The Book of Revelation


The Revelation of Jesus Christ
– Revelation One –
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   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 Asia. John was personally involved with these brethren in the seven churches. He said, "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." (Revelation 1:9) In his greeting, John wished for them, "Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come." (Revelation 1:4)

   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. 

    The Revelation was made to God's servant to show him things that would shortly come to pass. The object of the book was to record a revelation about these important events. The time was at hand or near for the fulfillment of these things at the time of the writing of the book. 

   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 19:11) Our heavenly hope is in knowing and doing the will of God.

   A Revelation of love and blood -- Revelation 1:4-8: The book of Revelation was written to the seven churches of Asia. There were other churches in that general area including Troas, Colosse and Hierapolis.  However, John only addressed his book to seven of the churches. The seven possible stands as representative of all the churches or it may be just the fact that seven is that perfect number. What would God say if He wrote a letter to the Walnut Street Church of Christ?

   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 church of Christ in seven locations. Interestingly, Paul also wrote to seven churches: Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Colosse, Philippi, and Thessalonica. As you read this book observe all the times John is commanded to write these things that he sees.

   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.

    Everything in this vision speaks of the strength, majesty, authority and righteousness of Jesus Christ, the Savior. John was overwhelmed by this stunning vision and he fell at the feet of Jesus as a dead man. Jesus helped John to understand by telling him that the seven stars are the angels or messengers of the seven churches, and the seven lamp stands are the seven churches. The chapter closed by John again being told to write these things in a book.

    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 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord and Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (1 Peter 3:21) Have you obeyed the Almighty? Obey now because tomorrow might be too late!

Letters To the Churches
– Revelation Two –

   The letters to the seven churches are very similar in the way they are designed. The letter is addressed to a certain church, like Ephesus or Smyrna. The letters include some introductory statements about Jesus like, "These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks."

   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 church of Ephesus – Revelation 2:1-7: The angle of the church is the messenger or preacher who would deliver the message. Paul had live and worked in Ephesus for three years. (Acts 20:31) Ephesus was the city where Aquilla, Priscilla, and Apollos labored. (Acts 18:24-28) It was a city where Timothy had labored. (I Timothy 1:3) This was a place of great privilege. They had heard great preaching.

   Ephesus was also a stronghold of Satan. The temple of Diana and other pagan temples were located there. (Acts 19:28) In a city where God's authority was not respected Jesus described Himself as one with great power, "These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks." The sobering truth is that Jesus looked at His church in Ephesus and knew what was going on with them. He knew that they needed to repent! He also knew of all the good the church had done. "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..."

   The church at Ephesus was a working church that was doctrinally pure. However, they had left their love for God or for the brethren. God called on this church to "Remember" and "Repent" and promised great blessings if they did. He said, "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."

Letter to the church in Smyrna – Revelation 2:8-11: In that day Smyrna was a beautiful and proud city. It was a center of learning and culture. To this church Jesus described Himself as, "the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive." What a joy it is to be reminded that we serve the risen Lord.

   Smyrna was a very rich city, but because of persecution the Christians were very poor. Jesus knew the abuse these Christians endured at the hands of others. He expressed His thoughts concerning these brethren in the words, "but thou art rich." They lived in poverty, but they were truly rich.

   God wanted the church at Smyrna to stand strong under the tests that would come. He said, "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:10) Jesus has no rebuke for these brethren, but He does have the promise of a crown.

   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."

    Jesus knew that these brethren lived in a place of terrible persecution yet they had not denied the Lord. There "Antipas" was described as "my faithful martyr." He is one of the great anonymous heroes of the Bible. There are many who just live, serve, and died quietly for the Lord who are truly heroes!

   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 Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate."

   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.

    Perhaps the greatest challenge Jesus gave was simply this, "hold fast till I come."

   The gospel is God's great news that Jesus died for sinners. Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16:16). Faith and trust in Christ's death for our sins must include baptism into His death. Will you accept God's wonderful news that Jesus died for your sins and be baptized into Christ to put on Christ so that all your sins will be forgiven in His death?

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 Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos and Thyatira. Now we observe what was said to the church at Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. These last three letters follow the same form as the first four.

   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 Sardis – Revelation 3:1-6: Sardis was a wealthy city that had started to decline in the days of John. It was situated at the junction of several trade routes. It was a place of "easy money." It was a city of luxury. Sardis was also an immoral city. This church heard Jesus say, "These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars." Seven is the number of completeness. Jesus has the fullness of the Holy Spirit to use in helping the church at Sardis if they were willing to serve Him.

   What Jesus knew about Sardis was a mixture of good and bad. They had a reputation of being alive and active. Things seemed good for the church. However, Jesus said they were dead. You see Jesus sees us for what we really are. It was not that they were loosing the battle against Satan. They were not even in the fight. What they were doing did not measure up to God's expectations. Being dead, the church in Sardis presented no threat to Satan. They were not even worth persecuting. Sardis was a church where proper form was maintained but heart and strength was all gone!

   The Lord admonished the church at Sardis to, "Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." The good things that remained were still wroth saving. Jesus had not given up on them.

   There were a few, even in Sardis who were still pleasing to God. Even among the dead Christians in Sardis, there was still a faithful remnant. The promise Jesus gave to these faithful ones was, "they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy." These who overcome are assured of heaven. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life..." (Revelation 3:5) The Christ is saying that, if we wish to remain on the roll of the citizens of God, we must keep our faith alive and active! The idea of being blotted out of the Book of Life should be taken seriously.

Letter to the church at Philadelphia – Revelation 3:7-13: Philadelphia means brotherly love. The purpose of the city of Philadelphia was to spread the Greek language and the Greek way of life. This was a very prosperous city. It had beautiful buildings. Jesus is described to this city as, "he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth." This is a description that would fit God only. Jesus is man, but He is truly God also!

   Jesus knew that the church at Philadelphia had served God under difficult circumstances. It was a church with an open door. This was a picture of evangelistic opportunity. The door was opened but they had to walk through it! This church had strength that needed to be used to spread the gospel.

   This church was faithful to Jesus and His word. Jesus had nothing negative to say to the church at Philadelphia. Jesus challenged them, "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." Let us prepare for the Lord's coming and stay faithful. This can be accomplished if we rely on Jesus as our source of strength.

   Letter to the church at Laodicea – Revelation 3:14-17: Laodicea was a wealthy city where many Jews lived. It was a city filled with wealth and pride. Jesus described Himself to these brethren as "the Faithful and True Witness." Most Laodiceans were neither faithful nor true. Jesus knew that the church at Laodicea was lukewarm. This is a picture of indifference and compromise. The Lord said, "I will vomit you out of My mouth." Is there a greater curse upon the earth than lukewarmness? Lukewarmness allows a lost world to go to hell unevangelized.

   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 16:16). Will you accept God's wonderful news that Jesus died for your sins and be baptized into Christ to put on Christ? Will you serve Him will your whole heart?

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 Asia..." After he had written those seven letters he looked to see what else he could see.

   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. John’s situation is much like Ezekiel's when, in a vision, he was taken to Jerusalem and allowed to look through a door of the Temple and see all the present abominations.

   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 Roman Empire. The things shown to John were things that "must be." John was made again to understand that there is a close connection between how a person lives his life upon earth and what happens to him at the great Judgment Day.

   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 Mount Sinai. (Exodus 19:16-19) These things communicate the power and majesty associated with the throne of the Almighty. The "Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God." This is a representation of the Holy Spirit of God. What a victory it will be when the Christians sit on a throne with the Christ, in the presence of God and in the presence of the Holy Spirit of God.

   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 river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims." (Ezekiel 10:20) These are spectacular angelic beings that surround the throne of God. The thought of being full of eyes indicates that these angelic beings have greater insight than any man does. They totally understand the value of worship and service to God.

   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 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord and Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21) Have you obeyed the voice of the Almighty? 

The Lamb That Redeemed Us
– Revelation Five
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   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 Judah had power to open the book. This Jesus is the Messiah, the Redeemer, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and the Root of David. Revelation one pictured the majesty and power of Jesus. Revelation five remembered His sacrifice and the atonement made by His blood.

   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 Roman Empire. God here provided principles that will exist throughout the history of the world. At this point the emphasis is not on the content of the scroll, but on the One that is worthy to take it and open it.

   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 Judah. Christ is also called the Lamb of God because He was a sacrificial offering for our sins. The seven horns represent the infinite power and might of Jesus Christ. The seven eyes show His infinite knowledge and wisdom. The ability of Jesus to open the little book has been demonstrated by His work on the cross. When the Lamb took the scroll the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before Him. High-ranking angels and redeemed man join together in worship of the Lamb.

   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 church of Christ is His kingdom.

   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 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord and Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21) Have you obeyed the Almighty? Obey now because tomorrow might be too late!

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 Rome would not stand. There would be victory for the faithful Christian. God had already said, "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:10) The rider on the white horse is the "Word of God." (Revelation 19:11-13) The message is simple – those conquered by the gospel will be victorious.

   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 life’s 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 10:17), be­lieve in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21) After baptism one must serve God faithfully regardless of circumstances. Under any condition, we are always better off to serve God.

What About the Saints?

– Revelation Seven –

   Revelation chapter six provided an announcement of the terrible judgment that was to come on the Roman Empire. The natural question would be “what will happen to those that have faithfully served God? Will they escape the judgment or will they also face destruction? "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" (Revelation 6:17) 

   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 Four Corners of the earth. God's power restrained the destruction from the north, south, east and west. God Himself through Jesus Christ provided protection and victory for His people. The picture is that of the restraint of destructive forces by the angels.

   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 Israel in the Old Testament. Dan is not mentioned here, nor is Ephraim; but Joseph which included both Ephraim and Manasseh is listed. Levi is included in this list while not included in many other lists. The 144,000 must represent the whole church of the New Testament as spiritual Israel.

   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 church of God. They are not sealed now because they were sealed while on the earth. God preserved these saints not from death but by death. The blood bought church of Christ will be triumphant in heaven. These Christians had prevailed over persecution and death because of the blood of the Lamb. Their cry of victory was "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." (Revelation 7:10)

   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 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord and Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (1 Peter 3:21) Have you obeyed the Almighty? Obey now because tomorrow might be too late.

The Opening of the Seventh Seal
– Revelation Eight –

    Six of the seals on the little book had been opened and their messages had been heard. Now the seventh seal was opened so its contents could be disclosed. The opening of the seventh seal was attended with a solemn silence in heaven for the space of half an hour. In expectation of destruction and overwhelming calamities there was only silence.

    There was also the appearance of seven angels. Each angel had a trumpet that was to be used to introduce a new series of events. The opening of the first six seals had given an overview of what was to happen. When the seventh seal was opened we see the details of the events. The period of silence is the entire Christian age from that point until the end. This is the same time frame pictured by the first six seals.  

   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 Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand." (Joel 2:1)

   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 Rome. God would send destruction that would stop Rome's persecution, yet at the same time spare the church. The picture is that God hears the prayers of His struggling people.

    God would send forth judgment against the persecutors. The trumpets are warning and a call to repentance. The sounding of the trumpets announced the coming of vengeance upon Rome. This chapter provides a picture of God's warnings concerning His judgment against the wicked. This is only a partial judgment to warn wicked men.

   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 Egypt when the ten plagues came upon them. Hail and fire are usually a symbol of Divine vengeance.

    The second trumpet was followed by volcanic eruptions that caused the death of one third of the fish and the destruction of one third of the ships. Mountains being cast into the midst of the sea represent great disorders, especially when kingdoms are moved by hostile invasions. (Psalm 46:2) Now God's people know that He will punish Rome for how they have persecuted His people.

   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. Rome had distressed Christians and now they will face much distress.

   The fourth trumpet led to a third part of the sun, moon and stars being destroyed. Calamity would come upon Rome as if darkness should spread over the sun, moon, and the stars, leaving the Roman world in gloom and despair. All of this was the result of their persecuting God's people and being unwilling to repent of those evils. The judgment of God was descending upon that corrupt society. John wrote, "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!" (Revelation 8:13)

   Coming judgment should move us to quickly obey the gospel. To obey the gospel one must hear the salvation message (Romans 10:17), be­lieve in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord and Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (1 Peter 3:21) Obey now because tomorrow might be too late!

The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets Sound
–
Revelation Nine –

   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 Euphrates were loosed. The four angels are prepared and loosed with a great army to destroy one third of the men.  The sad thing about God's judgment coming on the nations is that it does not produce the desired result. The nations are not turned from idolatry. There is no inclination on the part of the ungodly to repent of the abominations they had long practiced. Wickedness still abounded!

   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 Roman Empire.

    The locusts are described in a very vivid way. They: (1) are as horses armed for battle, (2) have victory crowns, (3) have faces of men to picture intelligence and beauty, (4) have beautiful hair to represent strength, (5) have powerful teeth like lions, (6) have breastplates for protection, (7) the wings make a mighty sound like the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle, (8) their tails have destructive power like scorpions.

   The Roman Empire bought into the lies of Satan and fell from internal spiritual decay. Here God uses this trumpet both to picture punishment and as a warning and a call to repentance. God can destroy wicked nations with natural calamities of as the result of