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
The
sixth angel sounds his trumpet Revelation 9:13-15: The sixth angel
sounded and four angels were loosed. The purpose of the four horns of the
golden altar was to prevent the coals from falling from the altar. God's judgment
was coming on the wicked
In the book of
Jeremiah Euphrates was pictured as the land of the enemies of Gods' people.
There are many enemies to God's truth. A great army is loosed for the war
against evil. God decreed when this would take place to the very hour, and day,
and month, and year. There will be victory for the persecuted saints by the
decree of God!
The
army of horsemen Revelation 9:16-21: Sadly man would not listen to
God so he sent froth fire and brimstone. This is reminiscent of
The wicked
The fact the
ungodly will be punished should motivate us to obey God. The precious blood of
Jesus cleanses those who obey the gospel. To obey the gospel one must hear the
salvation message (Romans
The Angel with the
Little Book
Revelation Ten
Revelation Ten is the
record of "another" mighty angel. This is a new scene as John is on
earth and the mighty angel descended from heaven. The angel with the little
book appeared between the sixth and seventh "woe trumpets." The angel
was, "clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face
was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire." This heavenly
messenger was a "mighty angel."
The angel stood
upon land and sea and lifted up his hands to heaven. He swore by the most
solemn things that "there should be time no longer." John is then
commanded to take the little book from the angel and eat it. It was to be sweet
as he ate it, but would be bitter afterwards. (Revelation 10:8-10) The chapter
concluded with a declaration that he must yet prophesy before many people and
nations. (Revelation 10:11)
The
angel with the little book Revelation 10:1-2: In this interlude
"another mighty angel appeared." The description of this angel
resembles that of the glorified Christ in Revelation 1:16. This has caused some
to conclude that this was the Christ. It could not be the Christ because he is
called "another" angel. It could not be the Christ if there was
"another." This mighty angel
could be Michael. There are several similarities to this mighty angel and to
Michael as he is described in Daniel 12:1 and Daniel 12:6-7. Angels are
mentioned several times in the book of Revelation. Only three of the angels in
Revelation are called mighty angels.
The angel had a little book in his hand.
"And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon
the sea, and his left foot on the earth. (Revelation 10:2) The book was opened.
It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. When the angle set his right foot upon the
sea and his left foot on the earth this indicated that the gospel is for all.
God provides every opportunity for man to learn the truth and turn from his
wicked ways. There, however, comes a time when God's mercy comes to an end. The
wicked
Seven
thunders uttered their voices Revelation 10:3-4: The mighty angle
"cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried,
seven thunders uttered their voices." (Revelation 10:3) This cry was loud
because it was designed to attract attention to the message of God. When God
speaks men do well to take heed! When the loin roars the
other beast of the jungle tremble. When the Almighty God speaks the
occupants of sea and land should hear His voice and heed His message. Sadly
many will not hear nor repent. Remember the words of Revelation 9:20-21.
"And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet
repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship
devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which
neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their
murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their
thefts."
John said,
"when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write:
and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the
seven thunders uttered, and write them not." The seven thunders indicate
that a storm is coming. This was another warning from God concerning the
wicked. John had been commanded to write what he saw. (Revelation 1:11) Now he
is told not to write what the seven thunders uttered. Judgment had been
announced, God's warnings had been given and now there would be no delay.
There
shalt be time no longer Revelation 10:5-7. The angle raised his hand
toward heaven with an announcement. The people had received their warnings.
They did not repent. Now the announcement is that "time shall be no
more." The wicked had rejected the gospel plan of salvation and now there
is nothing left to offer them.
When the seventh
trumpet sounded God's mystery would be finished. More than enough time will be
given for man's repentance and then God will have the trumpet blown. Then it
will be too late for repentance. Before the trumpet is blown God has some more
words of encouragement for His people.
Take
the little book and eat it Revelation 10:8-11. The message of the
little book was that His people must continue to preach the word. The voice
John heard was likely the voice of God. The little book is very similar to what
was seen in Ezekiel 2:8-3:14. The message to Ezekiel was "eat and
preach." The word of God tasted good as John studied and meditated upon
it.
When we teach and
apply God's word it often becomes bitter. John must speak the word of God even
though the "woes" were coming. People had rejected the word of God.
The Christians would endure physical woes. The church would suffer because of
great world conflict. But mostly the
God's destructive
power will come against those that do not obey the gospel and serve Him
faithfully. To obey the gospel one must hear God's truth (Romans
The Gospel Will
Triumph
Revelation
Eleven
Revelation 11 begins
with John being given a reed and instruction to measure the temple. The
application here is that God is making a separation between the clean and the
unclean for the purpose of judgment. The children of God will be protected and
the worldly unbeliever and even the worldly in the worldly church will be
rejected. The worshippers are to be measured by the word of God.
This chapter shows
beyond doubt that the gospel will triumph. Early in the history of the church
the gospel was preached with remarkable success. This was followed by a time
when the gospel was seemingly crushed. However, the
Revelation chapter eleven closed with the
sounding of the seventh trumpet. (Revelation 11:14-19) This provided a picture
of God's final judgment on
The
command to measure the
The temple that was
to be measured was not the Jewish Temple. Likely that
The altar was to be measured. The altar
refers to the worship itself, the doctrine and practice of the faithful portion
of the church. God wanted people to understand how the atonement was made, and
the true method of justification before God. There was no pardoned without
sacrifice. It is by the sacrifice of Jesus that the only method of
reconciliation with God has been provided. We must make sure that we believe
correctly concerning what Jesus has done for us.
The worshippers
were also to be measured. It was important that their lifestyle, character, and
behavior be in harmony with what is taught in the word of God. Those who are
not faithful to God will be allowed to be in contact with His faithful people
for an extended period of time--described as three and one half years--to bring
severe persecution against them. Through this time there is protection promised
for God's faithful church.
The description of the two witnesses
Revelation 11:3-6. The message of the two witnesses is that the gospel
will triumph. It is easy to see that the figures behind the two witnesses are
Moses and Elijah. The power to shut heaven that it rain not, have power over
waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues certainly
reminds us of these two Old Testament greats. God's two witnesses, the Law and
the Prophets testify to the fact that Christ is Divine.
The true
There have been
times when God used literal fire to punish or destroy the wicked. Here the fire
is symbolic but the message is the same. This is much like when God said to
Jeremiah "...I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood
and it shall devour them." (Jeremiah 5:1) Those that oppose God's church
and God's word face certain destruction.
The
two witnesses are slain and arise again Revelation 11:7-13: During
the miraculous age of the church the gospel was preached with great success.
(Acts
The beast is
mentioned with no introduction. He had been around sense the Garden of Eden.
Satan constantly makes war against the
After a short,
indefinite period of time three and a half days Gods power would cause
The
seventh trumpet is sounded Revelation 11:14-19: The seventh trumpet
(third woe trumpet) pronounced final judgment on
In the seventh
trumpet we have final victory for the faithful of God and final defeat for
those that rebel against Him. Sinners were angry about God's faithful church.
The answer to man's wrath was the coming of God's wrath upon the wicked world.
At the final judgment the righteous will receive their heavenly reward. The
wicked also shall receive their reward simultaneously with the reward of the
righteous. Are you ready for that final day?
The gospel is God's
great news that Jesus died for sinners. Jesus said, "He that believeth and
is baptized shall be saved." (Mark
The Child and The Great Red Dragon
Revelation
Twelve
Revelation
twelve is a dividing line in the book of Revelation. The picture in this
chapter takes us back to Genesis 3:15. "And I will put enmity between thee
and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and
thou shalt bruise his heel." The seed of a woman was in a struggle with
Satan. Satan was ready to devour the child. Here we do not see the battles.
Those are pictured in the Gospels.
The
woman in this story is the whole family of God or the true Israel of God for
all times. "Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named."
(Ephesians 3:15) God's people are in a war against Satan. There is also war in
heaven, a struggle between the powers of heaven and the great red dragon. (Revelation
12:7-9) Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, in behalf of the
people of God.
A
shout of victory is heard because of the blood of the Lamb. "And I heard a
loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation,
and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the
accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and
night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their
testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the
inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil
is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but
a short time." (Revelation 12:10-12)
Satan,
through his lies, works to destroy the church but victory belongs to the
faithful people of God.
A
woman and a great red dragon Revelation 12:1-3:
Who is this woman? The woman is the true Israel of
God. "Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing,
and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the
children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the
LORD." (Isaiah 54:1)
The
woman includes the Old Testament Israel, because through them the Messiah was
born. The nation of
Those
may look upon the people of God on earth as lowly, persecuted, and hated
people. God, from the heavenly viewpoint, sees His people through radiant
glory--Arrayed with the sun, and the moon under her and a crown with twelve
stars upon her head. God's covenant people will see victory. "And as many
as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the
Israel of God." (Galatians 6:16) The Devil is a looser man, but the
faithful of God always win!
Who
is the child that is brought forth? The only logical conclusion is that He is
Jesus. He is to rule all nations with a rod of iron. "And out of his mouth
goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall
rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness
and wrath of Almighty God." (Revelation 19:15)
In
contrast with the woman and her child is the great red dragon. This can only be
Satan. He is pictured with: (1) Seven heads--authority or world dominion, (2)
Ten horns--complete destructive power, and (3) Seven crowns--symbolizing a
ruler and not victory. This can only be the one first pictured in Genesis 3:15.
The
child and the dragon Revelation 12:4-6: The great red dragon was so
cunning that at his fall he took with him a third of the angels of heaven. He
even did his best to destroy the child that was born. However, the child lived
to become the Lamb of God. Satan could do nothing as Jesus is caught up into
heaven. The Devil then turns to destroy the woman but God also has a place of
protection for her.
In spite of all that the Devil did the woman brought forth a man-child.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government
shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor,
The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of
Peace." (Isaiah 9:6) The picture in Revelation twelve is not just that of
the birth of Jesus, but also His death, resurrection and ascension.
Just
as
War
in heaven Revelation 12:7-12:
Michael and his
angels fought against the Devil and his angels. The Devil had once been in
heaven in the presence of God. (Job 1-2) Now there is joy in heaven because he
is cast out. Now the Devil can be overcome.
God's people overcome by the blood of Christ. It is not by their
merit at all. They overcome by the word of His testimony. The only ones going
to heaven are those who personally live by God's word and teach it to others.
They overcome by loving God more than they love their own lives. They will be
faithful even if it means death!
War
on the earth Revelation 12:13-17:
The war on earth had
to do with the persecution of the church by man and the protection of the
church by God. God's people were given strength--two wings of the great eagle.
They were in a place of nourishment. The three and one half years is the entire
Christian age. God protects preserves and loves His people.
During all this time the Devil is still trying to win. He dumps
rives of water upon God's people in the form of ungodliness, destruction and
wickedness. The destructive lies of Satan are just another attempt to destroy
the church. "In this chapter, Satan, the great enemy of mankind, depicted
here as the dragon, has been introduced; but he will appear repeatedly in
several different guises in the subsequent chapters of this prophecy."
It must be the goal of every true Christian to honor God regardless
of the difficulty in doing so. The gospel is God's great news that
Jesus died for sinners. Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved." (Mark
The Picture of
Two Beasts
Revelation
Thirteen
We have already seen a war in heaven. Satan
lost in the battle with those fighting for the child that brought redemption.
Nothing Satan did could prevent the church from being established and salvation
being made available to mankind. In fact, the early church grew rapidly as many
became Christians. Having failed in destroying the church as a whole Satan now
turns his attention to "the seed of the woman" or to the individual
Christians.
Revelation Thirteen
looks at what the Devil is doing to hinder Christianity and what God is doing
to insure victory for His faithful people. In this section of Scripture we see
that the Devil used the evil powers of
The Devil had been
given a "great sword" with which he could persecute the people of
God. (Revelation 6:3-4) Now the Devil has the civil persecuting power of
The beast out of
the sea Revelation 13:1-5:
John pictures a beast coming up out of the sea. "And
I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea,
having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his
heads the name of blasphemy." (Revelation 13:1) This sea beast represents
the civil persecuting power of
In Isaiah
The sea beast had
ten horns. Horn represents powers and ten horns represent complete power.
"And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said,
Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the
Syrians, until thou have consumed them." (I Kings
The
power of the sea beast Revelation 13:6-10: The sea beast was so
powerful that he had caused many to worship
The sea beast was not
all-powerful. The truth is that God is still the sovereign in His universe. The
Devil will never be able to destroy God's faithful people. (Romans 8:31-39) He
will, however, use many methods to destroy the saints. He will use murders,
massacres, and bloody punishments of all sorts. Those not written in the book
of life will worship him. It is through the sacrifice of the life of Christ
that victory over Satan is possible.
The expression
"If any man have an ear, let him hear" is
found several times in the book of Revelation. Here it has specific reference
to recognizing God's enemy and the followers of this enemy, and avoiding them
completely. The enemies of God must be avoided because they will certainly be
overthrown. If they live by the sword, by the sword they will die. The
essential thing is for God's people to simply hold fast regardless of the
circumstances.
The beast out of
the earth Revelation 13:11-14:
The beast out of the earth was Emperor worship or false religion. This earth beast had two horns
"like to the Lamb." The Lord Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God. This is
a picture of one attempting to take His place. The lamb being a picture of
religious sacrifice, therefore the land beast had the outward appearance of
religion. The problem was that it was false religion.
This earth beast spoke
spake as a dragon. His sound was the damning, horrible sound of Satan. The
proud, arrogant tone of this beast gave the appearance of greatness, as from
God. This beast has all the authority of the Roman government. The wicked power
of
The Devil also used
false sings and wonders to deceive the righteous. 2 Thessalonians 2:9 says,
"The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with
all power, signs, and lying wonders." The Devil used seemingly great,
lying wonders to draw people to false worship. The Devil even desired that they
would make an image of the beast and worship it.
The
mark of the beast Revelation 13:15-18: The mark of the beast takes us
back to look at the problem of economic discrimination. The Devil desired to
control the ability of man to make a living and to control his thought process.
Thus the mark was on his right hand and his forehead. God had sealed His people
and the Devil had marked his.
God's number is
seven. Six is a number that promises greatness but always falls short. The
further man moves from God the further he moves from perfection. Man has moved
many steps from His maker. But thankfully the book of Revelation does not end
with such a hopeless picture. Remember God's faithful people win!
God's destructive
power will come against those that do not obey the gospel and serve Him
faithfully. To obey the gospel one must hear God's truth (Romans
Die In the Lord
Revelation
Fourteen
Revelation Fourteen allows us to take another
look at the Lamb of God and at the righteous judgment of God. These are two
great forces for righteousness. Revelation Thirteen pictured two forces for
evil, the sea beast (the civil persecuting power of
In Revelation
Fourteen the Lamb appears with the 144,000. This number represents the redeemed
of all ages. The angels warn against accepting the mark of the beast through
giving in to
The
Lamb on
The 144,000
represent all the saved. (Revelation 7:1-8) These have left the earthly life
and are with God in Heaven. Satan had put a mark on the forehead of those that
belonged to him. The 144,000 have the "Father's name written in their
foreheads." John hears a voice from heaven with the rhythm of many waters,
the volume of great thunders and the melody of harpers harping with their
harps. The redeemed also sung a new song. (Revelation 5:9-10)
These people are
spiritually pure and faithful to God. (Revelation 14:4-5) They lovingly follow
the Lamb in complete obedience. "These were redeemed from among men, being
the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb." The first fruits belong to God!
The first fruits and the 144,000 are the same people. These are the ones
separated to God for His service. All others will be separated for judgment and
wrath. "In their mouth was found no guile." They are not guilty of
teaching untruths.
The angel and their
messages Revelation 14:6-11:
Three of God's headline statements are found in
this section. We have already learned that God's people are victorious. Now we
hear it in BOLD headline type statements.
Statement one says
the faithful win. It makes sense to worship God and not the beast. Statement
two says,
The blessedness of those that die in the Lord
Revelation 14:12-16:
The fourth headline statement has to do with those that
have kept the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. This statement says,
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. Blessed
are those who meet death in spiritual union with Jesus Christ. The faithful
are blessed, they rest and their works follow them.
To be in Christ,
is to be in spiritual union with Him. The Bible teaches that we are baptized
into Christ. (Romans 6:3-5, Galatians 3:26-27) No one can die in the Lord who
has not been baptized into Christ. To be in Christ is to be in His spiritual
body, the church. Therefore it is false to believe that one could go to heaven
without being a faithful member of the church. We must remember that the same obedience
that puts us in Christ put us in His spiritual body. No one can die in the Lord
without first being in the Lord.
This text provides a
wonderful picture of God's judgment on the righteousness. It is like gathering
ripe grain into the barn. Going home for the Christian is a very peaceful
time. There is a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of
man. It is like gathering the ripe grain into the barn. It is a time of joy
and victory.
The great winepress
of God's wrath Revelation 14:17-20: The second picture of God's judgment is
very sad. It is a picture of the judgment of the wicked. This is the same
judgment as the first but we are merely looking at a different group of people.
Look at some of the symbols: (1) Fire, (2) Winepress of the wrath of God, (3)
Trodden without the city, and (4) Blood came out of the winepress.
This judgment
pictured destruction because of iniquity or evil. God used the picture of
grapes being crushed to show His punishment of the wicked. It is outside of
Sion or a judgment on the non-Christians. The extreme amount of blood that was
pictured was not literal but was used to picture the horrible judgment awaiting
the wicked.
Judgment is coming.
And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth
was reaped. Are you ready for the righteous, revealing judgment of the
Almighty? At judgment your works will follow you. Christianity must be much
more than talk. It must be marked by our good works done in the name of the
Lord and for His glory.
The wonderful
blessing awaiting the faithful and the horrible punishment awaiting the wicked
should move us to obey the gospel and serve God faithfully. To obey the gospel
one must hear God's truth (Romans
Judgment Without Mercy
Revelation Fifteen
Revelation Fifteen
provides a sad picture of God's judgment being poured out without mercy on the
ungodly. Revelation Fourteen provided an overview of that judgment. Revelation
Fifteen begins to provide the details of God's horrible judgment against the
wicked. God's wrath will now be poured out undiluted by neither mercy nor
grace.
These are "the
seven last plagues." In Revelation Fourteen the righteouses
are pictured as being around the throne of God singing a "New Song."
Here they stand on a sea of glass enjoying peace and victory. The
"fire" purifies the righteous and burns the wicked as stubble. God's
judgment will cause every knee to bow before Him. (Romans 14:10, Philippians
2:10)
God's presence is
associated with "the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in
heaven." This is where the high priest made intercession, and also where
God communed with His people, and heard their prayers. Here God is pictured as
avenging His Son whose offices and authority had been usurped. He defended His
Son whose name had been dishonored. God brought vengeance on those that opposed
the purpose of the Lords death.
The temple was opened so that John was
permitted to look inside. He was allowed to look upon the very dwelling-place
of God. The angels came from His presence to execute judgment on those that
opposed Christianity. They were attired in a way that was fitting their rank
and the somber work they had to do.
One of the four
beasts that were introduced in the early part of Revelation gave the seven
angels seven golden vials. These golden vials were full of the wrath of God.
The temple was filled with smoke. This represented the Divine presence. No one
would be allowed to intercede in order to divert God from the wrath He intended
to pour out on the wicked. This chapter closes as we await the outpouring of
that wrath.
The victory over the beast Revelation
15:1-2: God's judgment was to be poured out on the wicked. It would be
judgment without mercy. The judgment would be complete. When God's judgment had
been seen earlier in the book of Revelation it was mixed with mercy. Often only
one-third of the number was affected. Now His wrath is to be poured out
"without mixture." "The same shall drink of the wine of the
wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his
indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence
of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb." (Revelation 14:10)
John is given a
brief glimpse of saints on life's other side. "And I saw as it were a sea
of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the
beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name,
stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God." (Revelation 15:2) In
the early pictures given in the book of Revelation the sea pictured God as
perfect and that man could not approach Him. Later the sea will be no more and
then man is allowed intimate fellowship with the Almighty. God's people give
Him praise as symbolized by the harps. The sea of glass mingled with fire
pictured the judgment of God.
The
song of Moses and the Lamb Revelation 15:3-4: The redeemed ones sing
"the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb." The
song of Moses was a song of deliverance for the people of God. "Then sang
Moses and the children of
This victory song
included four areas of praise for God. First, God's works were praised,
"Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty." Second, God's ways are praised, "Just
and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." Third, God's name was
praised. "Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy." The only thing God magnifies
above His name is His truth. "I will worship toward thy holy temple, and
praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast
magnified thy word above all thy name." (Psalm
138:2) Fourth, God's judgments or His righteous acts were praised. "For
all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made
manifest."
When righteousness
is seen we can only think of God. "
The
temple in heaven is opened Revelation 15:5: John said, "And
after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony
in heaven was opened." (Revelation 15:5)
We are now allowed to view the place from which the judgment comes. The
judgment comes from the place where God dwells.
The expression
"the tabernacle of the testimony" is found only one time in the New
Testament. It is a part of Stephen's sermon in Acts 7. "Our fathers had
the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, even as he appointed who
spake unto Moses, that he should make it according to
the figure that he had seen." (Acts
The
seven golden vials full of the wrath of God Revelation 15:6-8: The seven
angels with the seven bowls pictured the complete destruction awaiting the
disobedient. The angels were dressed very much like the Old Testament priests.
God's wrath will last forever against the ungodly. No one could enter the
Even if
The fact that the
ungodly will be punished should motivate us to obey God. The precious blood of
Jesus cleanses those who obey the gospel. To obey the gospel one must hear the
salvation message (Romans
The
Seven Vials of God's Wrath
Revelation Sixteen
Revelation Sixteen gives a picture of the
seven vials of God's wrath being poured out. God's judgment, without mercy,
issued forth against the
Evil people of all ages will face similar
punishment to that received by the
As the others vials were opened we see the sea
stinking with blood and death. The consequence of the corruptions of mankind is
that the
Violence becomes a way of life where God is
left out of the lives of people. These judgments against the unbelievers are so
harsh that some wonder if they could have come from a loving God. We must
remember that His judgments are "true and righteous." These sever
judgments come because these people persecuted God's people. Those who rebel
against God will go down to total defeat. The great city of
The first three vials of God's wrath
Revelation 16:1-7: This voice that speaks has to be the voice of God because
no one else could enter the
It is to be observed that these vials of God's wrath affect the non-believers. The first vial brought terrible ulcers upon those that worshipped the beast and received his mark. The stinking ulcers that are all over the earth are hurting those that refuse true worship. These sinful things also hinder all kinds of legitimate endeavors. It is no wonder that God's wrath is poured out on such evils!
The second vial likewise pictures the
corruption brought on by sin. The beast from the sea (the civil persecuting
power of
The reason for Gods "true and righteous
judgment" being poured out unmixed upon these people is stated in the
words, "For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets." The
great cities of the earth are in trouble as never before because God has been
left out! The
The fourth and fifth vials of God's wrath Revelation 16:8-11: The sadness of the terrible attitude of the ungodly was that they, "blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds." Even the coming of God's judgment did not lead the people to repent. These rebellious ones refused to drink the "Water of Life" so now they will be forced to drink the "blood of God's wrath." The hardness of man's heart in view of God's mercy is beyond belief. How much more unbelievable is this hardness in view of His wrath? Listen again, "And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory."
The same failure to repent was seen with the fifth bowl of wrath. "And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. (Revelation 16:10-11) Imagine being so deep in sin that not for one moment would you think of repenting. What could you expect except the wrath of God?
The sixth vial of God's wrath Revelation
16:12-16: God dried up the rivers so the armies from the east would
have no trouble entering to destroy
We do not see the battle but we hear God's
warning loud and clear, "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his
garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue
Armageddon."
The seventh vial of Gods' wrath Revelation
16:17-21: The earth, waters and now the air is affected by God's
judgment against
The things that happened to
The horrible punishment awaiting the wicked
should move us to obey the gospel quickly. To obey the gospel one must hear
God's truth (John
God Describes the
Harlot
Revelation Seventeen
In Revelation 14:8 we see
Revelation Seventeen identifies
Many people try to identify the great Harlot
with the Roman Catholic Church, but false religion is not limited to one
church. We are not to believe, even for a moment that even though
The Harlot is dressed like a queen. The
picture is that of a queen, but it is not a picture of beauty. "And the
woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and
precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of
abominations and filthiness of her fornication." (Revelation 17:4) This
evil Harlot was drunk with the blood of saints. "And I saw the woman
drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of
Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration." (Revelation
17:6) Now we know that the purpose of the Harlot was to draw saints away from
God and destroy them spiritually. The entire figure of
In John's day the great Harlot was
The Harlot is the same as the land beast of
Revelation Thirteen. This beast represented false worship. The sea beast also
had civil persecuting power. The seven heads and ten horns remind us again of
Satan's destructive, persecuting power and of his intellect. The beast appears
again and again in history. He was, he is not, but he comes again. The Devil's evils
will all end at the righteous, revealing judgment of God.
John again sees that the beast is
These kings have one mind. People can have "one mind" for good or "one mind" for evil. Sadly these kings have "one mind," but it is the mind of Satan. They joined with him in committing great evils against the children of God. They made the fatal mistake of committing themselves to the Devil and his evil schemes. The result of such a choice is tragic. Those that chose Satan's side reject all hope!
This chapter closes with the pointed words of
Revelation 17:18. "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city,
which reigneth over the kings of the earth." This is clearly a description
of
The Devil is powerful and what he offers has
appealed to man. However, God is more powerful and what He offers has eternal
appeal. That is why it makes sense to obey God rather than to follow Satan. To
obey the gospel one must hear God's truth (Romans
God Remembered
Revelation Eighteen
We have already heard the message that "
God called his
people out of
There was much
lamentation over the fall of
While many lamented
the fall of Rome God called on others to rejoice. God's people were to
celebrate the fall of this wicked nation. The apostles and prophets were to
rejoice because God had avenged their blood upon her. The destruction of that
wicked nation was both great and final. "And never again shall the light
of a lamp shine in you, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall never be
heard in you again; for your businessmen were the great and prominent men of
the earth, and by your magic spells and poisonous charm all nations were led
astray (seduced and deluded)."
An
angel proclaiming the fall of
There was another
voice from heaven that spoke to call God's people out of
One of the problems
of
A great lamentation
by kings and merchants Revelation 18:9-16: The rulers and leaders
of the earth that had joined
The businessmen of
the earth also grieve over
A
great lamentation by shipmasters and sailors Revelation 18:17-19: In
a single hour the power of
Their lamentation
was so great that they threw dust on their heads, wept, and grieved. In one
single hour God's wrath waxed hot against
Great
joy at the sight of
"No more at
all" is the sad description given of
The fact that the
end could come so quickly should motivate us to obey God now. To obey the
gospel one must hear God's truth (John
The Marriage
Supper of the Lamb
Revelation Nineteen
All the hosts of
heaven gave God glory for judging the great whore and avenging the blood of His
saints. The mighty shout from heaven was, "Hallelujah," which means
praise the Lord! God was praised for His splendor, majesty, power, dominion and
authority. He was likewise praised because of His condemnation and punishment
of that evil harlot.
Revelation nineteen
pictured the marriage of the Lamb and His bride. God's people were to celebrate
and give glory to Him because the marriage of the Lamb had come at last. His
bride was prepared for Him and so now was a time to celebrate and ascribe to
Him glory and honor. His glorious bride was dressed in the righteous acts of
the saints. Just, godly, and upright conduct makes a beautiful garment for one
to clothe himself with. Blessed are those that are
called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
John saw heaven
opened, and Jesus, the Word of God, appeared in majesty and splendor. His eyes
are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns. He is dressed in a
robe dipped in blood. He is called is The Word of God. He has a name inscribed,
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Jesus is trustworthy, loyal and true. He wages
war in righteousness. He overthrows the mighty men of the earth because of their
wickedness.
The beast, the
false prophet, and the kings of the earth, gather together to make war with the
King of Kings and they are utterly destroyed by Him. Those that had led people
astray from God were hurled alive into the fiery lake that burns with
brimstone. The wicked are utterly overthrown by the almighty.
The
triumphant song of angels Revelation 19:1-4: The rejoicing over the
fall of the great harlot continued. There was a great shout as from many people
in heaven that together praised the Lord for His majesty, dominion and
authority. The shout was "Hallelujah." Hallelujah means praise the
Lord! He was praised because salvation, glory, splendor, majesty, power,
dominion and authority belong to our God! God was praised because of His
judgment against the great whore that had corrupted the earth with her
fornication. She had corrupted and demoralized and poisoned the earth with her
lewdness and adultery.
Those in heaven
rejoiced because the Almighty God had avenged the blood of His saints at that
hand of the harlot. They had prayed to God for vengeance and now their prayers
had been heard and answered. A great part of the rejoicing had to do with the
fact that this was a forever judgment against this evil force. The smoke of her
burning shall continue to ascend through the eternity. The twenty-four elders
and the four living creatures gave their approval to what had happened by
falling prostrate and worshipping God.
The marriage supper
of the Lamb Revelation 19:5-10: All in heaven, from the lowest saint to the
highest angel are called upon to praise God. The message from this great
multitude in heaven was, "Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent
reigneth." This heavenly multitude rejoiced and shouted for joy because "the
marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has prepared herself."
The Jewish wedding
consisted of: (1) a betrothal, (2) a period where the man and woman still lived
apart, but were recognized as married, and (3) the marriage feast or
consummation. At the consummation of the marriage God's bride is permitted to
dress in fine linen that represents the righteous deeds, and conduct of God's
holy people. Those that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb are
blessed. John was instructed to write, "Blessed are those who are invited
or called to the marriage supper of the Lamb."
In a moment of
being overwhelmed at this awesome scene John made a tragic mistake. He fell
down to worship the angel. The heavenly messenger was quick to tell him to
refrain from any such. The angel identified himself as just, "another
servant with you and your brethren." The angel said, "worship God:
for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
The
victorious Lamb of God Revelation 9:11-18: The focus of these verses
is on the one that gave the victory over the harlot and the beasts. The Lamb of
God is pictured as ridding on a white horse that is a symbol of victory. He is
called Faithful and True, and He passed judgment in
uprightness. His eyes blazed like a flame of fire, and on His head were many
crowns. He had crowns because of His authority or right to rule. He is called
is The Word of God. His garment is dipped in blood.
Out of the mouth of
the victorious Lamb goes forth a sharp sword with which He can smite the nations.
His name is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. He is the one that conquered all
the enemies of the saints.
Observe the respect
shown to God and the Christ in Revelation nineteen. He is called: (1) the Lord
our God, (2) the Lord God omnipotent, (3) the Lamb, (4) Faithful and True, (5)
The Word of God, (6) Almighty God, (7) KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS, and
(8) the great God. Our world would be much better if we would learn to hold the
Almighty in the highest of esteem!
The
fall of the two wicked beasts Revelation 19:19-21: We have waited to
see the war between the Lamb and the beasts and now it is all over. The beasts
were ready for the war, but they were totally unable to fight against the Lamb.
The beast and the false prophet were seized and overpowered. Those lead astray
by the false prophet were stamped with the number 666. Now they are all hurled
alive into the fiery lake that burns and blazes with brimstone.
Revelation
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
Satan Is Bound A
Thousand Years
Revelation Twenty
Revelation Twenty
provides the picture that we have waited for. Satan is bound. A
strong angel is able to bind Satan for a thousand years, and lock him in a
bottomless pit. "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key
of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the
dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a
thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set
a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand
years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little
season." (Revelation 20:1-3)
In Revelation
nineteen the enemies of God were defeated. Now we see the defeat of Satan
himself. He is defeated by the word of God. The Christians that had been killed
for the cause of Christ were still living and reigning with the Lord. They are
called priests of God and of Christ, and they reign with Him a thousand years.
This thousand-year reign with Christ is in heaven, not on the earth.
Satan is allowed a
period of freedom to deceive the nations. The figure is that of Gog and Magog
from Ezekiel 38-39. God and Magog represent forces of evil thrown against the Israel
of God. These "compassed the camp
of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of
heaven, and devoured them."
The last verses of
Revelation chapter twenty consider the final judgment of the wicked. Both the
righteous and the wicked will be present at this judgment but only the wicked
are considered in this section. At Judgment all that are not found in the book
of life are cast into the lake of fire.
Satan is bound
Revelation 20:1-3:
Revelation twenty provides a look at the final judgment. We
observe that Satan falls and that the people of God enjoy victory. The theme of
the book of Revelation could easily be "the victory of the saints."
We have already observed the fall of the
The first thing
that we observe about Satan is that he is bound a thousand years in order that
he will not deceive the nations. After this time he is given a period of
freedom. Satan is still active during this entire period only a part of his
power is limited. He is unable to deceive the nations. The devil had deceived
the nations with emperor worship. God limited that power of deception for a
period of time. However, we must remember that the devil is not finished and he
will make a final effort to destroy the people of God.
Saints
of God reign Revelation 20:4-6: God gives great comfort to His people
by showing that the departed saints will reign with
Him. "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given
unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of
Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither
his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their
hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of
the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first
resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:
on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of
Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." (Revelation 20:4-6)
Some simple
information will help us understand this reign. First, the reign was not on
earth. It is in heaven with Christ. Second, those that reigned had already left
the earth. They had been beheaded. Third, their reign was that of living and
reigning with Christ. This was the first resurrection. Fourth, these that are
reigning are the souls of those that had died faithful. They did not have the
mark of the beast. Over these the second death has no power. The rest of the
dead went to torment to await the final judgment. (Luke 16:19-31) Those that
missed the first resurrection will face the second death.
The thousand years
is a complete period of time. Only Jesus, His death and the word of God bind
the devil. The souls had been under the altar, now they are on the throne. Satan
is bound.
Satan
is loosed Revelation 20:7-10: There is a time when Satan is again
given power to deceive the nations. The figure of Gog and Magog is from Ezekiel
38-39. The lesson was that the strongest forces Satan could throw against God
people would not overcome the faithful. Those who stay faithful can withstand
Satans strongest efforts.
Gog and Magog was a picture of God
being able to sanctify Himself. He used this illustration to teach
Sinners face their
destiny Revelation 20:11-15:
These few verses provide a brief glimpse into
the final state of the wicked. They will stand before the throne of God to be
judged by the things written in the books. The fact that they were not found
written in the book of life caused them to be cast into the lake of fire. "And
whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of
fire." (Revelation 20:15) The Bible forcefully teaches that
God will punish the wicked for their unbelief and disobedience. It is a
fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:31) Hell
is terrible because it is a place of torments.
All will stand before
the great white throne to give account to God. Every man will be judged
according to his works. We will be judged as individuals, not as a group. God
will punish the wicked for unbelief and disobedience. "And these will go away
into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
(Matthew 25:46) Hell is a terrible place of outer darkness where there is
weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 13:42) Please do not wait too late to
learn the meaning and the horrors of Hell. "And the smoke of their torment
ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night..."
(Revelation 14:11)
The horrible
punishment awaiting the wicked should move us to obey the gospel quickly. To
obey the gospel one must hear God's truth (John
A New Heaven and A New Earth
Revelation Twenty-One
Revelation Twenty-one begins with the
encouraging statement, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the
first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming
down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation
21:1-2) The "new heaven and new earth" was a picture of victory for
the saints of God.
Second Peter
Isaiah, Peter and
John all had in mind the same thing as they wrote of the new heaven and new
earth. They are writing about the time when persecution will be over and the
saints of God will be victorious. The "new heaven and the new earth"
means a new order of things. God's faithful people will be victorious!
Revelation
Twenty-one gives us a look at the wonderful fellowship with God that will be
enjoyed by those that die faithful. "And God shall wipe away all tears
from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed
away." (Revelation 21:4) We are also provided a glimpse into the beauty
and protection enjoyed by those that die faithful.
Wonderful
fellowship with God Revelation 21:1-7: God's faithful people do not
die without hope. The sea that had prevented intimate fellowship in the
presence of God is no more. (Revelation 21:1) The New Jerusalem is the church.
"For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to
one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin
to Christ." (II Corinthians 11:2)
Those that die faithful in the church enjoy heavenly hope.
The amazing
fellowship that saints enjoy with God is beyond anything they could have hoped for.
This is a picture of the final state of the redeemed. In this state: (1) God
dwells among His people (Revelation 21:3), (2) God is their God and they are
His people (Revelation 21:3), (3) There will be no more tears (Revelation
21:4), (4) There will be no more death (Revelation 21:4), (5) There will be no
more sorrow (Revelation 21:4), (6) There will be no more crying (Revelation
21:4), (7) There will be no more pain (Revelation 21:4), (8) All things are
made new (Revelation 21:5), (9) God will give unto him that is athirst of the
fountain of the water of life freely (Revelation 21:6), (10) He that overcomes
shall inherit all things (Revelation 21:7),
(11) They shall be God's son. (Revelation 21:7) It is a wonderful thing
to overcome!
The
wretched state of the ungodly Revelation 21:8: In sharp contrast to
the state of the righteous John wrote of the state of the ungodly. "But
the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their
part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second
death." (Revelation 21:8) This is the final description of those that do
not overcome.
Observe these sins:
(1) the fearful are those that in cowardice chooses self and safety before
Christ. God's faithful people must do the right thing and to hold fast to the
faith. (2) Unbelief is the result of spiritual wickedness. (3) The abominable
likely were participants in the rites of paganism and the unmentionable perversions
of that day. (4) Murderers do not respect God and therefore have no respect for
human life. (5) Fornicators violate the eternal law of God by their sexual
behavior. (6) Sorcerers practice an especially despicable sin because they try
to substitute some other power for that of God. (7) Idolaters give the glory
that should belong to the Creator to the creation. (8) Liars can never be
pleasing to God. God cannot allow any place in heaven for those that practice
these things. They "shall have their part in the lake which burneth with
fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
John
is shown the New Jerusalem Revelation 21:9-17: The description of the
New Jerusalem had to do with the glory of God. There was security because of
the gates and the walls that were great and high. There was hope because of the
size of the city. It was 1,400 miles in each direction. The city "had a
wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and
names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children
of
God provided
perfect protection. The wall around the city stood 216 feet high. "And he
measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to
the measure of a man, that is, of the angel." (Revelation 21:17) "We
are to conceive of the city itself as towering immensely above the walls. Its
glory, therefore, would not be obscured by the wall that was thrown around it
for defense."
The inhabitants of heaven
will all be pure and holy. Those that are unclean and practice abominations or
falsehood will have no access into the heavenly city. "And there shall in
no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither
whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are
written in the Lamb's book of life." (Revelation 21:27) Nothing will be
found in that blessed abode which is unholy or sinful. The gates of heaven have
been opened wide for the righteous by the blood of Jesus. However, nothing that
defiles will be there because they will all be cast into a lake of fire.
The blessing
awaiting those that die faithful to God should motivate us to obey the gospel
and serve Him faithfully. To obey the gospel one must hear God's truth (Romans
Blessed Are Those
That
Keep His
Commandments
Revelation
Twenty-two
Heaven is a place of
nothing but the good, pure, powerful and positive. "And there shall in no
wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither
whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are
written in the Lamb's book of life." (Revelation 21:27) The destiny of the
redeemed is beyond our ability to conceive. It will be a glorious time for the
children of God as they enjoy the river of life, the tree of life, and the
throne of God.
The emphasis is
that those that do the commandments of the Lord as blessed forever. It was
stated that Jesus was coming quickly in judgment on that ungodly, pagan nation.
The visions that John saw were true because they were inspired from heaven.
The Spirit of God and the bride join together
to extend the invitation of the Lord. "And the Spirit and the bride say,
Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And
whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)
Near the beginning of the Bible (Deuteronomy 12:32), in the center of the Bible
(Proverbs 30:6) and now at the close we find the warning not to add to or take
away from this book. (Revelation 22:18-19) The book of Revelation ends with a
prayer calling for the Lord Jesus to come, and for His grace to be with all the
brethren. (Revelation 22:20-21)
The
heavenly state is described Revelation 22:1-5: The heavenly state
involved perfection. It included a pure river of water of life, clear as
crystal. The rivers ran out of the Garden of Eden, in the paradise of
God. (Genesis 2:9) In Ezekiel 47 the river came from the house of God and
wherever it went it brought life. In John 7:37-39 the river was a picture of
the work of the Holy Spirit. Now we observe the river of life proceeding from
the throne of God and of the Lamb.
The heavenly state
also included the tree of life. The tree produced twelve fruits, yielding fruit
every month. Those that eat of this fruit enjoy eternal life. The leaves of the
tree were for the healing of the nations. The leaves of the tree do not provide
physical health because those in heaven do not have a flesh and blood body.
They do not provide spiritual healing for the blood of Christ has provided
pardon for sin. The leaves are for the preserving of the people of God in this
state. That was the purpose of the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. Had Adam
continued in a state of innocence he could have lived forever. (Genesis 3:22)
The curse that was
brought to man by sin is now removed. (Genesis 3:9-19) "There shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in
it." Those that occupy this wonderful place will be servants of God. They
will both see the face of God and serve Him. None of the occupants of this
place have the mark of the beast, but the Father's name shall be on their
foreheads.
The
confirmation that the visions are true Revelation 22:6-13: John is
told by the angel that the book must not be sealed because "these words
are faithful and true." "Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that
keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book." It was too late for
At the close of the
book John made the same mistake again. He fell down at the feet of the angel to
worship. The first time John did this he was warned and rebuked for it. Now he
repeats the same mistake. This shows the proneness even of good men to fall
into sin again and again. The actions of John and the reactions of heaven
should forever prevent the worshipping of angels!
The
blessedness of obedience Revelation 22:14-16: Observe the great
promise of God: "Blessed are they that do his commandments,
that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through
the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14) This is another way of saying
"blessed are they that wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb."
Those that are
not allowed to enter are described in Revelation 22:15. (1) For without are
dogs -- this likely refers to sodomites. (Deuteronomy 23:18), (2) and sorcerers
-- the practice of witchcraft, (3) and whoremongers -- prostitutes or
fornicators, (4) and murderers -- one guilty of homicide, (5) and idolaters
-- those guilty of image worship, and (6) whosoever loveth and maketh a lie
-- God hates falsehood.
Several terms are used to identify the Lamb of
God He is, (1) Alpha and Omega, (2) the beginning and the end, (3) the first
and the last, (4) the root and the offspring of David, and (5) the bright and
morning star. All of this is a testimony of the deity, eternity, and perfection
of Christ.
The invitation of
the Spirit and the bride Revelation 22:17-21: The invitation was,
"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say,
Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the
water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17) Christ is inviting those that
thirst after Him, after His grace and His righteousness to come. They come to
Him by obedient faith.
The final words of
the book contain a warning, a promise and a prayer. The warning was, do not
add to the words of this book, or God will add to you the plagues that are
written in it. Do not take away from the words of this book, or God will take
away your part out of the book of life...
The promise was
that the Lord was coming quickly. "He which
testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly..." (Revelation
22:20) The Lord was to quickly come in judgment against the
The prayer was two
fold: (1) there was a prayer concerning the Lord. "Even so, come, Lord
Jesus." (2) There was a prayer concerning the brethren. "The grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
There could be no better way to end this book and to end the New Testament!
The wonderful
blessings of heaven should move us to obey the gospel and serve God faithfully.
To obey the gospel one must hear God's truth (Romans
By Charles Box,