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Post by Parker on Jan 1, 2023 16:04:33 GMT -8
God’s Grand Finale: Introduction to RevelationWe look around at a dark world today and we wonder how it’s all going to end. All we need to do is turn to the last book of the Bible, the Revelation. What we read there tells us it’s going to work out all right for the child of God. It doesn’t look that way. Everyone sees a great crisis coming. People talk about it all the time. As a result of this foreboding, there has been a growing interest in the Book of Revelation. Revelation is the 66th book of the Bible—the last one. This means we need to know 65 other books before we get to this place. Revelation is primarily prophetic. It begins with the revelation of the glorified Christ. Then the whole story of the church is given. Then, at the end of chapter 3, the church goes to heaven and we see it, not as the church anymore, but as the bride which will come to the earth with Christ when He comes to establish His Kingdom—that thousand-year reign, John will tell us more about. It will be a time of testing, for at the end of that period Satan will be released for a brief season. Then the final rebellion is put down and eternity begins. This is the viewpoint of Revelation we will now explore. History testifies that we have been looking for Christ to come again ever since He left. Revelation is not a difficult book. Some try to make it symbolic and hard to understand. Actually, Revelation organizes itself in a series of sevens, each in orderly division. It is led by Jesus Christ Himself in glory, in charge of everything that takes place. Revelation begins when Jesus Christ leaves the earth. In chapter 1, we see Him glorified.In chapters 2–3 we see the church. In chapters 4–5 we see the church in heaven. Then on earth, the Great Tribulation takes place, chapters 6–18. In chapter 19 we see Jesus Christ return to the earth and establish His Kingdom. Chapter 20 talks about the thousand-year reign of Christ. Then the Great White Throne is set up when the lost are judged, and in chapters 21–22 eternity begins. That is Revelation. The Christ of the RevelationAccording to the instructions Jesus gives to him, John divides Revelation according to the past, the present, and the future. “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this” (1:19). Write what you saw, John. Past tense—refers to John’s vision of the glorified Christin heaven (chapter 1). Write the things which are. Present tense—refers to Christ’s present ministry (chapters 2-3). The living Christ is very busy today as Head of the church. Write the things that you are about to see after these things. After the church leaves the earth, the Lord wants us to know what will happen both in heaven and on earth (chapters 4-21). In the first division of Revelation, we will see the person of Christ in His position and glory as the Great High Priest who is in charge of His church. In the Gospels, Jesus subjected Himself to His enemies on earth and died on a cross. But we discover a completely different Jesus Christ in Revelation. Here He is in absolute control. Although He is still the Lamb of God, His wrath is revealed in judgment, and it terrifies the earth. Genesis opens the Bible not only with a global view but also with a universal view— ”in the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis1:1). Now in Revelation we see what God is going to do with His universe. No other book is quite like this one. Jesus tells the church, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (22:12-13). “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (22:20). Next: Is it “Revelations” or “Revelation”? Find out this and other interesting insights.
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Post by Parker on Jan 2, 2023 5:44:24 GMT -8
It’s All about Jesus
In the Gospels, we meet Jesus as meek, humble, and dying on a cross. He submitted Himself to the enemies on earth. In Revelation, Jesus is in His glory in absolute control of the universe. He is still the Lamb of God, but we see the wrath of the Lamb that terrifies the earth. He fills the horizon of the total Word of God.
Jesus makes a promise to all who read and hear this book: “You will be blessed,” He said. And both the reader and the hearer are to keep these things, which are written in the book (v. 3), with a warning to those who don’t. Many are frightened by what they see and hear here, but remember Jesus says He loves us; so we have no need to be afraid of anything that is to follow.
First, please note the title of this book is Revelation—singular, not plural. It is the Revelation, that is, “the uncovering, unveiling, or revelation” of Jesus Christ.
The Gospels only tell us half the story. Revelation completes it. It takes off the veil so we can see Jesus Christ in His unveiled beauty and power and glory. This book is the opposite of a secret or a mystery. It discloses secrets and uses word pictures and symbols so we can interpret it in light of the entire Word of God.
When will these things happen? John writes, “things which must shortly take place” (v. 1). This doesn’t state a date they will happen but just that it will happen with absolute certainty, and once it begins, it will take place in a hurry, in a brief period of time.
The message of this book originated in heaven with God the Father, who gave it to His Son, Jesus Christ, who gave it to an angel, who gave it to John, who wrote about what he saw as an eyewitness of the visions. What John saw and heard and sometimes smelled, he tells us in picturesque language.
John first communicated the account of the Revelation to seven churches in Asia. Having been a pastor in this region, John knows these churches. He writes from Patmos, a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea where he was exiled from about 86 to 96 A.D. It’s a lonely, rugged, volcanic island where he is given this great vision of the Revelation.
John tells us that one day, Jesus Christ will personally and physically come back. When Jesus appears in the clouds, everyone will see Him. When Jesus earlier took the church out of the world at the Rapture, He doesn’t appear to everyone nor does He touch down on earth; believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. When Jesus Christ returns to earth as King, He will come to establish His Kingdom in the Millennium. But then, when everyone sees Him, not everyone will be happy. Those who reject Him on earth will wail. But nothing will stop the Lord.
Nothing will change the plan. What He started, He will finish. Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and Omega.” These Greek letters are like saying, He is the A and Z and every letter in between. He is the “Word of God”—the full revelation and intelligent communication of God. He’s the only language God speaks.
When we see Jesus on that day, coming in the clouds in His glorified body, He is coming as the Great High Priest in the Holy of Holies.
As we read the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is doing what Jesus promised He would do. He’s taking the things of Christ and showing them to us. Read His exact words in John 16:13-14.
John begins by saying, “I was in the Spirit” (v. 10). The Holy Spirit moved on John and gave him a panoramic picture of this great and grand revelation.
Next: What did John see and hear?
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Post by Parker on Jan 3, 2023 6:26:16 GMT -8
A Voice Like a Trumpet
When the Lord Jesus descends from heaven to remove His church from the earth, He will come with a shout—a shout so distinctive it will sound like a war trumpet.
When John saw the Lord Jesus, he fainted at His feet as if dead. He hardly had words to describe the glorified Jesus Christ:
“He was like the Son of Man wearing a long robe with a golden sash around his chest. His hair was snow white and His eyes were like flames. His feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of raging waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and His face was like the sun shining in full strength.”
The Lord Jesus Christ pictured here is our Great High Priest (see Exodus 28:2-4). His white robe represents His pure righteousness. In Him is no sin, and He knew no sin. The gold sash around His chest speaks of strength, the one who now judges us in truth.
As our Great High Priest, Jesus does three things today.
He intercedes for us at heaven’s altar (see Hebrews 7:25).
He intervenes for us. He is on our side, our advocate who defends us when Satan accuses us (12:10).
He inspects us. He walks the lampstands, examining them. He trims the wicks and pours in the oil (the Holy Spirit). Sometimes He uses a snuffer, setting aside those who do not produce light.
Jesus Christ’s appearance to John, with white hair and eyes of fire, speaks of His total knowledge of the life of the church. He knows all about us—for good and for bad.
His feet “like fine brass” represents His judgment. He doesn’t ignore what He sees or shut His eyes to sin in the church. His constant charge to His own is repent—”turn around or I will remove your lampstand” (2:5). The church through the ages has always squirmed under this indictment because we’ve lost sight of the righteous Christ.
Jesus explains, “As for the mystery of the seven stars and the seven lampstands …” (see v. 20). A mystery in Scripture means a sacred secret, that which has not been revealed before. Whenever John uses symbols, he helps us understand what they mean. Otherwise, he is not using symbolic language but talks about literal things.
Now, what is that in Jesus’ right hand? “Seven stars” means He controls this universe. These stars are messengers, or angels, and the lampstands are the seven churches of Asia, as we will study.
“Out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword” representing His Word (see also Hebrews 4:12), by which Jesus judges today. And “His [face] was like the sun shining in [full] strength” (v. 16). Ever try to look at the sun? Do you think you will be able to look at the Creator who made the sun, the One who is the glorified Christ? This is how wonderful He is!
We won’t approach Jesus in a familiar way; He’s not our buddy. He’s the glorified Christ. But He says to John, “Do not be afraid” (v. 17), and then gives four reasons why we shouldn’t fear.
“I am the First and the Last” (v. 17).
“I am He who lives, and was dead” (v. 18), speaking of His redemptive death and resurrection.
“I am alive forevermore” (v. 18). He’s alive today, not only judging, but also interceding for us.
“I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (v. 18). Now, because of His own death and resurrection, Jesus has all authority over death and the grave.
With this amazing revelation of the glorious Christ, we’ll now explore what it all means.
Next: Remember what it was like when you first came to Jesus?
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Post by Parker on Jan 4, 2023 5:05:37 GMT -8
Personal Letters from Jesus Himself
Once we see the Lord Jesus Christ, high and lifted up in glory, we’re ready to hear and explore the message of the Revelation.
In Revelation 2-3, the Lord Jesus Himself sends seven letters to individual churches. Together these churches paint a composite picture of the church in all ages, each representing a unique period of church history. Most of the letters start with a word of commendation and condemnation, then end with the warning.
Now, let’s explore these seven remarkable messages and take to heart what the Lord Jesus is saying to them and to us.
Letter #1, to the Church in Ephesus: Love Me again!
Ephesus, called the “Light of Asia,” was a fabulous place when John and Paul lived there in the first century. Paul came to Ephesus on his third missionary journey and later John, the “son of thunder,” came here as a pastor. As a result of their ministries here, a huge number of people turned to Christ.
In the first century, Ephesus was the religious and commercial center of the world, influencing both Asia and Europe. To say “Ephesus,” anyone immediately thought of the temple of Diana, one of the wonders of the ancient world. Worshipped by more people than any other idol at the time, “Diana of Ephesians” demanded the wildest sexual deviant religious rites, both excessive and vicious. This was the world before which the church at Ephesus stood as a light in the darkness.
Jesus said to them, “I know what you do for me—your works are well done. I know, too, you’re weary but, you bear it patiently (evidence of the Spirit at work in them).” The Ephesians refused to bear with evil. They tested everyone who came to Ephesus claiming to speak for God. If they were liars, they asked them to leave town.
These words of commendation the Lord Jesus gave to the local church at Ephesus, also apply to the period of church history for the first 100 years after Pentecost. But He also applied this condemnation: “Careful—you’re leaving your first love” (v. 4). They had lost that intense and enthusiastic devotion to the person of Christ. Their doctrine was on track, but their personal relationship to Jesus Christ was drifting.
What should they do about it? The Lord said, “Remember ….” “Remember what it was like when you first came to Me.” Remember what Jesus meant to you. If you’ve become cold to that memory—stir it up. You can get back to that same place.
“… And repent” (v. 5). Christians need to repent, and turn back to Jesus—likely often and sincerely. We need to break the shell of self-sufficiency, the crust of conceit, the shield of sophistication, the veneer of vanity, get rid of the fake religious words and looking like we’re some great saint. This is the message for believers.
“Do you hear this warning?” the Lord asks (v. 7). Wake up dull ears and dull hearts. (He used this phrase a lot in the Gospels.) Listen to what the Spirit, the teacher of the church, is saying.
As a genuine believer, you can overcome this through the blood of the Lamb. In fact, the overcomers will “eat of the tree of life.” Remember in the Garden of Eden that man was forbidden to eat of the Tree of Life (see Genesis 3:22-24)? In heaven, the “no trespassing” sign will be taken down. We will live as we have never lived before in God’s new garden.
This was the hope of the church of Ephesus—the apostolic church, the church at its best.
Next: “Be fearless and faithful … even to death.” That’s the message to a church that was laying down their lives.
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Post by Parker on Jan 5, 2023 5:02:02 GMT -8
Letters to Young Churches
“Be fearless and faithful … even to death.” That’s the message Jesus Christ writes to the church in Smyrna who suffered for Christ.
Letter #2, to the Church in Smyrna
Smyrna, called “the crown of all Asia,” was majestic with noble buildings and beautiful temples—to Zeus, to Diana, to Aphrodite, and to Apollo. In its stadium, Polycarp (bishop of Smyrna and student of the apostle John) was martyred, burned alive in 155 A.D.
Yes, Smyrna has seen its suffering. In His letter, the Lord Jesus said He knew all about it. Their experience reflects the church period from 100-314 A.D., when more than five million Christians died for their faith. But Jesus said He was triumphant over death and can save to the uttermost those who endure persecution and martyrdom.
Everything the Lord Jesus says to the church at Smyrna is praise.
To these brothers and sisters in Christ, the Lord describes Himself as “the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.” Jesus has the final word. These dear, persecuted believers needed to know He was in charge and this suffering had its place in God’s purposes.
“I know you’re suffering,” He said to them. This church was made up mostly of slaves, ex-slaves, runaway slaves, freed slaves, and poor people. When the wealthy believed in Christ, their property was confiscated. They were blessed with all spiritual blessings, but lost their earthly goods.
“Even so,” the Lord said, “be faithful to death”—and they were. To all those who suffer, Jesus promises “the crown of life.” You who have suffered will get something in eternity no one else will get (see James 1:12).
Jesus ends His message to Smyrna with a favorite expression. “He who has an ear, let him hear (v. 11) … pay attention.” Have you heard Him today?
Letter #3, to the Church in Pergamum
A little over 250 years after Jesus left the earth, the world at large moved away from believing in Jesus Christ. We could call this season, paganism unlimited. It’s this age we can link with the church at Pergamum, one of the most famous cities of Asia, certainly the most royal of the first century. In the winter when Rome got cold, Caesar Augustus would vacation here. Pergamum was the center of false religion, specifically emperor worship. The only way it could be reached was by the Word of God—a sharp sword with two edges that can divide truth from error.
The Lord commends the church in Pergamum for how they lived for Him in a difficult place. At the time, their city was a satanic stronghold. No wonder false religion was big business there. Jesus knew the church in Pergamum faithfully defended His deity in this dark place and didn’t deny their faith.
That said, Pergamum also willingly put up with doctrinal error. The false doctrine that the church in Ephesus hated, the church in Pergamum didn’t think was so bad. It allowed great sensuality in the church and returned religious rituals to the clergy, ignoring that we are all on equal footing at the Cross.
Jesus called the church at Pergamum to repent, and if they didn’t, He would fight against them with the sword of His mouth, the Word of God. What a mistake if we think the church has the authority to decide right and wrong, not the Word of God.
“To him who overcomes,” Jesus promised two gifts—hidden manna, speaking of His own body, crucified for us, and a white stone with a new name written it. In the day, people gave close friends a tessera, a cube of stone or ivory with words or symbols engraved on it as a secret, private gift. Jesus says He is going to give to each of His own a stone with a new name engraved on it, perhaps a new name for Him that relates something different to each one of us. It will be His personal and intimate name to each of us.
Next: Who was a light in the Dark Ages?
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Post by Parker on Jan 6, 2023 5:02:39 GMT -8
With a Blood-Tipped Ear
We’re visiting the first-century churches represented by the lampstands in Revelation chapters 2 and 3.
Letter #4, to the Church in Thyatira: Stay true!
As we leave Pergamum, we travel inland to Thyatira. Nature itself has marked out this road, a very easy path, conducive for communication between valleys. In ancient times this was one of the chief travel routes of Asia Minor.
The church at Thyatira represents the Roman church dominating the Dark Ages (590-1000 A.D.). This season pictures the Son of God in judgment. His eyes are like a flame of fire, searching and seeing all. However, Jesus also commends them, “I see everything you’re doing for Me—including your love and faith, your service, and persistence.” All these virtues (good works, love, faith, ministry, patience, and increasing fruit) are produced by the Holy Spirit in our lives.
But Jesus laid out one frightful condemnation: “You’ve tolerated Jezebel.” In 1 Kings 16-21, Jezebel had brought paganism into northern Israel. Evidently, in the church at Thyatira, a woman was allowed to teach error.
Jezebel “seduced” them away from the truth (in sharp contrast to Lydia, also from Thyatira, who was the first to turn to Christ). Yet Jesus said He gave her time/space to repent, but she wouldn’t. Like the historical period of the Dark Ages, idolatry mingled with Christian works and worship, the papacy elevated itself to power, and rituals took priority over personal faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus wants all churches to know that He sees beyond appearances right into every motive, feelings, and purpose. When He searches “the minds and the hearts” (2:23), He discerns our entire beings and will reward or judge according to what we deserve.
To the rest in Thyatira, those who didn’t get sucked into Satan’s schemes to worship a parody of the Gospel, Jesus promised no other heavy burden. He knows our hearts and knows what we can stand. When we persevere like this, Jesus said, “I will give him the morning star” (2:28), and His coming for His own at the Rapture becomes the hope of the church (see Titus 2:13).
Letter #5, to the Church in Sardis: Wake up!
The church at Sardis met in a city on the edge of a steep mountain. Only one guard was needed to guard one entrance into the city.
In the panorama of church history, Sardis represents the Protestant church between 1517--1800, an era beginning with the Reformation and into the great missionary movement.
Jesus presents Himself to Sardis as the One having the seven Spirits of God; that is, He sent the Holy Spirit into the world. The Lord commends this church for how their faith produced good works, evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in them even when the church as a structure was dead. Since the Dark Ages, churches try to “improve people” by putting cosmetics on a corpse, thinking a few rules and regulations will give you the power to live the Christian life. But we don’t have to do anything to be saved.
Remember Sardis was built on a mountaintop? But it was captured—twice. What happened? The guard went to sleep. The Lord says to the church at Sardis,“ Don’t you go to sleep. Wake up and watch out.” The people of Sardis didn’t know when the enemy was coming, nor do we know when the Lord Jesus is coming.
A few people, a remnant in Sardis, still walked with the Lord. The Lord said they are worthy. Protestantism, too, still has its saints who love the Word, who are faithful to Him, and stand by the Word of God. They don’t play around with sinful things. To these “overcomers,” the Lord said their names are indelible in the Book of Life and He will present them by name to His Father and the angels.
Listen to the Spirit’s voice speaking Jesus’ message to His church today through the Word of God.
Next: What church got only criticism and what church got only praise?
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Post by Parker on Jan 7, 2023 4:56:40 GMT -8
The Tale of Two Churches
Our travels to the seven churches of Asia now reach their final two stops that represent two kinds of churches today—one stands by the Word of God and the other has forgotten Jesus.
Letter #6, to the Church in Philadelphia: Stay true!
You can still visit the city of Philadelphia today in Asia Minor (now called Alasehir, Turkey). This beautiful congregation represents the revived church because it’s still hungry for the Word of God. Historically, it dates from the beginning of the 19th century to the Rapture.
The church at Philadelphia represents churches the world over—regardless of their denominations—who still remain true to God’s Word. The Lord sees our works, the fruit of our lives in Christ.
In a day of unbelief and skepticism, the Lord Jesus commends Philadelphia because it proclaims Jesus as God and His substitutionary death for sinners. The Lord Jesus says even our enemies know He loves this church.
The church at Philadelphia waited patiently for Jesus’ return (see 2 Thessalonians 3:5). His final word of encouragement is they will be removed from the world before the Great Tribulation (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13). His return at the Rapture will be “quickly”—meaning, suddenly. This is the hope, the comfort, and God’s promise to the church.
Jesus then gives John a vision of what our new identity will be and the access we will have in His name to our new city. As citizens of heaven, we will pass freely on this earth or anywhere in God’s universe. God will also give us a new name for Himself as a sign of our personal relationship with Him.
Listen with your whole heart to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
Letter #7, to the Church in Laodicea: Get on fire for God!
Laodicea is our final stop. Sadly, this church, now apostate, prefers its own priorities, having left the Word of God and Jesus Christ. The Lord invites them to repent, but it won’t, and most everyone in this church will miss the Rapture and enter the Great Tribulation Period.
Some call Laodicea “the city of compromise.” When Jesus tells John His message, He tells us more about Himself. “I am the Amen”—the last word. Jesus will fulfill all of God’s promises. (The Laodiceans had rejected the deity of Christ.) “I am the Faithful and True Witness”—He alone is the One who will reveal all and tell all. And finally, “I am the Creator” (v. 14).
Jesus says to the church at Laodicea, “I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot” (v. 15). This had special meaning for the Laodiceans. Situated in a high valley, they had difficulty getting water. They built an aqueduct to bring cold water down from nearby mountains but by the time it made the trip down, the water was lukewarm. They also tried to bring hot water up from the springs, but it was only warm when it got to them.
When the Lord Jesus said to them, “You are neither cold nor hot,” they knew exactly what He meant. They had been drinking the sickening lukewarm water for years. The Lord Jesus said this church was neither cold nor hot and He would spit it out of His mouth.
A cold church denies every essential doctrine of the faith. Hot speaks of real spiritual passion like the Christians in Ephesus, although they too were growing cold. Lukewarm churches try to stay in the middle—not coming out against the Word of God but not standing strong for it. It’s the worst kind of hypocrisy (see 2 Timothy 3:5). Jesus says, “You say you love Me, but you don’t mean it.”
In this last message to the church, Jesus says, “Be hot. Get on fire for God. Repent!” It’s not too late. Jesus invites anyone to come to Him. “I stand at the door and knock,” Jesus says (v. 20). But you will have to open the door to let Him in.
Next: We’ll leave earth for heaven.
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Post by Parker on Jan 8, 2023 5:18:04 GMT -8
A Whole New Day in Heaven
Where did the church go? From Revelation 4 through the end of the book, the church isn’t mentioned again, even once. The church goes off the air … because it went up in the air to meet Jesus. The saints entered the opened door to heaven and are now with Christ (see John 14:3). She is now no longer called, “church” but “the group of people called out of the world.” In heaven, the church is represented by 24 elders.
Chapter 4 begins a whole new day in Revelation. After Jesus snatches His church out of the world, the scene follows us from earth to heaven. This is a radical change—and a journey that could only be hosted by the Holy Spirit. Only He could describe things in heaven as easily and clearly as what was happening on earth. The scene is awe-inspiring, but it lacks the sensational we would have put in it.
What does the Holy Spirit reveal to John about heaven? What do we see?
We see the throne of God. As the door to heaven opens, we first find our way to God. Just imagine! The first thing we see is Jesus Christ in His threefold office of Prophet, Priest, and King, and we fall down in worship of Jesus Christ as God. God’s throne represents the center of this universe and God’s rightful rule and control over all events. (See also Psalm 47:8, 97:2, 103:19; Ezekiel 1:26-28; Hebrews 1:3, 12:2.) The throne of grace now becomes a throne of judgment.
The 24 Elders: Around the throne sit 24 elders dressed in white, like in the righteousness of Christ, with gold crowns on their heads, speaking for their role as rulers with Christ (see 1 Corinthians 6:3). These elders stand for the total church from Pentecost to the Rapture. (One more indication this is the church in heaven.)
Around the throne was a glass sea and four creatures. “A sea of glass” (v. 6) describes its appearance—as calm and restful. The sea represents the holiness and righteousness of God bringing the church to its rest, no longer tossed on a stormy sea.
Four living creatures (zoa, from which we get the word zoo) also surround the throne. Like the cherubim and seraphim (Ezekiel 1:5-10 and Isaiah 6:2-3), these living creatures are alert and aware, with eyes before and behind.
The first great worship scene we see in heaven: Each of the creatures has six wings and circles the throne, day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come” (v. 8).
They continually give Jesus glory, honor, and thanks for His attributes, because of who He is. The elders, too, fall down before God’s throne, worshipping God for who He is and what He has done. They cast their crowns before Jesus’ feet as an act of submission and worship. He’s the only One worthy to wear a crown.
They acknowledge Jesus Christ as God and Creator of all things, “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” (v. 11).
God created this earth and everything in it according to His plan and purpose. We may not understand all that He is doing, but this is the way He wanted it. It’s His universe and He’s in charge, and we are to worship Him because of it.
Next: What’s the big deal about the scroll?
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Post by Parker on Jan 9, 2023 5:27:54 GMT -8
Only One is Worthy
In Revelation 4, we saw that God’s throne is the center attraction. Now in Revelation 5, we see the Lion and the Lamb, representing Jesus Christ, are on the throne. He is both Sovereign of the universe and Savior of the world. He is completely in charge of all the events which follow in this Revelation. As a lion He is a Judge; as a lamb, He is judged. The lion represents the government of God; the lamb represents the grace of God.
Let’s not ever lose sight of Jesus as central to the story of the universe.
John now tells us more of what he sees. In Jesus’ right hand, John said he saw a book closed tightly with seven seals. The book rolled and sealed, is the title deed to the world in which we now live. He created it, He redeemed it, and it belongs to Him. (See also Daniel 7:13-14 and Zechariah 5:1-3.)
John tells us next he saw a strong angel—a powerful one—call out in a voice like thunder, “Is there anyone who can open the scroll, who can break its seals?”
Who has the right to do this? Who has the power to make this covenant effective? For our entire history, mankind has thought we can solve our own problems. The Word of God makes it clear we can’t.
John is overwhelmed by the possibility that maybe no one is qualified to open the book and to take charge of this earth. And he weeps because he didn’t have the answer.
Then one of the 24 elders said to John, “Don’t weep. Look—the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the root of David’s family line, He has conquered. He can open the scroll.”
Jesus Christ is the only One who has the right and title to this earth. He not only redeemed us, but He also redeemed the earth. He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies about the future of the world.
Next, John tells us more of what he saw. There, between the throne (with the four living creatures) and with the elders, John said he saw a Lamb (Christ) standing, bearing scars and wounds as though it had been slain. This lamb is standing before the throne and is ready to act as the righteous Judge. Jesus is no longer seated at the right hand of God but is moving now, moving to power. The judgment of the Tribulation is about to strike the earth.
Now the 24 elders and the four living creatures bow down to Jesus on the throne. They sing a new song about redemption. The old song we hear about in the book of Job is the song of creation. They sang about God as the Creator because they didn’t know about His love. Now we can sing about our Savior who loves us and who gave Himself for us.
Worship means “to return to worth,” that which belongs to Him; Jesus Christ is the only One worthy of praise. They sing of Jesus’ shed blood in heaven that redeems us. And not only us, the church, but they also praise the Lamb for those yet to be saved on the earth.
And looking around, John said he heard the voice of so many angels that he couldn’t count them—tens of thousands upon tens of thousands. God’s created intelligences were praising Him—all saying with one voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing” (v. 12).
Every created thing, every creature of God joins in this universal act of worship, both in heaven and earth. Evidently, the animals of the earth and the fish in the sea join in this volume of praise! They sing, “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever” (v. 13). And the four living creatures add their “Amen!” And the 24 elders fall down in silent adoration and praise of Jesus Christ who lives forever and ever.
Next: What are those four riders of the Apocalypse?
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Post by Parker on Jan 10, 2023 5:31:20 GMT -8
When the Seven Seals Open
From the heavenly worship scene, our tour guide, John, now shifts from heaven to earth.
So what happens on earth after the church leaves? That’s the subject of Revelation 6—18. The seven-sealed book is opened (Revelation 6—8) by Jesus who is the only One worthy, the only One who has the authority to open it. He breaks the seals, the four horses ride out, and the Tribulation begins.
We need to get a big picture of the entire Tribulation before we dive into the details. The seven seals in the book are like an umbrella over the entire period. The first six seals will be open in turn and the judgments will come out. Between the sixth and seventh seals, there’s a pause, and John either explains something or answers specific questions. Then, within the seventh seal, judgment is announced with seven trumpets. The same pattern follows—six trumpets are sounded, a pause, then within the seventh trumpet, seven bowls of wrath are introduced. The entire process fits within the seals.
Sometimes we’ll see the scene from heaven, but most of this happens on earth. Certain factors increase the intensity and the ferocity of the Great Tribulation:
First, keep in mind the Holy Spirit will not restrain evil. He will still be in the world, but His role changes. Mankind will now have its day, along with Satan. Satan knows God is only giving him free reign for a short time, but during that period the Antichrist will be able to take over this earth. On this scene, God will execute direct judgment. His day of wrath is come; who is able to face God and stand before the wrath of the Lamb (see Revelation 6:17)?
The Great Tribulation will not break suddenly like a great tornado, but the opening of the seven seals is gradual, one at a time in a logical and chronological order giving an overall picture of that seven-year period. The Lord Jesus Christ is in full charge, and every creature in heaven moves at His command. He takes the seven-sealed book, breaks the first seal, and in order the four horsemen ride out, introducing the Great Tribulation.
The first six seals describe the events of the first three and a half years, and the last seal, the seventh, details the second half.
Opening the First Seal: A rider on a white horse (vv. 1-2) of victory comes out conquering. This is the Antichrist, the one who pretends to be the Lord. He doesn’t appear as a villain; he won’t look dark or have horns or red eyes. He’ll be the most attractive man around and will promise world unity. Nobody will care if he comes from heaven or hell; the world wants peace at any price. They’ll elect him with cheers and will think they’re entering the Millennium, but it’s actually the Great Tribulation.
Opening the Second Seal: A rider on a red horse (vv. 3-4) of bloodshed comes out and covers the earth with war and violence. The Antichrist’s counterfeit peace is short-lived. He’ll be revealed as a phony and a real world-war begins.
Opening the Third Seal: A rider on a black horse (vv. 5-6) pictures Death itself covering the earth in a worldwide famine (see Lamentations 4:8-9; Jeremiah 4:28; Malachi 3:14). The working man will not be able to support his family, but the luxuries of the rich will still flow.
Opening the Fourth Seal: A rider on a pale horse (vv. 7-8)—on this fourth horse, a sickly color, Death comes riding in. The sword, famine, a pandemic, and wild animals will decimate the earth’s population by 25% (see also Ezekiel 14:21). Nothing will be able to stop this pale horse, death.
Jesus tells us that the days had to be shortened or else no one would survive (Matthew 24:22). These four horsemen fulfill what Jesus already told us about in His sermon on the Mount of Olives in Matthew 24:5-8; John merely widens it out with additional information. This is the opening of the Great Tribulation.
Next: Why is God doing this?
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Post by Parker on Jan 11, 2023 5:47:31 GMT -8
“Hold Back the Winds of Judgment!”
The winds of judgment are blowing on the earth as we’ve seen the four horsemen do their horrible work. But even in this, nothing happens outside of God’s purpose, the Bible says.
God’s purpose in the Tribulation is as it has always been—to save those in the human family who will turn to Him. He likely wouldn’t keep this world running if it wasn’t for people turning to Him. Even in this horrific season, multitudes will turn to Him and He’ll welcome them with open arms.
But even more will turn against Him. God’s judgments are like the sun on wax and clay—some will be hardened by it; others will melt.
Opening of the Fifth Seal: Prayer of the martyrs (6:9-11)
Back in heaven, John next sees an altar where Jesus Christ offers His literal blood for the sins of the world (see Hebrews 9:23-26). Gathered around the altar are the souls of those who have been killed for their faith in God, both in the Old Testament and since the beginning of the Tribulation. They cry loudly, “How long, Strong God, holy and true? How long before you step in and avenge our murders?” (see 6:10).
Then each martyr is given a white robe, symbolizing salvation and eternal life, and told by God to be patient, sit back, and wait until the full number of martyrs are filled from among their faithful friends.
Opening of the Sixth Seal: The Day of Wrath has come (6:12-17)
The scene shifts back to earth and signals the last half of the Great Tribulation. God first causes a planet-sized earthquake to rock the whole world. Then the sun grows dark, the moon reddens “like blood,” and stars fall like a meteor shower. The sky will look like it splits and rolls back like a scroll. Those on earth will glimpse into the throne room of heaven.
With dread and terror, people run to hide in caves and call on the mountains to fall on them—anything to get them away from the wrath of the Lamb. They don’t want to stand before a holy and righteous God. All the fury of God’s wrath is now revealed in the Lamb. God has declared war against sin.
What About the People Turning to God and Getting Saved During this Period?
Since you can’t turn to God without the work of the Holy Spirit, how does anybody get saved now? The Holy Spirit didn’t leave the earth; He’s just changed roles. During our day, the Spirit restrains evil so the gospel can penetrate a Satan-controlled and Satan-blinded world. How could the Word go out unless the Spirit of God holds back evil? Even today, satanic forces work against the Word of God being heard and believed.
The Great Tribulation is the devil’s holiday. God will give him the freedom to do as he pleases. This is part of God’s judgment on a world that rejects Jesus as Savior. But even then, a great company of people will be saved in the Tribulation—more than in any other seven-year period in the history of the world.
Between the sixth and the seventh seal, we have a pause. Revelation7 answers the question asked at the end of chapter 6: “Who is able to stand?”
Four angels, standing on the corners of the earth controlling the wind, are then ordered by a fifth angel to prepare for a fearful judgment about to break on the earth. He says, “Hold back the winds of judgment, the winds of the Great Tribulation Period, because we have to seal these folk so they can make it through” (7:2-3). Two great companies of people will be called out, from Israel and out of the Gentiles.
We don’t know what sign the Lord uses to protect them, but it is some spiritual mark on their lives in contrast to the mark of the beast. God will protect them so they can make it through the Tribulation.
Next: Who are the 144,000 saved?
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Post by Parker on Jan 12, 2023 9:11:17 GMT -8
The 144,000 and More
From the day God called Abraham back in Genesis, there has always been a remnant of people who are true to God. In the Great Tribulation, God will have a remnant of Israel who will be saved and who will witness of Christ, though just a small number. God tells us 144,000 Jews will be saved (see Matthew 24:14).
How will these people be saved? Just as we are today, by accepting the death of Christ as payment of their sins. God has always had one way to save people, by faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (see1Corinthians15:1-4). The Holy Spirit will seal these Tribulation saints with a special mark, guaranteeing they make it through. If it weren’t for this mark of protection, they wouldn’t make it.
This company of 144,000 doesn’t exist today, nor does it refer to the church. They will be saved “of all the tribes of the children of Israel” (v. 4). Twelve thousand will be sealed out of each tribe. God has long promised Israel, throughout the Old Testament, that He would come and establish His Kingdom. It will be first a thousand-year kingdom, a time of testing, and then right into eternity. Some say God is through with Israel, but that’s not true. Revelation is like a great union station or an airport where trains or planes come in from everywhere: All the major themes of prophecy come in to Revelation. Therefore, you’d expect Israel to be here in Revelation—and, lo and behold, there they are.
God doesn’t give Israel up.
We witness now through John’s eyes a fabulous, fantastic worship scene in heaven. A countless multitude gathers from every nation and peoples, and tongues standing before the throne and before the Lamb. This great company has come out of the Great Tribulation and are rejoicing in their salvation. The gospel of the Kingdom will be preached through the world, and the144,000 witnesses will do in seven years what the church hasn’t done in over 2,000 years.
The greatest days of God’s salvation are in the future.
Most of this company were martyred during the Great Tribulation Period, but they were faithful to the end. Their white robes speak of the righteousness of Christ in which they are clothed in the shed blood of Christ. They wave palm branches as the sign of victory in Christ.
This fabulous, fantastic scene of universal worship of God is by His creatures. The church is here, the Old Testament saints are here, the Tribulation saints are here, and the angels join in. One of the 24 elders now comes over to John with a question.
“Who are the believers dressed in white robes?” And John said, “I have no idea—but you must know.” And the elder said, “These come from the Great Tribulation. They’ve washed their robes, scrubbed them clean in the blood of the Lamb. That’s why they’re standing before God’s throne” (see vv. 14-15).
Just imagine what joy is in this scene. In this company of believers most laid down their lives for Christ. Now God provides for them what they have suffered without. They’re not going to hunger or thirst—as they apparently did. They will be sheltered from the burning heat of the sun. They have been thirsty for spiritual things they didn’t have. And they wept, but now God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. They made it through because of the blood of the Lamb. What a wonderful, comforting scene we get to glimpse here.
It’s a good reminder that the Lord Jesus has other sheep. He told His disciples this, but they couldn’t understand (see John 10:16). He could say the same thing to the church today, “I have other sheep that you don’t know anything about.” This company of Gentiles are some of the other sheep who will be redeemed but who aren’t part of the church.
There are plenty of seats at the Lord’s table.
Next: What will it sound like when terror breaks loose on the earth? A bomb? No—worse.
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Post by Parker on Jan 13, 2023 5:47:48 GMT -8
30 Minutes of Silence in Heaven
What will be the signal that marks the beginning of the Great Tribulation? Will it sound like a bomb exploding or a war breaking out? No.
Silence. Thirty minutes of ominous silence. A heavenly hush. Then comes the beginning of the end of the earth.
Why is there this strange silence? God’s patience is not exhausted. When the sixth seal was opened and nature responded with a mighty convulsion, brave men weakened for a moment. Christ gave them an opportunity to repent. But like the Pharaoh of Moses’ story who, when the heat was off, let his willful heart return to its original intention, many people return to their unbelief in the calm. They say, “It wasn’t God, after all. Everything can be explained by natural causes.”
This is the lull before the storm. God’s steps from mercy to judgment are always slow, reluctant, and measured. He is slow to anger. Judgment is His strange work (see Isaiah 28:21). He is a God of love who judges His creatures. This silence marks the transition from grace to judgment.
The Blowing of the Seven Trumpets
The second half of the Great Tribulation now breaks with fury on the earth and is signaled by the blowing of the trumpets (Revelation 8—11).
Seven angels who stood before God now raise seven war trumpets. These seven trumpets have a special meaning for Israel. Throughout their history, God used trumpets in ceremonies, journeys, special feasts, and to announce a new year. Trumpets often announced God stepping into history. Here they announce divine judgments in the day of the Lord (see Zechariah 1:14-16). They declare war.
Then, in addition to the seven-angel band, another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer and fills it with fire. He then throws it on the earth, causing thunder, lightning, and earthquakes. This is the answer to the prayers of God’s people (fifth trumpet) when they prayed, “Oh, God, avenge us!” Now, the people of the earth, having rejected the death of Christ for the judgment of their sins, bear the judgment for their own sins. The Tribulation is building to a crescendo.
The blowing of the trumpets introduces literal plagues. At the first, hail and fire mingled with blood hits the earth and burns up one-third of all trees and green grass. Plant life was the first to be created, and now it’s the first to be destroyed.
This is a literal judgment upon plant life in the same way that the seventh plague of Egypt was literal (see Exodus 9:18-26). It’s no accident that this trumpet judgment has a striking similarity to the plagues in Egypt.
At the second trumpet, the sea, which occupies most of the earth’s surface, is judged. A mass as if it were a great mountain (see Jeremiah 51:25) falls into the sea, one-third becomes literal blood, and one-third of all living sea creatures die. Also, one-third of all ships are destroyed.
The third trumpet unleashes a great star, burning as it falls out of heaven. It’s a meteor of poison that contaminates one-third of the earth’s fresh-water supply. The star’s name, wormwood, suggests it’s a judgment on man’s idolatry and injustice.
The fourth angel blew the trumpet and the light from the sun and moon and stars all darken by one-third. It was on the fourth day of re-creation that these heavenly bodies appeared, and now the light is one-third less over the earth.
Now, after the fourth trumpet, a solemn, severe warning is shouted. The final three trumpets will be intensifying. “Woe!” says an eagle (ASV; rather than an angel) delivering this message. Deuteronomy 28:49 talks about judgment coming from the end of the earth as swift as the eagle flies … and that’s what happens next.
Next: You think you’ve seen weird stuff in Revelation? Wait until you see this …
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Post by Parker on Jan 14, 2023 4:09:20 GMT -8
Daniel’s 70th Week Realized
We’ve traveled some dark days in the Tribulation, but the worst is now upon us.
The eagle’s announcement, “Woe, woe, woe—a great wrath is coming to those who live on the earth,” signal three angels to blow three trumpets. This covers the last three and one-half years of what the prophet Daniel called “the Seventieth Week,” the Great Tribulation.
Fifth Trumpet—Fallen star and plague of locusts (vv. 1-12)
The fifth angel sounds a trumpet and a curious star falls from heaven. This falling star is Satan (see Isaiah 14:12; Luke 10:18; 2 Corinthians 11:14; Revelation 12:7-9). When he is thrown out of heaven, Satan goes to earth with the key to the abyss (a literal place).
God allows Satan a freedom he never has had before, the authority and power to open this long shaft of the abyss. Then out of the shaft, like a great erupting volcano, pours vicious smoke that covers the earth, darkens the sun, and fills the atmosphere.
Out from the smoke come surreal locusts. But unlike locusts, they don’t eat grass but attack people with scorpion-like stingers. They aren’t allowed to kill anyone, just torture them with unspeakable agony for five months. Things get so awful that people want to kill themselves, but they can’t die. They long for death rather than repenting.
These locusts have other unusual characteristics—human faces, antennae like the glory of a girl’s hair, their bodies look like war horses with iron breastplates, and on their heads are golden crowns. Just the sound of their activity is terrifying, like the sound of a battle.
These locusts have a leader called “the angel of the abyss” (v. 11). Likely one of Satan’s chief henchmen, this king’s name is Apollyon—literally, “the destroyer.” Apollyon leads the locusts in a terrifying invasion of earth that lasts five months. The next two trumpets warn that worse things will follow.
Sixth Trumpet—Evil angels loosed at the river Euphrates (vv. 13-21)
When the sixth angel blew the trumpet, a command came from Jesus Christ Himself at the horns of the golden altar in heaven to loosen the four angels bound at the river Euphrates. They must be fallen evil angels since no good angels are bound.
Why were they bound here at the Euphrates River? This region has a strange prominence. The Garden of Eden was here somewhere. Man first sinned here. The first murder was committed here. The first war was fought here. Here was where the Flood began and spread over the earth. The Tower of Babel was erected here. The Israelites were brought into the Babylonian captivity here. Zechariah 5 identifies Babylon as the last stand of false religion and where Satan’s last stand will take place.
These evil angels were ready for a specific assignment at a specific hour in history—to kill one-third of mankind who are in rebellion against God. In these seven years of tribulation, over 50% of the population of the earth will be killed. No wonder the Lord Jesus said that if those days of tribulation had not been cut short, no human life would be saved.
The four angels lead a world war—the first, literal war to include every nation on earth—with a stunning army of 200 million. This is the wholesale invasion of the earth by the demonic world.
These creatures from the underworld are frightening and bizarre. The horsemen are striking in their brilliant, toxic colors—fiery red, bright blue, and light yellow. Their war horses have lion heads and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. These unnatural horses bite and kill with their mouths, and instead of horses’ hair for tails, they have serpents.
Hellish forces are at work. Yet ironically, the people left alive refuse to stop worshipping demons who are responsible for their misery under this sixth trumpet judgment. These unresponsive, unrepentant, hard-hearted people will continue in their moral sins. Many will turn to drugs when they are stung or bitten by these weird creatures. Although people won’t die from their injuries, they’ll want to, and as a result, they will take drugs to overcome the pain and help them endure. Of course, these drugs also make them susceptible to sin.
The moment you reject the gospel and shut your heart to God, you are wide open for the big lie when it comes. This is the reason so many today fall for everything that comes along. If you’re not standing for the Word of God, you’re easy prey for any false teaching, cult, or error that puts you in their bullseye.
Next: What did the angel tell John to eat?
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Post by Parker on Jan 15, 2023 4:44:34 GMT -8
Interlude: A Glimpse of Glory
Almost as if God knew we needed a mental and emotional rest from the stream of judgments, He gives us a break between the sixth and seventh trumpets. In this interlude in Revelation 10, our focus shifts, temporarily, from the outpouring of God’s wrath on unbelievers on earth to the encouragement of believers in heaven.
Just as angels announced Jesus' first coming, they also announce His second coming.
John previously told us about a strong angel back in Revelation 5:2. Now he introduces us to another “mighty angel.” Their dress identifies them as with Christ, bearing all the credentials of His exalted position. This mighty angel is “clothed with a cloud,” like the glory clouds that will surround Christ in His second coming. A “rainbow” is the cap of his uniform and reminds us of God’s mercy and His faithfulness to His covenant not to send a flood to destroy mankind again.
The mighty angel’s countenance is radiant, with a face “like the sun,” reflecting God’s presence (like Moses’ face in Exodus 34:29). He has come from the Lord’s presence to make a special and solemn announcement of coming judgment.
In his hands, this mighty messenger holds “a little book,” which logically would be the seven-sealed book we saw in Revelation 5. Originally in the Father’s hands, He transfers it to the nail-pierced hands of God the Son, the only One who had the right to open it. When Jesus broke the seven seals, it introduced the seven trumpets, six of which have already been blown. After He removes the seals, the Lord Jesus in turn gives the book to the angel, who then finally gives it to John to eat.
This is the title deed of the earth and contains the judgments the Lord executes in the Great Tribulation. The angel puts one foot on the sea, the other foot upon the earth, and claims it all for Christ. As he does, a majestic loud cry produced “seven thunders”—this is God’s amen! (See also Psalm 29:3 and Job 37:5.) The voice of the Lord Jesus in heaven confirms the angel’s claim that He will soon reign with authority on this earth.
John took down this confirmation as the visions were given to him, and he was about to write what the seven thunders had spoken, but he was forbidden to do so. This is the only place in Revelation where anything is sealed. To this day, they remain a secret. God still has many things to tell us.
The angel also comforts God’s saints on earth in the middle of this trouble, that it won’t last much longer. Christ will return soon, he promises. God has sealed them, and they will make it through the Great Tribulation. The martyrs in heaven have been praying for this, too.
This all takes place when the seventh angel is ready to blow the trumpet, announcing the second half of the Great Tribulation. God will then fully reveal His mystery, including why He permits and tolerates evil. God’s mysteries can only be revealed by God Himself—we can’t understand them without His Word.
As John takes the book, the angel invites him into the great drama unfolding. He tells John to do a very strange thing—eat it. Eating the book means to receive the Word of God with faith. (The prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel instruct the same in Jeremiah 15:16 and Ezekiel 3:1-3.) At first, the book was sweet, but then it turned bitter. Just like us—we can delight in reading this prophecy about what God intends to do, but the coming judgment to a world that rejects the Lord Jesus Christ is bitter. The study of prophecy will have a definite effect upon your life: It will either bring you closer to Christ, or it will take you farther from Him.
Next: Who are those two witnesses doing miracles and pointing people to God?
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