bridegroom loves his bride, and not unlike the members at Ephesus, is admonishing you because He desires you.

Jesus Outlines the Revelation

2008-12-18T07:31:00.000-08:00

The Book of Revelation (or Revelation of Jesus Christ) is arguably the most complete future installment of God ever beheld by a man and subsequently addressed to the Church.

In this article, we will look at Chapter one, verse nineteen, and consider the instructions given by Jesus that virtually outlines the prophetic book.

It all began Sunday morning, 95 AD, somewhere on the small island in the Aegean Sea called Patmos. The Apostle John—having been banished to Patmos by Rome for his testimony of Jesus Christ—was in some remote corner of that island worshipping God. Then, as he knelt in prayer, he was confronted by Jesus Christ and instructed to record this Vision.

"Write the things which you have seen," Jesus told him, "and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this" (v. 19).

An earlier verse makes God's purpose clear: "the time is near" (v. 3). God wants us to know the prophecy because Jesus has completed the work of redemption on the cross, in turn starting the count down for what some refer to as "the sequel to the Cross", when Christ returns to gather His elect, vanquish His enemies, and redeem the planet.

Okay, now let's look at verse nineteen and see why it's the “key” to understanding the prophecy. Notice that John is instructed to write Revelation in three sections.

"Write the things which you have seen…"
"Write…the things which are…"
"Write…the things which will take place after this."

The phrase “the things which you have seen” is clearly in the past tense. John was instructed to write what he already witnessed. This concerns that which John had seen as he beheld Christ. Thus corresponding with John's eyewitness account of the risen and glorified Son of God as contained here in Chapter one.

The phrase “the things which are” is in the present tense. This concerns that which existed during the time of John, which is the Church. And as we will see, the next two chapters, Chapters two and three, surround the Church exclusively.

The phrase “the things which will take place after this” is in the future tense. This concerns the yet-future events shown to John beginning in Chapter four where he is taken in the “Spirit” to heaven and subsequently shown the future.

Study and contemplate this verse and consider these three parts. You'll discover that Revelation becomes more straightforward and your study of this great prophecy less chaotic.

The Day the Revelation Came to Man

2008-11-22T16:47:00.000-08:00

It was Sunday morning, 95 AD, somewhere on the small island in the Aegean Sea called Patmos where the Apostle John—having been banished there by Rome for his testimony of Jesus Christ—was in some remote corner of that island worshiping God.

Though other days were undoubtedly consumed in the company of other prisoners doing hard labor inside the mines of the volcanic island, Sundays apparently allowed the old Apostle time to be alone and to rest. For "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day", the Apostle said.

Little did he know, however, that on this given Sunday, as he knelt in prayer, he would come face to face with Jesus Christ and then taken into heaven to eyewitness the Revelation, a vision of the future never before revealed to any man.

We know it as The Revelation, the last book in our Bible. It is John’s written account of the Revelation exactly as he experienced it. All that he saw and heard he arduously recorded in compliance with the will of God so that the Vision might be shown to the Church, and thereby the Church would know it.

Moreover, the fact that the Apostle John was chosen to record the Revelation speaks volumes about God’s ability to accomplish His purposes despite even the most adverse of circumstances, whether from natural causes, or the cunning devices of devil and man.

After all, John was about ninety years old and therefore long past what might be considered a practical age for such an arduous task. Furthermore, it was the sole intention of Rome to silence John’s work and ministry when it banished him to the remote island of Patmos.

In other words, God was making what you and I might regard as an untenable choice and to our enemy an altogether improbable one when He selected John. Nonetheless, He knew all along the time, the place, and the man by which, and to whom He would reveal the Revelation, therefore nothing did (or ever will) prevent Him from accomplishing His own wise and holy ends.

"For I know that the Lord is great, and our Lord is above all Gods," the Psalmist wrote. "Whatever the Lord pleases He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deep places" (Ps.135:5, 6).

The Revelation was not John's vision. It was the vision of Jesus, shown to Him by the Father with instructions that it be revealed to man. Why the aged Apostle was chosen, we don't know. But those of us who are elderly should find encouragement in it, for we can be of service to God despite the odds, if He so graciously grants it.

Would you like to learn the Revelation?

Please read our commentary and study questions, preview our resources, links, and videos. It has never been as important for Christians to find assurance in the future.

Why We Must Learn the Revelation

2008-11-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

If you're a Christian, then you must learn the Revelation. Why, because God wants you to learn the Revelation.

It's true that the prophetic book is comprised of complex symbols and images that make it more than a casual reading. Nonetheless, it is God's intention for the Church to read the Revelation. For it is clearly stated that it is that "which God gave…to show His servants" (Rev.1:1).

Before we dig in to the purpose for the prophecy though, it would be helpful to understand its origin.

Late in the first century, the Apostle John was arrested by Rome for his testimony of Jesus Christ and imprisoned on a small rocky island in the Aegean Sea called Patmos. Then on one given day around 95 AD, the aged apostle, while in worship, was visited by Jesus Christ and subsequently escorted into the future by an angel to bear witness of and to document the vision.

Accordingly, from his first encounter with Jesus through his subsequent journey into the future and back again to Patmos, John arduously recorded every word of God, every testimony of Jesus Christ, and every word picture and symbol just as he heard it and saw it. Then he presented it to the Church.

What you and I regard as the last book of the Bible called "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" is that selfsame account, exactly as it was presented first to the congregation at Ephesus nearly two thousand years ago.

Okay, let's consider the vision.

Arguably, the most complete prophecy of future events recorded in Scripture, it should be noted that the Revelation is not John's vision. The vision belongs to Jesus Christ. God the Father gave God the Son the vision to reveal to John that he would in turn reveal it to the servants of Christ. So that Christians in every generation might know the "things which must shortly take place" (Rev. 1:1). That is, that we might know the future.

But let's be clear. Yes, God has given us the Revelation to learn, but not for reasons some would suggest. The Revelation was not given so we can set a date for Christ’s coming; the Bible is adamant that of that day and hour no one knows, except the Father (Matt. 24:36). Or was it given so we can identity the Antichrist; the Church has been instructed only to watch for Jesus Christ, not for the Antichrist.

Make no mistake; the Revelation has one purpose: To unveil Jesus Christ so we may know how God will accomplish all His work and purposes through Him in the last days. It is the final work of Christ—the destruction of all that is evil and the restoration of all that is good—that God wants us to understand.

But there's more. A blessing is promised to those who learn the Revelation. Listen to the Apostle: "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it" (Rev.1:3). It's as Solomon stated, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter" (Proverbs 25:2).

Finally, observe that Revelation is intended for "His servants" (Rev.1:1). That is to say, the "bond slaves” or devoted followers of Christ. What makes this special is found in the words of Jesus when He said, "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends…" (John 15:15). In other words, we should want to learn the revelation, not as a mandate from God, but with an understanding that the privilege has been granted to us because we are regarded as His friends.

"Your words were found," the prophet wrote, "and I ate them and your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart" (Jer.15:16)

If you're a Christian, and haven't read the Revelation, you are invited to do so on my site titled "Learn the Revelation" at http://learntherevelation.blogspot.com. There is a verse-by-verse commentary along with some study questions. It's a labor of love, so feel free to join in. Hey, let's learn the Revelation together.

Welcome to the Revelation

2008-10-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
but the glory of kings is to search out a matter"
--Proverbs 25:2

WELCOME! to the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Arguably, the most complete future installment of God ever beheld by a man and subsequently addressed to the Church.

BEFORE we get started, it’s important for us to understand why God has chosen to reveal this apocalyptic vision to us. Contrary to the teaching of some, the Revelation is not meant to serve as a “Tribulation Survival Kit” for the Church because the Church won’t be here. Nor is it given so we can set a date for Christ’s coming, or that we might identity the Antichrist. The Revelation has one primary purpose:

"To unveil Jesus Christ so we may know how God will accomplish all His work and purposes through Him in the last days."

WHILE many marvelous passages of truth in Revelation lend themselves to topical studies that should be discussed and learned, there are commentaries written by inspired men of God already available to the serious student without my adding yet another one. Therefore, I have limited my notes primarily to the events in the vision and have purposely avoided the traditional theological arguments and more complex exposition generally offered by scholars. My purpose is only to assist you in reading the Revelation from start to finish, help you better understand what the vision is about, and perhaps to wet your appetite enough to prompt more study.

ONE MORE THING before we dig in. If you've been avoiding the Revelation because you've considered it far too complex, obscure, or confusing for laypersons like us to understand, put your mind at rest. Even with all its symbols and images and some erratic shifts of events associated with John’s time travel, you’ll be surprised to discover how logical, chronological, and interpretable by Scripture this awesome vision really is.

PLEASE read each chapter of the Revelation directly from the Bible and then use the menu at the right to access my verse-by-verse notes. Afterward, test your knowledge with the Study Questions, and be sure to explore the other resources provided. Click "Post a Comment" below to leave a comment, or the envelope image to email this Revelation article to a friend.

May God bless and keep you throughout this incredible journey.

Jim Kobzeff
October 24, 2008
Learn the Revelation

Revelation 22, John's Final Briefing

2008-10-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

In this chapter, John is first escorted inside the magnificent city of New Jerusalem then is taken back to Patmos to receive a final briefing from our Lord Jesus Christ.

v.1-2 "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."

Two remarkable elements of the magnificent city are revealed: A crystal clear river flowing from the throne of God and the “tree of life” seemingly planted squarely in the middle of it.

Although both are highly symbolic of God’s provision of eternal life in Christ Jesus (see—John 4:10, 13-14; Rev.2:7), the tree, with its twelve kinds of fruits, is also meant for the consumption of the saints (Rev.2:7), and its leaves “for the healing of the nations.”

Let’s consider it.

Scripture doesn’t speak of a need to eat in heaven. So it’s safe to say that our resurrected bodies won’t require food to subsist, and that the purpose of eating fruit from the tree of life is altogether distinct from survival. My own opinion is that it’s intended for a blessed communion together with God, and partaken of at future gatherings throughout eternity as a means of intimate fellowship between the saints and God. When He introduced the communion service, Jesus said, “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now until that day when I drink it with you in My Father’s kingdom” (Matt.26:29). This seems to support the idea of a celestial gathering with Christ for fellowship and maybe explains why we would eat from the tree of life in heaven?

“And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Though the “nations” are seemingly those who inhabit the new earth for eternity (see notes—Rev.21:24-26), the purpose for their “healing” is not easily interpreted. Perhaps, as some commentators suggest, the application is substantive—having to do with the fact that they enter eternity in physical bodies and therefore require a perpetual healing. Or as others suggest, it's figurative, meant only to underscore the point that their flesh becomes new and never again experiences corruption. Whatever the case, we can be certain of God’s glorious provision for those written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

“Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You” (Ps.31:19)

v.3-5 "And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. And there shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever."

The "curse" speaks of that which God Himself imposed upon man and the planet in the Garden of Eden following the sin of man (Gen.3:16-19).

Since a curse won’t exist in the new heaven and the new world, we should also take it to mean that a curse will never again be implemented. That all which is perfected will remain eternally perfect because no lower nature or vile spirit will ever again exist and sin will never occur again, forever.

Moreover, the throne of God and of the Lamb shall dwell amongst men, and we shall see Him face-to-face. Throughout all of eternity there will be no dark places, nothing covered or concealed, and all will be shown by and all will be known in the eternal light of God Himself.

[This ends John’s incredible journey into the future. All that follows takes place back on Patmos].

v.6-7 "Then he said to me, 'These words are faithful and true.' And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. 'Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.' "

Three testimonies in this passage undeniably embrace the record of John's eyewitness account and give formidable notice that the Revelation is both credible and accurate.

John’s angelic escort - He plainly says, "These words are faithful and true"; confirming that John recorded the vision exactly as it was presented.
John himself - He says “And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place”; reaffirming that his experience was real and genuine, not something he made up.
Jesus - He says, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book”; which He would not have said had John’s record contained an error or omission.

It should be noted that three testimonies was the legal requirement for a testimony to be admissible in court (check—Deu.17:6; John 5:31-32). We may question the various interpretations, dear ones, but we can trust the Revelation to be true.

v.8-10 "Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, 'See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.' And he said to me, 'Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.' "

John’s emotions are once more fueled and as before, he must be corrected for wrongly attempting to worship the angel. We must always bear in mind that angels are servants of God who minister to us (check—Heb.1:13-14).

"And he said to me, 'Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand'. “

Because "the set occasion" or "proper time" for the vision to be read and understood by the Church is at hand and it’s God's desire for us to have knowledge of this prophecy, John is commanded not “to keep it secret” (compare to—Dan.12:9). If we earnestly seek to understand, dear ones, He will reveal this vision.

v.11 "He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.' "

The Revelation, not unlike all the Gospel of Christ, will not affect all that read it in the same way.

Those who have been made righteous and holy by the blood of Jesus and therefore consecrated to God as pure are drawn to it and encounter a blessing, while those who resist the things of God and whose own soul remains unclean before God are hardened and repelled by it.

“Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand” (Dan 12:10)

v.12-13 "'And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.' "

The phrase “I am coming quickly”, stated no less than three times in this chapter (vs. 7, 12, 20), doesn't speak in terms of days (as if, "tomorrow I'm coming"), but rather implies that the events foretold will occur in rapid succession once they begin.

Jesus never intended for the Church to set a date for His return, but for us to expect Him at any moment, and therein ordering our lives in the light of that blessed hope. We must be ready especially because we aren't given a date, and instead only made aware that He can return at any moment, suddenly, and with no other warning than what He has already given.

“And My reward is with Me.” The word for "reward" means, “pay for service—good or bad” (more literally, a “wage”). The idea conveyed here is that Jesus will compensate the saints (Rev.11:18) and the unrighteous (2 Peter 2:12-13). A believer given the gift of life and rewarded for good works, the unbeliever the wages of death (Rom.6:23). There is no partiality with God. He “will render to each one according to his deeds” (check—Rom.2:5-16).

Okay, but let's not confuse “works” to mean that we work for salvation. Jesus said, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent” (John 6:29).

Born-again believers will gain or lose rewards at the judgment seat of Christ (2Cor.5:10) based on the “quality” of the works, not the quantity (1Cor.3:13-15). Our judgment is only to “test” our works (to determine what sort it is), not a judgment of our sins.

v.14-15 "Blessed are those who do His commandments that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie."

One last time, a clear distinction is drawn between those who will occupy New Jerusalem and those who will not. Those who do His commandments will enter New Jerusalem and find blessing at the tree of life, whereas those who do not will have no place there.

Here again, the blessing appears to be contingent upon one's ability to keep the commandments of God, as if man must make himself perfect to enter heaven. But that's a contradiction to Scriptural teaching.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Eph.2:8-9)

The commandments of God concern desire, not ability. One who is born again can desire to obey God and fail (check—Rom.7:14-25), and another who is not saved may possess the ability but lack desire (check—Mark 10:17-22). A promised blessing is made to believers, not because they managed to keep the commandments, but because their saving faith in Jesus Christ has prompted them to do His commandments. “Not to our doings, but to what He has done for us", one commentator writes, "founded, not on our merits, but on God's grace.”

v.16 "'I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches, I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.' "

It should be noted that there has been no direct mention of the Church since the completion of the letters to the seven churches (Rev.2-3). All throughout the tribulation, beginning in Chapter 4, the church has only been referred to indirectly, and only as it was seen in heaven, not on earth.

Now, in this final briefing to John, with the Revelation almost complete, Jesus reminds John that the Revelation is to be taught to the Church. To which He adds His two great titles "the Root and the Offspring of David" and "the Bright and Morning Star" to qualify His sovereign right to do so. Jesus Christ is the Messiah of Israel, and He is the Lord of the Church.

"…that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil.2:10-11)

v.17 "And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."

This passage is both a plea and an invitation. As the Church pleas for Christ to return to the world, yet it longs for the world to come to Christ.

“And let him who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." The greatest invitation ever extended unto man is God's call to "Come!" The greatest assurance to those who come is that none will be denied (John 6:37), and for those who “thirst” that they may come and take of the water of life freely and thus be saved (see also—John 4:10, 14).

v.18-19 "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book. If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

God's awful retribution won't be withheld from those who either add or delete from the words of the Revelation. But this doesn't mean that commentators who share various views about the Revelation are in danger.

"The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Rev.19:10), and the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the one truth God will not permit man to pervert. The issue concerns the true reality that grace can be found in none other than Jesus Christ, and the warning applies only to those who would preach any other gospel (see also—Gal.1:6-9).

v.20 "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”

"Surely I am coming quickly", Jesus tells John. “So be it! Even so, come, Lord Jesus”, John responds. This is the final exchange between John and Jesus.

Okay, this begs a question. Will we be the generation that witnesses the Coming of Jesus Christ? We have no way to be certain, of course, but several things didn't exist prior to our generation that makes it highly plausible and worth considering. We'll begin with the most important development.

The Nation of Israel – In 70 A.D., Rome overthrew Jerusalem, destroyed their temple, and virtually scattered the Jews throughout the world with nothing that should have prevented them from assimilating into various cultures and disappearing as a people. Yet on May 14, 1948, over twenty-five hundred years after they were besieged by Babylon and ceased to be a nation, Israel once again became a nation. This needed to occur for many prophecies to be fulfilled (for example—Ez.37-39; Dan.9; Zech.12-14).
Nuclear weapons – Jesus said of the Tribulation, "And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved…" (Matt.24:22). The potential that all mankind (all flesh) could be annihilated quickly enough to concern Jesus didn't exist prior to nuclear weapons.
Telecommunications – The bodies of the two witnesses, for instance, will be displayed in Jerusalem and celebrated by the world (Rev.11:8-10). This instant knowledge and simultaneous worldwide jubilation could not have occurred before radio; and is only enhanced and made more plausible by television, satellite transmissions, and the internet.
Computers – Prior to computers, it would have been impossible for Antichrist to impose a mark on the entire world and then control every buying and selling transaction each and every person makes (Rev.13:16-17); at least not soon enough to make it meaningful inside a period of three and a half years.

The prophet Daniel was told that the time of the end would be characterized by an increase in knowledge.

"But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase." (Dan.12:4)

It is true that this "increase in knowledge" can be taken (as it is with some) to signify technological advances, and therefore interpret Daniel's prophecy to mean we should expect to see quantum leaps in technology as we near the end. It is certainly plausible that the end of this age will be marked with new increased levels of knowledge and intelligence; and certainly reasonable (if not correct). However, I interpret this verse otherwise.

I believe that it's the "knowledge of prophecy" that increases at the end of our age. In other words, as we behold the unfolding of events and technology, last-days prophecy will become more understandable in light of those events and technology.

v.21 "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."

The most complete future installment of God ever beheld by a man has been written, by the grace of God preserved, and by the power of the Holy Spirit made available for every believer to read and learn throughout every generation since.

As we heed God’s Word, dear ones, having seen how the history of time shall be closed and the history of eternity opened, may it more arouse in us to consider what manner of persons we ought to be in holy conduct and godliness. Moreover, may it embed within us the courage to warn the lost of their eternal doom and lovingly bid them to seek the Savior.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 22

2008-10-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

1. True or False. The existence of both the river of water of life and the tree of life might be an indication that we will be required to eat and drink in heaven. (vs. 1-2)

2. Which of the following statements are not true concerning heaven? (vs. 3-5)

a. There shall be no more curse
b. There shall be no night
c. The throne of God and the Lamb are in it
d. There will no longer be a need to serve God
e. God’s name will be written upon our right hand

3. Which of the following testified that John’s record of the Revelation is both credible and accurate? (vs. 6-7)

a. The angel who escorted John
b. John himself
c. Jesus Christ
d. All of the above

4. True or False. John was instructed to “seal” up the words of the Revelation because it did not apply to his generation. (vs. 8-10)

5. Complete this statement: “And behold, I am coming ____________, and My ____________ is with Me.” (vs. 12-13)

6. Which of the following two groups did Jesus associate Himself with when He said, “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star”? (v.16)

a. The angels
b. Israel
c. The Church
d. Those banished to the Lake of Fire

7. Fill in the blanks: “And the __________ and the _________ say, ‘________!’ And let him who __________ say, ‘Come!’ And let him who __________ come. And whoever ____________, let him take the water of life ______________.” (v.17)

8. True or False. God will severely judge anyone who deliberately adds or subtracts from the words of the Revelation in order to promote another doctrine other than the gospel of Jesus Christ. (vs. 18-19)

9. True or False. John concludes the Revelation with a prayer for the Church. (v.21)

Revelation 21, The New Heaven and the New Earth

2008-10-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

In this chapter, John is ushered into eternity and given a glimpse of the glorious new heaven and new earth God has prepared for His people beyond this age.

v.1 "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea."

The word “new” means “new in respect to freshness”, rather than “new with respect to existence.” So it would be safe to interpret what John sees to be a “fresh heaven and fresh earth” that has undergone a cleansing and renewal, not one that has been totally annihilated and then recreated.

Peter describes the process as a virtual melt down of the very elements that make up the earth and heavens (2Pet.3:12); a fiery purging and cataclysmic renewal that produces new elements from the old elements. “Yes, all of them will grow old like a garment,” the Psalmist writes, “like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed” (Ps.102:26). As a result, every thumbprint, footprint, stain, and foul odor brought upon this present world by Satan, death, and sin will be sanitized. The blood, tears, bones, fossils, and grave sites that have long infected the earth's surface, the defilement brought upon its core by the implant of Hades, and the pollution of contaminated materials and unholy sound and electronic impulses long thrust into its atmosphere will neither be found nor remembered again forever.

"Also there was no more sea." Some commentators interpret this passage to mean the absence of a literal sea, but it might be figurative. The Bible generally uses the term "sea" and "waters" to symbolize Gentile nations, multitudes, tongues, and ethnic groups (Dan.7; Rev.13; Rev.14). I believe it is figurative and take it to mean that there will be no more distinction between Jew and Gentile in the New World, and the divisive cross-hatching of borders, boundaries, cultures, languages, and national allegiances between men will be done away with.

v.2 "Then I, John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

New Jerusalem is the eternal city and dwelling place of the saints; “Whose builder and maker is God” (Heb.11:10) and every believer since Abraham has waited to see. Therefore, as John actually does see it, you can almost hear the exclamation of joy when he says "Then I, John saw the holy city."

New Jerusalem is the city “prepared” by God in the heavens for His resurrected and raptured saints. This is the same word used by Jesus when He told His disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2), and elsewhere where it’s recorded “He has prepared a city for them” (Heb.11:16). And it's shown to John as a radiant bride ready for her husband because it personifies in virtue all of the saints residing therein.

v.3-5 “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ Then He who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.' And He said to me, 'Write for these words are true and faithful.' "

The blessed presence of God with His people (us) is here proclaimed, and in heaven, it will not be interrupted as it is here on earth. He will dwell with us continually, and all relations between God and us will be filled up and perfected. Our souls shall be assimilated to Him in all love, honor, and delight; and His love shall be manifested to us, and His glory put upon us. It will be a blessed state free from the effects of all former and future trouble and sorrow. “For the former things have passed away” and all things will become “new.”

Moreover, dear ones, the certainty of this eventual state is so necessary for our perpetual memory and continual use that God ordered it to be written. “And He said to me,” John declares, “'Write for these words are true and faithful.' "

v.6-8 “And He said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and He shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.' "

Once Jesus puts all enemies under His feet and destroys death, He will deliver the kingdom to God the Father and become subject to the Father "that God may be all in all” (see—1Cor.15:24-28). Though the nature of this mysterious and wondrous eternal relationship between the Father and the Son isn’t explained, I believe it occurs right here, the moment Jesus proclaims “It is done!”

Sin is no more, death has been destroyed, the people of God have been delivered and enjoined unto Him, and the age has been consummated and all things have been made new. God the Son has completed the work and purposes of God the Father, and because it is done, therefore “God may be all in all.”

“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and He shall be My son.” Believers, as citizens of New Jerusalem, will have unbridled access to the water of life flowing from the throne of God (Rev.22:1), shall “inherit all things” as “heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom.8:17), and shall have a sure and indefeasible relationship with God, as a son of God (see also—1John 3:2).

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” This vastly different state of the unbeliever helps to illustrate the glory and blessedness of the saints and clearly distinguishes the goodness of God towards us. The unbeliever will never see New Jerusalem. They will die another death after their natural death. They will be consigned to the terrors and agonies of eternal death, or as one commentator puts it, they will “die and always be dying.”

v.9-11 "Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, 'Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife.' And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. And her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal."

What I find compelling about this passage is the implication that God is so delighted in His bride that He relocates John so he can behold her. Rather than leaving him in heaven to watch her descend toward earth, He has a significant angel usher John to an unobstructed place to watch her descend to earth. It’s like a bridegroom that would have you stand alongside him to behold in full view the beauty and majesty of his bride as she makes her descent down the aisle.

"And her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal." As one commentator suggests, if you can picture a diamond the size of the moon with a light as bright as the sun resonating inside of it, you get the idea of what John beheld. New Jerusalem not only resonates with the brilliant light of God Himself, but the light in turn is refracted through the precious metals of the massive structure into an array of dazzling colored beams of light.

v.12-14 "Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb."

The walls, gates, and foundations leave no doubt that New Jerusalem is a literal city made of solid materials. It’s not an apparition, a figment of ones imagination, backroom folklore, or taught simply because it sounds good. John is our witness, dear ones: New Jerusalem is a real city.

On each of the twelve gates are the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and on each of the twelve foundations are the names of the twelve apostles (probably as a memorial to the work of God through man). The twelve tribes of Israel faithfully preserved and delivered His Law and His words through the prophets, and the twelve Apostles delivered the words and works of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The walls and the gates of New Jerusalem are symbolic, and meant only to signify the city's eternal security, safety, and well-being. There will be no need for fortification against any enemy in New Jerusalem (v.21).

v.15-21 "And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates and its wall. And the city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as its breath. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. And the construction of its wall was as jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eight beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass."

The dimensions and materials of the city are carefully recorded. Its length, breadth, and height are equally “twelve thousand furlongs” which some commentators estimate to be about 1378 miles cubed, others 1500 miles cubed, or as one put it, “about the size of our moon.” In any case, it’s clearly a vast cube.

The dimension of the wall is not as clear because it’s uncertain whether the angel is measuring the height or the width. As a result, some commentators regard the height of the wall to be about 216 feet while others consider it its thickness. As for the materials, they are all flawlessly precious and pure. Inlaid into its foundations and walls are varieties of brilliant stones, and each of its gates are solid pearl. The street of the city is made of pure gold.

In other words, the holy city of New Jerusalem is magnificent. It’s massive, perfectly uniform, flawlessly beautiful, and indescribably glorious. Once we see it in heavenly light, with its translucent whites, rainbow hues, and brilliant reflective colors, I believe we'll be surprised how much more it is than we imagined.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1Cor.2:9)

v.22-23 "But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it, and the Lamb is its light."

The temple and the sun are each part of this present world meant to serve man in this present age. The temple provided a place where sinful man can meet with God, and the sun was instituted at the dawn of creation to provide light to the world.

In New Jerusalem, however, a temple-structure would serve no purpose. Sin will be gone, the sinful nature of man passed away, and God shall Himself dwell with man, directly and eternally approachable by His people. Moreover, there will be no requirement for a sun. Though the sun and the moon are established forever (Ps.148:1-6), God—Who is light (1John 1:5) and "the Father of lights" (Jas. 1:17)—will forever illuminate New Jerusalem with His eternal presence (see also—Isa.60:19-20).

v.24-27 "And the nations of those saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of nations into it. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life."

This passage implies that some saints will inhabit the new earth as "the nations" beneath the city of New Jerusalem. They will walk in its light, bring their glory and honor into it, and have a perpetual open door to enter and exit as freely as they choose. So who are they?

I believe (although speculative) that these are the self-same mortals (along with their offspring) who inhabit the earth and subsequently receive Jesus Christ as Savior during the Millennium. Why, because they’re the only group of saints otherwise not accounted for.

They did not take part in the first resurrection ending with the tribulation martyrs (Rev.20:4-5) otherwise they would not have been subjected to our Lord’s judgment of the nations (see notes—Rev.20:5-6).
It’s clear that they resist the devil in his final rebellion against God, and thus are righteous, otherwise they would have been destroyed at Millennium’s end (Rev.20:9).
They certainly did not resurrect with the dead (Rev.20:13) or they would have been cast into the lake of fire and had no part in the new heaven and new earth (Rev.20:15; 21:27).

Moreover, God’s judgment of sin and death has already taken place (Rev.20:14), therefore we must conclude that they're transformed from mortality to immortality and will inhabit the new earth. Undoubtedly in the same perfection found in Adam and Eve, but without a sin nature of the former world and instead eternally perfect.

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 21

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1. Which of the following best explains the work God accomplishes when He creates the new heaven and the new earth? (v.1)

a. He dissolves the entire universe and then recreates it
b. He dissolves earth and heaven and recreates it
c. He dissolves the earth and its atmosphere and makes it fresh
d. He dissolves all of His creation and recreates it

2. True or False. New Jerusalem is the eternal city that God has prepared for those who love Him. (v.s 2-3)

3. Complete these statements Jesus made to John: (vs. 5-7)

a. “Behold, I make all things __________.”
b. “Write for these words are ______________ and ____________.”
c. “It is _________________.”
d. “I will give of the fountain of the ___________ of life _____________.”
e. “He who overcomes shall ______________ all things.”
f. “I shall be his God and he shall be My ______________.”

4. True or False. The New Jerusalem was called the "Bride of the Lamb" because it is where the Church (who is the Bride of the Lamb) will dwell. (vs. 9-11)

5. Which of the following is not true about New Jerusalem? (vs. 12-21)

a. It will have twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve Apostles
b. Its high walls will protect its inhabitants against evil forces outside the heavenly City
c. Angels will be posted at the gates to greet those who enter the City
d. It will be a perfect cube of 1500 miles wide, high, and long, and will be constructed of precious stones, gold, and pearls

6. Complete this statement: “But I saw no ________________ in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its _________________.” (v.22)

7. True or False. The glory of God will illuminate the City, and the Lamb will be its light, therefore the sun and moon will no longer exist. (vs. 22-23)

8. True or False. Those who inhabit earth for eternity as “the nations” probably refers to hosts of angels. (vs. 24-27)

Revelation 20, The Last Days of Time and History

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In this incredibly rich chapter, John records the sequence of events that conclude history, as we know it. The capture and ultimate abolishing of Satan, the one thousand year kingdom of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the just and the unjust, and the final great white throne judgment of man, hades, and death.

v.1-3 "Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while."

In preparation for the millennial reign of Jesus Christ following Armageddon, John sees an angel lay hold of Satan and cast him into the bottomless pit (see also—Isa.14:15). And there he will remain sealed, shut up, and bound for a thousand years; up to the very end of the Millennial reign of Christ on earth.

The purpose for Satan’s abolishing is explained: “so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished.” In other words, during the full term of Christ’s one thousand year reign on earth, Satan will be in confinement in the bottomless pit without power. And as a result, all the nations of the earth will enter a time of peace and prosperity not known since before the fall of man. “But after these things he must be released for a little while." That is, after Christ has completed His earthly reign Satan will again be released with an ability to do evil for a short while.

Satan’s four awful names adequately define him:

The dragon – he's the persecutor of Christ and His people (Rev.12:17)
That serpent of old - the one in the Garden of Eden who tempted Eve (Gen.3:13)
The Devil ("slanderer") – he's the false accuser of the brethren and the author of lies (Rev.12:10)
Satan ("adversary") – he's the enemy of God, the murderer of God's people, and the destroyer of God's creation

v.4-5 "And I saw thrones, and they that sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.”

These kingly judges seated upon thrones are the saints of Christ. All those who had been redeemed by His blood, resurrected from the grave, and raptured into His presence. These (the saints) will reign as kings and priests with Christ (see—Rev.1:5-6; 5:9-10).

The remainder of the souls John sees is the tribulation martyrs. Seemingly, in view of the unique circumstances they will suffer and yet maintain a faithful witness for the Lord under the most severe difficulties, they are given special recognition and then deliberately reassured that they, too, will live and reign with Christ throughout the Millennium.

The “rest of the dead” speaks of the unsaved souls imprisoned in Hades who did not take part in the “first resurrection” with the redeemed—men and women who live and die without accepting Jesus Christ as Savior.

"And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
Some to everlasting life,
Some to shame and everlasting contempt" (Dan.12:2)

The "first resurrection" refers to the resurrection of the redeemed (more below).
v.6 “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years."

According to the Bible, there are two “deaths” and two "resurrections". Since it's important for us to understand what they are and how they apply, let’s look.

There are two “deaths.”

The first death concerns that which is common to all man—namely, the death of the body (Heb.9:27). The second death concerns the spirit of man but only applies to the unredeemed that are made to suffer eternal death and damnation (v.14). In other words, though all men die, and therefore must suffer the first death, only the souls of the unsaved are affected by the power of the second death that leads to eternal torment. This is why John says of believers, “Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years."

There are two “resurrections.”

The word "resurrection" is a Greek word meaning, "to make to stand" or "rise up.” It speaks of that occurrence when the soul (which departs the body at death) reenters the body and causes it to rise up from the grave. Everyone dies, therefore everyone also resurrects, but the event is vastly different between the saved and unsaved.

The saved (those redeemed in Christ) take part in the first resurrection and acquire a new body in the process (Phil.3:20-21; 1Cor.15:52). “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming” (1Cor.15:23). In other words, the first resurrection is not a one-time event, but a procession much like a parade. It began with Jesus Christ, seemingly ends with this group of tribulation martyrs, and in between, consists of at least three separate occasions where other believers are resurrected (see—Matt.27:53; 1Thess.4:16,17; Rev.11:11).

The unsaved (those not redeemed in Christ) take part in the second resurrection. Unlike the first resurrection, however, they are not given a new body, and the event is not in stages, but rather a one-time event that follows the Millennium. This is why John says of the unbelievers, “But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.”

Okay, now let's shift gears and consider the Millennium.

It should be noted right up front that the word "millennium" does not appear in Scripture. But that doesn't mean the event is not scriptural, or that it will not occur. The word comes from the Latin words mille (“thousand”) and annum (“year”) and is always translated as a "thousand years".

John records the phrase "thousand years" six times in this chapter, and it's safe to say that he is always referring to the period we call the “Millennium”; described in Scripture as a time of righteousness, healing, and restoration unlike any other in the history of this earth. Listen to just some of the amazing facts about the Millennium:

Jesus Christ will sit on David's throne in Jerusalem and reign supreme over the earth in judgment and justice (Isa.9:7; Zech.14:9)
The nation of Israel shall be honored above all nations (Isa.62:2-3) and Jerusalem will be the capital of the world (Jer.3:17)
Satan (the Devil) will be taken from earth and locked up, so he can no longer tempt and deceive the nations (v.1-3)
There will be no war between men (Isa.2:4)
There will be peace with and within the animal kingdom (Isa.11:6-8)
The whole earth will be "full of the knowledge of the Lord" (Isa.11:9)
There will be no sickness or disease (Isa.29:18)
There will be absolute law and order (Isa.29:20)
All of the earth will be healed and subsequently restored to its original beauty (Isa.35:6-7; Isa.35:1-2)

Christians can look forward to reigning with Christ during the Millennium as priests, given the authority to teach and enforce righteousness over the inhabitants on earth; which, of course, raises the question: Who are the inhabitants on the earth over whom we rule?

When Jesus returns He will judge the nations to determine who amongst the living survivors may enter the Millennium (Matt.25:31-46). Those who did not accept the mark of the beast and showed favor to the Jews will be allowed; the others will be rejected. But these mortals allowed to enter the Millennium will not have a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. It will be our responsibility, therefore, to teach them the way and truth of God.

v.7-9 "Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breath of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them."

When the thousand years ends, Satan will be released from Hades and rally thousands of people “whose number is as the sand of the sea” to move “on the breath of the earth” and surround Jerusalem in an attempt to overthrow Christ.

Even in the best of environments, man is unable rid himself of that corrupt nature that opposes God, and unless one is “born again” and made new in God’s Spirit the sin that leads to death remains.

This invading army will all be devoured by a fire from heaven, making this the last rebellion of man against God forever and in turn ends the Millennium.

The identity of “Gog and Magog” at this point of the Vision is somewhat uncertain. Moreover, it seems unlikely that this is the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy that Russia will lead such countries as Iran and Libya in an invasion of Israel (Ez.38:2-16). That invasion seems more probable during the Tribulation (see notes—Rev.14:14-20).

Maybe the answer is as one commentator noted that “Gog and Magog” is a mystical phrase that signifies “the prince and the people”, and in turn represents all of the final adversaries of the Messiah led by Satan in person.

v.10 "And the devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever."
Several aspects about hell are clearly answered here and should be noted:

It’s eternal. The phrase, “forever and ever” used in this verse to describe the “lake of fire’s” torment is the same phrase used elsewhere to describe the throne of Christ (Heb.1:8). So hell is unending as Christ is unending.
It’s a place of eternal torment. There’s nothing to suggest any future hope of clemency, forgiveness or escape from the lake of fire.
Unsaved man will be cast into the eternal lake of fire along with Satan and the unrepentant angels. In fact, two humans (antichrist and the false prophet) are actually cast into the lake of fire before Satan (see notes—Rev.19:19-20).

v.11-13 "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works."

The “great white throne” speaks of the judgment throne of Christ, for it is to Jesus whom God has granted the authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). All the condemned shall be resurrected from their graves in corrupt flesh and made to stand before Him for judgment (check—Dan.12:2; John 5:28).

“From whose face the earth and heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them." Scripture says that from the face of Jesus Christ this present world and its atmosphere will pass away (Matt.24:35) in what Peter characterizes as a literal “meltdown” of all the elements of this earth and its atmosphere (2Peter 3:10).

Seemingly, the emphasis here is to show us what it will be like for the unbeliever that stands before the great white throne. There is no rainbow above this throne to suggest grace in judgment, no sign of a Lamb on the throne suggesting that He was slain in substitution for sinful man, no human figure, and no incarnate Son of man; rather, just an awesome Presence that is all a matter of trial and judgment.

"And books were opened, and another book was opened, which was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books."

These “books” represent the Divine record of the works of the unsaved by which God will justify the sentence of eternal punishment passed upon the wicked. The “other book” called the Book of Life is the roster of the names of the righteous who inherit eternal life (Phil.4:3; Rev.3:5; 13:18; 17:8; 21:27).

v.14-15 "Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire."

The “second death” is the ultimate death. The very "death of deaths” in which one becomes eternally gone and eternally forgotten even by God Himself (check—Isa.65:17; Ps.88:5). All in opposition to God will be cast into the lake of fire and endure the second death: Antichrist, the False Prophet, Satan, the fallen angels, the unsaved, Death, and Hades.

The idea that "Hades" will be cast into the "lake of fire" might be confusing so let's consider what each signifies.

"Hades" is a Greek word used in the New Testament to denote the realm of conscious departed spirits and is generally equivalent to the Hebrew word "Sheol" in the Old Testament. It is not "Hell" and it is not eternal. Hades is a temporary holding place in the center (bottomless pit) of the earth. Once consisting of two compartments as the abode of all departed souls (see—Luke 16:19-31), when Christ died His spirit descended into Hades (Eph.4:9), proclaiming victory to the evil spirits incarcerated there (1Pet.3:19) then returned with the souls of those who died in faith (Eph.4:8; Matt.27:52-53). Today when the righteous die, they go into the immediate presence of the Lord (2Cor.5:6-8; Phil.1:23). Hades is only where the disembodied spirits of the unsaved dead are confined until the day of judgment.

The "lake of fire" speaks of Hell, the final eternal abode of the wicked after judgment. The Greek word "Gehenna", also used with the same meaning, furnished the imagery of Hell. Taken to mean Valley of Hinnom (a garbage dump south of Jerusalem with perpetually burning fires once notorious as a place of child sacrifice to Molech) Gehenna describes the dread, fear and torment of Hell. Today no one is yet in Hell (Gehenna).

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 20

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1. True or False. During the Millennial reign of Christ, Satan, although bound in chains to limit his powers, will be allowed to freely roam the earth. (vs. 1-3)

2. Which of the following is not a provision of the Millennium? (v.4)

a. Jesus will sit upon the throne of David as King
b. Israel will be honored above all nations
c. There will be no wars between men
d. There will no need to fear any animal
e. The earth will be restored to its original beauty
f. The earth will be filled with all believers

3. Which of the following is true concerning the resurrection? (vs. 5-6)

a. Everyone who dies will be resurrected
b. The saved will all resurrect before the Millennium
c. The unsaved will not resurrect until after the Millennium
d. All of the above.

4. Which of the following is not true about the "first resurrection"? (vs. 5-6)

a. It concerns the saved only
b. It takes place in stages
c. It began with Christ and will conclude with those who are His at His second Coming
d. It does not eliminate the possibility of the second death
e. Those who take part in it will become priests of God, and subsequently will reign with Jesus for a thousand years

5. Complete this statement. Satan will be _____________________ at the end of the Millennium and will deceive the nations into surrounding Jerusalem in order to battle against Christ. But they will be devoured by _____________. (vs. 7-9)

6. True or False. Satan will be cast into an eternal place of torment separate from the place where Antichrist and the false prophet are cast. (v.10)

7. What best explains the meaning of the Great White Throne? (v.11)

a. It is where God will reign throughout eternity
b. It is where Satan will be judged
c. It is where Jesus will judge all the unsaved
d. It is where the saved will receive their rewards
e. It will be located within the New Jerusalem

8. Which is not true concerning the judgment of the condemned? (vs. 12-13)

a. First the "books" are opened, then the "book of Life" is opened
b. Each one will be judged according to his works
c. If one’s good works outweigh his evil works, he will be set free
d. The books will provide irrefutable evidence that one’s works have fallen short of the glory of God

9. Complete this statement. "Then ________________ and ________________ were cast into the ____________ of ________________." (vs. 14-15)

10. True or False. The term, "the second death" speaks of the eternal death and separation from God that awaits all who have not received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. (vs. 14-15)

Revelation 19, The Second Coming of Jesus Christ

2008-10-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

In this chapter, having been moved from the "wilderness" and brought back into the vibrant throws of heaven, John finds it in full celebration over the destruction of Babylon. Then he witnesses two of our most anticipated events: The wedding of the Lamb, and the glorious Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

v.1-4 "After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, 'Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her. Again they said, 'Alleluia! And her smoke rises up forever and ever!' And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshipped God who sat on the throne, saying, 'Amen! Alleluia!' "

"After these things”—that is, after God's vengeful judgment and destruction of Babylon—John hears the great voice of the multitudes in heaven break out into a Hallelujah chorus.

With the awareness that "the great harlot" Babylon has been uprooted, and the presence of her idolatry, wickedness, and cruelty vanquished, heaven simply cannot refrain itself from worshipping God. Moreover, because of Babylon's long corruption of the earth and her persecution and murdering of God's servants, they declare it "true and righteous" that God has made her “smoke” to rise up “forever and ever” (see also—Jer.51:47-48).

v.5-8 "Then a voice came from the throne, saying, 'Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!' And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, 'Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.' “

As one celebration ends, immediately another loud and thunderous ocean of adulation and praise begins.

"Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!" Interestingly, this is the only chapter in all of the New Testament in which the word "Alleluia” (the Old Testament word, Hallelujah) is used. And how fitting that the Holy Spirit has reserved it for this juncture of Revelation with the end so near and the glorious Return of our Lord to earth about to take place.

"Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." Although most commentators see this as an announcement for the wedding only between Christ and His Church, I tend to believe that there are actually two events inside this declaration that cause the joy and excitement in heaven.

The first, indeed, does surround the “marriage” of the Church to Jesus. For the Bible does speak of our relationship to Christ in terms prefigured by the symbol of marriage (Eph. 5:32), and it does allude to a moment in time when we will be presented to Him as a chaste virgin and intimately joined to Him for all the ages as unto a husband (2Cor. 11:2).

But I also believe that the phrase “and her wife has made herself ready” concerns the nation Israel. And is meant to mean that the nation has been reborn and made ready to receive Jesus Christ as its Messiah (see notes—Rev.12:17).

"And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." The Bride shall be “granted” to wear clean and bright fine linen, which is “the righteous acts of the saints”, because no person can ever earn the righteousness that leads to salvation by any amount of good works. All righteousness is imparted unto us from God by faith.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Eph.2:8-9; see also—Phil3:9).

v.9 "Then He said to me, 'Write: Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' And He said to me, 'These are the true sayings of God.' "

This "marriage supper” of the Lamb is not the wedding, but the ceremonial feast that traditionally follows a wedding (check—Matt.22:1-14).

Moreover, I believe that this supper will be delayed until the Millennium and served on earth; to commemorate both the marriage between Christ and His Church (that will take place in heaven before His return to earth), and the restoration of a bridal relationship between God and Israel (following His return to earth).

Bear in mind that Israel is figuratively called the “wife” of God in the Old Testament (Jer.31:32; Isa.54:5-6). And though she has been put away by God because of her sin (Isa.50:1; Jer.3:8), it's not without the assurance that God loves her still, and not without the promise that He will one day take her back and restore her unto Himself (compare—Hosea 1:2; 3:1-5).

It will all occur during the Tribulation years. God will take Israel aside and once again turn her heart back to Him, and when she is again ready to receive Him as her Husband He will return for her and “betroth” her unto Himself forever (see—Hosea 2:14-23; 5:15; 6:1-2; Isa.54:4-8).

v.10 "And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, 'See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.' "

John is so overcome with awe to hear that the eternal union with Christ is "the true sayings of God" he becomes a victim to his emotions and wrongly attempts to worship the angel. "See that you do not do that!" the angel tells John, "I am your fellow servant...Worship God!"

Then the angel adds:

"For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy"

True prophecy always surrounds Jesus Christ. Even the Revelation, despite its awesome and wondrous truths about future events, serves no other purpose than to rouse the hearer closer to Christ.

v.11 "Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses."

John's attention is suddenly drawn to the open doors of heaven where the Lord Jesus Christ in all His glory is seated upon a white horse leading the armies of heaven.

“And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True." These names define the nature of Jesus—for He is Faithful to keep His promises, He is True to His Word, and His Word is true.

"And in righteousness He judges and makes war." The war speaks of the final stage of Armageddon wherein Jesus will battle against and destroy the armies of Antichrist (see notes—14:14-20).

"His eyes were like a flame of fire." This speaks of the ability God has to see everything and miss nothing. The Bible says, "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight, but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do" (Heb.4:13).

"And on His head were many crowns." There are two Greek words used in the Revelation for “crown.” One is "Stephanos" (signifying royalty) that's used in connection with the Church (Rev.2:10; 3:11), the twenty-four elders (Rev.4:4,10), Israel (Rev.12:1), Jesus Christ (Rev.14:14), the locust-demons (Rev.9:7), and the Antichrist (Rev.6:2). The other is '"diadem” (meaning "as bound about the head”) speaks of a crown meant to signify something less than royalty. It's used in connection with seven worldly kingdoms and the ten yet-future kings that make up the heads and horns of the image of the beast (Rev.12:3; 13:1).

In this case, when Jesus returns, He will be wearing many "diadems", the crowns associated with the kingdoms of man and worn by the beast. Why, probably because as King triumphant, Jesus is showing Himself as the King of Kings against whom neither man nor kingdom can stand.

"He had a name written that no one knew except Himself." For reasons known only to Him, Jesus will bear a name unutterable and unintelligible to others.

"He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood." This is the blood of His enemies. For Jesus will severely judge and destroy their armies at Armageddon (see—Rev.16:21; Isa.63:1-4).

"And His name is called The Word of God." This is the name which has been His from the beginning with God (John 1:1,14).

"And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses." These armies in heaven are the believers the Bible has long told will join with Christ in His Second Coming. (check—Jude 14-15).

v.15-18 "Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Then I saw an angel standing in the sun and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, 'Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.' "

In one final desperate attempt to retain the world by preventing our Lord’s Coming, Satan will cause the armies of the world to do battle against the Lord. Unbeknownst to them, however, they will be gathering themselves together to receive the great judgment of God; not even aware that the fowls of heaven have been called by God to indulge themselves on the soon-to-be exposed flesh.

v.19-20 "And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh."

The reality of Armageddon is that man’s war against God never takes place, and only God battles. It’s even doubtful the armies of Antichrist ever see Jesus; most are crushed under one hundred pound hailstones unleashed in the aftermath of the seventh bowl judgment (Rev.16:17-21) even before He appears. Moreover, those who aren’t crushed are mysteriously “dissolved.” Listen to the Bible:

“And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the people who fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, and their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths” (Zech.14:12).

The Antichrist and False Prophet are rendered helpless by the breath of our Lord’s mouth and the brightness of His Coming (2 Thess.2:8) and then thrown “alive” into the lake of fire (see also—Dan.7:11).

Satan is cast into the bottomless pit (Rev.20:1-3) where he remains bound for one thousand years until again released (Rev.20:7) and then subsequently cast into the lake of fire (Rev.20:10).

It should be noted that the armies know they have gathered to fight Jesus. How they come to accept the idea they must fight Christ isn't explained, though the Bible does speak of a strong “delusion” that God permits the world to fall under, therein believing the “lie” of Antichrist (2 Thess.2:11). Perhaps the world will be conditioned during the Tribulation to believe that Jehovah God is an extra-terrestrial enemy whose power they must resist (check also—Psalm 2:1-3).

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 19

2008-10-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

1. True or False. The only time that the word "Alleluia" is used in all of the New Testament is in this chapter of Revelation. (vs. 5-7)

2. Complete this statement: "Alleluia! For the God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be __________ and ____________ and give Him glory, for the ______________ of the ________ has come, and His ________ has made herself _________." (vs. 5-7)

3. Fill in the blank: The Bride of the Lamb is the ____________. How does the Bride acquire her wedding gown? (v.8)

a. By her good works
b. She made it herself
c. She earned it while on earth
d. It is given to her

4. Which of the following best explains the "marriage supper of the Lamb"? (v.9)

a. It will be served on earth
b. It will honor the Lord and His Church
c. It will honor the Lord and Israel
d. Blessed are those who are called to attend
e. All of the above

5. Complete this statement: After restraining John from worshipping him, the angel said, "Worship God! For the _____________ of ____________ is the ____________ of _______________." (v.10)

6. Which of the following is not what John said as he beheld Christ about to leave heaven and return to earth? (v.11)

a. He is called Faithful and True
b. His eyes were a flame of fire
c. His robe was white and clean
d. He had a name known only to Himself
e. His name was called The Word of God
f. Upon His heads were many crowns

7. True or False. Jesus will strike the nations down with a sword He yields in His right hand. (vs. 15-18)

8. True or False. The "supper of the Great God" that follows Armageddon concerns a gathering of birds to eat the flesh of the dead. (vs. 15-18)

9. Which of the following does John bring to light in his epilogue of Armageddon? (v.20)

a. There will be many soldiers who survive
b. The nations go to Armageddon to fight against Christ
c. The Antichrist and the false prophet are cast "alive" into Gehenna
d. Both (b) and (c)

Revelation 18, The Judgment of Babylon

2008-10-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

In this chapter, another angel of great authority repeats the prediction about Babylon’s complete and utter destruction and then signifies it with an unusual ritual last performed in the Old Testament.

v.1-3 "After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice saying, 'Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a habitation of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.' "

This chapter continues with the fall of Babylon, but unlike the previous chapter, it’s not John’s eyewitness account of the city’s ruin. Instead, it's an angel’s narration of what occurs as a result of her judgment. A judgment so absolutely determined by God against the city that He sees fit to repeat the prediction in His Revelation to John.

God has spoken these words against Babylon before. Listen to the ancient prophets.

“Babylon is fallen, is fallen! And all the carved images of her gods He has broken to the ground” (Isa.21:9).

“‘For I will rise up against them,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And cut off from Babylon the name and remnant, and offspring and posterity,’ says the Lord. ‘I will also make it a possession for the porcupine, and marshes of muddy water; I will sweep it with the broom of destruction,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Isa.14:22-23).

"Because of the wrath of the Lord she shall not be inhabited, but she shall be wholly desolate. Everyone who goes by Babylon shall be horrified and hiss at all her plagues; 'They shall not take from you a stone for a corner nor a stone for a foundation, but you shall be desolate for ever,' says the Lord" (Jer.50:13; 51:26).

Why does God repeat in the future that which He declared in the past? Because the utter destruction announced against Babylon didn’t occur during the fall of the ancient city because it's reserved for the Tribulation upon the rebuilt city of Babylon. And at that time, the words of the prophets will come to pass. Everyone in the city will die, every one of her buildings and structures will be leveled, all will be wholly desolate, and nothing but demons released from the dead and scavenger birds coming to feed upon the carnage will even dare enter it.

“…the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” In the same way Babylon was shown for her apostasy in the previous chapter, she is also indicted for luring man away from God through “commercialism” in this chapter. The Bible never condemns money itself as an evil, but it does adamantly call the love of money the “root of all evil” (I Tim.6:10). “You cannot serve God and mammon,” Jesus said. “For either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other” (Matt.6:24). And by the enticements of her luxury, Babylon causes man to love money and thereby to hate God; an idolatry associated with the city of Babylon’s glory long past, and once again predominate in the city of Babylon’s glory yet to come.

v.4-7 "And I heard another voice from heaven saying, 'Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mixed for her double. In the measure that she glorified herself and lived sensually, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, 'I sit as a queen, and am no widow and will not see sorrow.'

During the Tribulation, the rebuilt city of Babylon will thrive with international bankers and corporate executives, mercantile barons and shipping magnates. Even in the midst of the terrible plagues of the Tribulation, it will be business as usual. All the money-worshiping, power-seeking money kings will be there to take advantage of the situation and increase their riches still more, and Jews will likely be part of that mix; a probable reason why Jesus repeatedly warns them ("my people") to leave Babylon.

“For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.” It has been said, "Babylon has a long history of accumulated sins, and God has the record.” The evil Babylon has long rendered to God, He will repay her "double" the evil in vengeance. In the same measure she has glorified herself and lived sensually God will measure unto her torment and sorrow.

"For she says in her heart, 'I sit as a queen, and am no widow and will not see sorrow.'” This was first said of Babylon after the ancient Empire conquered and mistreated Israel (check--Isa.47:5-8). It intends to show the prideful indignation of those in Babylon and carries the notion that they consider themselves above the children of Israel, and by their defeat of the Nation, above even the One true God.

v.8-10 'Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. And the kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgments has come.'

Babylon’s destruction by “fire” will come unexpectedly, suddenly, and with utter destruction. The intensity of which is described by the prophets.

"Behold, they shall burn as stubble," Isaiah writes, "the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame; it shall not be a coal to be warmed by, nor a fire to sit before!" (Isa.47:14). "The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire,” Jeremiah said. “The people will labor in vain, and the nations, because of the fire; and they shall be weary" (Jer.51:58).

As a result, people around the globe will dread the fire and stand at a distance “for fear of her torment.” Moreover, the corporate leaders, investors, and financiers who "committed fornication and lived luxuriously" with Babylon will stand back and wail—or more literally—they will sob convulsively and beat their breasts in anguish because of her destruction.

v.11-14 'And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. And the fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all.

There is not a single necessity in this list. Everything mentioned is for either luxury, self-indulgence, or pleasure. It even includes the "bodies and souls of men”, perhaps a reference to the fashion or entertainment industry, or something more perverse like prostitution or pornography.

“And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore.” I have always considered this heavy lament over the fact that no one buys the goods and merchandise anymore to be somewhat of a mystery.

After all, it would seem that the goods and merchandise are replaceable, and they could be sold again despite the financial loss. Yet there is anguish, why? I believe that it’s because it concerns more than the loss of a few goods and services. In my opinion, when Antichrist destroys Babylon, he also does away with free enterprise. For soon after, his government will introduce the "mark" that controls who buys and who sells.

“And the fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you…” Jesus said, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15). When a person’s wealth becomes the “fruit” they most long to possess, it suggests a denial of God by neglecting the fruit of His Spirit.

v.15-20 'The merchants of these things, who become rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.' And every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade by the sea, stood at a distance and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like this great city? And they threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate. Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!' "

It shouldn’t surprise us that God’s judgment of Babylon causes heaven to rejoice. For at long last the great city founded by man in rebellion against God (Gen.11:4) and the world system it produced at enmity with God (James 4:4) will be gone.

v.21-24 "Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, 'Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. And no craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore. And the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. And the light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore. And the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all nations were deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.' "

Taking up a stone and throwing it into the sea by this mighty angel is so similar to an action recorded in the book of Jeremiah that we would be remiss not to consider it as a probable explanation.

Prior to ancient Babylon’s fall to the Medes the prophet Jeremiah wrote upon a scroll all the words of God concerning her fall. Then he ordered a man named Seraiah to read the scroll aloud at Babylon followed with instructions to afterward tie it to a millstone and then throw it into the Euphrates (Jer.51:59-62). Listen to the rest of it:

“Now it shall be, when you have finished reading this book, that you shall tie a stone to it and throw it into the Euphrates. Then you shall say, ‘Thus Babylon shall sink and not rise from the catastrophe that I will bring upon her. And they shall be weary’ “(Jer.51:63-64)

In my opinion, this chapter repeats the action taken by Seraiah. The angel first recites the calamity of Babylon and then tosses a rock into the sea to confirm it. Moreover, I feel it all intends to show that Babylon has yet to endure the full wrath of God's judgment, but during the middle of the Tribulation, it will.

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 18

2008-10-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

1. In his opening statement to John, the angel uses graphic imagery to describe the destruction of Babylon. What is it that he said? (vs. 1-2)

a. Babylon will put up a bloody fight
b. Babylon will be utterly destroyed
c. Babylon will become a habitation of demons and scavenger birds
d. Both (b) and (c).

2. True or False. When the angel told John, "the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her," he was suggesting that the world leaders will embrace the Babylonish world system of covetousness. (v.3)

3. Who is it that Jesus warns to get out of Babylon? (vs. 4-5)

a. The women and the children
b. God's people, the Jews
c. The corporate executives
d. Everyone living within the city limits

4. What is that the Father is asked to do with Babylon? (vs. 6-7)

a. Be patient with her
b. Repay her double
c. Give her torment and sorrow
d. Both (b) and (c).

5. True or False. The plagues brought upon Babylon will span a period of three and a half years and slowly destroy her. (vs. 8-10)

6. Which describes the merchants’ reaction to the destruction of Babylon? (vs. 11-13)

a. They are humbled before God
b. They bewail those who die in Babylon
c. They bewail the loss of necessities needed by the world
d. They bewail because of their own self-interests

7. Complete this statement: "And the __________ that your ________ longed for has _______ from you, and _____ the things which are ______ and _________ have gone from you, and you shall find them ______________ _____________." (v.14)

8. Fill in the blank: What are those in heaven encouraged to do in the aftermath of Babylon's destruction? _______________________. (vs. 15-20)

9. True or False. The throwing of the large stone into the sea at the conclusion of this chapter is consistent with how Jeremiah concluded his warning of judgment against ancient Babylon. Therefore the angel might have repeated it here in Revelation to establish the fact that God’s word will come to pass, and that Babylon will in deed vanish forever. (vs. 21-23)

10. True or False. The spirit of Babylon is both perverse religion and covetousness, and has resulted in the suffering and death of many innocent people. (v.24)

Revelation 17, The Harlot and the Beast

2008-10-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

In this chapter, John gets a more detailed look at BABYLON THE GREAT and the beast that God uses to destroy her.

v.1-2 "Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, 'Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.'

With the judgments of God complete, one of the angels used in the deployment of the judgments comes to show John the judgment of the “great harlot.” Which we come to see is the city of Babylon (v.18), and thus the fulfillment of the flying angel’s prophecy that Babylon would fall (Rev.14:8).

She is "the great harlot” because she is a spiritual fornicator that serves and worships gods other than Jehovah God.

She "sits on many waters" because she holds power, authority, and influence over many people, nations, and tongues.

She is the one "with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication" because she has caused world leaders to join with her in her idolatry, spiritual wickedness, and contempt for God and His people.

She is the one who has made the earth “drunk with the wine of her fornication” because she has caused the inhabitants of the earth to become intoxicated (deranged) because of her many idols, and in so doing has led multitudes away from the truth of God and the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

v.3-5 "So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness, And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of the abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."

The angel carries John away to the “wilderness” (or as the word implies, a “lonely and desolate” place) that is not identified. Some have suggested that this wilderness place speaks of some remote area of the earth, and others suggest that it might even be the earth itself. We don't know. But it’s not where John was, and it’s clearly far removed from the other activities in heaven (which is not explained).

Okay, let’s examine John’s eyewitness account of the woman, but for our purposes, in the reverse order, beginning with her name.

She is MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. How she came to earn this name is explained in her history.

Babylon first appears in the Bible as a kingdom named “Babel” (Gen.10:10), a word that means “confusion” because of God’s confusion-of-tongues judgment upon the rebellious who lived there (Gen.11:9). Following the great flood, God instructed man to disperse and "fill the earth" in order to replenish it with humanity (Gen.9:1). In blatant disobedience to the will of God, however, a descendant of Cush called Nimrod rallied the people to built a city whose tower “may reach unto heaven” to gain “a name” for themselves, and lest they “be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth” (Gen.11:3-4). As a result, God changed their languages to prevent them from communicating amongst themselves, and thus forced them to disperse (Gen.11:5-8).

But not before Satan impregnated them with a taste and irresistible desire for a commercial and pagan “world-system” in defiance of God; which they in turn carried away with them to every region of the planet. The self-same God-less system of materialism, vain philosophy, and malignant religious practices known as “the world” which has opposed God in every generation since (Jas.4:4), and given breath to the spirit of “Babylon” in all ages.

Now let’s consider the rest of her.

She is “sitting on a scarlet beast, which is full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.” The beast’s identity is interpreted for us later so allow me to defer a comment about this to another passage (v.15).

And she “was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of the abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.” This speaks of her as both prominent and influentially wicked; with the prominence of a queen she has openly enticed man to drink from her cup of abominations and filthiness (check—Rev.18:3,7).

v.6-7 "And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. But the angel said to me, 'Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.”

When the Godless world-system cannot subvert truth by infiltration and false teaching, it will seek to destroy it by persecution. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, you know it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:18-19). As a result, through the ages, so many multitudes of true believers have shed their blood in the cause of Christ and during the Tribulation so many more, that John sees the woman “drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.”

“And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.” It’s uncertain whether John was bewildered by the image of the woman as in dumbfounded, or, merely surprised to see Babylon anywhere in the future. Especially in a place of prominence, for the glory Babylon had during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar had long since vanished many hundreds of years before the time of John.

v.8 'The beast you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

This repeated thought that the beast “was…was not…was again” corresponds with what we read earlier about the Antichrist (see notes—Rev.13:3-4).

That at the height of his political notoriety he is struck down by an assassin, appears to die, then “miraculously” recovers to the awe of the world, or as this passage declares, “those who dwell on the earth will marvel…when they see the beast.” In other words, Antichrist "was" (a living person), "was not" (appeared dead), and "was again" (appeared resurrected back to life).

And the beast “will ascend out of the bottomless pit.” That is, when Antichrist resurrects from "death" he will be bodily possessed by Satan. The man who once ascended from the womb of a woman will now ascend from hell, and therein transform from the man that was into the most vile and evil human being that has ever lived.

And the beast will “go to perdition.” His reign of terror will be temporary, however. After three and a half years, God will judge him, remove him from this planet, and cast him, along with the false prophet, into eternal damnation (Rev.19:20).

v.9-11 'Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. And the beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eight, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition.

Some commentators interpret these seven heads that are "seven mountains” to mean the literal city of Rome because it sits upon seven hills; leading them to suggest that the woman in the image is the Catholic Church, because the Vatican is located in Rome. But I don’t agree with that interpretation.

A “mountain” is frequently used in Scripture figuratively to mean a “kingdom”. The kingdom of the Messiah, for example, is figured by a mountain (Dan.2:35), as is the ancient Babylonian kingdom (Jer.51:25). Moreover, this passage says there are “seven kings”, making it more logical to consider these as mountains of kingdoms, and not literal mountains.

At the time of John, five large and influential kingdoms had indeed fallen: Assyria, Egypt, Babylon, Media-Persia, and Greece. Rome, a sixth kingdom, was presently in power. And a seventh king—the man Antichrist—had “not yet come.” The woman sits upon these seven kingdoms to show her presiding as queen over these kingdoms; each a kingdom full of her abominations and wickedness.

“And when he comes, he must continue a short time.” This speaks of the seventh king, the man Antichrist. His reign will be a “short time” when compared to all other kingdoms that existed before him, lasting a mere three and a half years.

"And the beast…is himself also the eight." The idea that Antichrist, who is the seventh king, would also become the eighth king seems redundant. After all, if he were already king of an empire, why would he supplant himself?

The answer is that during the first half of the Tribulation, Antichrist is king over a confederation of European states only, not king over the entire world. He is a man, and his kingdom is of man. During the second half of Tribulation, however, having been possessed by Satan with his full authority and power, he will become the beastly eight king as the incarnation of Satan. And will rule, not as a man, but as the devil over the entire world.

v.12-14 'And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.' "

The "ten horns" of the beast are ten kings that comprise the kingdom of Antichrist during the first half of Tribulation. None individually rules the world, but collectively “as kings with the beast”, become an empire that mutually shares in the “hour” of power allotted to Antichrist—perhaps like a United Nations.

The prophet Daniel tells us more about these nations along with the origin of the Antichrist inside two of his visions.

In one, Daniel saw a composite image of a man that had a head of gold, arms and chest of silver, belly of brass, legs of iron, and ten toes partly of iron and partly of clay which he later interprets to be a succession of Gentile empires: Babylon (the head of gold), Media-Persia (the arms of silver), Greece (the belly of brass), Rome (the legs of iron), and an unnamed empire of the last days being the ten toes of iron mingled with clay (Daniel 2).

In a subsequent vision, the prophet saw the same succession of Gentile empires in the form of animals. Babylon was a lion, Media-Persia was a bear, Greece was a leopard, Rome was a creature identified only as a "dreadful and terrible" beast, and the last day’s empire shown merely as ten horns growing from the head of this fourth dreadful and terrible beast. Then Daniel saw "another horn, a little one" coming up among the ten horns which plucked out three of the first horns, “And there, in this horn, were the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words,” Daniel writes (Dan.7).

This has lead some commentators to conclude that Antichrist’s kingdom and origin consists of a conglomerate of ten nations once a part of the old Roman Empire; comprising a revived form of that Empire (see also notes—Rev.13:2).

Some go further. They see the European Union as the fulfillment of this kingdom. Since it was founded in 1951, the EU not only has become one of this world's most formidable political, economic, and military blocks, but all of the European nations currently in the EU can be traced back to the old Roman Empire. If this is correct, that the EU becomes man's final kingdom on earth, than we are witnesses, dear ones, to what shall become the body of nations from which Antichrist will one day emerge.

“These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast...” Sovereign nations willing to give up their power and authority to one world leader is already becoming a reality in our present day. We need only to look at NATO, the United Nations, or the EU to see how the global quest for peace has brought nations together with treaties and contractual agreements into a single unified body. So the stage is set. The charismatic Antichrist needs only to surface to win them over and lead them, and for Satan to “resurrect” inside him to become their king.

“These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." There will be no other power on earth but the kingdom of Satan during the second half of the Tribulation. And only the Lamb, the Lord of Lords, can overcome it.

v.15-18 "And he said to me, 'The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.' "

This chapter ends with additional information about Mystery Babylon: She is a city, and she is destroyed by the government of Antichrist.

We’ve discussed how the harlot Babylon characterizes the corrupt world-system of false religion and commercialism diabolically opposed to God. That she is "seated upon" the beast (v. 3-4) to show her authority and influence over the beast and the masses of people influenced by the corrupt world system she personifies.

We haven't yet considered, however, that she is also a literal city. Nor have we reconciled how a literal city might subject Antichrist, cause people in every nation, culture, and ethnic background to surrender sovereignty, or why Antichrist would destroy it.

Let’s start with a prophecy that concerns the ancient city of Babylon’s destruction.

During the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Babylon was at the height of its glory as the capital city of the vast and formidable Babylonian empire. After God brought judgment against her, however, she was over thrown and destroyed. But according to Jeremiah, God's judgment stated that nothing would remain of her, not even a stone to build a foundation (Jer.50:26; 51:26).

Yet, as one commentator points out, stones from Babylon were found in a rock quarry in the 1800’s, suggesting that the prophecy against the city has not yet been fulfilled. Moreover, beginning in 1970 Saddam Hussein spent millions rebuilding Babylon, thus seeming to contradict God’s proclamation to make Babylon “desolate forever” (Jer.51:26). The notion is that God intended to fulfill the prophecy at a future time, and would ultimately destroy the literal city of Babylon during the Tribulation.

Okay, now let's see how a city might influence the people and the beast.

Sometime during the first half of Tribulation, I believe that some event will bring about a consolidated Arab alliance that unites their people and causes them to make Babylon their capitol. The Arabs currently possess half of this planet's oil reserves and Islam is the largest, fastest growing, and most influential religion in the world. So it’s at least conceivable that a merger of these economic and spiritual blocks of powers could give Babylon influential control over the world, including the European government of Antichrist. Yes, such an amalgamation seems unlikely currently because the Arab oil cartels are fractured by greed and Islam is divided. But we can’t deny the ability of spiritual forces to arrange it.

Finally, let’s consider why a composite of nations as civilized as the Europeans would agree to wage war against the Arabs at a literal city of Babylon, and for that matter, why Satan would want to eliminate the world-system (characterized by Babylon) that has long been his virtual "stronghold" of evil throughout the ages.

The answer to the first part is given to us. "And the ten horns…will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked…and burn her with fire. For God has put it in their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast.” It's straightforward: God motivates the decision-makers to give their kingdom to Antichrist, and in turn to hate and subsequently destroy any power on earth that controls him, or would prevent him from achieving absolute worship from all men.

As for the second part, I believe the reason why Satan destroys the Babylon-ish world-system of commercialism and false religion is to subject all men to him by the elimination of entrepreneurial and moral freedom. Between the mark of the beast and his image, and no other available choice, all men will be required to seek, serve, and worship him alone.

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 17

2008-10-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

1. Which of the following opening statements was NOT made to John concerning Babylon? (vs. 1-2)

a. She is "the great harlot"
b. She symbolizes the city of Rome
c. The kings of the earth have committed fornication with her
d. The inhabitants of the earth were made drunk by her

2. True or False. John saw the great harlot beautifully adorned and carrying a scarlet beast upon her shoulders. (vs. 3-4)

3. Complete this statement: "And on her ____________ a name was written: ____________ BABYLON THE GREAT, THE ____________ OF HARLOTS AND OF THE __________________ OF THE _______________.” (v.5)

4. Which of the following might best explain why the great harlot bore such a strange and perverse name? (v.5)

a. The city was originally founded in rebellion against God
b. Historically, she is the fountain-head of malignant religious practices and false deities
c. She has influenced hundreds of thousands away from God
d. All of the above.

5. True or False. For all wickedness attributed to Babylon, at least it can be said that a Babylon-ish society would never consider murdering God's people. (v.6)

6. In his explanation of the "beast" (Antichrist), the angel told John that he "was", "is not", and will "ascend out of the bottomless pit." Which of the following might explain what the angel meant? (v.8)

a. It is a mystery of God which is not intended to be understood
b. Antichrist will appear in power, be dethroned, and then again emerge in power
c. Antichrist will appear to die, then appear to resurrect, and in the process become possessed by Satan
d. None of the above.

7. True or False. The meaning of the "seven heads" of the beast is this: They represent seven kingdoms. Five having passed prior to John's lifetime, the Roman kingdom being the sixth, and yet future kingdom of Antichrist being the seventh. (vs. 9-10)

8. True or False. The Antichrist is the "seventh" king, and then becomes the "eight" king when resurrects as Satan-incarnate. (v.11)

9. Who are the "ten horns" on the head of the beast according to the interpretation of the angel? (v.12)

a. The European Union
b. Ten kings who rule with Antichrist for "one hour"
c. Ten kings who subsequently give their power and authority to Antichrist
d. Both (b) and (c).

10. Which of the following statements is NOT true concerning the desolation of the "harlot" Babylon? (vs. 16-17)

a. Antichrist and his kingdom of nations will hate her
b. Antichrist and his kingdom of nations will destroy her
c. God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose
d. Antichrist will lose the support of many of his followers as a result

11. True or False. Babylon does not represent a literal city. (v.18)

Revelation 16, The Full Wrath of God is Delivered

2008-10-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

In this chapter, John watches seven chosen angels pour out the seven last bowls of judgment filled with the full wrath of God onto the earth during the last half of Tribulation.

v.1 "Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, 'Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.' "

This marks the beginning of what will be the most horrific period in the history of man. Regarding this time, Jesus said, “For then will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matt.24:21). Other prophets call it the “day of the Lord”; when God’s wrath and fierce anger come as destruction, with darkness and gloominess, causing devastation, desolation, and distress upon men.

"Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger to lay the land desolate; and He will destroy its sinners from it" (Isa.13:9).

"Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand: it shall come as destruction from the Almighty…a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness…" (Joel 1:15; 2:2).

“That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of devastation and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet and alarm against the fortified cities and against the high towers. I will bring distress upon men, and they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like refuse” (Zeph.1:15-17).

As we read the judgments, pay close attention to the striking resemblance many bear to those God imposed on Egypt in the deliverance of Israel from the bondage of Pharaoh (Ex.8-11). Moreover, not unlike those judgments in Egypt, which broke an oppressive kingdom and delivered Israel from slavery, by these judgments the kingdom of Satan will be destroyed; Satan himself will be immobilized; and the nation of Israel will once again be delivered from bondage forever. “For it is the day of the Lord’s vengeance,” Isaiah says, “the year of recompense for the cause of Zion” (Isa.34:8).

Also, keep in mind that the period covered by these plagues is three and a half years. So I would assume at least some of the judgments evolve in intensity during that time and therefore don’t reach their absolute and deadliest worst until the end, just before the Coming of Christ.

v.2 "So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast, and those who worshiped his image."

This "first judgment" is appropriately poured upon the earth, which is the kingdom of Satan.

As a result, those who had taken the mark of the beast and worshiped his image, break out in a “foul and loathsome” sore. But this is no mere skin blemish; the thought conveyed is a “diseased and malignant” sore that is both highly repulsive and agonizingly painful to those who are afflicted by it. The cause is unknown, though one commentator speculates that the sore could be the result of a lithium leak from the computer chip implanted under ones skin, and another, that it might be form of cancer resulting from the fourth judgment upon the sun (vs. 8-9).

v.3 "Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died."

This "second judgment" is poured out upon the sea.

As a result, the oceans become blood, in turn killing every fish, mammal, and organism in every ocean in the world. This will not only contribute to famine, but considering the valuable food chain that the oceans supply, will undoubtedly have a devastating impact on the world's economy as well.

v.4 "Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood."

This "third judgment" is poured out upon the rivers and springs.

This causes all the fresh water both above and below ground to become blood; thereby eliminating the presence of all drinking water, and further reducing the availability of food generally provided by fresh water lakes and streams.

v.5-7 "And I heard the angel of the waters saying: 'You are righteous, O Lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be, because You have judged these things. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due.' And I heard another from the altar saying, 'Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.' "

This is heaven’s reassurance that God’s judgments are purposeful and just.

Note how incessantly ready the angel is for them to finally occur and how genuinely righteous the angel acknowledges them to be, and who better, but an angel, could give testimony to such things. For angels know the whole story of man’s rebellion, and have remained astute witnesses to the bloodshed of God’s saints from the very beginning.

It’s unclear whether this “angel of the waters” is a specific angel whose duties might include charge over the waters, or the third angel whose bowl turned the waters to blood. As for the answering cry made from the altar, it would seem that that came from the souls of the Tribulation martyrs John saw earlier at the altar crying out for God to avenge them (Rev.6:9-11).

v.8-9 "Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God, who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory."

This "fourth judgment" is poured upon the sun.

This results in men being so severely scorched by fire and great heat that the prophet Malachi refers to it figuratively as an oven that will burn up the wicked like stubble (Mal.4:1).

The cause of this solar event is speculative. Some have suggested a super nova (a process at the end of a star’s life in which it becomes intensely brighter just before it burns out). Others see it as a dramatic depletion in the ozone layer resulting in extremely high levels of ultra violet rays.
Whatever its cause, the hearts of the people in these last days would have become so incurably wicked that even in their suffering, rather than repent, they only grow in their contempt for God. (see also—2Tim.3:13).

v.10-11 "Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain. And they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and sores, and did not repent of their deeds."

This "fifth judgment" is poured out upon the throne of the beast himself, causing his kingdom to become absolute and utter darkness.

Any number of catastrophes, including a nuclear blast, forest fires, oil fires, or volcanic eruptions could explain the sudden darkness, and most certainly fits what the prophet Joel describes as pillars of smoke being the cause (Joel 2:30-31). But we don't know.

Nonetheless, for all the turmoil, chaotic despair, and gnawing pain these plagues are causing, the people are so dark spiritually and morally that they continue to blaspheme God and do not repent.

"For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people" (Isa.60:2)

v.12-15 "Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the kings from the east might be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame."

This "sixth judgment" is poured out upon the Euphrates River.

This causes the river to dry up and in turn prepares “the way” for the kings from the east, or more literally “the kings of the rising sun.” Moreover, in concert with the elimination of the Euphrates, comes the release of three unclean spirits, who, through the performing of signs, awaken the kings of the earth to gather them for battle at Armageddon (see also—Rev.14:17-20).

It should be noted that the final divine promise Jesus makes regarding His Coming "Behold, I am coming as a thief" seems out of place in this passage, having nothing to do with the context before or after it. Moreover, its common use in Scripture regards the need for the Christian to be ready and watchful for the imminent return of Christ. At this point, however, the rapture is already past, so it's not directed to the Church. It's possible that it's a call for repentance to the unbelievers watching this event (check—Zep.2:1-3), or maybe God is engaging the believers alive in this world to prepare for it as He is doing today.

v.16 "And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon."

The word "Armageddon" is a compound of the two Hebrew words, “Har-megiddo”, which means “Mountain of Megiddo.” It lies to the west of Jordan about sixty-eight miles north of Jerusalem near the town of Nazareth in the vast plains of Esdraelon; a Greek modification of the name Jezreel, or “God sorrows,” an area roughly fourteen miles wide and twenty miles long.

Traditionally, the plains of Esdraelon have been a chosen place or encampment and popular battlefield throughout Israel’s history. Including wars against such mortal enemies as the Canaanites, Midianites, Philistines, and Egyptians; and under the command of such notables as Deborah (Judges 4:4-10; 5:19), Gideon (Judges 7:1-25), Saul (1Sam.31:1-3), and Josiah (2Chron.35:22).

Given its capability to be a bivouac area for sizable troops, along with Israel’s historical connection with it, Armageddon seems to explain why God has chosen it as the epicenter to defeat His enemies and those of His people once and for all.

v.17-21 "Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, 'It is done!' And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And great hail from heaven fell upon men, every hailstone about the weight of a talent. And men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great."

This "seventh judgment" is poured into the air, perhaps because the devil is “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph.2:2). It is the final outpouring of God’s great wrath, and brings to an end the tribulation judgments.

The words “It is done!” are clearly those of God because they are spoken from within the temple where God has remained alone during the judgments (see notes—Rev.15:8). It signifies that the mystery of God has finally been answered, the bowls of wrath have fully been poured, and His judgment work on earth is done.

As a result, there will be a great earthquake of such magnitude that the earth is said to be “violently broken…split open…shaken exceedingly” (Isa.24:19). By it, Jerusalem ("the great city") will divide into three parts, the remains of Babylon will be completely disposed of, cities will be toppled, and virtually every island and mountain range around the globe will be leveled.

Moreover, there will be “hailstones” or a “hail of stones” (the literal Greek meaning) weighing seventy-five pounds that will plummet from heaven “as fruit falling from a fig tree” (Isa.34:2-4) and virtually stone the wicked; as one commentator points out, an appropriate ending to the judgments considering that God has made blasphemy punishable by stoning (Lev.24:11-16).

There is one battle yet remaining. My opinion is that the horrific outcome of this outpouring causes man to make war against Christ Himself at His Second Coming (check—Rev.19:19), ultimately bringing to an end life on this planet as we know it.

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 16

2008-10-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

1. Complete this Statement: "Then I heard a loud voice from the ____________ saying to the __________ angels, 'Go and ________ out the _________ of the __________ of ________ on the __________.' " (v.1)

2. Fill in the blanks: Name the three things affected by the outpouring of the first three judgments? (vs. 2-4)

a. The first judgment:______________________________________.
b. The second judgment:___________________________________.
c. The third judgment:_____________________________________.

3. True or False. Some angels can’t help but question God’s motives as He pours out His judgments. (vs. 5-7)

4. Fill in the blanks: Name the three things affected by the outpouring of the next three judgments? (vs. 8-12)

a. The fourth judgment:________________________________.
b. The fifth judgment:__________________________________.
c. The sixth judgment:__________________________________.

5. True or False. The "frog-like" demons that came from the mouth of Satan, Antichrist, and the false prophet, subsequently awaken the kings of the earth to join forces with Antichrist, and to do battle against God. (vs. 13-14)

6. Which might be the best explanation of Armageddon? (v.16)

a. It will be demon-inspired
b. It will be a gathering of armies in Israel
c. It will be according to the purposes of God
d. All of the above

7. What did Jesus mean—following the outpouring of the seventh bowl judgment—when He said, “It is done!” (v.17)

a. The mystery of God is complete
b. The full wrath of God has been spent
c. He has completed His redemptive work
d. He is about to return
e. All of the above

8. True or False. The "great earthquake" recorded in this chapter will divide Jerusalem into three parts, demolish the ruins of Babylon, and topple every city on the globe. (vs. 18-20)

9. Which of the following will not occur at Armageddon? (v.21)

a. Great hail will fall from heaven
b. Absolute annihilation of the armies gathered there
c. The world-at-large will still blasphemy God
d. All of mankind will die as a result

Revelation 15, Heaven Prepares to Deliver God's Full Wrath

2008-10-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

Having witnessed heaven prepare the world to receive the outpouring of God's full wrath, in this chapter John watches as heaven prepares to deliver it.

v.1 "Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete."

This is the last set of seven judgments delivered during the tribulation, and is unquestionably the worst of all. “For in them,” John says, “the wrath of God is complete." That is, they contain the full bounty of all of God’s righteous indignation, fierce anger, and fury against all that is evil; and by them, He will hold nothing back, nor will He keep any of His power hidden.

We must always keep in mind that the long patience of God that permits sin does not mean that He will excuse sin. God has plainly said: "I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity" (Isa.13:11). So to the same degree that God is merciful, He is also holy, and because He is holy He must judge sin.

v.2-4 "And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: 'Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested.' "

This group John sees in heaven are the men and women hunted down during the Tribulation and murdered for their refusal to accept the mark of the beast. Thus, they have victory over the beast for having clearly passed through death in possession of their souls (see—Matt.10:28).

The “sea of glass” probably alludes to the beautiful “sea of glass like unto crystal” that John saw earlier before the throne of God (Rev.4:6). Why the sea is mingled with fire is not explained, but here are several suggestions. Either the image intends to show these martyrs standing in victory over that frightful persecution by the beast and over all the fiery trials brought against them for keeping the commandments of God; or it’s a symbolic representation of the coming judgment of God.

Whatever the case, it’s upon this sea that they sing two songs of deliverance. The “song of Moses”, the same song the nation of Israel sang after God miraculously delivered them safely across the Red Sea from the oppression of Egypt, and then in full view, destroyed the armies of Pharaoh behind them (Ex.15:1-21). And the “song of the Lamb”, which speaks of our redemption in Jesus Christ and our miraculous deliverance from death to life (check—Rev.5:9-12). On the victory shores of heaven, the Tribulation martyrs can sing both songs. For they have, by physical death, been delivered from the oppression of Antichrist whom God is about to destroy behind them in the sea of His full wrath. And at the same time by the blood of Jesus Christ, they have been delivered from the death of trespasses and sins, and made alive in Him (Eph.2:1).

v.5-8 "After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. And out of the temple came seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed."

This concluding passage brings us to what I consider one of the most sobering and compelling scenes in all of Revelation. As heaven prepares to deliver the final awful judgments of God upon the world, God retreats alone into His temple.

Picture the scene, dear ones.

Seven angels come forth in procession from the temple to an awaiting living creature, where each angel is given a golden bowl of plagues to deliver upon the earth. All the while, behind them the temple fills with the "smoke" of God’s glory and power as He conceals Himself inside the temple, allowing none to enter it until the plagues are delivered, and each plague has completely run its course.

So why would God choose to be alone? One would think that, now at the threshold of this world's purging and the uprooting of the Adversary's kingdom, a king’s reaction would be the opposite in the face of battle. That he would openly delight in the vanquishing of his enemy.

Perhaps the answer is at Golgotha. The one other place where God poured out His full wrath to achieve complete victory, yet likewise retreated until the judgment had passed. Where Jesus Christ the Son and Lamb of God, being made sin for us, hung in darkness, and in the absence of the Father cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matt.27:46).

God is holy and therefore God must judge sin. Nonetheless, God is also love. Perhaps He retreats into His temple alone because He takes no pleasure in judgment, regardless how great the victory.

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 15

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1. True or False. As horrible as the last seven plagues will be, at least it can be said that they do not yet contain the full wrath of God. (v.1)

2. Which of the following best describes the assembly shown to John standing on the "sea of glass" in heaven? (v.2)

a. They are the ones who are raptured before the Tribulation
b. They are the ones who refuse the mark of the beast
c. They are the Tribulation martyrs
d. Both (b) and (c)

3. Identify the two songs sung to God by this heavenly assembly. (vs. 3-4)

a. The song of Moses
b. The song of Solomon
c. The song of the Good Shepherd
d. The song of the Lamb

4. True or False. The seven angels who deliver the last seven bowls of judgment came out from within the temple. (vs. 5-6)

5. Complete this statement: "Then one of the four __________________ gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls ________ of the __________ of God who lives forever and ever." (vs. 5-6)

6. Complete this statement: After John witnessed the temple filling with the Shekinah glory of God, ________________ was permitted to ___________ the temple until the seven ______________ of the seven angels were ________________. (v.8)

7. Which might be a possible explanation for God choosing to be alone? (v.8)

a. He wanted to reconsider the judgments
b. He wanted to be alone until the first judgment was completed
c. He needed to prepare the judgments
d. He takes no pleasure in judgment regardless how great the victory

Revelation 14, Heaven Prepares the World to Receive God’s Full Wrath

2008-10-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

This chapter opens with a glimpse of Jesus Christ then shows us a "behind-the-scenes" look at heaven as it prepares the world to receive God’s full wrath.

v.1-5 "Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. And they sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile, for they are without fault before the throne of God."

In stark contrast to the counterfeit lamb rising out of the earth in the last chapter, John beholds the true Lamb of God standing on Mount Zion (the future site of His Millennium reign; Isa.2:2-3, Ps.132:13-14). The one hundred and forty-four thousand with Him are those upon whom God had earlier sealed as immunization against the plagues about to be unleashed on the earth-dwellers (Rev.7:1-8). Seemingly, just before the final bowls of judgment are poured upon the earth, the Lord stops to reassure His own that He has already taken His place in government and that His own are safe in Him.

Okay, let’s look at the one hundred and forty-four thousand and consider the many unique and exclusive characteristics that surround them.

They sing a “new” song. For all the songs sung in heaven, only two are called new songs. That sung earlier by the twenty-four elders (Rev.5:9) and this one. Moreover, though loudly exclaimed and joyfully celebrated by those who hear it, this song cannot be learned by anyone in heaven but by the one hundred and forty-four thousand. This is probably because of how uniquely different they are from other groups. They are saved after the rapture; subsequently given protection from death by a guarding seal; and they accomplish a very demanding ministry during a time when man’s greatest persecution and God’s greatest judgments are on earth.
They are virgins who have not been defiled with women. This might suggest that they are unmarried men (check—Matt.19:12).
They "follow the Lamb wherever He goes.” This probably hints at their future place in the Millennial Kingdom, and perhaps explains why they are revealed to John alongside of Jesus on Mount Zion.
They "were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” In other words, they are God’s Tribulation harvest. They are planted during the Tribulation, bear fruit throughout the Tribulation, and then redeemed from among men at the end of the Tribulation.
"And in their mouth was found no guile." The word guile means “without decoy, or deceit,” and undoubtedly alludes to the fact that they do not accept "the lie" perpetrated by Antichrist (see—2Thess.2:11). In other words, their witness of Jesus Christ remains true, completely without compromise, and thus "without fault before the throne of God.”

v.6-11 "Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth-- to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people-- saying with a loud voice, 'Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.' And another angel followed, saying, 'Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.' Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, 'If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength 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. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they shall have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.' "

In this quick succession of three flying angels, John records the ominous and foreboding message each delivers to those dwelling upon earth.

It should be noted, however, that the message is for the unbelievers, not the redeemed. The “earth dwellers” are those who set their mind on earthly things, and therefore, because they are friends with the world, are at enmity with God (Phil.3:17-19; Jas.4:4). On the other hand, the redeemed are classified as citizens of heaven, strangers in the world who desire only a heavenly country (Phil.3:20; Heb.11:13-16).

Okay, let's consider the three messages.

The first angel delivers the "everlasting gospel.” This signifies a message of "good news” that the long awaited judgment of God has come, that Satan's reign upon earth is about to be consummated, the deliverance and restoration of Israel is about to take place, and the rule of Jesus Christ on earth is about to begin. Moreover, the angel preaches it with a "loud voice" so that every nation, tribe, tongue, and people might immediately fear, give glory to, and worship God.

The second angel carries a message of judgment against the city of Babylon. The phrase "Babylon is fallen, is fallen" is not meant to mean that Babylon has fallen, however, as if the judgment had already taken place, but is used in the same way the Old Testament prophets used it, to signify that Babylon is about to fall (check—Isa.21:9; Jer.51:8). This is furthered evidenced in the repetition of the phrase "is fallen, is fallen," which in Scripture is used as a declaration that God has established judgment, and will shortly bring it to pass (Gen.41:32). So the angel is reiterating that which Scripture has already declared—that Babylon has been sentenced for judgment by God, and that her judgment is coming (we'll see this later in Chapters 17 & 18).

The third angel speaks of judgment upon the souls of men. This is arguably the most alarming of the messages because it carries with it an irreversible consequence based upon a singular decision: One must refuse to worship Antichrist and his image and to accept his mark, or "he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God" and be made to endure God’s judgment and "he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone" forever and ever. In other words, those who take the mark cannot be saved.

v.12-13 "Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, 'Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.' "

The saints (those who receive Jesus Christ as Savior during the Tribulation) will be required to endure the evil without compromise, even to death. Their faith will be tested especially by the mark of the beast. For by refusing to accept the mark, they will be prevented from buying or selling goods and services, will become targets for death by the government, and will become enemies even to members of their own family. It will a time of such unprecedented bloodshed and human suffering, and the patience to endure it will be a life-or-death struggle they must contend with during every moment of the Tribulation (see also—Luke 21:16-17,19).

This might explain why this is the first of only two instances in Revelation where the Holy Spirit speaks directly. An encouragement to the Tribulation saints that they will find rest in death, and His blessed assurance that their works will accompany them to heaven.

v.14-20 "And I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat one like the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, 'Thrust in your sickle and reap, for the time has come for you to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.' So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped. Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, 'Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.' So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trampled out side the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses' bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs."

John now sees what I deem to be a behind-the-scenes look at heaven in spiritual preparation for the outpouring of God’s wrath with the seven bowl-judgments about to follow (Rev.15-16). I consider it behind the scenes because it appears more to set the stage for the impending judgments, rather than an event man will recognize is actually occurring.

The purpose is to "separate" and "gather". The imagery used is that of a harvest of wheat and grapes. First, in a manner not unlike the cutting and threshing of wheat, God will separate this world’s spiritual powers of good and evil and all concerned with false religious powers. Then, like a vintage of grapes, He will gather up His own and then assemble the unholy and all evil governmental powers together for judgment (Joel 3:12-14; Matt.3:12; Matt.13:30).

Okay, let's take a closer look.

The threshing of wheat speaks of God’s judgment of the false religious powers that have long co-existed in bitter opposition with the truth of God. Our Lord explains it best in His parable of the “wheat and tares” where He speaks of a field implanted with good seed and bad seed, later interpreted as the “sons of the kingdom” and “sons of the wicked one” co-existing in the world. Moreover, He goes on to say, whereas He will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend and cast them into the furnace of fire, the righteous (elsewhere called “the precious fruit of the earth” whom God has patiently waited for; Jas.5:7), He will gather unto Himself (Matt.13:24-30; 36-43).

“His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matt.3:12)

The vintage of grapes shows us the conclusion of the harvest, speaking of God’s severe judgment by war of the evil governments of the world culminating at Armageddon. For the governments of man, like clusters of ripe grapes plucked from the vine and brought into the husbandman's vat for trampling, will in these last days be brought to the winepress called Armageddon and therein crushed under the heavy foot of God’s great wrath (see also--Rev.16:21). And human blood, as the result of war, will gush from the valley like a river and flow downstream at a depth of about four feet and for a distance of one hundred and eighty miles.

"Let the nations be wakened, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; for the winepress is full, the vats 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" (Joel 3:12-14).

Okay, now let's consider Armageddon.

The battle of Armageddon represents the final conflict between Christ and Antichrist. And though generally considered as one single battle waged at the conclusion of the Tribulation, it might actually include three battles waged over the entire last half of the Tribulation (tantamount to a three and a half year world war). For Scripture speaks of three battles in the last days; all fought in and around the vast plains of Esdraelon, which is called Armageddon; all resulting in untold human casualties; and all used by God to in fact destroy all the major world governments long in opposition to Him and His nation Israel.

The first battle concerns the invasion of Israel by a coalition of Russian and Islamic nations (Iran, Turkey, Libya, and Egypt; Ez.38-39). This will cause an intense war in which Israel is spared, but results in the invading army becoming utterly destroyed by “pestilence and bloodshed…flooding rain, great hailstones, fire and brimstone” (Ez.38:22). Moreover, the country of Russia will be engulfed in fire, as will another country (or countries considered out of harms way) along “the coastlands” (Ez.39:6). This may or may not allude to the United States, as some commentators believe. It should also be noted that in April 2008 Russian President Vladimir Putin became the first Russian leader in history to Libya, creating a strategic alliance, signing numerous agreements, and negotiating a $2.5 billion arms sale to this enormous and historic enemy of Israel.

The second battle concerns the invasion of the Middle East by a coalition of Asian countries referred to as “the kings of the east” (Rev.16:12) and probably headed up by China. This not only escalates the first war, it significantly expands it; and as a direct result of the confrontation every major city in the world will be destroyed (check—Rev.16:12; Zep.1:15-18; Isa.24:1-6).

The third battle concerns the invasion of planet earth by Jesus Christ at His Second Coming, in my opinion to prevent the annihilation of Israel. For Jesus said, “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s [Israel’s] sake those days will be shortened” (Matt.24:22). As a result, all the remaining armies of the world are consumed, and the Antichrist and the False Prophet are plucked out alive from this planet and cast into the lake of fire (Rev.19:11-21).

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 14

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1. At the opening of this chapter John was clearly looking farther into the future—past the Tribulation—and then given a glimpse of Jesus Christ reigning on earth. Which group of believers did he see with Jesus? (v.1)

a. The Church
b. The 144,000
c. The Tribulation martyrs
d. The nation Israel

2. Which of the following is not one of the messages John heard delivered to the world by the three orbiting angels? (vs. 6-11)

a. The everlasting gospel
b. The announcement of the impending fall of Babylon
c. The “conditional” judgment regarding the souls of men
d. The warning to leave Jerusalem

3. True or False. Those who subsequently worship the beast or his image, and take his mark, cannot be saved. (vs. 9-11)

4. Complete this statement. "Blessed are the ________ who die in the ________ from now on. 'Yes,' says the __________, 'that they may ________ from their labors, and their works ___________________________________ them.' " (v.13)

5. True or False. The "harvest" revealed to John is a fore view, or "behind-the-curtains" look at heaven spiritually preparing the world for the judgments about to come. (v.14-16)

6. Which might best explain the "reaping" personified in the harvest? (vs. 14-16)

a. It speaks of judgment upon evil
b. It speaks of judgment that is long overdue
c. It has a unique judgment in mind
d. All of the above.

7. The "harvesting of wheat" judgment finds its fulfillment in which of the following? (vs. 14-16)

a. The deliverance of the nation Israel
b. The fall of Babylon
c. The gathering of Antichrist's armies to Israel
d. The gathering of the 144,000
e. The rapture of the Church

8. Which of the following is not associated with the "vintage of grapes"? (vs. 17-20)

a. It includes believers gathered from the "True Vine"
b. It will find fulfillment at Armageddon
c. It concerns Antichrist and his followers
d. It results in a virtual blood bath

Revelation 13, The Antichrist and the False Prophet

2008-10-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

In this chapter, as the signs in heaven continue, John sees the Antichrist and the False Prophet arise from the earth in the form of two hideous beasts that together strive in unison to accomplish the will of Satan.

v.1 "Then he stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name."

This image is a continuation from the last chapter, therefore, it's Satan whom John sees standing on the sand of the sea, and as we'll discover, the Antichrist who is the beast emerging from the sea. Moreover, both idioms "sand" and "sea" are symbolic to mean multitudes of people on this earth (Gen.32:12; Rev.17:15). So the image can be stated this way:

"As the fallen angelic spirit Satan stands upon the people in dominion over them, the Antichrist will be a man he raises up from amongst the people"

Okay, let's look at the Antichrist. Clearly, this beastly characterization of the global leader appears much more deviant to John here at the second half of the Tribulation then what was shown to him earlier at the beginning of the Tribulation (Rev.6:2). In other words, Antichrist, the man John was shown riding upon a white horse has now become a beast emerging from the sea.

I’m going to suggest that this current less human characterization of the Antichrist might be due to the fact that he has become possessed by the devil and thereby becomes the personification of the beast.

Allow me to summarize (details follow in our notes below).

At the start of Tribulation, Antichrist, the man, will possess extraordinary political and militarily skills and personal charisma that will soar his popularity with the ungodly. Moreover, because he is more sinister than most, full of blasphemies and lies and flattering words, it gains him leadership over the New World Order, and with cunning and force, he will subdue kingdoms.

During the middle of the tribulation, however, he will be assassinated. And for some amount of time, at least to the world, he will appear to be dead then shortly afterward will appear to resurrect back to life; thus setting the stage for Satan to deceive the world on a scale as never before.

I believe, given Satan is cast out of heaven knowing little time remains (Rev.12:9), that he seizes the assassination of Antichrist as an opportunity to cut a deal with him, to possess and empower him, and in turn to “miraculously” raise him as the incarnation of himself on earth (more to follow in the notes below).

The heads, and horns, and crowns of the beast are identical to the dragon (Rev.12:3) because of the similar character and purposes and activities of the beast and the dragon. The unknown “blasphemous names” on his heads denotes exaltation of man as a god, thereby blaspheming the true God.

v.2 "Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority."

The form and shape of the beast are interpreted for us by Daniel as four kings and kingdoms.

“And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other…The first was like a lion…And suddenly another beast, a second like a bear…After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard…After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns” (Dan.7:3-7)

“Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth” (Da.7:17)

Four great world empires evolved from Daniel to John: Babylon (the ruling empire when Daniel saw his vision), Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome (the ruling empire at the time of John).

Each empire was subsequently conquered by the empire that followed it except for Rome. The Roman Empire (“different from all the beasts that were before it”) merely dissolved and was never conquered by a subsequent kingdom. Thus making Rome the world’s last great empire; thereby conforming to Daniel’s prophecy that just four great kingdoms would rise up out of the earth starting in his day through to the end of the age; and the reason why it is generally agreed that the “ten horns” of the fourth beast in Daniel's prophecy signify ten nations that rise to power in the latter days from territories that were once part of the ancient Roman Empire.

“And the dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority." No other insight about Antichrist better explains his position of world eminence, powers of deception, and hatred for God during the second half of the Tribulation better then this one. As stated earlier, I believe that Antichrist cuts a deal with Satan following his assassination at the middle of the Tribulation. He agrees to become the personification of the devil, fully possessed, and with the power, throne, and authority of the devil.

One interesting note before we proceed. Compare the order of the beastly kingdoms given by John to that given by Daniel. Whereas Daniel begins with the lion and concludes with the beast, John lists them in reverse order, beginning with the beast and concluding with the lion. As one commentator observed, this is because Daniel was at the head of the line gazing into the future, whereas John was in the future gazing back into the past.

v.3-8 "I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshipped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?' And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blasphemy His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. And it was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

Some commentators interpret the head of the beast that's mortally wounded and resurrected to be a nation, and not an individual. But I disagree, and later will make the argument that the seventh head is in fact that of the Antichrist (notes—Rev.17:9-11). I also accept the notion that the phrase “mortally wounded” implies assassination and is reminiscent to the following prophecy given by Zechariah.

"A sword shall be against his arm and against his right eye; His arm shall completely whither, and his right eye shall be totally blinded" (Zech.11:17)

But that raises another question. Does the “mortal wound” kill the Antichrist? And do the subsequent events suggest that he actually resurrects from the dead? I don’t think so. God alone possesses the power to raise the dead, and there’s no Scriptural evidence He has, or ever will give that power to Satan.

From the world’s reaction, however, it does appear that the ungodly believe Antichrist dies and resurrects; and therefore will exalt and worship him as a god from that point forward throughout the entire three and a half years of the second half of the Tribulation (which is “forty-two months”). The result of which will cast the entire world headlong into the darkest, most violent, and ungodly age that humanity has ever known.

"He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time" (Dan.7:25)
“'Behold, the days are coming,' says the Lord God, 'that I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, but shall not find it' " (Amos 8:11-12)

v.9-10 "If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."

These will be days of horrendous persecution for the believer. And though God makes no promise of immunity from either death or from any other terror, He does encourage the believer to remain patient inside the assurance that their suffering will not be in vain. God’s purposes are at work. Those who lead into captivity will go into captivity, and those who kill will be killed. In the end, following their judgment, they will become captives of the eternal fires of damnation, sentenced to an eternal death.

v.11-14 "Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived."

We know that the identity of this second beast is the false prophet because it's stated so later (Rev.19:20). He too will arise out of the earth as the same-type dangerous-beast as the Antichrist, but with a dramatically different appearance.

Upon his head are not the horns of nations but “two horns like a lamb.” This is taken to mean that he will appear Christ-like, or gentle, serene, and deeply spiritual. He will exercise all the authority of Antichrist but for a profoundly different purpose: Antichrist is intended to rule the world as a god; the false prophet is intended to inspire the world to worship him as a god.

His influence will come from an ability to perform great signs. “So that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.” Moreover, his sphere of influence will help Antichrist. Keep in mind that the Antichrist is a politician from Europe whose oratory and military skills might have minimal positive affect on his popularity to a religious people in a third world country, and in fact could alienate it.

The false prophet will exalt the Antichrist in the eyes of the world as a god. And with great signs and wonders cause the unbelieving religious-minded and the whole world to believe the lie, and then to erect an image to Antichrist as a form of worship and adoration.

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie…” (2Thess.2:9-11)

v.15-17 "He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

The "image of the beast" and the "mark" are both highly speculative. Theories offered by commentators range from the supernatural to a form of advanced technology. Some interpret the false prophet’s “breath of life” as a lofty call to the demons, and others as an act as ordinary as switching on a computer. So let’s examine both events in the light of what Scripture tells us then consider a possible scenario.

According to Scripture, the image of the beast is definitely some form of idol that characterizes the Antichrist. It's made by man as an object of worship, and when set in the holy place of the temple becomes an abomination that desolates the temple (Dan.9:27). What we know of the mark we read here in Revelation. It includes the name of the Antichrist and the number of his name and in turn carries with it the privilege to buy or sell goods. Its purpose will be to identify dissenters. For when one attempts to exchange goods without the mark, they will be branded an enemy of the state and thereby arrested and executed.

Okay, here’s a possible scenario:

In my opinion, given our world’s newly acquired reliance upon the computer, I see both the image and the mark as parts of a computerized system—the image being a computer, and the mark a computer chip implanted under the skin that feeds data into that computer. It’s the swiftest and surest way to monitor the buying and selling activities of every man, woman, and child simultaneously across the globe. Moreover, for his purposes, Satan can accurately separate out from humanity those who worship Antichrist and those who do not.

v.18 "Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666."

This chapter closes with possibly the most widely known element in all of the Revelation—the number 666. It might also be the most-widely misunderstood. So, before we dig in, let's first consider what the passage says about the number.

It is wisdom - insight about the number is given by God
It should be understood – people of understanding will calculate the number
It is the number of the beast and a man – the Antichrist
It is a real number – "His number is 666"

Now let's consider what it might mean.

Most commentators believe (as do I) that the name of Antichrist, when translated into either Hebrew or Greek, will contain letters that total the number six hundred sixty-six. For unlike our alphabet, Hebrew and Greek alphabets assign a number to the letters. The letter 'A", for instance, might be assigned the number "1", "B" the number "2", and so on. Therefore, when a name is translated into either Hebrew or Greek, a number can be calculated simply by adding the numerical values assigned to the letters. In the case of Antichrist, it appears that the name of this man translated into Greek or Hebrew will total the number 666.

Okay, but allow me to stress this about the number:

Those who calculate the names of world leaders hoping to locate and identify the Antichrist are mistaken. God imparted this wisdom for those who are here during the reign of the beast so they can recognize, and not be deceived by him. We should know about these things to teach others, but should keep in mind that the Church is told to watch for Jesus Christ, not the Antichrist.

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 13

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1. True or False. The fact that John saw Antichrist rising up out of the "sea" signifies that he will rise up from among the "people." (v.1)

2. Which might best explain why Antichrist is signified to John as a composite of four separate beasts? (v.2)

a. Because Antichrist will not be human
b. Because the beasts represent four ungodly kingdoms
c. Because Antichrist will embody all four ungodly kingdoms
d. Both (b) and (c).

3. True or False. The wounding and subsequent healing of one of Antichrist's heads is probably meant to signify that Antichrist will be assassinated during the Tribulation and then falsely "resurrected." (vs. 3-8)

4. Fill in the blanks. Who is it that grants Antichrist "a mouth" to speak blasphemies and "great authority"? ______________. For how long? ___________________________________. (vs. 3-8)

5. True or False. God promises immunity from persecution for all the believers during the tribulation. (vs. 9-10)

6. Complete this statement: "Then I saw another _______________ coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns _______________________ and spoke like a _________________. (vs. 11-14)

7. Which of the following is a TRUE statement about the second beast? (vs. 11-14)

a. He is a "false prophet"
b. He is not a political figure, but appears deeply religious
c. He will tell the world to worship Antichrist
d. He will be given the same diabolical power as Antichrist
e. All of the above
f. None of the above

8. Which might NOT apply to the "mark"? (vs. 15-17)

a. It will be a computer chip implanted under the skin
b. It will be applied to the right hand or forehead
c. People will not be able to buy or sell without it
d. Everyone will be compelled to have a mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name

9. Which does NOT explain the meaning of the number 666? (v.18)

a. It is the number of a man
b. It has always been a number associated with evil
c. God revealed in order to impart wisdom about the identity of the Antichrist
d. Those with understanding are told to calculate the number

Revelation 12, The Conflict of the Ages

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Satan's age-long conflict with God and His nation Israel are the focus of this chapter. And with the use of highly graphic word pictures and symbols it reveals the reason for Satan’s disdain for the Jews and the motive behind his savage attempt to utterly destroy them during the second half of Tribulation.

v.1-2 "Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labor and pain to give birth."

The "sun" the "moon" and the "garland of twelve stars" clothing this woman are all interpreted elsewhere in Scripture to signify the nation Israel (Gen.37:9,10). The child she carries is Jesus, the Messiah of Israel, Who is the true offspring of the nation, and through the ancestral line of Mary was indelibly linked to Israel through every generation back to Abraham (Luke 3:23-34).

Therefore, this great sign shows the Nation of Israel, long in labor, about to give birth to its Messiah the Savior of the world and our Lord Jesus Christ. (See also—Luke 2:25-32).

Allow me to point out why I don't believe that this woman is either the church or the Virgin Mary. The church didn’t exist when Christ was born, but itself was born only after a miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit subsequent to His death and resurrection (Acts 1,2). Plus, it was Christ who gave birth to the church (Matt.16:18), not the other way around. Moreover, the image is a “sign” (a symbol) not a literal person. The image doesn't exclude Mary because she did conceive and give physical birth to Jesus, but the sign is greater than, and extends beyond, the mother in the manger.

v.3 "And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads."

This is Satan, who is named the dragon (Revelation 20:2).

He is called "great" because of his great power. Once the “anointed cherub who covers” (Ez.28:14), Satan was corrupted by pride and removed from his angelic office, yet still maintains a great power that even Michael the Archangel dares not challenge (Jude, v.9). He is called a "fiery red dragon" because of his ferocious and cruel nature; a "murderer from the beginning" Jesus said (John 8:44). His "seven [crowned] heads" are seven kingdoms (see notes—17:9-11), and his "ten horns" are ten kings who comprise the ruling world government empowered by Satan during the Great Tribulation (see notes--17:12).

This sign shows Satan as a powerful and ferocious entity that rules over the governmental affairs of man. He is the malignant and sinister force that influences the nations of the earth to oppose God both openly and contemptuously (see Dan.10:13,20-21).

v.4 "His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born."

The two most prominent Scriptural references to the origin, rebellion, and fall of Lucifer are found in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28. In this sign, John is shown more.

"His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.” The “stars of heaven” is interpreted to mean angels (Job 38:7), suggesting that Lucifer, staging his rebellion against God, was able to influence one third of the angels against God and in so doing, by “his tail” brought them into contempt before God and thus cast from heaven down to earth.

“And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born." Satan's rebellion against God didn’t end on the earth. In the Garden of Eden, he successfully assaulted man with a temptation that created the enmity between God and man that has existed to this day.

Upon learning that God would deliver One through humanity Who would bring an eternal judgment upon him (Gen.3:15), Satan set out like a roaring lion seeking to devour humanity before it could produce the Offspring. Without hesitation he attacked Eve's family by inspiring the murder of one of her sons, and causing a curse to be brought upon the other (Gen.4:8,11). Later, in an attempt to contaminate man’s bloodline some believe he influenced copulation between women and demons, resulting in the flood that destroyed all but Noah and his family (Gen.6:2-4, 8-12).

When subsequent prophecies made it clear that Jesus would be a descendant of Abraham (Gen.12:3; 18:18), Satan set out to exterminate the nation Israel (the origin of Antisemitism). He murdered their children (Acts 7:19; Matt.2:16), attempted their genocide (Esther 3:6; Ps.83:4), and morally corrupted them as a people (Num.31:16).

Notwithstanding, God’s plan was not defeated, humanity survived, and inside humanity the nation chosen of God from whom the Messiah would come (Israel) survived. Therefore, in a tense confrontation with the woman, having failed in every other attempt, Satan stands ready to devour the Child Himself (check—Matt.2:13).

v.5 "And she bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her child was caught up to God as to His throne."

The blessed truth is that Satan failed to prevent the birth, or to devour the Child. Jesus Christ was born (Luke 1:8-14), “The Word became flesh and dwelt amongst man” (Jo.1:14). Moreover, Jesus completed His earthly ministry, and following His death and resurrection was caught up to heaven (Acts 1:9), seated with the Father, and given rule, authority, power and dominion over all things (Eph.1:17-23). Despite every evil intention Satan waged to prevent it, Satan has been defeated.

Okay, let’s consider it.

When Satan failed to avert the birth of Christ, or to devour Him (Matt.2:19-20), he set out to obstruct and spoil His ministry. He was there tempting Jesus to compromise Himself as His ministry began (Matt.4:1-11). Throughout its duration, he influenced many to mock Christ’s Divine authority (Matt.12:24). He silenced others from openly speaking of Him (Jo.7:13), and assaulted some closest to Him (Jo.12:10).

When that failed, he launched his plan to murder Him (Jo.11:53; Matt.12:14); ultimately choosing crucifixion to destroy Him knowing that Christ would be cursed by God in crucifixion (check—Deu.21:23).

But Satan failed to see the true intention of God. For it was the will of God that Christ be crucified (Jo.18:32), and the purposes of the Father for Jesus to be made a curse (Gal.3:13). When God raised Christ from the dead three days later, however, it was too late for Satan. The glorious triumph of God over the works of the devil became one of public record. “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it” (Col.2:15). Scripture tells us that Satan "would not have crucified the Lord of glory" had he known (I Cor.2:7-8).

So the Child was born, and having prevailed, was caught up to God and given authority to rule all nations with a rod of iron (Ps.2:9; Rev.19:15).

v.6 "Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days."

The balance of this chapter surrounds the bitter struggle that ensues between the dragon and the woman and the subsequent persecution of her offspring. It marks the middle of the Tribulation throughout the days remaining until the end of Tribulation.

Let's summarize it.

In an unholy alliance with Antichrist, Israel will sign a seven-year agreement with Antichrist at the beginning of the Tribulation. But after three and a half years he will betray Israel and break the agreement by invading Jerusalem, overthrowing the temple worshippers, and placing an image of himself in the Holy of Holies, thereby desecrating it (Isa.28:18; Dan.9:26-27). As a result, in the event also foretold by Jesus (Matt.24:15-21), one-third of the nation will flee Jerusalem and go into hiding (Zech.13:8).

This remnant of Jews will remain in hiding, miraculously cared for by God for the entire last half of the Tribulation, three and a half years, or one thousand two hundred and sixty days. They will surface, refined as silver is refined, fully acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord (Zech.13:9).

v.7-9 "And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to earth, and his angels with him."

At the same time Israel flees the Antichrist (during the middle of the Tribulation) a full-scale angelic war erupts in Heaven that enables Michael and his angels to cast Satan and his angels from heaven to earth.

For reasons unknown to us, Satan’s freedom to access heaven and approach God was not revoked after his rebellion. We read that he accused Job before God (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7), stood by to oppose Joshua the high priest before God (Zech.3:1), and accuses us before God (v.10). Moreover, none of his power was taken away; he is able to stand his ground and has power to defend it. Seemingly, he is under no command to relinquish anything, resolved to lose nothing, and all things must be wrestled away from him by the angels of God (check—Eph.6:12).

Let’s take a look his names.

He is called the “dragon” because he is the great dragon in the Revelation shown to be the enemy of God from the beginning
He is called "the old serpent" because he was the serpent in the Garden of Eden who introduced man to sin
He is called “the Devil" (Gr.diabolos, meaning “accuser”) because he accuses man before God, and accuses God before man
He is called "Satan" (which means "adversary") because he is the enemy of both God and man.

He is said to be the one "who deceives the whole world" because by him, all men have been deceived, and in the days to come, the entire world all at once will reject truth and believe the lie (see—2Thess.2:8-12). "When he speaks a lie," Jesus said, "he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it" (John 8:44). There is no truth in Satan.

v.10-12 "Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, 'Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.' "

Satan’s permanent expulsion from heaven gets a thunderous response from God’s angels. Surely, they must dread his presence in heaven and be anxious for this moment, and relieved when it finally does happen. As another puts it, “You can almost see the angels nudging one another and saying, ‘It’s about time.’ ”

But even within the throws of their exuberant celebration, the angels display infinite pity for the inhabitants of the earth. They know Satan is enraged because his time is short, and that the inhabitants of the earth will become the objects of his great and diabolical wrath. This is the third and final prophetic “woe” announced earlier upon the inhabitants of the earth (Rev.8:13).

v.13-15 "Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth."

God’s intervention alone prevents Israel’s annihilation. As Satan, through the person of the Antichrist, attacks Israel and besieges Jerusalem in order to destroy the Nation, God will give Israel “two wings of a great eagle” and deliver a remnant of the Nation—the same idiom used in the Old Testament to describe God's liberation of Israel from Egypt (Ex.19:4). He will prevent the serpent’s "flood" (probably alluding to a military force) from overtaking them, and then in turn will destroy the military force (see also—Ex.14:13-14). And God will nourish this remnant of Israel in the wilderness (from the presence of the serpent) for the entire second half of the Tribulation (see notes—v.6). During which time He will speak comfort and show mercy and as a result will forge unto Himself a holy and godly people. Listen to the prophet,

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, will bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfort to her…Then I will sow her for Myself in the earth, and I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy; then I will say to those who were not My people, ‘You are My people!’ And they shall say, ‘You are my God!’ “ (Hosea 2:14,23).

v.17 "And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."

The “rest of her offspring” speaks of those believers that come to know Christ as Savior during the Tribulation. The dragon’s war against them speaks of the murderous persecution that causes many of them to be martyred (Rev. 6:9-11; 20:4).

Okay, now let’s consider what might be the root cause behind Satan’s rage with Israel and the rest of her offspring, and his frantic rush to destroy them.

If we take it to be retaliation against Israel for having given birth to Christ, we would have to conclude that Satan’s aim is merely to hurt God by hurting the people of God. But I don’t think so. It’s my opinion that the rage isn’t vengeance, but Satan’s attempt to prevent the Second Coming of Christ. And it's not merely his hatred of the Nation, but the threat it poses to his survival by its very existence, that enrages him.

Just days before His crucifixion, while lamenting over Jerusalem, Jesus seemingly revealed a condition upon which His Second Coming is determined. Listen to what He said:

"See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' " (Luke 13:34,35)

Is it possible that Jesus was disclosing a truth that Satan understood and seeks to prevent, perhaps explaining why Satan so desperately desires to annihilate Israel and their converts? That the Second Coming of Christ will occur, but only after a repentant Nation of Israel is birth and made ready to receive Jesus as their Messiah, and yet not until it does.

It seems so.

In any case, dear ones, the greatest persecution of Jews and Gentile believers this world has ever known is scheduled to occur inside the second half of the tribulation. And it all stems because of this unseen spiritual conflict between God and the devil.

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 12

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1. True or False. The "woman" signified to John as "being with child" and "in labor and pain to give birth" was an image of Mary, our Lord's earthly mother. (vs. 1-2)

2. Which best explains why Satan hated the "woman," and sought to devour her "child" as soon as it was born? (v.4)

a. He understood that the "seed" of the woman would destroy him
b. He understood the "woman" to mean the nation Israel
c. He understood that her "child" would be Jesus Christ
d. All of the above.

3. True or False. When Satan failed to prevent the birth of Christ, he inspired the crucifixion of Christ. But in so doing unwittingly partook in God's plan to destroy him. (v.5)

4. Which of the following is NOT true concerning the wilderness flight of the "woman"? (v.6)

a. It will take place at the middle of the Tribulation
b. God has prepared a place for her
c. It concerns the Jews
d. It occurs just before the discretion of their temple

5. True or False. Satan's expulsion from heaven went quietly and unnoticed (vs. 7-9)

6. Which is NOT true following Satan’s expulsion from heaven? (vs. 10-12)

a. The angels rejoiced to see it
b. Satan left full of wrath
c. The angels felt pity for the inhabitants of the earth
d. Satan knew he had run out of time

7. After his expulsion from heaven, who does Satan seek to destroy? (vs. 13-15)

a. All those in Babylon
b. All those in his legions who had been disloyal to him
c. All those of Israel
d. All children under two years old

8. Which best explains the phrase “the rest of her offspring”? (v.17)

a. God’s legions of angels
b. All humanity
c. Believers in the world that come to know Christ during the tribulation
d. All of the above

9. True or False. Satan's plan of extermination is best understood as retribution against Israel for giving birth to Jesus Christ. (v.17)

Revelation 11, God's Two Witnesses

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This chapter is the first of several in which John revisits the first half of the tribulation and shown, in more detail, events and characters not revealed to him earlier.

v.1-2 "Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood saying, 'Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months,"

Israel's future temple is in view here. But there are two temples in Israel’s future, so we need to make a distinction, look at God’s word to explain the meaning for the measuring, and then determine which temple is in view here.

The first yet-future temple concerns the Tribulation. According to Daniel, the nation Israel, in a treaty it signs with the head of a confederation of European nations during the first half of the tribulation, will be allowed to rebuild a Jerusalem temple in which it can worship and conduct sacrificial offerings according to the Mosaic Law (Dan.9:27). However, during this time God will neither accept Israel's sacrifices, nor will He inhabit their temple (Isa.66:3,4). Moreover, according to Daniel, the Antichrist, after three and a half years, will break the treaty, subsequently overthrow Jerusalem and desecrate the temple (Dan.9:27).

The second yet-future temple is constructed for the Millennium. But unlike the tribulation temple, God shall inhabit and fill it with His glory, and it shall be the dwelling place of the Lord (Ez.43:5-7).

For the “measuring”, we'll consider two other times it was mandated. The prophet Ezekiel watched a measurement of the millennial temple and Zechariah saw a measurement of the city of Jerusalem. And in both instances, the measuring was in anticipation of the Lord’s dwelling amongst His people, and thereby signified a preparation for it (Ez.40-48; Zech.2:1-5). So it was with John. He was instructed to measure in anticipation of the Lord's Coming to make it ready for the King.

What John measures concerns that which must be cleansed in the first yet-future Tribulation temple in anticipation for the second temple that ultimately becomes the dwelling place of our Lord during the Millennium.

Okay, now let's look at what John is told to measure.

The "temple of God” - This would consist of the "inner court" of the temple, where the Holy Place and Holy of Holies are located
The "altar" - This is a furnishing located inside the Holy Place where incense is burned to symbolize the prayers of the people
"Those who worship there” - The Jews. Showing them as separated unto God, but with hearts that must be prepared by judgment that they might become the true Israel.

On the other hand, John is strictly forbidden from measuring the court outside the temple, which speaks of the "outer court" outside the Holy place of the temple. God has not separated it unto Himself, but instead has given it to the Gentiles to tread underfoot for forty-two months (three and a half years), or the entire second half of the Tribulation.

v.3-4 'And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.' These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth."

These “two witnesses” are extremely intriguing characters that appear suddenly and mysteriously in Jerusalem at the start of the Tribulation, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Jews, and with power to perform miracles reminiscent of the Old Testament prophets.

"These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth." This means to show that these chosen men of God will do their work on earth in the power of the Holy Spirit (see—Zech.4). “And they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days…” They will preach for a period of three and a half years, or in their case, during the entire first half of the Tribulation. “…clothed in sackcloth” They'll preach in heavy affliction about the impending severe judgment of God (check--Ps.35:13; Isa.50:3).

Okay, who are they?

Most commentators agree one will be the ancient prophet Elijah for three reasons: Elijah was prophesied to return before the day of the Lord (Mal. 4:5,6); which even the Jews regard (John 1:21; Matt.16:13,14). Their ability to stop the rain (v.6) is similar to that of Elijah (I Kings 17:1). Because Elijah was carried in a chariot of fire into heaven alive and never died (2 Kings 2:9-11) seems to indicate that his ministry is yet unfulfilled.

Commentators are more divided about the second witness. Some say Enoch, one of the Bible’s earliest men of great faith, who was also taken into heaven alive (see Jude 14; Heb.11:5; Gen.5:24). Others suggest Zerubabel, the ancient head of the tribe of Judah, because of his connection to Zechariah’s prophecy about the two olive trees (Zech.4:6-9). And some say Moses because he associated himself with "the prophet" God would raise up amongst Israel (Deu.18:15-18). The power given the witnesses to turn water into blood is similar to that given to Moses (Ex.7:17). Despite the fact that Moses did die, a mystery surrounds his burial (Deu.34:5-6), along with a strange struggle that later ensued over his body (see—Jude 9).

My personal notion is that Elijah and Moses are the two witnesses. Plus all the other arguments, Elijah and Moses are indelibly linked in several ways: It was Moses and Elijah that appeared with Jesus in His transfiguration (Matt.17:1-8); and given that their ministry is to Israel, what two men better represent the “law” and the “prophets” than Moses and Elijah?

v.5-7 "And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. Now when they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them and kill them."

God will make these two men invincible. Throughout the entire three and a half years of their ministry, nothing or no one will be able to harm or hinder them. They'll be able to roam freely throughout all of Israel (or throughout the world for that matter) without fear of reprisal from terrorists, assassins, or any other enemy (including Antichrist himself). They'll have the ability to draw fire from heaven and devour anyone who attempts to harm them. They'll possess a supernatural power that enables them to stop the rain, turn water into blood, and otherwise to strike the earth with plagues as often as they feel it's required to enforce the credibility of their message. Plus, they're guaranteed to finish their ministry before God allows Antichrist to overcome and kill them.

v.8-13 "And their bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three and a half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. Now after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, 'Come up here.' And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand men were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven."

The world will become insanely ecstatic when these two prophets are murdered. After being tormented by their message for three and a half years, when the world sees their bodies openly displayed in the streets of Jerusalem people will rejoice, make merry, and exchange gifts. It will become a crowning moment for Antichrist, and undoubtedly sets the stage for his siege of Jerusalem and his desolation of the Jewish temple.

Okay, but there’s more.

Three and a half days after their bodies are put on display, while the whole world watches, God will breathe life into the prophets and resurrect them up into heaven. In the same hour, God will cause a great earthquake in Jerusalem that topples a tenth of the city, kills seven thousand people, and leaves the survivors so fearful that they give glory to God. Though their outcry is probably more in the order of the vain acknowledgment given by the magicians in Pharaoh’s court, and not true repentance (check—Ex. 8:19).

v.14-17 "The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly. Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever!' And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, 'We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned."

This completes the second of three “woes” proclaimed for the inhabitants of the earth (8:13) as the third, the coming of Satan in great wrath (12:12), quickly approaches.

The seventh trumpet is now sounding, and God's eternal plan to do away with evil and to restore all things unto Himself has initiated (see notes—Rev.10:5-7). The centuries old question "When?" no longer remains a mystery, the countdown to the end of this world has at long last begun.

It should be noted that all the judgments yet remaining occur during the last three and a half years allotted to this age, and do usher in the eternal Kingdom of Jesus Christ. The loud response of heaven is the joyful acknowledgment that this time has finally come.

v. 18 'The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.' "

This gives a vivid account of the world's anger and hostility toward God and all that is His during the second half of Tribulation. According to the Psalmist, this is a time when the nations rage against Christ and His kingdom, His holy religion and all interests of it. When they set themselves against God in open defiance of Him, and counsel together for an unholy war that seeks to unseat His government and break His yoke. (See—Ps.2).

v.19 "Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightenings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail."

The ark of His covenant in open view here in heaven seems to be a reminder that God is a covenant-making and covenant-keeping God who will accomplish all that He has spoken on behalf of Israel. All the symbols of judgment surrounding the arc, the lightenings, noises, thunderings, earthquake, and great hail are probably meant to underscore the remaining judgments God is about to impose for the redemption of His people.

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 11

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1. Which might best explain the purpose for John’s measurement of the millennial temple? (vs. 1-2)

a. To determine its size
b. To mark it as unclean
c. To determine how many were attending
d. To signify a “preparation” and “sanctification”

2. Which of the following was John strictly prohibited from measuring? (vs. 1-2)

a. The inner court
b. The altar
c. The outer court
d. The Jews themselves

3. Complete this statement. "And I will give power to My __________________." How long is their ministry? (vs. 3-4)

a. One thousand two hundred and sixty days
b. Three and a half years
c. The entire first half of Tribulation
d. They are all the same duration. Therefore all of the above

4. True or False. When Jesus refers to His witnesses as the "two olive trees," it signifies that they will do their work on earth in the power of the Spirit (vs. 3-4)

5. True or False. The two witnesses will be so hated by the world that they must conduct most of their affairs in hiding. (vs. 5-7)

6. Which best explains the death of the two witnesses? (vs. 5-7)

a. God will allow it when they finish their testimony
b. Antichrist will murder them
c. After three and a half days they are brought back to life
d. All of the above.

7. Which of the following events will NOT happen in the "same hour" as the resurrection of the two witnesses? (vs. 8-13)

a. Many people will repent
b. A great earthquake will strike Jerusalem
c. Seven thousand people will die
d. A tenth of Jerusalem will topple

8. To whom do the nations direct their anger? (v.18)

a. The Jews
b. God
c. The Antichrist
d. The two witnesses

9. What did John see when the temple of God was opened in heaven? (v.19)

a. The ark of God’s covenant
b. Lightenings and thunderings
c. The altar of sacrifice
d. Both (a) and (b)

Revelation 10, "There Should Be Delay No Longer"

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Before the seventh trumpet is sounded, John watches Jesus lay claim to the planet, give Sovereign notice to Satan that his rule has been vanquished, and openly proclaim that He will no longer delay the outpouring of His fierce wrath.

v.1-4 "And I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on His head, His face was like the sun, and His feet like pillars of fire. And He had a little book open in His hand. And He set His right foot on the sea and His left foot on the land, and He cried with a loud voice as when a lion roars. And when He cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices. Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write: but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, 'Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them'."

This event has its roots in Chapter Five. You might recall that Jesus, seeking to fulfill His promise to restore Israel into their land and to establish His Kingdom upon their throne of David, came forward as the Kinsman-Redeemer of Israel and took hold of the title deed to the earth.

The deed, a rolled up scroll bound with seven seals, required the Kinsman to remove the seals to complete the transaction and thereby reclaim the possession. So Jesus, as the Kinsman of Israel, removed those seven seals, each in turn, and as we have read, resulted in judgments proposed for the first half of the tribulation.

Now we come to the events in this passage. With all seven seals removed, the scroll open, and the transaction complete, our Kinsman Jesus proceeds from heaven and lays claim to His possession. And in a show of absolute power, He gives Sovereign notice with a loud proclamation to heaven and hell that He is ready to rid His possession of His enemies, to spiritually restore and deliver Israel, and to take dominion over the earth.

"Because of the fierce anger of the Lord, He has left His lair like the lion; for their land is desolate because of the fierceness of the Oppressor, and because of His fierce anger" (Jer.25:37,38)

Unfortunately, we have no way of knowing what it is that the seven thunders utter. John understood it and “was about to write” but was adamantly prohibited from revealing it. It's not for us to know, at least not for now.

It should be noted that some commentators do not see this "mighty angel" to be Jesus Christ. However, I tend to agree with the others, given the description and context, that this "angel" (which simply means "messenger") is Jesus.

v.5-7 "And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up His hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer, but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets."

This, dear ones, is that defining moment in time when God makes the decision that "enough is enough." When, after long millenniums, His patience with evil is fully spent and the outpouring of His fearful wrath will no longer be delayed. Jesus, reminiscent of Daniel's vision (Dan.12:7), lifts His hand to heaven and swears "by Him who lives forever and ever" “there should be delay no longer”.

Why would Jesus swear by the name of God, given that He is God? Because He can swear by no one greater than Himself as God (Heb.6:13).

Okay, now let’s consider the meaning of the remarkable passage:

“...but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished..."

Foremost, notice that it's not at the "sound" of the trumpet that the mystery of God is finished, as if it's one short trumpet blast, but "in the days of its sounding". In other words, this blast continues to be sounded. As we’ll soon see, the seven "bowl" judgments initiated throughout the remaining days of the Tribulation, all of which finish the works of God in this present earth and usher in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, occur because of this blasting.

The phrase “the mystery of God would be finished” speaks of the mystery that has always surrounded God’s timetable for these last days. For God has consistently remained silent, even under cross-examination, to reveal the time. The prophet Daniel, for instance, was refused an answer when he asked about it (Dan.12:5-9). When the Apostles did likewise Jesus said, "But of that day and hour no one knows, no, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Matt.24:3,36). In other words, dear ones, the date for these last days will remain a mystery known only to the Father until God openly declares it at the appointed time revealed by this passage.

v.8-10 "Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, 'Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth.' And I went to the angel and said to Him, 'Give me the little book.' And He said to me, 'Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.' And I took the little book out of the angel's hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter."

It's unlikely that John virtually ate the book, and should instead be considered a characterization more in keeping to that of the prophet Jeremiah who said, "Your words were found, and I ate them" (Jer.15:16). Or those of the Psalmist who wrote, "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Ps.119:103).

Okay, but why is John commanded to eat the book, and what book does John eat?

The command is most similar to that given years earlier to the prophet Ezekiel who also was instructed to eat a scroll (see—Ez.3:1-3). And from his account, we can discover the purpose. For God told him "Son of man, receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears. And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them…" (Ez.3:10-11). In other words, Ezekiel needed to digest fully the words of the book into his heart so he could later testify to it. This is precisely what John does with this Revelation.

Regarding the book John is commanded to eat. Some commentators believe that it’s this Book of Revelation, concluding strongly that this passage refers to a book, not a scroll, and therefore cannot be the self-same scroll taken to be the title deed to the earth referred to earlier (see—Chapter 5). But I disagree. In Ezekiel’s case, he ate a “scroll of a book” (Ez.2:9); suggesting at least, that a book and a scroll need not be mutually exclusive. Moreover, the issue concerns the words of God written on the document, not the document itself. And though it’s true that the Revelation is the Word of God, it seems unlikely that John would be commanded to digest it before its completion.

Therefore, I hold to the opinion that the “book” John is instructed to digest fully into his heart is the title deed to the earth. And here's a suggestion why John finds it both sweet and bitter. First, there was the “sweet” assurance evidenced by the “unsealed” book that God had redeemed the land and therefore would fulfill His promises to restore Israel spiritually (Hos.14:4-7). Secondly, the knowledge that the Nation must endure the holy fire of God's purging before it would receive her Messiah, in what is called "the time of Jacob's trouble" (Jer.30:7), was "bitter".

v.11 "And He said to me, 'You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings."

These final words simply tell John that there's more to come. That the Revelation is not yet complete, and that John must record even more about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings not yet shown to him.

[Beginning with the next chapter, we'll see this fulfilled. John is about to be shown in closer detail specific persons and nations that play a key role in the Tribulation]

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 10

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1. Complete this statement. It was _____________ whom John saw coming down from heaven with a little book ___________ in His hand. (vs. 1-4)

2. Which best explains why Jesus—after He has opened the little book—sets foot on earth, and then roars like a lion? (vs. 1-4)

a. Because it was His Second Coming
b. Because He wanted to encourage the believers alive on earth
c. Because He meant to serve Sovereign notice to heaven and hell that He had taken back the earth
d. None of the above

3. What might explain why Jesus cried out with a loud voice? (vs. 1-4)

a. Because He was angry
b. To alert Israel that He was about to return
c. To give Satan notice that his claim to this planet was vanquished
d. None of the above.

4. Why didn't John write what he heard the "seven thunders" utter? (vs. 1-4)

a. He didn't understand what was said
b. He didn't hear it
c. He decided it would be better if he didn't
d. God stopped him

5. Complete this statement. In a great oath made by God, Jesus said, "There shall be ________________________________." (vs. 5-7) Which best explains its meaning?

a. God would forgo further judgments and return to earth immediately
b. The time had come to pluck Satan off this planet
c. The time had come to remove Israel out of harm's way
d. The time for God to pour out His fearful wrath had come

6. True or False. The "mystery of God" is eternal. (vs. 5-7)

7. True or False. John found that the scroll that he was asked to eat was bitter in his mouth, but sweet in his stomach. (vs. 8-10)

Revelation 9, The Demonic Invasion

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In this chapter, demons invade the planet at the sounding of the fifth and sixth trumpets.

v.1 "And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. And to him was given the key to the bottomless pit."

As the fifth trumpet sounds, John sees "a star” fall from heaven and given "the key to the bottomless pit."

The “bottomless pit,” or more literally, "the pit of the abyss,” speaks of that place located inside the earth (Eph.4:9) now serving as the holding cell for all unsaved disembodied spirits (Rev.20:13-15). The "key" signifies the power and authority over the bottomless pit. In other words, what John sees is an exchange of power, but between whom, and why?

Foremost, we've already learned that Jesus is the One who possesses the key to Hades and Death (Rev.1:18). Therefore, the question is, to whom does He release it? We know that the star is no celestial particle, but clearly an entity, because John says, "And to him was given…” Moreover, given Satan's evil intent to fully dispatch demonic forces upon humanity to hurt, injure, and destroy, it's safe to conclude that the fallen star is Satan.

In other words, John sees Jesus give Satan the authority to unlock hell, and in turn to unleash demonic armies capable of invading this planet with a terror and destructive power unparalleled in the history of man.

v.2-4 "And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like smoke of a great furnace. And the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads."

The mere thought of all the forces of hell unleashed in the power of a volcanic eruption is ominous. Think about it: Demons long incarcerated inside the ancient tomb of hell, in a place they dread (Luke 8:30,31), will one day suddenly all be set free upon this planet like a stampeding horde of insanely brutal beasts.

Okay, but we should consider how this event might unfold.

Keep in mind that demons are warring spirits invisible to man (Eph.6:11,12), and only "signified" to John in this vision by the Holy Spirit. In other words, we can’t assume the world will see the demons described in this chapter, nor that their form is meant to reveal what demons look like. They are shown to John in hideous shapes and configurations only to signify their dreadful and ferocious nature. Moreover, their invasions will probably be considered “natural” occurrences to the world brought about by plagues, disasters, and war. As in all things spiritual, I don't believe that unrepentant humanity in the time of the tribulation will comprehend the evil and destructive devices of Satan levied against them any more than they do currently.

This first wave of demons appears in the form of “locusts” (the Biblical symbol of a destructive enemy; Joel 1:1-7; 2:2-9; Nah.3:15-17). And each has the power to inflict pain upon man's flesh equal in torment to the venomous sting of a scorpion. Their only restraint: Not to harm the grass of the earth, any green thing or tree, nor those men who have the seal of God on their foreheads.

v. 5-6 "And they were not given the authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. And their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.”

The judgment carries with it a grim twist: The absence of death for five months. While the locust-demons are given full authority to torment man with an excruciating pain, neither they, nor anyone else will be able to initiate death. Even those who attempt suicide (apparently a large number) will not die. "They will desire to die," John says, "and death will flee from them."

Why death is withheld is not explained. Perhaps the answer lies in what another has suggested: That it’s the grace of God to allow man a foretaste of hell-torment short of death, and temporarily, that some might repent and find salvation and thereby escape the place of eternal torment. (Check also—Jude 22-23).

v.7-11 "And the shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle; and on their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men. They had hair like a women's hair, and their teeth were like lion's teeth. And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle. They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. And their power was to hurt men five months. And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon."

Because there is a king, we can assume that a hierarchy exists amongst the demons—demons of various rank with manifest power, authority, and evil. Moreover, we might be given an insight of how highly fierce, powerful, and severely lethal this king named Abaddon and Apollyon is by his name. In Hebrew, Abaddon means "destruction,” and in Greek, Apollyon means "the destroyer."

It should be noted that some see this personage, the king over the locust-demons, as Satan. Yes, he is a destroyer set on destruction, but I don't believe that it is Satan. In my opinion, because this demon-king is referred to as "the angel of the bottomless pit," it's more likely that he is the highest ranking, or perhaps most fierce, of all the demons released, and is subjected to Satan.

v.12 "One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things."

This recalls the three “woes” declared for the world by the flying angel described in the last chapter (Rev.8:13). This invasion of the locust-demons, with their power to inflict upon man bodily pain so excruciating that they will prefer death rather than to endure the pain, yet not be able to escape it by death, completes the first.

To assist your study, here are the two remaining: The second "woe" is another demonic invasion, along with a great earthquake that destroys a tenth of Jerusalem following the death and resurrection of God’s two witnesses (Rev.11:14). The third "woe" is levied upon the inhabitants of the earth because Satan is banished from heaven to earth, and thereby must endure his fury (Rev.12:12).

v.13-15 "Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, 'Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.' So the four angels who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind."

This sixth trumpet blast unleashes four more demons upon the earth, and institutes another demonic invasion. But this second wave of demonic activity is diverse from the first.

There are just four, not a multitude, and they are released from the floor of the Euphrates River, not from the bottomless pit
Their release is not ordered by Satan but by an audible command made from the “four horns of the golden altar which is before God”, and is probably that of none other than Jesus Christ Himself
Unlike their predecessors, these are given no restrictions, but rather granted the Sovereign license to kill a third of mankind

Clearly, something strange about the identity and nature of these demons is going on here but not explained, though it may be elsewhere in Scripture. Both Jude and Peter include a rather bazaar comment about a select group of demons. Listen to what they wrote:

“And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own habitation, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day” (Jude 6)

“For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment…” (2Pet. 2:4)

Both writers identify fallen angels bound in chains, under darkness, reserved for the judgment. Moreover, gleaning from both, we discover that these demons “did not keep their proper domain, but left their own habitation” and were cast down to “Tartarus”. The Greek word for "the deepest abyss of Hades” and used nowhere else in the entire New Testament.

I tend to accept the notion that the accounts of both writers are related to this passage in Revelation, for two reasons. We should conclude that these are creatures far more threatening than average demons. Having committed crimes so vile to get abolished to an uncommon place called "the deepest abyss of Hades”, it seems consistent they would be bound at an uncommon place called "the great river Euphrates". Secondly, being reserved in everlasting chains under darkness until this very hour that God requires them for judgment seems to explain why they must be set free only at the command of Christ Himself.

v.16-19 "Now the number of the army of the horseman was two hundred million, and I heard the number of them. And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed-- by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm."

God’s purpose for these four diverse demons is clear. They are meant to inspire a war between men in a magnitude unlike any other war ever fought, resulting in the death of one third of mankind (about two billion people) by this war.

v.20 "But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; and they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts."

It's difficult to imagine that warfare on a such a global scale, with death tolls in the billions, doesn't stir hearts to consider death and mortality, and their eternal destiny, but it doesn't. Despite being able to repent before a God willing to forgive, they continue to reject God. We can only hope that amongst the dead, there are many who do question and come to know Jesus as Saviour before they die.

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 9

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1. When the fifth trumpet was sounded, John saw a "star" falling from heaven in possession of the key to the bottomless pit. Which is probably the best explanation? (v.1)

a. It was an angel commissioned by God to open the bottomless pit
b. It was our Lord Jesus Christ, because He possesses the key to the bottomless pit
c. It was Satan to whom Jesus gave the key
d. It was a demon to whom Satan gave the key

2. True or False. When the bottomless pit was opened, it unleashed a horde of swarming locust-demons. (vs. 2-4)

3. According to the commandment of God, these "locusts" were given great authority and power to inflict pain but were strictly prohibited from harming which of the following? (vs. 3-4)

a. The grass
b. Any green thing
c. The 144,000 Jews who had the "seal" of the living God upon their foreheads
d. All of the above

4. Complete this statement: The authority given the locust-demons to hurt men was limited to ________ months. (v.4) True or False. During this period, the torment they inflict will be so severe that suicide will climb to epic proportions. (vs. 5-6)

5. True or False. At the sounding of the sixth angel, four fierce angels are released from the Euphrates River that in turn led a second wave of demons that have the ability to kill one third of mankind. (vs. 13-15)

6. True or False. Although it is true that John saw all of the demons in grotesque shapes and forms, the world will not. In fact, the world will probably consider this "spiritual warfare" and "demonic assault" to be nothing more than a "natural" outbreak of plagues, or the ravages of war. (v.17)

7. True or False. This demonic invasion will ultimately cause men to repent and result in a world-wide revival. (v.20)

Revelation 8, The Judgments Resume at the Blasting of Trumpets

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As Jesus removes the seventh and final seal from the scroll, another wave of more intense judgments devastate the earth in response to a series of trumpet blasts made in heaven by a select group of archangels.

v.1 "When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour."

This period of absolute heavenly silence is one of the most intriguing moments recorded in Revelation. It’s not explained why heaven, which to this point had resounded with voices, all at once becomes decidedly quiet within the space of "about half an hour”, so we dare not comment. But we may have an anti-type in the Old Testament. According to Joshua’s record, when the ancient city of Jericho was about to be overthrown, and the victory for Israel secured, there was period of silence prior to the blasting of trumpets (Josh.6:10, 15, 16).

v.2 "And I saw the seven angels that stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets."

Given that John tells us these angels are "the seven angels that stand before God", purposely distinguishing them from other angels, probably means that they are archangels. The prefix "arch" means "first”, and signifies them as a select host of angels "first" in the angelic hierarchy and with "first access" to God. Two of them are named in the Bible: Michael, who is called "the archangel" (Jude 9), and Gabriel, who identified himself to Zacharias as the one "who stands in the presence of God" (Lu.1:19). So John sees Michael, Gabriel, and five other archangels each given a trumpet to signal and unleash the next series of judgments.

v.3-5 "Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. And he was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar that is before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightning's, and an earthquake."

The actions of God speak volumes about the unyielding compassion He holds for His people. With Heaven made ready for judgment, it’s then adequately perfumed with incense, and then inside the silence of Heaven God listens to the prayers of His saints. It’s not until afterward, when those prayers are fully heard, that the symbols of judgment—"noises, thunderings, lightning's, and an earthquake"—manifest themselves in the cascading fire ablaze with those prayers and thrown from the heavenly altar to the earth. Oh, how prophetic are the words:

"In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of the hills also quaked and were shaken, because He was angry. Smoke went up from His nostrils, and devouring fire from His mouth; coals were kindled by it…From the brightness before Him, His thick clouds passed with hailstones and coals of fire. The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered His voice, hailstones and coals of fire" (Ps.18:6-8, 12-13).

v.6-7 "So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up."

All seven archangels raise their trumpets in readiness to sound, but they won't all sound at once. We will see them one by one, in systematic order, each loudly blasting their signal for more intense judgments.

This first trumpet blast ignites a storm of "hail and fire...mingled with blood" that desolates a third of this planet's trees, along with all of its green grass.

v.8-9 "Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood; and a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed."

This second trumpet blast causes an event that seemingly mystifies John because “Something,” he writes, "like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea.” As a result, one third of the ocean becomes blood, one third of the ocean's living creatures die, and one third of the ships sailing across the ocean perish.

v.10-11 "Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water; and the name of the star is Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood; and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter."

This blast of the third trumpet causes another fiery object to fall from the sky. But this time John identifies it as a "great star" named Wormwood (Gr.apsinthos, "bitter"), and by it, one third of the earth's fresh water supply is poisoned. "And many men died from the water, because it was made bitter."

v.12 "Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened; and a third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night."

This fourth trumpet blast causes horrific air pollution, probably the result of the first three judgments. A blanket of smoke and soot and ash so thick that it causes the sun to appear one third less bright by day, and the moon and stars to appear one third less bright by night.

v.13 "And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, 'Woe, woe , woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!' "

This three-fold “woe” proclaimed so loudly through the corridors of heaven by this flying angel is the same word generally used in the Bible in conjunction with the condition of one’s present pitiful state, as an exclamation of grief. Jesus, for instance, used the word eight times in one discourse against the scribes and Pharisees in matters concerning their spiritual blindness and hypocrisy (see—Matt.23:1-36), and in another place to underscore the deplorable state in which a pregnant or nursing woman will find herself if caught in the Tribulation (Matt.25:19).

It's also interesting that the word “midst of heaven” through which the angel is flying means mid-heaven, a word used only in Revelation. It signifies, not merely the space between heaven and earth, but the highest point in the heavens occupied by the sun at noon. In other words, the image is not that of an angel in random flight throughout the sky, but one in a purposeful location directly above the earth.

Cling on to your Bibles, dear ones, for the worst is yet to come. Whereas, the first four judgments provoked judgment upon the physical world, and man only indirectly, the next three evoke judgment upon man directly. A sequence of judgments so fueled by God’s fury that none of all the inhabitants of the earth, except for the hundred and forty-four thousand sealed earlier by God, escape without injury.

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 8

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1. True or False. When Jesus removed the seventh and final seal from the scroll, John in effect said: "All of heaven, the four living creatures surrounding the throne, all the hosts of angels, and everyone else became absolutely quiet for about thirty minutes." (v.1)

2. John witnessed seven angels receive one trumpet each after Jesus removed the final seal. Who are they? (v.2)

a. The ones who "stand before God"
b. The arch angels
c. Michael, Gabriel, and five unnamed angels
d. All of the above

3. Which of the following best explains why John witnessed another angel moving about the temple in heaven offering up to God "the prayers of the Tribulation saints"? (vs. 3-5)

a. God wanted to bless the saints
b. God was interested in hearing the prayer requests of His saints
c. God wanted first to allow the prayers of His saints to be offered up and heard before the judgments upon the earth began because they would have to endure the judgments
d. The angels were merely interested in hearing the prayers

4. Complete this statement: The sounding of the first four trumpets each initiated a judgment that destroyed ____________ of this planet's vegetation, sea, fresh waters, and atmosphere. (vs. 6-12)

5. This chapter concluded with John looking upon an angel who flew through heaven crying out loudly, "Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth." What might best explain the angel's message? (v.13)

a. The worst is yet to come
b. The first four trumpets provoked judgment upon the physical world, and man only indirectly
c. The next three trumpets evoke judgment upon man more directly
d. All of the above

Revelation 7, A Pause to Seal the 144,000

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In this chapter, John sees four mighty angels virtually hold back the winds of judgment long enough for God to set His seal of protection upon 144,000 select men of Israel.

v.1 "After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree.

In the wake of the chaos of the vision recorded in last chapter, John now beholds four angels standing at the "four corners of the earth holding the four winds of the earth". This might imply that these angels are standing at the four points of the compass—north, east, south, and west. But what does John mean by “holding the four winds?"

Some see it as a restraining of literal winds, and thereby a form of intensifying the earlier judgments. But the Bible also uses the word "wind" as a symbol of divine judgment (see Jer.49:36; 51:1; II Sam.22:11). I tend to accept this latter explanation, and thereby believe that God isn’t using these angels to alter the weather, but to bring a pause to the judgments long enough for Him to seal His servants.

v.2-3 "Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, 'Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of God on their foreheads'."

Then John sees another angel that ascends from the east carrying with him "the seal of the living God” to write the name of God on the foreheads of His servants (Rev.14:1) as protection against the destructive forces of the judgments yet to come (Rev.9:4). Interestingly, a similar event is recorded in the book of Ezekiel wherein a man, not unlike this angel from the east, was used in a similar fashion by God to seal the righteous throughout Jerusalem as a means of protecting them against an impending judgment of death (check—Ezekiel 9).

v.4-8 "And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed."

In other words, twelve thousand Jews from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, or one hundred and forty-four thousand total, are sealed. Later we'll discover that all one hundred and forty-four thousand are male Jews characterized as virgins (see--Rev.14:1-5).

It should be noted that the tribe of Dan—one of the original tribes of Israel (Gen.49:16)—is omitted, and the tribe of Manasseh, the son of Joseph, but not one of the original twelve tribes (Gen.48:1), is put in its place. It's unclear why Dan is excommunicated in the Tribulation, though we do know from Scripture that Dan does have a part in the millennium Kingdom (Ezekiel 48). One suggestion is that it’s because Dan was the first tribe to fall into idolatry in the promised land of Canaan (Judges 18:30-31). Another thought is that it might hint that Antichrist himself is a Jew of the tribe of Dan. I don’t know.

One more point. Skeptics have long held to a theory that some of the tribes of Israel were “lost” following their Assyrian captivity. Obviously, they are not lost to God, however, and when the time is ready, He can and will find them.

v.9-17 "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!' And all the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, saying, 'Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.' Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, 'Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from? And I said to him, 'Sir, you know.' So he said to me, 'These are the ones who come out of great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.' "

This passage seems to be a leap forward in time.

In the previous passage, John watched one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed in preparation for tribulation service, whereas here he sees a great multitude worshiping in heaven that have come out of great tribulation. Why does John record one group sealed prior to the great tribulation and then suddenly a second group clearly having endured the great tribulation? I believe it’s because the two groups are indelibly linked. Whereas, the earlier group was designated to preach the gospel during the tribulation, this second group represents those who will hear the preaching, and are saved because of it.

These tribulation saints are adorned in white robes to signify the righteousness of Christ and waving palm branches as a symbol of victory. Moreover, considering the great suffering which these saints must endure in the tribulation, it’s fitting that they get the assurance that Christ will eternally dwell among them; that they shall neither hunger nor thirst anymore, nor be stroke by the sun or any heat; and that God wipe away every tear from their eyes.

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 7

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1. True or False. This chapter might be best classified as a "pause in the sequence of judgments."

2. John saw four angels hold back the "four winds" of the earth. What were they holding back? (v.1)

a. Literal winds
b. The armies of Antichrist
c. The army of Jesus Christ
d. The next wave of more intense judgments

3. Then John saw another angel ascending from the east carrying "the seal of the living God”. What was that seal going to be used for? (vs. 2-3)

a. A "seal of protection"
b. A "seal of approval"
c. A "seal of identification"
d. A "seal of death"

4. True or False. Exactly 144,000 Jews AND Gentiles were sealed. (v.4)

5. According to the list of tribes that were sealed, one tribe is conspicuously missing. Name the tribe. ____________. Which answer might best explain why? (vs. 5-8)

a. They were dissolved as a tribe after the Assyrian captivity
b. They were much too scattered throughout the world
c. They had long forfeited any future blessings
d. They were the first tribe to fall into idolatry after Israel entered their promised land

6. The last half of this chapter changed dramatically from a scene where John was watching the 144,000 on earth receiving a "seal,” to a scene where he saw a great multitude worshiping in heaven. Which might best explain why? (vs. 9-18)

a. Because John was briefly transported even further into the future
b. Because the multitudes in heaven are saved as a direct result of the evangelistic efforts of the 144,000
c. Both (a) and (b)
d. Neither (a) nor (b)

Revelation 6, Israel's "Seventieth Week" Begins

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In this chapter, as Jesus begins to unseal the scroll given to Him by the Father, John is introduced to the most important (yet-unfulfilled) period of time ever promised by God to the nation Israel—their “seventieth week.” A seven-year period appointed by God in which He will fulfill all His prophecies and promises concerning the restoration of their nation (Dan.9:24).

v.1 "Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, 'Come and see.' "

As Jesus peels back the first seal, John hears the loud and thunderous voice of one of the four cherubim say, "Come". And though many Bible versions include the words, "…and see" (giving the impression that the call is made to John), many commentators feel the correct rendering is simply, "Come" or "Go", concluding that the call is not made to John, but to Satan; a call he has waited to receive from God for the past six thousand years.

Satan has always had one objective: to rule over the earth with absolute and unrestrained power, having all men be made to worship him as God. He has not succeeded because God, through the restraining power of the Holy Spirit, has prevented it. But he does seem to know a day is coming when the restraint will be lifted and he will be free to unleash his terror upon men, and he plans for it.

“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed…" (2 Thess.2:7,8)

Whether or not the commentators are correct that Satan is outwardly told he can come, or the event is less-noticeably triggered at the rapture of the Church, one thing is clear. That Satan is given the "green light" to proceed with his plan, the earth is about to encounter "a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation" (Dan.12:1), the Jews are about to endure a severe persecution known as "the time of Jacob's trouble" (Jer.30:7), and John is about to record it.

Okay, but first we must understand the purpose of the tribulation. Some believe that it's for the purification of the Church, and therefore argue that the Church will not be raptured and thus made to endure it. I don't accept that view. I believe that the tribulation is, as some commentators note, the fulfillment of Israel’s “seventieth week”. In other words, that the tribulation has nothing to do with the Church and instead, has everything to do with the Nation of Israel.

Let's begin with the prophecy given to Daniel during Israel's captivity in Babylon.

Seventy years earlier Daniel and his people had been carried away captive by the armies of Nebuchadnezzar, and Jerusalem was destroyed (2Chron.36:17-21). However, from his understanding of the book of Jeremiah Daniel knew that these “desolations” were to last only for a period of seventy years (Jer.25:11; Dan.9:2), and thus, believing that the divine judgment must be nearing its close, Daniel was praying for an understanding as to the future of his “city” and his “people” (Dan.9:3-19). While in prayer, the angel Gabriel delivered this response to Daniel.

"Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times. And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself…" (Dan.9:24-26).

Therein Daniel is instructed that God has allotted unto Israel a time-period consisting of seventy weeks in which God has vowed He would complete a miraculous work in the Nation. Okay, now let’s take a closer look.

First, let’s consider the measure of time. The Hebrew word for "weeks" is shabua, meaning literally a “seven”. Hebrew traditions include a week of seven days, a week of weeks, a week of months, and a week of years. This is explained in detail by several commentators, but it's beyond the scope of our study, so we'll defer the explanation and for our purposes agree with those scholars that the word shabua used here refers to "years of sevens" or “seven-year periods", and therefore the allotment of time in this prophecy is a period of four hundred and ninety years (70 X 7 = 490).

Secondly, we must recognize that the 70 "weeks" are not contiguous. Rather than one period of 490 consecutive years, verse 26 includes an explicit interval between the 69th and 70th weeks. There are 483 consecutive years (69 weeks) to the time when “Messiah shall be cut off” and a remaining 7 years (the 70th week) reassigned to the future. (This final yet-future event will be fulfilled during, and thus is the explanation for, the tribulation).

Thirdly, let’s consider the historical date scheduled to begin the countdown of this allotment of years. Gabriel identifies the event as “the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem” which did occur years later (445 BC) when King Artaxerxes of Persia gave the decree to Nehemiah to return to and rebuild Jerusalem (see--Neh.2:1-8). (Scholars calculate the 69 years starting March 14, 445 BC and ending April 6, 32 AD when Jesus was presented as "Messiah the King" to Israel; Luke 19:28-44).

Fourthly, note the six items that have yet to be completed, and the fact that they are still pending after 2,000 years to demonstrate that the time periods are not contiguous:

To finish the transgressions
To make an end of sins
To make reconciliation for iniquity
To bring in everlasting righteousness
To seal up the vision
To anoint the Holy of Holies

[To read about this subject in more detail refer to "Daniel’s Prophecy of The 70 Weeks" by Alva J. McClain]

v.2 "And I looked, and behold, a white horse. And he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given him, and he went out conquering and to conquer."

All the chaos, debasement, and ruin that characterize the tribulation period are signified to John in the form of four malignant horsemen. The first is a man.

Taken to be the Antichrist, he is shown to John upon a white horse (to symbolize him as a counterfeit of the true Messiah of Israel), holding a bow (because he will be aggressively militant), and wearing a crown (to show him as a world leader with a kingdom).

"And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king shall arise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes. His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; he shall destroy fearfully, and shall prosper and thrive; he shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity…" (Dan.8:23-25).

This anti-Messiah will make his appearance to the world and to Israel as a brilliant and charismatic political leader who, by political wrangling and strong military alliances, will be able to negotiate peace for Israel; including the ratification of a seven-year agreement that will allow them to rebuild their temple. Thereby causing Israel to consider him to be their Messiah, and therein explains why Jesus said, "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive" (John 5:43). According to Daniel, however, after three and a half years Antichrist will break the treaty with Israel and invade Jerusalem, and desecrate the temple.

"Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate" (Dan.9:27).

The Apostle Paul also foretold of the nation's unholy alliance with Antichrist with ominous clarity: "For when they say, 'Peace and safety!' “, Paul says, “then sudden destruction comes upon them" (1Thess.5:3).

v.3-4 "When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, 'Come and see.' And another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword."

This second horse has no humanized rider. But is itself a grim apparition (as are the next two horses) meant to symbolize the destructive and devastating forces brought upon the earth in the wake of Antichrist's ravaging path. The horse is fiery red, and by it peace on earth is vanquished as Antichrist sets out to conquer the world with war against every government that opposes him.

"Then the king shall do according to his own will…He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses…Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain" (Dan.11:36-39).

v.5-6 "When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, 'Come and see.' And I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, 'A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and wine."

This black horse symbolizes economic chaos and famine; undoubtedly caused by the wars and natural disasters. The phrase, "A quart of wheat for a denarius and three quarts of barley for a denarius" carries with it the thought that a whole day's wages will be required to purchase a one-day supply of food. Yet, in as much as neither the oil nor wine (non-essential luxury items) will be hurt, the implication is that while the poor become victims to horrific inflation, and become poorer, the rich retain their luxuries.

v.7-8 "When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, 'Come and see.' And I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth."

This pale horse is the grimmest apparition of all, mounted by a figure called, Death, and followed closely behind by Hades. And by him "a fourth of the earth" will die from war, famine, death, and the beasts of the earth, the result of this first wave of judgment. Moreover, as people die Hades follows closely behind to seize the soul of each non-believer the moment they perish. This gruesome image could be what the prophet had in mind when he wrote, "Therefore Sheol has enlarged itself and opened its mouth beyond measure" (Isa.5:14).

v.9-11 "When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?' And a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed."

John's attention gets redirected from earth to heaven, from the grim to the glorious. He is shown the souls of those martyred during the Tribulation for their testimony of Jesus Christ—the first suggestion in Revelation regarding the great revival that occurs during the Tribulation period.

The image of these souls "under the altar" (the altar of sacrifice) signifies that they are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ and justified because of His death on the Cross (Heb.10:8-12). And though they are crying for vengeance (unlike the Church which has always been instructed to love and pray for its enemies), they are instructed to remain patient until they are joined by all the other tribulation believers yet to be martyred.

v. 12-14 "I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place."

With his eye again upon the earth, John witnesses a tremendous cataclysm. First, an earthquake of such magnitude that it's able to thicken the atmosphere with enough dust and ash to blacken the sun and make the moon appear red like blood. Secondly, what seems to be a meteor shower, John sees stars falling to earth like over-ripened fruit from a tree. And thirdly, a mysterious receding of the sky, followed by a violent trembling of every mountain and island on earth.

v.15-17 "And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?' "

Because of these things every man, woman, and child on earth will run for cover inside every crack and crevice they can find. And they will acknowledge the work of God, but it becomes evident later they aren't repenting (at least not all of them).

[This concludes the first wave of judgments know as the seal-judgments; so-called because they are evoked in concert with our Lord’s removal of the seals from the scroll. Two more waves of judgment will follow and each is intensively worse than the one before it]

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 6

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1. By opening the scroll, Jesus initiated the beginning of the fulfillment of which highly prophesied future event? (v.1)

a. The time of "Jacob's trouble"
b. The "seventieth week" spoken of by Daniel
c. The tribulation
d. They all speak of the same event. So, all of the above.

2. When Jesus removed the first seal from the scroll, John heard the thunderous voice of one of the "living creatures" say "Come!" Who was he directing his call to? (v.1)

a. John
b. Satan
c. Jesus
d. Michael the archangel

3. The removal of the first four seals unleashed four "horseman." What do each of the horseman signify? (vs. 2-8)

a. The rider on the white horse is the ________________________.
b. The rider on the fiery red horse signifies ____________________.
c. The rider on the black horse signifies ______________________.
d. The rider on the pale horse is named ______________________.

4. True or False. "Intense pain and suffering" followed close on the heels of the pale horse. (vs. 7-8)

5. Who did John see and hear crying out for vengeance when Jesus opened the fifth seal? (vs. 9-11)

a. The twenty-four elders
b. The angels
c. The priests of Israel
d. The tribulation martyrs

6. Which of the following statements is not true concerning the events that followed the opening of the sixth seal? (vs. 12-17)

a. There is a great earthquake
b. The sun becomes black like sackcloth
c. The moon becomes red like blood
d. There are asteroid showers
e. Mountains and islands will be moved
f. The people on earth will repent

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 1

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1. John makes it clear in the first two verses that the Revelation originated this way:

a. God the ____________revealed the vision to God the _________.
b. Jesus then sent His angel to reveal it to __________.
c. John was commissioned to record what was revealed to him so that he could in turn reveal it to the _______________ of Jesus Christ.

2. God's purpose for this vision is to:

a. Scare unbelievers into repentance
b. Set the date for the Second Coming of Jesus
c. Help Christians identify the Antichrist
d. Show Christians how He plans to accomplish his plans and works in Jesus Christ the Son

3. True or False. John the Apostle was literally taken in the Spirit into the future and shown the events as they will actually occur one day.

4. In one of the Bible's rare descriptions of Jesus, John saw Him with clothed with a ___________________________ and girded about the chest with a ________________ (v.13), with hair as __________________ and eyes like a ________________ (v.14), feet like _________________, and a voice as the sound ___________________ (v.15).

5. The "key verse" to understanding Revelation is verse 19 because Jesus provided an outline of the Book when He instructed John to write it in the following three segments:

a. Things he had "_________________"
b. Things which "__________________"
c. Things which will take place "___________" these things

6. Complete this statement: Chapter _____ is the first section of Revelation, Chapters _____ and ______ are the second section, and Chapters _____ through _____ are the third section. (v.19)

7. The mystery of the "seven stars" is interpreted to mean the seven "angels" or ______________ of the seven churches; and the "seven lampstands" are the seven "_______________.” (v.20)

8. True or False. John saw Jesus standing in the midst of the seven lampstands to signify that He is the One Who provides the light through the Church. (v.20)

ANSWERS

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 5

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1. True or False. What Jesus accomplishes in this chapter is best understood by His assumed role as a Kinsman-Redeemer.

2. True or False. Although the earth belongs to God as the Creator, He gave to man to have dominion over. But man—by his sin—in turn gave it to Satan, thereby allowing Satan to become the god of this world. (v.1)

3. Complete this statement: The "scroll” John saw in the right hand of the Father with writing on the ____________ and on the ____________ and sealed with ______ seals is the ______________________________. (v.1)

4. What might best explain John's convulsive weeping when no one immediately responded to the angel who asked, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?" (v.4)

a. John considered it to be an unreasonable request
b. John was upset that he couldn't open the scroll
c. John had concluded that no one was worthy
d. John knew that unless Jesus came forward to redeem the planet, the restoration of his nation Israel would go unfulfilled

5. An elder quieted John's spirit by assuring him that Jesus Christ had prevailed and would come forward to open the scroll. However, he didn't speak of Jesus by name, but instead attributed several titles to Him that identify Him in a particular way. Although Jesus is surely all of the following, which one does the elder apply to Jesus at this particular moment? (v.4)

a. The Bridegroom of the Church
b. The Messiah of Israel
c. Almighty God
d. God the Creator

6. Which statement is NOT true concerning Jesus as a "lamb as though it had been slain"? (v.6)

a. He bore the marks of crucifixion
b. It was His work on the Cross that made Jesus worthy to accomplish the purposes of God for man and creation
c. It is the shed blood of Christ that allows God to forgive and to redeem
d. It shadows the Passover, and is consistent with His role as the Messiah of Israel
e. The same image is used throughout Revelation

7. From whose right hand did Jesus take the scroll? (v.7)

a. God the Father
b. One of the four living creatures
c. One of the twenty-four elders
d. One of the arch angels

8. This chapter concludes with another resounding "cycle of praise" to Jesus Christ from an innumerable number of worshipers. How many are there? (v.9)

a. Ten thousand
b. Ten thousand times ten thousand
c. Thousands of thousands
d. Both b and c
e. An innumerable amount

Revelation 5, The Redemption of the Planet

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Still in the throne room, John witnesses the Lord come forward as a "kinsman-redeemer” to complete the greatest land transaction ever settled.

v.1-3 "And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?' And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. "

The best way to approach this remarkable chapter, and the explanation for what we are about to read, is for us to understand both, the historical facts surrounding the planet and man's relation to it, as well as an ancient Jewish law regarding the redemption of forfeited property; an anti-type to the transaction we'll see Jesus later evoke in this chapter.

In the beginning, God created the earth. So, as its Creator the earth belongs to God (Ps.24:1,2), and always will. But at the same time that God holds title to the earth, He doesn't possess the earth—Satan does. Shortly after creating Adam and Eve, God gave man and woman the earth as an inheritance, to freely possess and occupy and have dominion over (Gen.1:28). When they committed sin, however, they forfeited man's proper inheritance to the earth, thus subjecting the planet to the dominion of Satan and the curse of sin; causing even creation itself to groan for deliverance.

“…because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now” (Rom.8:19-22)

Okay, now let's consider the ancient Jewish law. According to it, when an Israelite sold or lost through non-payment some of his possession, the law permitted him a legal right to make restitution and reclaim the forfeited property once he could afford it. However, if the man became poor, then the law permitted a near blood relative called a “kinsman-redeemer” to volunteer and pay the debt; thereby to preserve the life, property, and family name in the debtor’s behalf (Lev.25:25,47-49; Ruth 4:3-14).

Since man forfeited the planet without the means of reclaiming it, Jesus Christ became man’s Kinsman-Redeemer. He willingly paid our debt, reclaimed free and clear title to our planet, and thus repudiated Satan's right to it. Having full authority to drive Satan out, Jesus made it possible for the purposes of God surrounding man and earth to be completed.

Now let's look at the passage.

The scroll John sees the Father holding is the title deed to the earth. Moreover, in full accord as an anti-type of the ancient law and custom of redemption, the deed is sealed as evidence of the purchase (check—Jer.32:6-14), and a cry is made to the Kinsman to come forward (two thousand years after making the payment) to complete the transaction.

v.4-5 " So I wept much because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. But one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals'. "

The phrase, "wept much" is better translated "wept convulsively.” In other words, John is sobbing. Why, because John understood that the restoration of Israel, and it's inheritance of all future blessings, rested upon God's destruction of Israel's enemies, the safe and peaceful occupation of its land, and the subsequent reign of Messiah upon King David's throne (2Sam.7:10; Isa.9:6,7). In other words, John wept because he knew that the promises of God would go unfulfilled toward the miraculous nation (see—Jer.32:37-42) unless the Kinsman-Redeemer stepped forward, completed the transaction, and claimed back the earth.

One of the elders comforts John.

"Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals." These are Messianic words, dear ones, meant to identify Jesus as the promised Messiah of Israel and intended to signify that it’s Israel (not the Church) in view here. Israel has been set aside by God only until the Church has run its appointed course, at which time He will again turn to the remnant of Israel and fulfill His promises to them as a people. For God has not forsaken His people (Ps.94:14; Rom.11:1,2) nor will He neglect His future plans and purposes for them (Rom.11:25-27). This is the explanation for the tribulation. For from inside the crucible of great tribulation a pure and holy Jewish nation will emerge, all of its enemies vanquished, and Zion made ready to receive her King.

Let's look closer.

He is "the Lion of the tribe of Judah". This is in accord with Abraham’s prophecy that the Messiah would be of the tribe of Judah (Gen.49:10). He is "the root of David". This is consistent with Isaiah’s prophecy that the Messiah would be a direct descendant of David (Isa.11:1). Both are required of the Messiah without compromise. Jesus, in His incarnation, fulfilled the requirements of both: He was born into the tribe of Judah as a descendant of David (Matt.1:2,6).

"[He] has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals". Because Jesus prevailed at the Cross, having therefore bled and died as a propitiation for sin upon the Cross (Romans 3:25), Jesus is the blessed Kinsman, therefore the One (the only One) worthy to complete the act of redemption.

v.6 "And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth."

This characterization of our Redeemer as a "sacrificed Lamb" is the explanation of His worth, and why Jesus (while others dare not) may respond to the great call to take the scroll. For it's the death of Christ and the shedding of His own undefiled blood that alone serves to explain God's forgiveness, and the basis of all redemption.

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace…" (Eph.1:7)

This is the first and only time in Revelation that Jesus appears in the image of a lamb; arguably the most significant symbol used of Him as Redeemer and Sin Bearer throughout Scripture. God let it be known to Abraham that He would provide for Himself the "lamb" to be offered (Gen.22:8). The prophet Isaiah foretold that He would be "led as a lamb to slaughter" to "make His soul an offering for sin" and would pour it out "unto death" (Isa.53). The paschal lamb typified Christ as the Messiah to Israel (Exo.12:1-28; I Cor.5:7). John the Baptist announced Him to the world as "The Lamb of God" (John 1:29,36). Now here, inside the chambers of heaven, He appears as a lamb slain—the Great Redeemer—the One Whom Isaiah prophesied would save the Gentiles (Isa.11:10), and then "assemble the outcasts of Israel and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth "(Isa.11:12).

The image shadows the Passover, the most important Feast imposed upon Israel in memory of their preservation from death and deliverance from bondage (Ex.12:1-28), and is consistent with the role of Jesus as the Messiah of Israel Who would preserve Israel from death and deliver them from bondage.

v.7-8 "Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."

The Church has been praying, "Thy Kingdom come" for the past two thousand years. Israel's faithful had been praying for the Coming of their Messiah for continuous centuries before. Now, all those faithful prayers from all the saints over thousands of years are appropriately released at the feet of Jesus as a sweet smelling aroma as He comes forward to answer those prayers.

v.9-14 "And they sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth. Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!' And every creature which is in heaven and on earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: 'Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!' Then the four living creatures said, 'Amen!' And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever. "

The whole magnificent event concludes with a crescendo of adoration for our Lord and Savior from all of creation—"every creature which is in heaven and on earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them".

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 4

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1. Because John was immediately in the Spirit and subsequently "air lifted" to the throne room of God, but only AFTER the letters to the seven churches, it’s a good indication that: (v.1)

a. John was no longer on Patmos, but actually in heaven
b. John's experience might "model" the future Rapture of the Church
c. John had crossed the threshold of space and time
d. All of the above

2. True or False. John gave an incredible description of God's features. (v.3)

3. Who are the twenty-four elders John saw sitting on twenty-four thrones around the throne of God? (v.4)

a. Twenty-four angels
b. Twelve elders of Israel, and the twelve Apostles of the Church
c. Twenty-four Church martyrs
d. Twenty-four Old Testament saints

4. Complete the following description John gave about the four "living creatures" he beheld in the midst and around the throne of God. (v.7)

a. The first was like a _____________________________.
b. The second was like a ___________________________.
c. The third had a face like a ________________________.
d. The fourth was like a ____________________________.

5. How do the four images of the four "living creatures" symbolize the four-fold life and ministry of Jesus Christ? (v.7)

a. The first speaks of Jesus as the _________________________________.
b. The second speaks of Jesus as the ______________________________.
c. The third speaks of Jesus as the ________________________________.
d. The fourth speaks of Jesus as the _______________________________.

6. True or False. This chapter concludes with an incredible "cycle of praise," during which John saw the twenty-four elders casting flowers before the feet of Jesus Christ. (v.9)

Revelation 4, John Gets Raptured

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This marks the beginning of John’s incredible journey into the future, starting at the throne room of God.

v.1-2 "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, 'Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.' Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne."

With the messages to the Church complete, John is taken in the Spirit into the presence of Almighty God Himself. Let's put ourselves into John's place and see if we can experience this rapture with him. Imagine for a moment that you are John.

You're on Patmos, no more than a few feet away from Jesus, listening to His every word. Then after some time (you don’t know how long) the voice of Jesus ceases, and you’re attention is drawn toward a parting of the sky, the call of God's voice, and the Holy Spirit’s seizure and instantaneous translation of your body from the realm of the physical into the supernatural.

Okay, that’s where we'll begin this chapter, with John standing before the throne of God. Before we move on, though, allow me to explain why I believe that this event is an anti-type of the yet-future advent of the rapture of the church.

(1) I'm convinced that the great tribulation concerns Israel, not the Church. We will read more about this in Chapter Six when we cover Israel's "Seventieth Week". (2) I accept our Lord’s instruction for John, that he “write the things which take place after this” (Rev.1:17), to mean those things that take place after the age of the church has been fulfilled. (3) I see John’s ascent into heaven following the letters to the Church intending to signify the rapture once the age of the Church is complete. (4) The Church is never seen on earth throughout all the grim events of the tribulation, and when represented, only as being in Heaven. (5) I accept the idea that Scripture teaches of a rapture (I Cor.15:51; I Thess.4:16-17).

Rapture can happen in our lifetime, dear ones. The next breath we inhale here on earth might very well be exhaled in heaven in the presence of Jesus. It's a wonderful thought.

"Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober" (I Thess.5:6)

v.3 "And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald."
John describes the beauty of God by comparing the brilliant light emanating from Him to the translucent colors of precious stones.

The rainbow (Heb. qesheth, "a bow") surrounding God’s throne is familiar to us as the token of the covenant God made with Noah when he exited the ark (see--Gen.9:13-16); proclaiming peace between God and man. It's probably included here by the Holy Spirit to convey the great mercy and love of God toward man in Jesus Christ.

v.4-5 "Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed with white robes and they had crowns of gold on their heads. And from the throne proceeded lightning's, thunderings, and voices. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God."

As he beholds the throne, it becomes clear to John how magnificent it is. Not only is it crowded with light and a wide spectrum of colors, but there are lightning flashes and thunderclaps, voices, and groups of spirit-beings.

Around the throne are twenty-four elders seated upon smaller thrones, each draped in a white robe and wearing a golden crown. Who are they? I tend to agree with some commentators that these are the twelve patriarchs from the twelve tribes of Israel plus the twelve Apostles (the full representation of both the whole Israel and the whole Church). They are clothed in the same white robes Jesus will give to all of us who enter heaven, each wearing the crowns Jesus has given them as a reward (check—2 Tim.4:8).

The "seven Spirits of God" is the Holy Spirit (see notes—Rev.1:4).

v.6 "Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back."

Having seen the One upon the throne, those seated around the throne, the thundering and lightning’s coming from the throne, and the Spirit before the throne, John describes what he observes at the base of the throne: a "sea of glass" as clear as crystal.

Rather than a vast translucent ocean of water, most commentators believe that this “sea of glass” alludes to the Tabernacle laver called the Sea. According to Scripture, the Sea (a great basin of water) was the temple furnishing where the priests of Israel ceremonially cleansed themselves whenever they were required to minister at the tabernacle (I Kings 7:23; Ex.30:18-21). This was, as it probably is here, an anti-type for the Lord Christ Jesus Himself, in whom we are made eternally clean, pure, and holy by the washing of His blood (Rev.1:5).

Finally, in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, John sees “four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back." The term, “creature” is an unfortunate translation because these aren’t beasts like those that the term creature denotes. These are highly alert angelic beings of the highest rank and order and would better be described as the "living ones".

v.7-8 "The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!' "

As other symbols revealed in Revelation, the uniquely distinct forms and features of these "living ones" isn't intended to be a literal resemblance, but characterizations of something far more significant. When I refer to my truck as a "work horse", for instance, you would understand that it describes the sturdiness and reliability of my vehicle, and not a literal horse. This is how we must consider the symbols. In this case, the four “faces” of these angelic beings are characterizations of Jesus Christ.

The "lion" – this speaks of Jesus as the Messiah of Israel. “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed…" (Rev.5:5)
The "calf" (a beast of burden) – this speaks of Him as the suffering Servant. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…" (Mark 10:45)
The "man" – this speaks of Christ in His incarnation as the Son of Man, the God who became Man. "Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men" (Phil.2:6,7)
The "flying eagle" (the greatest of all birds) – this speaks of Christ in His Deity as the Son of God. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…" (John 1:1,14)

Okay, now let’s consider the uniqueness of their employment. They yield both life and breath inside a ministry of praise to Almighty God—non-stop, without rest, day and night. Listen to them:

"Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" He is Lord, Jehovah, the God of Redemption; He is God, the Strong One with all power in Himself; He is the Almighty, Creator, the One Who is the source of life, strength, and nourishment.

Little wonder that one whose heart has beheld God could refrain from declaring,

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord…" (Ps.150:6)

v.9-11 "Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne saying: 'You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power. For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.' "

This chapter closes with a breathtaking scene. With nothing in themselves worthy to offer Jesus for His Great Work, the elders remove their crowns and lay them at the feet of God. They offer only that which He has given them, their crowns.

Here's a thought, dear ones.

Whereas a crown of life was promised to the overcomers in Smyrna (2:10), an admonition to hold fast to their crowns was given to those in Philadelphia (3:11). In other words, crowns can be gained or lost; we can enter heaven with a crown or without a crown. Perhaps we should contemplate the moment we behold Jesus and consider whether we will possess a crown as an offering to Him, or simply stand in His presence empty-handed. With such a glorious opportunity to revere Him, it would be sad for us to miss it.

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 3

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1. What did Jesus mean when He told SARDIS, "You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead"? (v.1)

a. They had an appearance of Godliness
b. They were denying the power of the Holy Spirit
c. They were NOT teaching their congregation that they must "be born again"
d. All of the above

2. What best describes what Sardis needed the most? (v.3)

a. More good works
b. New leadership
c. A spiritual awakening
d. More church services

3. Which statement is NOT true concerning the Book of Life? (v.5)

a. It contains the names of all born again believers
b. It will be used in the judgment of the condemned
c. It contains an allotment of space which can be blotted out
d. It contains the names of the unredeemed

4. Complete this statement to PHILADELPHIA: "See, I have set before you an ___________________, and no one can ____________________" (v.8) What might best explain what Jesus was alluding to?

a. They would acquire a new building to meet in
b. Their membership would flourish
c. They would increase their weekly meetings
d. They would encounter new opportunities to proclaim the Word, and spread the Gospel

5. True or False. When Jesus told the Philadelphians, "I will make them come and worship before your feet,” He meant that the Philadelphians would be there in the presence of Jesus when the unbelievers are forced to kneel at the feet of Jesus in the presence of His Church. (v.9)

6. True or False. The church at Philadelphia could be representative of the body of believers who will be delivered from the Tribulation. (v.10)

7. True or False: LAODICEA had departed from the true doctrine of Christ. (v.14)

8. Why is it that Jesus would have preferred that the Laodiceans be either "hot or cold,” and not merely "lukewarm”? (v.15)

a. If they were "hot,” it would have signified a heart that burned for Christ
b. If they were "cold" it might have stirred a need to know Christ
c. "Lukewarm" is comfortable and stirs no need to change
d. All of the above.

9. What might explain what Jesus meant when He said, "I will spew you out of My mouth"? (v.15)

a. The Laodiceans would lose their salvation
b. The Laodiceans would forfeit the opportunity to be saved
c. The Laodiceans would be "cut off" from fellowship with the Church
d. None of the above

10. True or False. The great stumbling for the Laodiceans was their poverty. (v.17)

11. Complete this statement: “As many as I __________, I ______________ and ____________________.” (v.19) True or False. Therefore, we know that the Laodiceans were NOT true believers.

12. Which of the following is NOT true about this statement Jesus makes to the Laodiceans: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock”? (v.19)

a. He continues to pursue them
b. Though crowded out of their hearts, He remains at their hearts
c. Though they were prodigal, He yearns for fellowship with them still
d. He wanted access in order to rebuke them

STUDY QUESTIONS, Chapter 2

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1. Which of the following do NOT correctly describe the format that Jesus uses in writing to the seven congregations: (vs. 1-4)

a. He addresses each letter to the pastor
b. He includes a title of Himself to underscore His message
c. Jesus always condemns before He commends
d. Jesus always commends before He condemns

2. The theme of the EPHESIAN letter is that they had left their "_________________.” It might be summarized this way: They were going through the ____________ with many good works, but had lost the _____________ of a love relationship with Jesus Christ. (v.4)

3. To arouse the Ephesians into considering their spiritual state, Jesus told them to “___________________ therefore from where you have fallen.” (v.5)

4. What did Jesus mean when He warned the Ephesians to repent; otherwise, He would remove their "lampstand from its place"? (v.5)

a. They would lose their salvation
b. They would lose their usefulness as a light bearer of the Gospel
c. They would be forced to relocate
d. They would lose their financial support

5. True or False. The "Nicolaitans" were most likely sincere Christians that subjected themselves to the authority of the Apostles (v.6)

6. In the closing comments about Ephesus, additional information is given about the format Jesus uses at the conclusion of all seven letters. Which of the following is NOT a correct comment (v.7)

a. Each letter always concludes with an exhortation to hear the Spirit
b. To hear the Spirit means hearing with the heart so as to be in agreement with God
c. Each letter always concludes with a promise to the overcomers
d. The word “overcomers” signifies those who overcome all sinful acts
e. The word “overcomers” signifies those who, by faith, overcome the world and find victory in the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

7. Because SMYRNA was subjected to heavy persecution for their faith, Jesus—wanting only to encourage and comfort them—presented Himself to them as God the Eternal One, Who has both _______________ death and _________________ over it (v.8)

8. Which best describes what Jesus refers to as “a synagogue of Satan”? (v.8)

a. A group of local business men that were in bitter opposition to Christ and His people
b. A group of Satan worshippers that were in bitter opposition to Christ and His people
c. A group of Jews that were in bitter opposition to Christ and His people
d. A group of Roman soldiers that were in bitter opposition to Christ and His people

9. Although the meaning of the "ten day testing" Jesus told Smyrna they would have to endure is uncertain, it might be a reference to the only other ten day test recorded in the Bible. Which prophet endured it? (v.10)

a. Ezekiel
b. Isaiah
c. Daniel
d. Jeremiah

10. Which crown did Jesus promise as a reward to those in Smyrna who remained faithful until death? (v.11)

a. The crown of Joy
b. The crown of Righteousness
c. The crown of Life
d. The crown of Glory

11. True or False. In His title to Pergamos, "He who has the sharp two-edged sword," Jesus was making it clear to the congregation that—as the Possessor of the Word of God—He has been able to "cut" into the heart of their doctrine, and subsequently has been able to righteously divide truth from untruth. (v.12)

12. In His rebuke of Pergamos, Jesus accused the leadership of holding to "the doctrine of Balaam." What were they doing? (vs. 14-15)

a. Allowing insincere members to teach the congregation
b. Allowing worldly doctrines to be taught
c. Allowing some within the congregation to stumble
d. All of the above.

13. True or False. Jesus threatened to fight the entire congregation at Pergamos unless they repented. (v.16)

14. What was it Jesus promised to the overcomers at Pergamos when He said that He would them "a white stone"? (v.17)

a. An eternal reward
b. Financial security
c. A more productive life
d. His vote of approval
e. None of the above

15. True or False. Thyatira is the only congregation of all the seven churches that is NOT given over to idolatry. (v.18)

16. It’s unclear whether "Jezebel" (the self-proclaimed "prophetess" in Thyatira) was the name of an actual woman, or merely a reference to the ancient Queen of Israel, but because of her Jesus rebuked this congregation's leadership. Why? (v.20)

a. They were wrong to allow a woman to prophesy
b. They were wrong not to allow her to prophesy
c. They were wrong to allow an unbeliever into the Church
d. They were wrong to allow her to introduce idols and teach sexual immorality within the congregation

17. What might explain our Lord's warning to Thyatira that they would be cast into "great tribulation"? (v.21)

a. The congregation would be destroyed
b. Every member in the congregation was morally corrupt
c. Jezebel herself would live to see the Great Tribulation
d. An ecclesiastical system similar to Thyatira would exist in the last days and therefore be made to endure the Tribulation

18. True or False. Thyatira did consist of SOME faithful members. (v.21)

Revelation 3, Jesus Addresses the Church

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SARDIS

The Spiritually Dead Church

This letter is a call to the congregation to wake up to the person of the Holy Spirit, and thereby be made alive to the things of God. It's the first church to which Jesus has nothing good to say.

3:1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.

The great but tragic problem with Sardis lay in the fact that they had the name of Christ without the quickening influence of His divine Spirit. “A name in contrast with reality”, as one commentator puts it. So let’s look at the title of Jesus and see how it applies, and keep in mind that the “seven spirits” are interpreted to mean the fullness of the Holy Spirit and the “seven stars” are the pastors (see notes Rev.1:4-6,20).

“These things says He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars”. The idea here is that Christ Jesus holds as His possession both the Holy Spirit (without measure and in perfection) and the church leadership (as the Authority over the church). Therefore, by Him and through Him both are indelibly joined. Whereas He has sent forth the Holy Spirit to influence and empower the church (Jo.16:13-15), He has also commanded the church to walk and live in the Spirit (Rom.8:14).

What Sardis had done, was fraudulent. They were calling themselves a church, yet denying the Person of the Holy Spirit by not teaching soundly that He is the appointed power by which Christians are brought to faith and helped in their walk with God. In other words, they were not teaching that one must be “born again”. So they had a form of godliness in that they looked like a church, but because they were denying the power of the Spirit, they had no manifestation of life by the Spirit. By all accounts, Sardis was little more than a corpse with a nametag or as Jesus tells them “…you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”

3:2-4 "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.

Allow me to paraphrase this admonition.

Wake up, Sardis! While you’ve been carelessly slumbering, you’ve come perilously close to a point of death. So wake up, stay wide-awake, and listen carefully.

Strengthen what little trace of the Holy Spirit that still remains in your congregation, otherwise, when that goes, you will have nothing of His grace abiding in you. And you will die off as a church, and be of no further use to me. For I have diligently searched through, and carefully examined, every effort and work you have done in my name, and have not found them perfect before God (though they appear godly before man). So those things will not help you.

You will find what you need for recovery in those few spiritually pure ones you have been neglecting to hear in your congregation; for I find them worthy, and they shall walk with me in white, because they haven’t denied my Spirit (as you have).

So listen attentively to what they have to say concerning the Spirit. But act quickly, because those members won’t be around long.

Reconsider your ways, Sardis: humble yourselves before God, and start paying closer attention to those precious doctrines deposited into your care; as in the beginning, when the truth came to you with the demonstration of the Spirit, and you heartily received it. Because I must warn you, that unless you do, I will come upon you when you least expect it, and judge your church for its neglect of my admonition.

3:5-6 "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before my Father and before His angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

"He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments…" This refers to the glorified bodies we'll be given in heaven (2 Cor.5:1-4). The word "white" is taken to mean "brilliant". So the idea is, having been made the righteousness of Him, we will shine as brightly as the sun in the kingdom of our Father (check—Matt.13:43).

"…and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before my Father and before His angels." In other words, because our name is written in the Book of Life we are given the assurance that it will not be blotted out. Christ Jesus will claim us as one belonging to Him, before the Father and before all the angels.

Okay, let's pause here a minute and examine the Book of Life, and see if we can understand what it means to be "blotted out" of it.

The Book of Life is a "heavenly book" both held and kept by God. Its purpose is singular: To register the names of all who are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and in turn have become citizens of heaven, joint-heirs to innumerable blessings, and future recipients of eternal life (see—Phil.4:3; Luke 10:20; Rev.21:2, 27).

It will be the Book of Life, therefore, when the condemned stand before Christ in the court of final judgment and must give a final account of their sins that ultimately convicts them to death. It will be opened in their sight, the names written therein carefully reviewed, and by the omission of their name, serve to prove their refusal to accept Christ's gift of salvation and the forgiveness of sin (Rev.20:12, 15).

The word "blot out" is as it sounds. It means to erase, which carries with it the idea to wipe out or to obliterate. Therefore, if someone’s name is blotted out of the Book of Life, it means that the name is no longer contained in the Book, and ever again shall be. Unfortunately, this has caused some to suggest that a believer can lose salvation. They reason that because the Book of Life contains no other group of names but those of the redeemed, therefore this blotting out of names must apply to the redeemed alone. But Scripture contradicts that notion; clearly stating that it’s not the redeemed, made righteous in Christ (Eph.1:7; 2 Cor.5:21), whose names are blotted out, but those who are not redeemed. (See—Ex.32:33; Ps.69:27-28).

Okay, but how do we reconcile the idea that the Book of Life, a record of the redeemed in Christ, could at the same time contain names belonging to the condemned that will be divinely obliterated? I have a suggestion based upon another scripture in Revelation.

“And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life" (Rev.22:19).

Okay, let's look at this passage. The word "part" is a Greek word meaning "to get as a section or allotment". In other words by its use of that specific word "part" that passage can be interpreted to suggest that it’s one's “section” in the Book of Life that's blotted out and not one’s “name”. Let’s consider an example. When you reserve a room in a hotel, management allots you a room in your name. But until you actually arrive and claim the room, your name is not officially recorded in the registry as an occupant. You only hold a reservation. If you fail to claim the room, then your name is deleted, and you forfeit your reservation.

In my opinion, the Book of Life is both a reservation and registry. I believe that God, Who is "not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet.3:9) has “reserved” a space inside His Book for the names of all who are born. When a person receives Christ Jesus as Savior, that person's name is registered permanently as the occupant of that space. Whereas, when God determines in His infinite wisdom that one will not be saved, an allotment of space is “blotted out" and the reservation made to include that name is forever forfeited.

It's only a suggestion, dear ones. But it's certainly not a contradiction to the immutable gift of salvation freely offered to us in Christ Jesus our Savior, and seems in perfect harmony with the riches of the grace of God.

Historically: Ancient Sardis was the capital city of Lydia in the province of Asia Minor, and in fact was one of its oldest and most important cities of its day. It's said that silver and gold coins were first minted here. Moreover, during its days as a Roman city, Sardis became an important Christian center that evidently became complacent due to a reliance on its past glory. At the time of this letter, Sardis was comparatively insignificant. Successive earthquakes, and the ravages of the Saracens and Turks, have reduced the city to a heap of ruins. Today the site (part of Turkey) is occupied by a village named Sart, which is said to be “A miserable village, comprising only a few wretched cottages, occupied by Turks and Greeks”.

PHILADELPHIA
The Faithful Church

Philadelphia had not turned its back to the Word of God, nor denied the Deity of Jesus Christ. So the letter contains no rebuke and no suggestion of judgment. It's to this persevering, spiritually awakened, faithful church at Philadelphia that Jesus alludes to the Rapture.

3:7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens:

In stark contrast to those in Sardis, whom Jesus had nothing good to say, to these in Philadelphia there are no suggestions of judgment; no stern reminders of His authority to regulate the church; no laments; and no hint that His examination of the congregation had found them wanting. On the contrary, Jesus has only praise, and thus presents Himself more personally with name-titles that reveal the sacred truth of Him.

“These things says He who is holy, He who is true...” Here, Jesus shows the Oneness He has with Jehovah God as the One God of the Old and New Testaments (see—Lev.11:44; John 17:3). He is “holy”, separate from evil, perfectly hating it. And He is “true”, as distinguished from false gods, the perfect realization of all that is true.

“…He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.” (See Isa.22:22; 9:6,7). Here, Jesus shows Himself as God the Son, upon whom God the Father has placed supreme power and authority over all things, for it rests with Christ to open and shut heaven and hell; determining who is, and who is not to be admitted. He alone shuts what no man can open, and opens what no man can shut. His determinations stand fast, and none can reverse them. He is the King of Kings, the Mighty God, and the Everlasting Father, upon whose shoulder the government shall rest without end.

3:8-9 'I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie-- indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

Philadelphia had "a little strength", which probably means that they were a small congregation. Perhaps they were comprised of low-income families, with little political authority or influence, thus requiring them to muster all the spiritual stamina they could to survive. There were no powerful evangelistic outreaches adding numbers to their church; no mighty prayer groups toppling evil governments or satanic strongholds; and no loud voices influencing the community around them with the gospel. Seemingly, they were just enduring.

"See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it.” Because the congregation was steadfast in truth, yet with little strength of its own, Jesus assures them of His Divine intervention on their behalf. He would open a door for them through the adversity and opposition and lead them into vast new opportunities to proclaim the Word, and spread the Gospel.

"Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie…” Seemingly, Philadelphia was being troubled by the same organization of Jewish heretics found persecuting the church at Smyrna (see notes—Rev.2:9). “…indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you." It’s uncertain whether to take this promise as a temporal or future event, or both. If temporal, it could suggest that through an upcoming and divinely empowered evangelism, the Jews would be constrained to acknowledge them as children of God in God’s favor. Maybe to the degree that some of the Jews would be converted and ultimately join their congregation to worship Christ in their presence. If a yet-future event, it would find its fulfillment at the end of the age, when every non-believer files through for judgment in the court of heaven and is forced to kneel at the feet of Jesus and made to confess that He is Lord to the glory of the Father in the presence of His church (Phil.2:10,11).

3:10-11 "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.

The “hour of trial” Jesus promises to keep the congregation from is not explained. Some consider it a reference to the more extensive Roman persecution that resulted under Trajan, and others suggest it might refer to some calamity by disease, earthquake (common in that region), or famine. If so, then we should conclude that what Jesus meant when He said, “I also will keep you from the hour of trial” is that He would divinely guard and carefully watch over them to keep them from sinking under the affliction of that trial.

There is, however, another suggestion.

Some commentators take the phrase, "hour of trial" to be a direct reference to the great tribulation because the trial appears broader in scope than a local issue, for it comes “upon the whole earth” to “test those who dwell upon the earth”. Moreover, they regard the faithful in Philadelphia as a type for the true Church and Bride of Jesus Christ, and the promise given that they would be kept from that tribulation applies to the Church and finds fulfillment in the rapture. I tend to agree.

"Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one take your crown." Many elements in the world can cause us to turn from the hope of glory that will rob us of future rewards. We must remember that Christ is coming soon and therefore always resist the temptation to do evil, whether by act of negligence or unfaithfulness.

3:12-13 "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '

"I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more.” A pillar serves as an essential and thus permanent part of a structure, yet is above ground and in full view, so artisans can also craft it into a beautiful adornment of the structure (check—I Kings 7:13-22). So the thought here is that we will have a permanent standing in the heavenly city of God not unlike that of a pillar, yet also stand in full view of heaven as the workmanship of Christ whom He made beautiful.

“And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from God. And I will write on him My new name." By implication, we know that neither our identity nor place of origin will ever be questioned in heaven. Though we travel into the uttermost parts of God’s creation, we will always be known and recognized by the names we bear: the name of God, the name of New Jerusalem, and the “new name” of Jesus Himself.

Historically: Philadelphia was founded after 189 BC, and therefore is not as ancient as many other cities of Asia Minor. Its name means "brotherly love,” but, having had a number of names prior to that, why and when it was so named is uncertain. It came under the domain of Rome in 133 BC and eventually became an important and wealthy trade center as other coastal cities declined. It remained a Roman town until it fell into the hands of the Turks in AD 1379 (the last of all the cities in Asia Minor to do so). As in most Asia Minor cities, many Jews lived there, and possessed a synagogue. Still a city of considerable size (but of little importance), Philadelphia is known today as Alasehin. Although there are few ruins, what remains are several pillars supposed to have been columns of a church.

LAODICEA

The Lukewarm Church

This letter is a strong rebuke to the church that has departed from the faith. There is no praise, no mentioning of good works, and no apparent remnant of true believers in the congregation. At the same time, however, the picture of Jesus standing and knocking at the door of a heart He has deemed repugnant is also one of the most remarkable evidences of the love and mercy of God found anywhere in the Bible.

3:14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:

Because Laodicea had departed from the true doctrine of Christ, and instead had accepted the doctrines of men, Jesus presents Himself with a three-fold title that shows Him to be the Truth.

First, Jesus calls Himself "the Amen", which means "true.” Where God is twice called in Scripture the “God of truth”, it means the “God of the Amen" (Isa.65:16). In other words, Jesus is the eternally true.

Secondly, Jesus calls Himself "the Faithful and True Witness". In contrast to worldly doctrines of humanism and materialism and all other vain philosophies, Jesus is (in the most absolute sense) the “Faithful and True”. He is the One in the bosom of the Father who has declared Him (John 1:18), the absolute expression of God to man (John 8:19b), the eternally true and reliable Witness.

Finally, Jesus calls Himself "the Beginning of the creation of God". This signifies Jesus to be the Creator of all creation, its origin and active cause. (See Col.1:15). He existed before time began; He is the eternal One.

3:15-16 'I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth.

Water becomes lukewarm in one of two ways: Whether its steaming hot or frozen solid, if allowed to sit at room temperature or mixed, cold with hot, water becomes lukewarm. In the same way, when Christians sit idly and do nothing with their faith, or when they mix truth with untruth, they become spiritually lukewarm.

The issue for Laodicea was having mixed the Word of Truth with untrue worldly philosophies. As a result, they concocted spiritually lukewarm hearts. They were neither hot nor cold, neither fervent for God nor bitterly opposed to God. They had adopted total indifference without conviction.

“I could wish you were cold or hot.” In other words, if Laodicea were “hot” it would have signified a heart that burned for Christ, whereas if they were “cold” it might have stirred a need to know Christ. Instead, Laodicea had become so satisfied and smugly contented with their complacency it became comfortable to neither desire Christ fervently, or to change. One commentator illustrates it well, “Whereas a cold person might at least sense a need, seek out a fire, and move near it, a lukewarm person senses no need, seeks out nothing, and comfortably stays put”.

"So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth." At first glance, this would appear that the Laodiceans were in danger of losing salvation, but I don’t consider the admonition concerning salvation. I believe the warning had to do with losing the opportunity to enjoy fellowship inside the body of Christ. Foremost, because that’s how God used this particular graphic one other time against His own people. He warned Israel not to defile their land with abominations “lest the land vomit you out” and then went on to say, “For whoever commits any of these abominations, the persons who commit them shall be cut off from among their people" (Lev.18:24-29). The implication being (at least to me) that they would be discharged from the Nation and lose the blessing of fellowship with God's people, yet continue to be a people of God, rooted to the Nation, nonetheless.

We read about a similar incident in the church at Corinth regarding a man charged with adultery. In that case, Paul angrily admonished the congregation to drive the man from the group and “put away from yourselves that wicked person” (I Cor.5:13). But it’s clear that the admonition didn't regard that man’s salvation because Paul says, “deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (I Cor.5:5). Moreover, when the man seemingly did repent later, the Apostle urged the congregation to "forgive and comfort him" and to "reaffirm your love to him" (2 Cor.2:7,8).

So the unrepentant of Laodicea were in danger, but not of losing their salvation. Jesus would “spew” or "discharge" them from His Body, which is the Church. Meaning they would to be cut off from among His people, and like those in Israel, and the man in Corinth, would lose the joy of fellowship, the peace of the Spirit, the nourishment of the Word, and a sense of God's blessings and presence.

3:17-18 'Because you say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing"-- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

The great stumbling block for the Laodiceans was their wealth.

A commercially rich city with many wealthy business people stuffing the church coffers, Laodicea had a sense of a financial well being that blinded them to the reality of their own spiritual depravity. "[You don't even know] that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…I counsel you to buy from Me," Jesus told them. What Laodicea needed most their money couldn't buy, and only Jesus Christ can give.

First, they needed "gold refined in fire." This was to meet their spiritual poverty. The Bible says that godly wisdom is the "enduring riches" (Prov.8:18); the same burden, incidentally, that the Apostle Paul held for Laodicea years before (Col.2:1-3).

Secondly, they needed "white garments.” This was to meet their spiritual nakedness. In the pride of their financial success, Laodicea had unwittingly stripped itself of the covering of Christ. Considering themselves in need of nothing, they left themselves naked before God, and unrighteous in all their ways. They needed a covering of the righteousness of Christ.

Finally, they needed "eyesalve." This was to meet their spiritual blindness. This speaks of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. For apart from the working of the Holy Spirit, there can be no enlightenment about the Person or purposes of God (Eph.1:17-23).

3:19-20 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

Though Laodicea's complacency had ruined their relationship with Christ, it’s evident that Jesus did not turn His back on the Laodiceans, for He qualifies them as His legitimate children, whom He loves. (See also—Heb.12:5,6).

More miraculous still is that He continues to pursue the Laodiceans. Though crowded out of their hearts, Jesus remains at their hearts, beckoning at the door deliberately shut to Him. It’s a compelling picture of our Heavenly Father. That He would find us prodigal, yet in His heart yearn to be in fellowship with us still.

Oh, how wonderfully reassuring are the words,

"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold You are there. I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me" (Ps.139:7-10).

3:21-22 "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

“I will grant to sit with Me on My throne as also I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” The idea here is that nothing will remain in us that would defile His throne, or prevent us from sitting next to Him. By His grace, we shall become His righteousness, both pure and clean.

Historically: Known for its black wool industry, Laodicea became one of the most important and flourishing cities in Asia Minor during the Roman period. As the seat of large money transactions and its extensive trade in wool, most citizens developed a taste for Greek art, were distinguished in literature and science, and were wealthy. In fact it was the wealthy citizens of Laodicea that rebuilt the city following a destructive earthquake in AD 62 (without help from the state). It is believed that the Apostle Paul had a major hand in planting the Gospel in Laodicea, although he had not yet visited the city when he wrote Colossians 2:1. The site of Laodicea is now a deserted heap of ruins the Turks call Eski Hisar.

[This ends part two of Revelation. John has written those things "which are.” What follows concerns those things which “follow after these things”]

Revelation 2, Jesus Addresses the Church

2008-09-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

EPHESUS

The Insincere Church

This message to the Ephesians is a grieving complaint that the congregation had left its “first love” and thus stopped loving Jesus sincerely.

2:1 "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, 'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:"

Two things in this opening address are consistent in all seven letters:

The letter is addressed to "the angel of the church"
Jesus speaks of Himself in imagery mostly drawn from Chapter One

The "angel of the church", as we discussed earlier, is the pastor of the church (see notes—Rev.1:20). These letters are addressed to the one responsible for sharing the message with the members of the congregation.

The imagery Jesus draws from in these letters is consistent with the way He revealed Himself to John (in Chapter One) because it's part of that event. Whereas, John, as instructed, described for us in the previous Chapter what he had seen in beholding Christ, he now writes what Jesus has to say concerning the things which are; namely, the Church. We will see in these letters, Jesus using components of His image to describe Himself to the particular congregation in order to speak to the nature of that church's condition.

"He who holds the seven stars in His right hand…" This seems intended as a reminder to Ephesus that He (Jesus) is the One Who upholds and empowers the pastor, and therefore He to whom the church is subject in all things as the Head of the church (Col. 1:18).

"…who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands" continues the admonition by reminding Ephesus that He does move about the church, watchful to guard against internal and external evils, and mindful to rightly preserve its spiritual well-being.

2:2-4 "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

It's not a good sign when Jesus follows praise by rebuke. But it is worth noting, as we will see in these letters that Jesus ascribes His knowledge of the congregation's works, good or bad, but always acknowledges the positive before the negative.

On one hand, the works of the Ephesians were great. According to Jesus, they labored hard to serve the church, persevered in their duties with patience, weeded out the unrepentant, and guarded themselves against false teachers and doctrines. Moreover, they did it gladly for His name’s sake without growing weary.

On the other hand, however, they were short of love, and Jesus rebukes them for it. Listen to His complaint:

"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love."

The love in question here is the "early love". That first enthusiastically warm and affectionate love following a new life in Christ, where self is denied, all that displeases God is gladly abandoned, and fellowship one with another is joyfully embraced. It is this love, the love kindled in the beginning when we first accept Christ as Savior, from which the Ephesians had strayed. As one commentator puts it, because they lacked sincerity, "they were going through the motions without emotion".

Here's my guess how the delinquency might have played out in the church:

Services were attended out of obligation or force of habit rather than a passionate desire to worship God as it was in the beginning; and fellowship, where earlier hearts for one another were tender, became argumentative and divisive.

2:5 "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place-- unless you repent.

This is a strong admonition, but at the same time, I see it as a very tender appeal by Jesus because of one word:

“REMEMBER…”

Memory is a powerful and driving force. Otherwise, we wouldn't return to the ocean for a walk on the beach, to a restaurant for our favorite food, or to an old photo album for the umpteenth time. Memorable recollections of pleasant experiences always cause us to return to those things that we’ve enjoyed in the past. That’s why I believe Jesus uses the word. Not just to command them, but to arouse in them into a fond memory of their early love with Him. So they would correct their condition by their own volition and not require Him to chasten them.

Okay, but we can’t neglect the ultimatum: Ephesus must repent and return to their first love quickly or else they would be chastened by having their “lampstand” removed from its place. What does that mean?

Keep in mind that the Church is symbolized as a lampstand because our primary function to Christ is that of a light-bearer to uphold light (Matt.5:14-15). When we, the Church, uphold Jesus Christ (Who is light; John 8:12), we serve Him because we illuminate Him to the world. On the other hand, when a wrong attitude quenches the work of the Holy Spirit, and we no longer enlighten hearts with the love and glory of God, our usefulness to Christ ceases; a concern, incidentally, that generally plagued even the Apostle Paul (I Cor.9:27). Much the same way you and I would remove a lamp that becomes faulty because it's no longer useful, Jesus threatens to remove Ephesus. Not that it meant a loss of salvation; the congregation was at risk of losing any future opportunity to be of service to Him.

2:6 "But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

It's generally accepted that the Nicolaitans were an early heretical sect that arose during the apostolic period of the church, and in some cases influenced it (much as they did Pergamos and Thyatira). Although their origin is somewhat of a mystery, their practices were most likely pagan in nature and crowded with idols and idolatrous worship. It’s also possible that this sect embraced a system of ideas involving tyrannical lordship over the church; that is, they pretended to have apostolic authority in order to rule over the affairs of new Christians in the early Church. This is drawn by some commentators from the meaning of the name nicolaitans, which in Greek means, "to overcome the people.”

Whoever the Nicolaitans were, though, Jesus found their deeds abhorring, and further commended the Ephesians for keeping them out of the congregation.

2:7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."

It should be pointed out that each of these letters to the Church concludes in the same way:

An admonition to "hear what the Spirit says to the churches”
A promised blessing to "him who overcomes"

Before His departure, Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, "He will guide you into all truth" and "He will tell you things to come" (John 16:13). We must "hear" (not just listen, but also hear with the heart to be in agreement with God) when the Spirit speaks. For the Holy Spirit speaks truthfully to us about both, admonition and promise. We take the phrase "him who overcomes" to signify the ones, who by faith, overcome the world and find victory in the saving grace of Jesus Christ (1 John 5:5).

“To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” This speaks of the immortality of heaven that awaits every believer. For it’s inside New Jerusalem (the eternal city of the saints) that the tree of life will yield its fruit throughout eternity (Rev.22:2).

Historically: The church at Ephesus began about 50 AD by what is believed to have been the efforts of Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:18). In about 52 AD Paul established a ministry there that lasted nearly 3 years, followed by Timothy, and eventually (at least according to some traditions) John himself, following his exile on Patmos. Ephesus was the largest city in the province of Asia, having had perhaps a population of 300,000 people. It was also significant for its religion, including the Temple of Diana (ranked as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Sometime before the first millennium, however, the city lost importance, decreased in population, and saw many of her sculptured stones (falling to ruins) carted off to Italy. In 1308 the Turks took possession of what little remained of the city and either deported or murdered its remaining inhabitants. Today, as a result perpetual river flooding, the ruins of the city lie in a swamp, and only the small nearby Turkish town of Ayasaluk represents her.

SMYRNA

The Suffering Church

Due to relentless attacks brought upon them by local Jews, this message to Smyrna is one of comfort, and the first of just two churches Jesus has only praise for.

2:8-9 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, 'These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. "

Seemingly put under heavy duress by a malignant group of blasphemous Jews, Smyrna is addressed during a time they were suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ.

With full knowledge of the congregation’s present and future suffering and persecution, however, Jesus seeks to comfort them. By His title, “the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life”, He virtually joins with them in their affliction. As the Living Savior, who became dead but lived again (having suffered death, yet triumphed over it); this afflicted congregation was being assured that in Jesus they too would pass through suffering and death and into an everlasting joy in the world to come.

Although the Smyrna church was destitute, powerless, and duly crushed under the heel of persecution, Jesus tells them, “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich).” Smyrna was rich, in spite of their condition, because they stayed true to God and thus found favor with Him. One’s true faith is the only true riches, and those works accomplished to the glory of Christ (and subsequently stored in heaven) are the only true treasure (Matt.6:19-21).

By His statement, “and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan”, Jesus identifies the source of the church’s persecution. Seemingly, these were those with Jewish extraction and thus considered themselves Jews, but because of their bitter opposition to Christ and His people, not a true Jew in the eyes of God (see Rom.2:28, 29). Because they were serving Satan and not God by persecuting the Church, Jesus refers to them as the “synagogue of Satan”.

2:10 "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days.

Allow me to set up my comments to this passage with the following fictitious letter we will imagine has been posted as a church bulletin at Smyrna.

Over the last several months, our impoverished fellowship has come under brutal attack by the Jews in Smyrna. When we gather, they are at our doors screaming profanities as we make our way in. During our service, they pound relentlessly on the walls and doors to disrupt us. As we depart, we get spit on, manhandled, or pelted by stones. As a result, many new believers are dropping out, and fewer unbelievers come to visit. Moreover, those of us who remain are finding it difficult not to feed upon each other’s fears and apprehensions.

Because we have been taught that God has jurisdiction over our enemies and always stands ready to deliver His people, we have been praying for God’s intervention. We can report a miracle! We are told that John the Apostle had a spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ during his imprisonment and has sent a letter personally addressed to us by our Lord. So we will gather this evening and read the letter, and tonight learn what God has in store for us. Let us remain hopeful that our deliverance is near.

Okay, now imagine yourself within the congregation as the pastor reads this actual letter addressed to Smyrna. It speaks nothing of deliverance, only of an impending persecution even more terrible than before. Would your heart sink? I’m going to suggest that many hearts in Smyrna sunk. They were about to be severely tested, and they would have to trust God through all of it. (Compare—Jas.1:2-3).

“…and you will have tribulation ten days.” This is taken by some commentators to mean that Smyrna’s trial would be “frequent" as in "day after day". Others take it as “short lived" as in a literal period of just ten days. Yes, trials can be frequent. James and Peter both speak of having endured “various trials” (Jas.1:2; I Peter 1:6). It's also true that trials are really just short lived. As Paul notes, when compared to the eternal benefits we derive from them, trials are “but for a moment” (2 Cor.4:17). In either case, trials are inevitable. The Bible says, "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Tim.3:17).

It should be mentioned, however, that the Bible does record one other incident where the servants of God were tested for ten days. According to the prophet Daniel, he, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego endured a fast for a period of ten days (Dan.1:12) that caused them to be exalted in the eyes and the court of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan.1:14-21). Though the testing of Daniel was measurably less severe then what was about to befall Smyrna, perhaps its underlying truth spoke to and comforted the congregation. That God can be trusted. He will see us through the trial, and we will become better because of the trial.

2:11 "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death." '

Smyrna is one of just two churches that are not admonished (the other is Philadelphia), so Jesus concludes on the high note of two promises.

To the faithful, Jesus says, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This speaks of the reward that will be given to those who, out of deep love for Christ, endure temptation (Jas.1:12). And to the redeemed, Jesus says, “He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” This speaks of eternal life. For the "second death" speaks of being cast into the lake of fire, which is the eternal abode of the unsaved (Rev.20:14). The redeemed will not be hurt by this death.

Historically: Known for its schools of science and medicine, as well as its elaborate buildings, the city of Smyrna (during Roman times) was considered the most brilliant city in Asia Minor. Although the origin of the church at Smyrna is uncertain, it is known that Polycarp (the first Bishop of the church) did suffer martyrdom in 166 AD (due in large part to the Jews). It is the only remaining city of these addressed in Revelation, and today (in Turkey) is known as Izmir.

PERGAMOS

The Carnal Church

This letter to the church at Pergamos is a rebuke for opening its doors to ungodly men with carnal doctrines.

2:12-13 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, 'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you where Satan dwells.

The “sharp two-edged sword” Jesus holds is the Word (Heb.4:12). By His use of the symbol here, Jesus is letting the pastors know that He has used His Word of truth to cut into their doctrinal heart, and in the light of holy doctrine has carefully examined them.

As a result, Jesus acknowledges the church's courage to hold fast to His name; recognizing that they had suffered martyrdom because they were dwelling in a demonic stronghold "where Satan's throne is". Moreover, to this church's credit, though apparently surrounded by temples and shrines and innumerable idols in the darkest center of pagan abominations, Jesus commends them for keeping the idols out of the church.

2:14-15 "But I have a few things against you, because you have those who hold to the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

With the same two-edged sword by which He exposed all that was good and commendable, Jesus also uncovers that which He finds deplorable. In spite of all their success to keep the idols out, Pergamos had failed miserably to keep the ungodly doctrines of the idol worshipers out.

The first doctrine Jesus identifies is "…the doctrine of Balaam".

According to the Biblical record, Balaam was a soothsayer (Josh.13:22) with some knowledge of God, though Scripture never refers to him as a prophet. Because of his fame, Balaam was offered a huge sum of money by Balaak the king of Moab to use his powers of divination to help Balaak defeat Israel (Num.22:5-7). Though warned by God to speak only the words God gave him to speak (Num.22:35), the magician's wanton greed for reward and honor drove him to ignore God and align himself with the heathen king instead. As a result, the nation of Israel was introduced to both the idolatry and fornication that eventually caused her to stumble into depravity (Num.31:16). And thus, it was with Pergamos. The church allowed insincere (perhaps greedy) teachers to introduce worldly doctrines that caused many in the congregation to stumble into carnality (perhaps out of greed).

The second doctrine Jesus identifies is “…the doctrine of the Nicolaitans." This also surrounds the practice of idols and idolatrous worship, and at the same time might include a form of tyrannical lordship over the church (see notes—Rev.2:6).

2:16 'Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

This serious admonition to "repent, or else" is intended to correct the congregation for tolerating the false doctrines and neglecting to rebuke the corrupt teachers. Jesus makes it an ultimatum, either the church see to it that the ungodly tolerance stop and judgment be brought against the false doctrines and teachers or He would intervene and make war against the corrupt members Himself.

It’s not clear how our Lord’s intervention would play out, yet it's safe to say that any congregation upon which Jesus makes a declaration to fight against its teachers wouldn't be a pleasant experience. If I were to speculate, the outcome would be an outbreak of dissension between the leadership and faithful members resulting in the cutting off of the wrong doers but leaving the faithful hurt and the surrounding community confused. In other words, what the church could have done by taking corrective action with perhaps little incident, would become a full-scale confrontation leading to broken hearts and broken relationships.

For this reason, dear ones, we must always be on watch for false doctrine; always be ready to rebuke it before it can germinate; and always remain mindful that it can spring up at anytime inside any congregation (see—2 Tim.4:3-5).

2:17 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." '

"I will some of the hidden manna to eat.” This speaks of the miraculous provision of God in the person of Jesus Christ Who is "the living bread”; a promise that we shall partake of Christ and thereby "shall live forever" (John 6:51). "And I will give him a white stone…" The white "stone" (Gr. psephos) means white “pebble” and alludes to a marble-sized stone once used in some cultures to cast a ballot. Wherein the white stone meant approval and a black stone meant disapproval, the thought is that we won’t be “blackballed” from heaven, but instead will receive a white stone of “approval” bearing a name Jesus has secretly chosen for us.

Historically: In its early history Pergamos stood as an illustrious symbol of Greek dominance. It included a 200,000 volume library (second only to the Egyptians), a medical center, and a trio of renowned temples situated on the top of a high and lofty hill behind the city. In the days of Rome it became the capital of the Roman province of Asia, and was the first city in Asia to erect a temple (AD 29) for the worship of the Roman Emperor. Today Pergamos lies in ruins about 15 miles from the Aegean Sea in Turkey.

THYATIRA

The Idolatrous Church

In this letter, Jesus takes all the symbols of judgment and issues a strong rebuke against those in the church who corrupt true religion and seduce others from the truth.

2:18-19 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.

This is the first and only time in Revelation that Jesus calls Himself the Son of God; His supreme title as Deity. Seemingly, Jesus had purposed it especially for Thyatira because it is the only church given to idolatry. The disdain of which is clearly evidenced by the two strong symbols Jesus associates with His name. “Eyes like a flame of fire” and “feet like fine brass” both speak of judgment.

As always, our Lord Jesus first acknowledges the good works of the congregation. That they had grown, and were more impressive than works accomplished earlier, when the church was first established.

And herein is a lesson for us, considering the strong rebuke about to come. That works alone are not a guarantee that we are in a right relationship with Almighty God.

2:20 “Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and beguile My servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols.

The exact identity of this beguiling prophetess called “that woman Jezebel” is not known. In fact, Jezebel might not have been her surname. According to Scripture the name Jezebel virtually became a by-word for all that was abominable following the ancient Queens' corruption of Israel with idols and pagan practices (2 Kings 9:22; 1 Kings 16:31; 21:25,26). It’s quite possible that Jesus was merely pin pointing a particular female member of the congregation who had been corrupting the church in the manner of Jezebel, and not necessarily identifying her by name.

Nonetheless, she’s a corrupt and dangerous figure who had slithered into the church disguised as a prophetess in order to beguile the congregation into committing themselves to idolatry and sexual immorality (probably according to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans).

2:21-23 'And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation unless they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death. And all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

We might conclude that this woman was no newcomer to the church for she had "time to repent". Seemingly, she had been around for a while under the watchful eye of Jesus, and could have turned away from her evil practice. Because she didn't, Jesus issues this decree: “Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed.”

Although speculative, this might allude to an untimely death. Perhaps, because of her unrepentant sin, God made a determination to strike this woman down and kill her as He did the ancient Jezebel (1 Kings 21:23; 2 Kings 9:30-37); which is also consistent with New Testament teaching (see—I Cor.11:27-30).

“And those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation unless they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death.” This somewhat different admonition to the converts of Jezebel (taken to mean “her children”) has led some commentators to see this judgment finding its ultimate fulfillment in the future. Whereas, Jezebel is cast into a sickbed, which might be an untimely death, her converts are first cast into great tribulation, and without repentance then to certain death.

Let’s consider it.

The phrase “into great tribulation” might refer to the period Jesus spoke of as a time of “great tribulation” (Matt.24:21), or the second half of what we commonly call the Tribulation. If so, then it would suggest that a line of converts dating back to Jezebel do exist in our day, will not be raptured, and will enter the Tribulation; ultimately to endure its suffering, and finally death unless they repent.

I personally agree with this idea because I believe all seven of the congregations addressed by Jesus in this Book are representative of the Church today, and thus are recipients of His admonition. In other words, as surely as we have congregations that have left their first love not unlike Ephesus; congregations that are being persecuted not unlike Smyrna; congregations that are carnally minded not unlike Pergamos; there are congregations with idols not unlike Thyatira.

Okay, but who are these children of Jezebel? I see it as the Roman Catholic Church. It has idols, teaches unsound doctrine, and yet consists of born again believers, as there were in Thyatira (note the next verse). I am not suggesting that a Catholic is evil. "For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13), regardless of church affiliation. But I do believe that Catholicism, in practice, beguiles members with its idols, rituals, and false doctrines, and thereby harbors "children of Jezebel" trusting in those things as God's revelation without knowledge that "unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).

2:24-25 'But to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they call them, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come.

Any doctrine that perverts the gospel of Christ is an abominable doctrine from "the depths of Satan.” For it's the desire of Satan to subvert truth.

Jesus lays no further burden those in the congregation not corrupted by Jezebel, but a command to “hold fast.” Theirs is not a sentence of tribulation and death, but cautionary warning not to let others wrest the truth away from them.

2:26-29 'And he who overcomes and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations--'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the potter's vessels shall be broken to pieces'--as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '

“…to him I will give power over the nations--'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the potter's vessels shall be broken to pieces'—as I have also received from My Father." This could refer to the future power and dominion we share with Christ during the millennium, when His kingdom is established on earth, and He triumphantly reigns over the nations; or perhaps to a heavenly position, when we sit down with Christ on His throne of judgment and join with Him in condemning the ungodly (1Cor.6:2). Either way, the Father has given the Son the nations as an “inheritance,” and the ends of the earth as a “possession,” and He will rule with a scepter of iron, and break the ungodly nations into pieces like a potter's vessel (Ps.2:7-9).

"And I will give him the morning star." At the very least we can take this to mean that Christ, Who is "the bright and morning star" (Rev.22:16), will one day present Himself to us, and we shall behold His face (Rev.22:4). Interestingly, however, it might also indicate that we will one day be given full knowledge concerning God. That at the appearance of Christ darkness will fade, and we will see all things in the light of His glory; and as we behold Jesus all of the mysteries of God will be revealed to us, and all of our questions will be answered (check—2 Peter 1:19).

Historically: Though never a large city of any political importance, Thyatira did thrive as a manufacturing and commercial center during New Testament times. Lydia (the first convert of Paul at Philippi) is mentioned as "a seller of purple fabrics" from Thyatira. Nothing of the ancient city can be seen today, but the modern city of Akhisar in Turkey marks its ancient site.