The Book
of Revelation
In the first words of Revelation we find a
general introduction to the entire message. The book begins, "The
Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew
unto his servants things which must shortly come to
pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John."
(Revelation 1:1) The message was signified or given with signs through an angel
to John. Through the years, the church has received great comfort through the
glorious prophecy of this book.
The announcement of the Revelation of Jesus
Christ came with a blessing for those that read, hear and keep those things
that were written. Urgency is seen in the phrase "the time is at
hand." A study of the books of Ezekiel and Daniel will help prepare the
Bible student for studying the book of Revelation.
The Revelation as a whole book and
specifically the early chapters were written to the seven churches in
Revelation is a book with some predictions
of future events, but more than that it is a book designed to provide
encouragement and hope for the people of God. The expectation of our present
life and our eternal life is built upon Jesus. It is a glorious hope because of
His character and power.
A Revelation from God Revelation 1:1-3:
The word translated "Revelation" is similar to our word
"apocalypse." The word means "a revealing," or "an
unveiling." It is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. It is the Revelation of
Jesus Christ because it is from Him and it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ
because it is about Him. The person revealed in the Revelation is none other
than Jesus Christ. The book of Revelation shows us Jesus in His power and
majesty. We may not be able to understand every sign in this great book, but we
can understand the Christ revealed therein. He is not merely some figment of
the imagination or a person of the past. He is the one that is, and that was,
and that is to come.
John said, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and
keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."
(Revelation 1:3) He said, "Blessed is he that readeth."
It is a blessing to be permitted to read the Revelation of God. This may be a
reference to public reading because the next statement has to do with those
"that hear the words of this prophecy." We learn God's will by
reading, hearing, studying and meditation. Those who have the opportunity to
become acquainted with God's revelation are highly favored. The readers and hearers
must also "keep those things which are written therein." None can be
right with God who does not obey those things that are their duty. The psalmist
said of God's commandments, "Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and
in keeping of them there is great reward." (Psalm
A Revelation of love and blood -- Revelation
1:4-8: The book of Revelation was written to the
seven churches of
Revelation begins with the formal greeting
used in many New Testament books. The greeting is that of grace and peace.
(Revelation 1:4) John identifies Jesus as being from everlasting. Jesus existed
in the past. He exists in the present. He will exist in the future. The most
profound part of the book of Revelation has to do with the fact that this
eternal one "loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood."
(Revelation 1:5) If we understand our own deep sinfulness, this seems almost
too good to be true.
A Revelation to the seven churches
Revelation 1:9-11: On a certain Lord's day, from the Isle of Patmos, John was commanded to write this to the seven
churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos,
to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."
These were not seven kinds of churches, but the
In this book John provided many word
pictures of Jesus, possibly none more vivid than when he called Him "Alpha
and Omega, the first and the last." Jesus clearly claimed to be God and to
have all the attributes of the Almighty.
A Revelation of Jesus Christ Revelation
1:12-20: What a blessing this must have been to John
to see Jesus again. Jesus is pictured as standing in His magnificence in the
midst of these seven churches. He was "clothed with a garment down to the
feet and girded about the chest with a golden band." The picture of Jesus
was that of purity and wisdom. When we see "His eyes like a flame of
fire" we are aware of the judgment of God.
Jesus' greatness, power, might and
sacrifice should move us to obey Him. The precious blood of Jesus cleanses
those who obey the gospel. To obey the gospel one must hear the salvation
message (Romans
Letters To the Churches
The letters to the seven churches are very similar in the way they
are designed. The letter is addressed to a certain church, like
The letters also
contained a statement concerning the spiritual condition of the church like,
"I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy
patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried
them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And
hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured,
and hast not fainted." After the
condition of the church is stated Jesus gave His verdict of the situation like,
"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy
first love."
Each of the letters
contained a command from Jesus to the church like, "Remember therefore
from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works." In most
of the letters there were statements of commendation like, "But this thou
hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."
Each letter closed
with an exhortation to all Christians, "He that hath an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit saith unto the churches." There
was also a promised reward to all that would obey, "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is
in the midst of the paradise of God." A careful study of these seven
letters is of great benefit to children of God.
Letter to the
The church at
Letter to the church in
God wanted the
church at
Letter to the
church in Pergamos Revelation 2:12-17: Pergamos
was a noted Roman city. It was a center for culture and education. It had one
of the great libraries of the ancient world. Jesus described Himself to this
church as "He which hath the sharp sword with two edges." This sounds
very much like Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful,
and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to
the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Even though their
situation was very difficult it did not excuse the fact that they had tolerated
some false teachers. Jesus said, "I have a few things against thee,
because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock
before the children of
The promise to
these brethren was, "To him that overcometh will
I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the
stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving
he that receiveth it."
Letter
to the church in Thyatira Revelation 2:18-29: Thyatira was the
smallest of all the cities to whom letters were written. Jesus said of them,
"I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience,
and thy works; and the last to be more than the first."
Despite all the
good in this church they had allowed one that Jesus identified with the title
"Jezebel" to bring corruption to some. She was an immoral and ungodly
influence on others. Her sins had been tolerated. It is sad but sin is often
tolerated in the church even today.
The gospel is God's
great news that Jesus died for sinners. Jesus said, "He that believeth and
is baptized shall be saved." (Mark
More Letters To the Churches
Revelation Three
Revelation chapter three contains the
last three of the church letters. In Revelation two we studied the letters
written to
Each letter begins
with a greeting sent to the angel or the messenger of the church. There is, in
each letter, an exaltation of some quality or qualities of the Savior. All the
letters contain the assurance that Jesus knew their works. Jesus carefully
explained what He saw as He observed each church. He never failed to give
specific instructions to the members of those churches as to what they could do
to help their situations. These changes often involved repentance. The most
serious part of each letter was the warning that was given as to what would
happen if the necessary changes were not made.
There were commendation to the churches
concerning good that they had done and encouragement to do better. Each letter
contained the promise of great reward to the faithful. What an impression it
must have produced in the minds of all when they heard Jesus say, "He that
hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto
the churches."
Letter to the
church at
What Jesus knew
about
The Lord admonished
the church at
There were a few,
even in
Letter to the church at
Jesus knew that the
church at
This church was
faithful to Jesus and His word. Jesus had nothing negative to say to the church
at
Letter
to the church at
This church said
they were rich. However they lived in spiritual poverty. They did not feel a
real need for God. In fact, they felt like they did not need anything. They
said they were rich and in need of nothing. Jesus said they were miserable,
poor, blind, and naked. The Laodiceans are typical of
our world today.
Conclusion
of the Laodicean letter Revelation 3:18-22:
These brethren had to learn what was really important. Jesus expressed His love
for these brethren by the rebuke He gave. "As many as I love, I rebuke and
chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." He challenged them to turn
from their earthly riches to true wealth! True riches are found only in
faithful service to the Christ.
Jesus gave a great
invitation to this lukewarm church. "Behold, I stand at the door, and
knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and
will sup with him, and he with me." We often apply the idea of Jesus at
the door to the sinner. Here it applies to the saint also. Jesus wants to come
in to us, and dine with us. This is a picture of the intimate relationship
Jesus desires with His followers.
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the
churches."
The gospel is God's
great news that Jesus died for sinners. Jesus said, "He that believeth and
is baptized shall be saved." (Mark
Jesus Is Worthy Of Praise
Revelation Four
John had
observed the vision of Christ in the midst of the golden candlesticks. God had
told him, "What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven
churches which are in
God opened a door in heaven and by way of
prophetic vision showed John many other things. This chapter provides the
background for the reminder of the book of Revelation. Johns situation is much
like Ezekiel's when, in a vision, he was taken to
In this vision John saw twenty-four elders,
and four beasts or living creatures covered with eyes, front and back. John
observed all of these as they gave glory to God. As these visions were given he
was in a very devout state of mind. His mission was to record accurately the
things he observed in these visions. The focus of this vision is upon the
Almighty God that was sitting on the throne. (Revelation 4:3) The one true God
is living, pure, and holy. We must hold Him in awe!
John described what he saw Revelation
4:1-3: After the letters had been completed to the seven churches John
saw a door opened in heaven. The voice of the Son of God is heard by John and
is compared to the sound of a trumpet. Just as the Spirit lifted Ezekiel up so
John was called up into heaven to see things concerning God and the church.
John was shown things that would come to pass in the church, the world and in
the
John used the figure of the open door in
several senses in the book of Revelation. The "open door" pictured
opportunity for sinners to correct their situations. (Revelation 3:8) The door
is also used to represent the "human heart." (Revelation 3:20) Now in
Revelation four "a door" is a picture of the entrance into heaven
itself. The reality of heaven is greater than any description we have of it.
John is focused on the occupied throne. All the
other things in the vision are described in relationship to this throne. In the
mind of the atheist there is no throne. The humanist says there is a throne, but
man is upon it. There is a throne for the Christian and the Almighty sits upon
this throne. As the sovereign God, Jehovah has the right to be one the throne
in heaven. We will never get it right in life until we understand that God is
on the throne and has the right to rule our lives.
John described who He saw -- Revelation
4:4-5:
Around the throne John saw twenty-four elders. John observed that
these elders were sitting on thrones. The elders are representative of the
people of God, or the great company of the redeemed. The picture of victorious
saints is seen even more clearly as we observe the white robes and crowns.
Isaiah 61:10 says, "...He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness." The white robes
represent the righteousness gained by the faithful through the Christ. The
crowns show final victory for the faithful. (2 Timothy 4:8) God's faithful
people have eternal victory through Christ. They can look forward to a robe and
a crown. Christians become joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17) What a joy to anticipate reigning with
Christ!
The lightnings, thunderings, and voices
around the throne are reminiscent of God's presence at
John described four beasts Revelation
4:6-7: The crystal sea made possible a clear view of God. The sea often
represents populations of the earth. This likely provides a picture of the
tranquility and peacefulness of souls that have died in the service of God.
At this point both Ezekiel chapter
one and Isaiah chapter 6 provide us with much help. The visions are so much alike that we feel
justified in accepting what is revealed there as having the same meaning here.
"This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the
The beast or living creatures are pictured as
having faces like a lion, a calf, a man, and a flying eagle. Many have thought
that this pictures different gifts God has given to men in the spreading of His
word. Some do so with courage, others with more meekness, some with more wisdom
and others with great insight. The result being that when the truth is taught
and obeyed it leads people to the throne of God.
John described God as worthy Revelation
4:8-11: We quickly observe that the focus of John's vision is not on
the twenty-four elders, nor on the four strange creatures. The focal point is
God on the throne, worthy of praise and worship. Those around the throne are
living under a continual sense of the holiness of God, the Father, Christ the
Son, and the Holy Spirit.
In their worship the cherubim declare that
the Lord God is Almighty. His hand is on everything that is good. The worship
of the cherubims caused the twenty-four elders to bow down in worship. Their
worship should also promote our worship. In our worship we must recognize the
worth that belongs to our great God. These elders removed their victory crowns
in respect to Him that make victory possible.
Those around the throne could only say,
"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou
hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
(Revelation 4:11) The Creator of all things, the provider of our salvation is
certainly worthy of all praise.
Jesus' greatness, power, might and sacrifice
should move us to obey Him. To obey the gospel one must hear the salvation
message (Romans
The Lamb That
Redeemed Us
Revelation Five
John showed us the
power of the Almighty as the Creator who is worthy of praise. (Revelation 4) He
now moved to show us God's love as Redeemer. (Revelation 5) Christians believe
in the God who is all-powerful and present everywhere. He is the all wise
creator and sustainer of heaven and earth. The design of Revelation five is to
honor the Lamb of God, our Redeemer, by showing that power was entrusted to Him
that was given to no one else in heaven or earth. Nothing better illustrated
this than the fact that He alone was able to open the mysterious sealed book.
John wept when he
felt that no one was able to open the book. He was, however, given the
assurance that the Lion of the tribe of
Many joined in
acknowledging that the Lamb of God was worthy to open this little book. He is
worthy to open the book because of His redemptive work. The work of Jesus
"redeemed us to God." His work bought us "by blood." His
redemptive work reached "every kindred, and tongue, and people, and
nation." This great work of redemption "made us unto our God kings
and priests." Our faith must be in the loving Redeemer.
The book sealed
with seven seals Revelation 5:1-3: In Revelation five John's attention is on
scroll held by the enthroned Lord. The scroll was unusual in that it was written
on both sides. It was full of information. It would ordinarily be the case that
a scroll would be sealed with one seal. This scroll is sealed with seven seals.
This indicated just how securely the little book was sealed.
This little book
contained a brief look at God's providential dealings with this world. There is
a special look at God's care of Christians in the struggle with the
The strong angel
asked, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals
thereof?" No created being was able to open the little book. In all the
great realms, in heaven, on earth or under the earth, no one was qualified to
open or look upon the contents of this mysterious scroll, except the Lamb of
God.
The
book opened by the Lion of Judah Revelation 5:4-8: John wept when on
one was found to open the little book. God had promised John that He would show
him things that would shortly come to pass. After waiting for one to open the
book and seeing none John's emotions turned to tears. John is thinking of the
terrible situation the church is facing. He desired to know the outcome but
felt frustrated that none could open the book. John was told, "Weep not:
behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to
open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof."
As John looked the
Lion became a Lamb. Jesus is pictured as the Lion of the tribe of
There were harps in
heaven. Some have tried to use these as justification of instrumental music in
the worship of the church. We must remember that in the worship of the church
we are always limited to that which is authorized by God. The kind of music God
authorized for the church is singing and making melody in the heart. (Ephesians
5:19, Colossians 3:16) This same verse (Revelation 5:8) pictured incense in
heaven. Does this verse give authority for burning incense in the church?
Surely no one would believe that it does!
The
Redeemer receives praise from many Revelation 5:9-11: When the
Redeemer takes the scroll, the response is immediate. The angels and redeemed
ones join together in worship of the Lamb. They sang a new song concerning the
victory of the redeemed. Under the Old Testament the people of God could only
hope for redemption. Now, because of the Lamb of God we can both speak and sing
of the redeemed.
The new song honors
the slain Lamb as the price of redemption. The new song showed that the Lamb
has redeemed us to God, by His blood. This redemption is available for every
tribe and tongue and people and nation. The result of the redemption is that we
are kings and priests unto God.
The statement,
"And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on
the earth" is perplexing to many. (Revelation 5:10) Observe the
translation from the American Standard Version, "and madest them to be
unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth." Christians
of all nations are now reigning upon the earth with Jesus Christ. Christ's
kingdom is not of this world. It is a spiritual reign of a people who are
"called out" of the world. The New Testament denies that Jesus ever
intended or that He ever plans to rule in any temporal sense on this earth. The
The entire creation
praised the Redeemer Revelation 5:12-14: Countless angels and
others declare the worthiness of the Lamb because of the redemption He
accomplished. Their message was "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to
receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and
blessing." There is much rejoicing over the redemption and salvation of
sinners.
Christ is worthy of
all honor, glory, and blessing, because He is sufficient for the office. He is
the Lion and the Lamb of God. Both Heaven and earth ring loud with the highest
of praises for the Redeemer. We worship and glorify God both for our creation
and for our redemption.
Jesus' greatness,
power, might and sacrifice should move us to obey Him. He is God's Lamb who
redeems mankind. The precious blood of Jesus cleanses those who obey the
gospel. To obey the gospel one must hear the salvation message (Romans
The Lamb Opened the
Sealed Book
Revelation Six
Revelation chapter six gives an account of the
Lamb opening six of the seven seals on the little book. It is at this point
that we begin to hear many of the wild and fanatic things that are taught by
men concerning the Revelation. There is no disagreement as to the first
chapters in the book. The Lord addressed the churches, showed both their good
and their evils and explained to them how to have God's approval.
Now the attention
of the book turns to that which was future at the time John wrote. The book
began with the words, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto
him, to shew unto his servants things which must
shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his
servant John." (Revelation 1:1) The things John saw dealt with things that
would shortly come to pass, but the principles would last throughout the
history of man.
The book of
Revelation does not name people and places. It gives principles of victory for
God's persecuted people. John wrote his message primarily for the encouragement
of the people of his own day. Much of the book was fulfilled shortly after John
wrote it by inspiration. However, the principles of the book were not exhausted
then. In the time that followed John there would be many events to which these
symbols and principles might well be applied.
God intended us to
understand this great book. It contains 278 references to the Old Testament.
Prophecy must be obscure by its nature. It is much easier to explain prophecy
looking back on it than it is to explain it looking forward. Revelation six
pictured Jesus opening the sealed book that dealt with the future of man.
Six seals are
revealed in this chapter. (1) The first seal revealed a white horse with a
rider that had a bow and a crown. (Revelation 6:1-2) (2) The second seal
revealed a red horse with a rider that had power to take peace from the earth.
(Revelation 6:3-4) (3) The third seal revealed a black horse with a rider that
had a pair of balance scales in his hand. (Revelation 6:5-6) (4) The fourth
seal revealed a pale horse with a rider that is named Death, and Hell followed
him. (Revelation 6:7-8) (5) The fifth seal revealed souls of those that were
slain for the word of God praying to God that He would avenge their blood.
(Revelation 6:9-11) (6) The sixth seal revealed a time of public commotion and
calamity. As Jesus opened the sealed book we observe God's purpose for the
persecuted church.
Seals one and two
were opened - Revelation 6:1-4: The first seal is a picture of victory for
God's people. The victor always rode a white horse after the battle. The one on
the horse is royalty. He had a crown on His head. Jesus said, "All power
is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18) The one on the white horse carried a bow. The
picture of the Christ was that
The second seal
revealed a rider on a red horse. Red represents danger. You can see war or
bloodshed in this symbol. Here is a picture of what the Devil did to try to
stop the work of the gospel. "Power was given to him that sat thereon to
take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was
given unto him a great sword." The Devil did not have this power on his
on. He was "given" or allowed to have this power. The power of the
Devil was not ultimate power because the power of God is greater.
Seals
three and four were opened Revelation 6:5-8: The third seal revealed
a rider on a black horse. John "heard a voice in the midst of the four
beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three
measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the
wine." The picture here is that of economic discrimination in a time of
prosperity. A Christian man was allowed to buy only a meager amount of food for
one person with his day's earnings. That left nothing for food for his family
and other family needs. The persecution meant that Christians had nothing
beyond the necessities of life. However, on lifes
other side Christians have abundance and those that persecuted them have
nothing.
The fourth seal
revealed a pale horse and a rider named Death and Hell followed him. The pale
horse gave us a picture of death itself. Death killed and Hell (Hades the
grave) followed to gather the slain. God's people are given hope because there
is not a complete destruction. God limited how far the destruction could go.
This fact is often seen in others visions. Christians should take courage. All
is not lost!
Seal
five was opened Revelation 6:9-11: The fifth seal pictured souls
under the alter crying for vindication. The soul is the real person. Our body
is only a temporary house.
These precious ones
have died in the Lord and now they are in His presence. They were
"faithful" to God under all circumstances. They were concerned, not
for themselves but for the cause of Christ. God promised that He would judge
those that opposed His cause. The saints were to wait patiently in white robes
until that time.
Seal
six was opened Revelation 6:12-17: The sixth seal pictured the day of
the Lord as a Day of Judgment upon a wicked nation. John used the same idea the
prophets had used to picture the judgment of God. "Alas
for the day! for the day of the LORD is at
hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come." (Joel 1:15)
This is just a picture or promise of that coming judgment.
The Christian would
think in this way, "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall
be able to stand?" They would wonder what would happen to Christians when
God brought that terrible judgment. Revelation seven helped to answer that
question. The believer can stand in the face of this great wrath of God because
Jesus bore the wrath the believer deserved.
God's destructive
power will come against those that do not obey the gospel and serve faithfully.
To obey the gospel one must hear God's truth (Romans
Revelation
Seven
Revelation chapter six
provided an announcement of the terrible judgment that was to come on the
God has provided for the
protection of His faithful servants. The forces of destruction were held in
restraint until God's servants had been sealed. The sealing applied to all
Christian, not just Jewish Christians. "Seal" was very similar to
Ezekiel 9:4-6 where the seal meant safety in time of trouble. "And the
LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of
Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry
for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others
he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not
your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old and young, both maids,
and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the
mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were
before the house."
After the Devil had
tried his best to destroy the people of God a great multitude, which no man can
number, is seen before the throne in heaven. God's faithful people were
victorious! They can now stand in the presence of the Almighty because their
sins have been washed in the sacrificial blood of the Lamb!
The
winds are restrained Revelation 7:1-3: After the previous visions
John saw four angels standing at the
The sealing
pictured here extends throughout the entire Christian age. Jesus had promised,
"Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew
28:20) The angle that had the power to seal came from the east, the direction
of light for the world. This angel instructed the destructive angles to be
restrained until God's servants were sealed. This could only be accomplished at
the end of the Christian age.
The children of God
are sealed for the specific and unique purpose of glorifying God upon the
earth. The picture of God's people being sealed in the forehead provides both
comfort and a great challenge. We are comforted with the assurance that we belong
to God. The challenge is that we depart from all evil and boldly identify
ourselves children of God. "Let every one that nameth the name of Christ
depart from iniquity." (II Timothy 2:19)
The
servants are sealed Revelation 7:4-8: The picture is that of 144,000
redeemed ones being sealed. They are the saved, not just physical Jews. Many of
the fleshly Jews had murdered the Messiah and hindered the truth all over the
world. The 144,000 pictured all the saved of the earth. Concerning the 12 tribes
there are at least 20 different ways of listing the tribes of
When God wanted a
number to represent the total number of the redeemed He chose 144,000. We must
keep in mind that this is a symbol and not literal. A "thousand" is a
number that represents completeness. "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills." (Psalm
50:10) God sealed and protected these saints on the earth.
The
glory that was given Revelation 7:9-12: John now saw an innumerable
company in heaven. This innumerable company is the whole
Jesus had said,
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all
the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end
come." (Matthew 24:14). This picture of a great multitude that no one
could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues is evidence that the
Great Commission will be fulfilled before the end of the world just as Jesus
promised. This great host of redeemed ones gave honor and glory to God for the
great salvation He has provided through the blood of the Lamb.
The
happy state of the faithful Revelation 7:13-17: There is nothing in
this text that points to one particular trial or distress. Those who continue
to come out of the tribulations of the world faithful to God and washed in the
blood of the Lamb are truly in a happy state. Great multitudes out of all races
continue to come to God. After this earthly life the faithful stand before the
throne of God singing the song of salvation. "Therefore are they before
the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that
sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." (Revelation 7:15)
They are coming out
of great tribulation. "Coming out of the great tribulation" is a
continuing thing throughout the Christian age. They were washed in the blood
and thus can now stand in God's presence. He then spreads His perfect
protection over them. "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more;
neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the
midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains
of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Revelation
7:16-17) While their service to God might have meant some suffering on the
earth their eternity will be a perfect life with perfect joy.
Christians who
overcome the sorrows and tribulations of life will ultimately be in the very
presence of God, and shall participate in the joys of heaven forever. The blood
of the lamb and the joy awaiting the redeemed should motivate us to obey God
quickly. Those who obey the gospel are washed in the precious blood of Jesus.
To obey the gospel one must hear the salvation message (Romans
The Opening of the
Seventh Seal
Revelation Eight
Trumpets were used
to sound certain sounds. These seven trumpets sounded forth the beginning of a
new series of events. Another angel is also introduced in vision. This angel is
pictured in the act of giving worship and honor to God. He had "a golden
censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with
the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the
throne." Much like when Korah led his rebellion God is here pictured as
sending fire from heaven. (Number 16)
God's wrath is poured out on those who oppose His cause. This is likewise very
similar to Ezekiel 10:2, where the man clothed in linen is commanded to go
between the wheels under the cherub, and fill his hands with coals of fire from
between the cherubims, and to scatter them over the city. This was a symbol of
God's destruction against wicked society.
The angel casts the
censer to the earth. The effect was that "there were voices, and
thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake." (Revelation 8:5) All
nature is in the hand of the Almighty as He brings His judgment against the
persecuting forces.
When the first
angel sounded a third part of the vegetation was consumed. As the second angel
sounded the burning mountain was cast into the sea and a third part became
blood. A third part of the boats and fish were destroyed. The third angel
sounded and a burning star named Wormwood fell upon the waters and a third part
of them were made bitter and many died because of the waters. The third part of
the light, both for day and night, was smitten when the fourth angel sounded.
At this point an angel flies "through the midst of heaven, saying with a
loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the
other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!"
All of these events lead us to the final triumph of Christianity.
The
opening of the seventh seal Revelation 8:1-3: At the opening of the
seventh seal "there was silence in heaven about the space of half an
hour." This silence in heaven demonstrated a sober, awestruck view of the
judgment of God coming on the wicked. The prophet wrote, "Hold thy peace
at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the
LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests." (Zephaniah 1:7)
There was a silence of reverence and expectancy. "Be silent, O all flesh,
before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation."
(Zechariah 2:13) The silence shows that man cannot yet know all of God's plans.
In the book of
Numbers chapter 10 we learn that the trumpets were used to: (1) call the people
together, (2) signal the time for Israel to journey, (3) call the people to
war, and (4) sound an alarm. Joel wrote, "Blow ye
the trumpet in
There was an angel,
in addition to the seven, that appeared. The Judgment of God was about to be
executed. The genuine Christians pray much to God for protection. Their prayers
are pictured as much incense that is offered to God. The conquering Christ
brought judgment upon all that opposed Christianity.
The
seven angels prepare to sound Revelation 8:4-6: The judgment God
spoke of through John was occasioned by severe persecution against the church
by
The first two
angels sound Revelation 8:7-9: This is not final judgment as only a third of
everything is touched. These are warnings to call the wicked to repentance. The
sounding of the first trumpet had to do with land disasters. Many of these plagues
sound like what happened to
The
next two angels sound Revelation 8:11-13: The third trumpet led to a
star named Wormwood being thrown into water and one third of the fresh water
was make bitter and poisonous.
The fourth trumpet
led to a third part of the sun, moon and stars being destroyed. Calamity would
come upon
Coming judgment
should move us to quickly obey the gospel. To obey the gospel one must hear the
salvation message (Romans
The Fifth and
Revelation chapter
nine provides and account of the sounding of the fifth and sixth trumpets.
These are two of the three angles that were included in Revelation 8:13.
"And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven,
saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by
reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to
sound!" The last three trumpets are often called the "woe"
trumpets and they are discussed in Revelation chapters nine through eleven.
The woe of the
fifth trumpet is represented under the figure of an immense army of locusts
bringing calamity upon the earth. A
star fell from heaven and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. When
he opened the pit the swarm of locusts comes forth on the earth. They are
commanded to do certain work. They were to torment those that did not have the
seal of God on their foreheads. However, they were not to kill them. A very
vivid description is given of the destructive horde of locusts.
The sixth angel
sounded and four angels which were bound in the great river
The
fifth angel sounds his trumpet Revelation 9:1-3: As the fifth seal
was opened a star was personified. "And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw
a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the
bottomless pit." (Revelation 9:1) The star that looses the smoke and
locusts from the bottomless pit was Satan. "And the great dragon was cast
out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole
world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with
him." (Revelation 12:9) Man's greatest enemy will always be the Devil
himself.
The locust came
forth with smoke from the bottomless pit. The smoke was dark, blinding smoke.
It was a smoke that shut out the sun and the air. This is a picture of how the
Devil works to shut out the true light and life from God. The false teaching of
Satan blinds the minds of people to the truth of God's word. Satan literally
blinds the minds of his victims. "In whom the god of this world hath
blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (II
Corinthians 4:4)
Satan has the power to deceive and
destroy spiritually. He is even able to cause the death of the wicked. The
Devil uses his power to incite man to rebel against the Almighty. When people
serve Satan rather than Christ they will face certain torment.
The
locust and their work Revelation 9:4-12: Locusts are a universal symbol
of destruction. The locusts are not literal. We know this because these locusts
would not touch the grass, nor any green thing, or tree, as locusts do, only
men. (Revelation 9:4) These locusts had a king over them. (Revelation 9:11)
Literal locusts do not have a king over them. "The locusts have no king,
yet go they forth all of them by bands." (Proverbs 30:27) These locusts do
not hurt the land, nor do they hurt the people of God.
The kings over
these locust had names in the Hebrew tongue Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue
hath his name Apollyon." Both the words Abaddon and Apollyon means
"destroyer." The name is mostly translated simply with the word
"destruction" as in Job 26:6. "Hell is naked before him, and
destruction hath no covering."
The locusts came
out of the smoke. They did not hurt the vegetation. Neither did they hurt the
people of God. As people swallow the lies of the Devil (false doctrine) these
locusts sting them. False doctrine does not hurt the faith of God. It did have
a destructive effect on the
The