THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST TO JOHN
CHAPTER I
WRITTEN BY JOHN
1. JOHN WAS AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST. WAS IN EXILE ON THE ISLAND OF PATMOS IN THE AEGEAN SEA FOR WITNESSING ABOUT JESUS CHRIST (SENT THERE BY THE ROMANS)AND THE ONLY ORIGINAL DISCIPLE WHO WAS NOT KILLED FOR HIS FAITH.
2. THE ONLY BOOK IN THE BIBLE THAT PROMISES A BLESSING TO THOSE WHO LISTEN TO THE WORDS AND DOES WHAT IT SAYS. (REV. 1:3)
3. JESUS APPEARED TO JOHN AND REVEALED THESE THINGS IN A VISION. AFTERWARDS AN ANGEL WAS SENT FROM HEAVEN TO EXPLAIN THE VISION'S MEANING.
4. SEND LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN TURKEY.
5. DECLARES THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST.
6. HE IS COMING AGAIN.
a. COMING IN THE CLOUDS
b. EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM (WHEN HE WAS RESURRECTED HE ONLY APPEARED TO THE
BELIEVERS)
c. ALL NATIONS WILL WEEP IN SORROW AND IN TERROR WHEN HE COMES.
d. REV 1:8 "I AM THE A AND THE Z, THE BEGINNING AND THE ENDING OF ALL THINGS," SAYS GOD WHO IS THE LORD, THE ALL POWERFUL ONE WHO IS, AND WAS, AND IS COMING AGAIN! JOHN 1:1 BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE EXISTED, THERE WAS CHRIST, WITH GOD. HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ALIVE AND IS HIMSELF GOD. HE CREATED EVERYTHING THERE IS - NOTHING EXISTS THAT HE DIDN'T MAKE. ETERNAL LIFE IS IN HIM AND THIS LIFE GIVES LIGHT TO ALL MANKIND. HIS LIFE IS THE LIGHT THAT SHINES THROUGH THE DARKNESS--AND THE DARKNESS CAN NEVER EXTINGUISH IT.
7. ON THE LORD'S DAY WHILE JOHN WAS WORSHIPING, SUDDENLY HE HEARD A LOUD VOICE BEHIND HIM THAT SOUNDED LIKE A TRUMPET BLAST SAYING, "I AM A AND Z, THE FIRST AND LAST!" WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING YOU SEE AND SEND A LETTER TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN TURKEY.
(WHEN HE TURNED AROUND TO SEE WHO WAS SPEAKING HE SAW:
a. 7 CANDLESTICKS OF GOLD
b. JESUS STANDING AMONG THEM WEARING A LONG ROBE CIRCLED WITH A GOLDEN BAND ACROSS HIS CHEST.
c. HAIR WAS WHITE AS SNOW
d. EYES PENETRATED LIKE FLAMES OF FIRE
e. FEET GLEAMED LIKE BURNISHED BRONZE
f. VOICE THUNDERED LIKE THE WAVES AGAINST THE SHORE
g. HELD SEVEN STARS IN HIS RIGHT HAND
h. SHARP, DOUBLE-BLADED SWORD IN HIS MOUTH
i. FACE SHONE LIKE THE POWER OF THE SUN IN UNCLOUDED BRILLIANCE
8. JOHN FELL AT HIS FEET AS A DEAD MAN, BUT JESUS LAID HIS RIGHT HAND ON HIM AND SAID, "DON'T BE AFRAID! I AM THE ONE THAT IS THE FIRST AND THE LAST, THE LIVING ONE WHO DIED, WHO IS NOW ALIVE FOREVERMORE, AND HAVE THE KEYS OF HELL AND DEATH."
a. EXPLAINED THAT THE SEVEN STARS ARE THE LEADERS OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES, AND THE SEVEN CANDLESTICKS ARE THE CHURCHES THEMSELVES.
CHAPTER II
A. EPHESUS (THE LOVELESS CHURCH)
1. GOOD
a. HARD WORK
b. PATIENCE
c. DON'T TOLERATE SIN AMONG YOUR MEMBERS
d. CAREFULLY EXAMINED THE CLAIMS OF THOSE WHO SAY THEY ARE APOSTLES, BUT AREN'T. YOU HAVE FOUND OUT HOW THEY LIE.
e. PATIENTLY SUFFERED WITHOUT QUITTING
f. YOU HATE THE DEEDS OF THE LICENTIOUS NICOLAITANS
2. BAD
a. YOU DON'T LOVE ME AS AT THE FIRST
***WARNING***TURN BACK AND WORK FROM THE HEART AS YOU DID IN THE BEGINNING***OR ELSE I WILL COME AND REMOVE YOUR CANDLESTICK FROM IT'S PLACE AMONG THE CHURCHES.
***REV. 2:7 "LET THIS MESSAGE SINK INTO THE EARS OF ANYONE WHO LISTENS TO WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING TO THE CHURCHES. TO EVERYONE WHO IS VICTORIOUS, I WILL GIVE FRUIT FROM THE TREE OF LIFE IN THE PARADISE OF GOD."***
B. SMYRNA (THE PERSECUTED CHURCH)
1. ** SMYRNA & PHILADELPHIA WERE THE ONLY CHURCHES AMONG THE SEVEN TO RECEIVE COMPLETELY POSITIVE MESSAGES. **
2. I KNOW HOW MUCH YOU SUFFER.
3. I KNOW ALL ABOUT YOUR POVERTY *(BUT YOU HAVE HEAVENLY RICHES!)*
4. I KNOW THE SLANDER OF THOSE OPPOSING YOU, WHO SAY THEY ARE JEWS- THE CHILDREN OF GOD-BUT THEY AREN'T, FOR THEY SUPPORT THE CAUSE OF SATAN.
5. STOP BEING AFRAID OF WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO SUFFER.
6. THE DEVIL WILL SOON THROW SOME OF YOU INTO PRISON TO TEST YOU.
7. YOU WILL BE PERSECUTED FOR 'TEN DAYS'.*TEN DAYS MEANS THAT ALTHOUGH PERSECUTION WILL BE INTENSE, IT WILL BE RELATIVELY SHORT. IT HAS A DEFINITE BEGINNING AND END, AND GOD REMAINS IN COMPLETE CONTROL.
8. REMAIN FAITHFUL EVEN WHEN FACING DEATH ** AND ** I WILL GIVE YOU THE CROWN OF LIFE-AN UNENDING, GLORIOUS FUTURE.
9. LET EVERYONE WHO CAN HEAR, LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING TO THE CHURCHES. HE WHO IS VICTORIOUS SHALL NOT BE HURT BY THE SECOND DEATH.
C. PERGAMOS (THE LENIENT CHURCH)
1. GOOD
a. REMAINED LOYAL TO ME AND REFUSED TO DENY ME EVEN WHEN ANTIPAS, MY FAITHFUL WITNESS, WAS MARTYRED AMONG YOU BY SATAN'S DEVOTEES. (I AM FULLY AWARE THAT YOU LIVE IN THE CITY WHERE SATAN'S THRONE IS, AT THE CENTER OF SATANIC WORSHIP AND YET YOU HAVE BEEN LOYAL TO ME)
2. BAD
a. YOU TOLERATE SOME AMONG YOU WHO DO AS BALAAM DID WHEN HE TAUGHT BALAK HOW TO RUIN THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL BY INVOLVING THEM IN SEXUAL SIN AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO GO TO THE IDOL FEASTS.
3. CHANGE YOUR MIND AND ATTITUDE, OR ELSE I WILL COME TO YOU SUDDENLY AND FIGHT AGAINST THEM WITH THE SWORD OF MY MOUTH.
4. LET EVERYONE WHO CAN HEAR, LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING TO THE CHURCHES. ** EVERY ONE WHO IS VICTORIOUS SHALL EAT OF THE HIDDEN MANNA, THE SECRET NOURISHMENT FROM HEAVEN; AND I WILL GIVE TO EACH A WHITE STONE, AND ON THE STONE WILL BE ENGRAVED A NEW NAME THAT NO ONE ELSE KNOWS EXCEPT THE ONE RECEIVING IT.
D. THYATIRA (THE COMPROMISING CHURCH)
1. GOOD
a. KINDNESS TO THE POOR, YOUR GIFTS AND SERVICE TO THEM; ALSO, I KNOW YOUR LOVE AND FAITH AND PATIENCE, AND I CAN SEE YOUR CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT IN ALL THESE THINGS.
2. BAD
a. YOU ARE PERMITTING THAT WOMAN JEZEBEL, WHO CALLS HERSELF A PROPHETESS, TO TEACH MY SERVANTS THAT SEX SIN IS NOT A SERIOUS MATTER; SHE URGES THEM TO PRACTICE IMMORALITY AND TO EAT MEAT THAT HAS BEEN SACRIFICED TO IDOLS.
b. I GAVE HER TIME TO CHANGE HER MIND AND ATTITUDE, BUT SHE REFUSED.
c. PAY ATTENTION NOW TO WHAT I AM SAYING:"I WILL LAY HER UPON A SICKBED OF INTENSE AFFLICTION, ALONG WITH ALL HER IMMORAL FOLLOWERS, UNLESS THEY TURN AGAIN TO ME, REPENTING OF THEIR SIN WITH HER, AND I WILL STRIKE HER CHILDREN DEAD. AND ALL THE CHURCHES SHALL KNOW THAT I AM HE WHO SEARCHES DEEP WITHIN MEN'S HEARTS, AND MINDS; I WILL GIVE TO EACH OF YOU WHATEVER HE DESERVES.
d. AS FOR THE REST OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT FOLLOWED THIS FALSE TEACHING, I WILL ASK NOTHING FURTHER OF YOU; ONLY HOLD TIGHTLY TO WHAT YOU HAVE UNTIL I COME.
3. TO EVERY ONE WHO OVERCOMES-WHO TO THE VERY END KEEPS ON DOING THINGS THAT PLEASE ME-I WILL GIVE POWER OVER THE NATIONS. YOU WILL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON JUST AS MY FATHER GAVE ME THE AUTHORITY TO RULE THEM; THEY WILL BE SHATTERED LIKE A POT OF CLAY THAT IS BROKEN INTO TINY PIECES. AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE MORNING STAR!
4. LET ALL WHO CAN HEAR, LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO THE CHURCHES.
CHAPTER III
A. SARDIS (THE LIFELESS CHURCH)
1. I KNOW YOUR REPUTATION AS A LIVE AND ACTIVE CHURCH, BUT YOU ARE DEAD. **NOW WAKE UP**
2. YOUR DEEDS ARE FAR FROM RIGHT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.
3. GO BACK TO WHAT YOU HEARD AND BELIEVED AT FIRST. HOLD TO IT FIRMLY AND TURN TO ME AGAIN.
4. UNLESS YOU DO, I WILL COME SUDDENLY UPON YOU, UNEXPECTED AS A THIEF, AND PUNISH YOU.
5. YET, SOME HAVEN'T SOILED THEIR GARMENTS WITH THE WORLD'S FILTH; THEY SHALL WALK WITH ME IN WHITE.
6. EVERYONE THAT CONQUERS WILL BE CLOTHED IN WHITE, AND I WILL NOT ERASE HIS NAME FROM THE BOOK OF LIFE, BUT I WILL ANNOUNCE BEFORE MY FATHER AND HIS ANGELS THAT HE IS MINE.
7. LET ALL WHO CAN HEAR, LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING TO THE CHURCHES.
B. PHILADELPHIA (THE OBEDIENT CHURCH)
1. I KNOW YOU WELL; YOU AREN'T STRONG, BUT YOU HAVE TRIED TO OBEY AND HAVE NOT DENIED MY NAME. THEREFORE, I HAVE OPENED A DOOR TO YOU THAT NO ONE CAN SHUT.
2. **NOTE THIS: I WILL FORCE THOSE SUPPORTING THE CAUSES OF SATAN WHILE CLAIMING TO BE MINE (BUT THEY AREN'T - THEY ARE LYING) TO FALL AT YOUR FEET AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU ARE THE ONES I LOVE.
3. BECAUSE YOU HAVE PATIENTLY OBEYED ME DESPITE THE PERSECUTION, THEREFORE I WILL PROTECT YOU FROM THE TIME OF GREAT TRIBULATION AND TEMPTATION, WHICH WILL COME UPON THE WORLD TO TEST EVERYONE ALIVE.
4. LOOK, I AM COMING SOON! HOLD TIGHTLY TO THE LITTLE STRENGTH YOU HAVE--SO THAT NO ONE WILL TAKE AWAY YOUR CROWN.
5. FOR THE ONE WHO CONQUERS
a. I WILL MAKE HIM A PILLAR IN THE TEMPLE OF MY GOD; HE WILL BE SECURE AND WILL GO OUT NO MORE
b. I WILL WRITE MY GOD'S NAME ON HIM
c. HE WILL BE A CITIZEN IN THE CITY OF MY GOD-THE NEW JERUSALEM, COMING DOWN FROM HEAVEN FROM MY GOD
d. HE WILL HAVE MY NEW NAME INSCRIBED UPON HIM.
6. LET ALL WHO CAN HEAR, LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING TO THE CHURCHES.
C. LAODICEA (THE LUKEWARM CHURCH)
1. YOU ARE NEITHER HOT NOR COLD; I WISH YOU WERE ONE OR THE OTHER! BUT SINCE YOU ARE MERELY LUKEWARM, I WILL SPIT YOU OUT OF MY MOUTH!
2. YOU SAY YOU ARE RICH AND DON'T NEED A THING***YOU DON'T REALIZE THAT YOU ARE SPIRITUALLY WRETCHED AND MISERABLE AND POOR AND BLIND AND NAKED.
3. MY ADVICE TO YOU IS TO BUY PURE GOLD FROM ME, GOLD PURIFIED BY FIRE-ONLY THEN WILL YOU TRULY BE RICH.
4. ALSO PURCHASE WHITE GARMENTS, CLEAN AND PURE, SO YOU WON'T BE NAKED AND ASHAMED
5. GET MEDICINE FROM ME TO HEAL YOUR EYES AND GIVE YOU BACK YOUR SIGHT.
6. I CONTINUALLY DISCIPLINE AND PUNISH EVERYONE I LOVE; SO I MUST PUNISH YOU, UNLESS YOU TURN FROM YOUR INDIFFERENCE AND BECOME ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THE THINGS OF GOD.
7. REV.3:20 "LOOK! I HAVE BEEN STANDING AT THE DOOR AND I AM CONSTANTLY KNOCKING. IF ANYONE HEARS ME CALLING HIM AND OPENS THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN AND FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM AND HE WITH ME. I WILL LET EVERY ONE WHO CONQUERS SIT BESIDE ME ON MY THRONE, JUST AS I TOOK MY PLACE WITH MY FATHER ON HIS THRONE WHEN I HAD CONQUERED.
8. LET THOSE WHO CAN HEAR, LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING TO THE CHURCHES.
CHAPTER IV
A. JOHN SAW A DOOR STANDING OPEN IN HEAVEN
B. JESUS SAID, "COME UP HERE AND I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT MUST HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE!"
C. INSTANTLY JOHN WAS IN SPIRIT, IN HEAVEN AND SAW:
1. SOMEONE SITTING ON A THRONE
a. GREAT BURSTS OF LIGHT FLASHED FORTH FROM HIM AS FROM A GLITTERING DIAMOND, OR FROM A SHINING RUBY, AND A RAINBOW GLOWING LIKE AN EMERALD ENCIRCLED HIS THRONE. LIGHTNING AND THUNDER ISSUED FROM THE THRONE, AND THERE WERE VOICES IN THE THUNDER.
2. TWENTY-FOUR SMALLER THRONES SURROUNDED HIS, WITH TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS SITTING ON THEM
a. ELDERS CLOTHED IN WHITE
b. GOLDEN CROWNS UPON THEIR HEADS
c. 24 ELDERS PROBABLY REPRESENT THE 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL IN THE OLD TESTAMENT AND THE 12 APOSTLES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT (ALL THE REDEEMED OF GOD FOR ALL TIME-BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER CHRIST'S DEATH AND RESURRECTION. THEY SYMBOLIZE ALL THOSE-BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES-WHO ARE NOW PART OF GOD'S FAMILY. THE 24 ELDERS SHOW US THAT ALL THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD ARE WORSHIPING HIM.
3. DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF HIS THRONE WERE SEVEN LIGHTED LAMPS REPRESENTING THE SEVEN-FOLD SPIRIT OF GOD (ANOTHER NAME FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT)
4. SPREAD OUT BEFORE IT WAS A SHINY CRYSTAL SEA.
5. FOUR LIVING BEINGS STOOD AT THE THRONE'S FOUR SIDES. (THE FOUR LIVING BEINGS REPRESENT THE ATTRIBUTES-THE QUALITIES AND CHARACTER- OF GOD. THESE BEINGS, PROBABLY NOT REAL ANIMALS, GUARD GOD'S THRONE, LEAD OTHERS IN WORSHIP AND PROCLAIM GOD'S HOLINESS.)
a. DOTTED FRONT AND BACK WITH EYES
b. SIX WINGS - CENTRAL SECTIONS OF THEIR WINGS WERE COVERED WITH EYES.
c. FIRST BEING WAS IN THE FORM OF A LION (REPRESENTS GOD'S MAJESTY AND POWER)
d. SECOND BEING WAS IN THE FORM OF AN OX (REPRESENTS GOD'S FAITHFULNESS)
e. THIRD BEING WAS IN THE FORM OF MAN (REPRESENTS INTELLIGENCE)
f. FOURTH BEING WAS IN THE FORM OF AN EAGLE (REPRESENTS SOVEREIGNTY)
g. DAY AFTER DAY AND NIGHT AFTER NIGHT THEY KEPT ON SAYING, "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY-THE ONE WHO WAS, AND IS, AND IS TO COME."
6. WHEN THE LIVING BEINGS GAVE GLORY AND HONOR AND THANKS TO THE ONE SITTING ON THE THRONE, WHO LIVES FOREVER AND EVER, THE 24 ELDERS FELL DOWN BEFORE HIM AND WORSHIPED HIM, THE ETERNAL LIVING ONE, AND CAST THEIR CROWNS BEFORE THE THRONE.
a. SANG, "O LORD, YOU ARE WORTHY TO RECEIVE THE GLORY AND HONOR AND POWER"
(1) FOR YOU HAVE CREATED ALL THINGS
(2) THEY WERE CREATED AND CALLED INTO BEING BY YOUR ACT OF WILL.
CHAPTER V
A. SAW A SCROLL IN THE RIGHT HAND OF THE ONE WHO WAS SITTING ON THE THRONE.
1. SCROLL HAD WRITING ON THE INSIDE AND ON THE BACK AND WAS SEALED WITH 7 SEALS (7 SEALS INDICATE THE IMPORTANCE OF IT'S CONTENTS--IT CONTAINS GOD'S PLAN FOR THE END OF THE WORLD)
2. MIGHTY ANGEL SHOUTS WITH A LOUD VOICE, "WHO IS WORTHY TO BREAK THE SEALS ON THE SCROLL AND UNROLL IT?"
3. FEAR AND TEARS BECAUSE NO ONE WAS WORTHY TO OPEN AND READ THE SCROLL.
4. ONE OF THE 24 ELDERS SAID, "STOP CRYING, FOR LOOK! THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH, THE ROOT OF DAVID, HAS CONQUERED, AND PROVED HIMSELF WORTHY TO OPEN THE SCROLL AND BREAK THE 7 SEALS.
5. JOHN LOOKED AND SAW A LAMB (JESUS) STANDING BEFORE THE 24 ELDERS, IN FRONT OF THE THRONE AND THE LIVING BEINGS.
6. ON THE LAMB WERE WOUNDS THAT CAUSED HIS DEATH.
7. LAMB HAD 7 HORNS AND 7 EYES, WHICH REPRESENT THE SEVEN-FOLD SPIRIT OF GOD, SENT OUT TO EVERY PART OF THE WORLD.
8. LAMB TOOK SCROLL FROM THE RIGHT HAND OF THE ONE SITTING ON THE THRONE.
9. AS THE LAMB TOOK THE SCROLL, THE 24 ELDERS FELL DOWN BEFORE THE LAMB, EACH WITH A HARP AND GOLDEN VIALS FILLED WITH INCENSE. (THE PRAYERS OF GOD'S PEOPLE)
10. THEY WERE SINGING HIM A NEW SONG WITH THESE WORDS:
a. YOU ARE WORTHY TO TAKE THE SCROLL AND BREAK IT'S SEALS AND OPEN IT.
b. FOR YOU WERE SLAIN, AND YOUR BLOOD HAS BROUGHT PEOPLE FROM EVERY NATION AS GIFTS FOR GOD.
(1) GATHERED THEM INTO A KINGDOM
(2) MADE THEM PRIESTS OF OUR GOD
(3) THEY SHALL REIGN UPON THE EARTH.
B. HEARD THE SINGING OF MILLIONS OF ANGELS SURROUNDING THE THRONE AND THE LIVING BEINGS AND THE ELDERS. THEY SANG:
THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN IS WORTHY TO RECEIVE:
a. POWER
b. RICHES
c. WISDOM
d. STRENGTH
e. HONOR
f. BLESSING
C. JOHN HEARD EVERYONE IN HEAVEN AND EARTH, AND FROM THE DEAD BENEATH THE EARTH AND IN THE SEA EXCLAIMING:
1. "THE BLESSING AND THE HONOR AND THE GLORY AND THE POWER BELONG FOREVER AND FOREVER TO:
a. THE ONE SITTING ON THE THRONE **AND TO**
b. THE LAMB
D. FOUR LIVING BEINGS KEPT SAYING "AMEN"
E. 24 ELDERS FELL DOWN AND WORSHIPED HIM.
CHAPTER VI
A. LAMB BROKE 1ST SEAL AND BEGAN TO UNROLL THE SCROLL
B. ONE OF THE 4 LIVING BEINGS WITH A VOICE OF THUNDER SAID, "COME!"
C. WHITE HORSE. RIDER CARRIED A BOW, AND A CROWN WAS PLACED ON HIS HEAD. HE RODE OUT TO CONQUER IN MANY BATTLES AND WIN THE WAR. * NOTE * SOME SAY THE WHITE HORSE REPRESENTS VICTORY, AND IT'S RIDER IS CHRIST (BECAUSE CHRIST LATER RIDES ON A WHITE HORSE - REV. 19:11). BUT SINCE THE OTHER THREE HORSES RELATE TO JUDGMENT AND DESTRUCTION, THIS WHITE HORSE AND RIDER MAY BE THE ANTICHRIST WHO RULES THE WORLD BY DECEPTION FOR A SHORT TIME.
D. HE UNROLLED THE SCROLL TO THE SECOND SEAL AND BROKE IT OPEN, TOO.
E. SECOND LIVING BEING SAID, "COME!"
F. RED HORSE. RIDER WAS GIVEN A LONG SWORD AND THE AUTHORITY TO BANISH PEACE AND BRING ANARCHY TO THE EARTH. WAR AND KILLING BROKE OUT EVERYWHERE. (RED FOR WARFARE AND BLOODSHED)
G. THIRD SEAL BROKEN AND THIRD LIVING BEING SAID, "COME!"
H. BLACK HORSE. RIDER HOLDING A PAIR OF BALANCES IN HIS HAND. A VOICE FROM AMONG THE LIVING BEINGS SAID, "A LOAF OF BREAD FOR $20.00 OR THREE POUNDS OF BARLEY FLOUR, BUT THEIR IS NO OLIVE OIL OR WINE." (BLACK FOR FAMINE OR DEATH)
I. FOURTH SEAL BROKEN AND 4TH LIVING BEING SAID, "COME!"
J. PALE HORSE.
1. RIDER'S NAME WAS DEATH
2. FOLLOWED AFTER HIM ANOTHER HORSE WHOSE RIDER'S NAME WAS HELL.
3. THEY WERE GIVEN CONTROL OF 1/4 OF THE EARTH TO KILL WITH WAR, FAMINE, DISEASE AND WILD ANIMALS.
K. FIFTH SEAL
1. SAW AN ALTER
a. UNDER ALTER WERE ALL SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAD BEEN MARTYRED FOR PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD AND FOR BEING FAITHFUL IN THEIR WITNESSING
b. THEY CALLED LOUDLY TO THE LORD AND SAID, "O SOVEREIGN LORD, HOLY AND TRUE, HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE YOU JUDGE THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH FOR WHAT THEY'VE DONE TO US.
(1) WHEN WILL YOU AVENGE OUR BLOOD AGAINST THOSE LIVING ON THE EARTH?
(2) WHITE ROBES WERE GIVEN TO THEM
(3) TOLD TO REST A LITTLE LONGER UNTIL THEIR OTHER BROTHERS, FELLOW SERVANTS OF JESUS, HAD BEEN MARTYRED ON THE EARTH AND JOINED THEM.
L. SIXTH SEAL
1. VAST EARTHQUAKE
2. SUN BECAME DARK LIKE BLACK CLOTH
3. MOON WAS BLOOD RED
4. STARS APPEARED TO BE FALLING TO EARTH LIKE GREEN FRUIT FROM FIG TREES BUFFETED BY MIGHTY WINDS.
5. THE STARRY HEAVENS DISAPPEARED AS THOUGH ROLLED UP LIKE A SCROLL AND TAKEN AWAY.
6. EVERY MOUNTAIN AND ISLAND SHOOK AND SHIFTED.
7. ALL MEN GREAT AND SMALL, SLAVE AND FREE HID THEMSELVES IN THE CAVES AND ROCKS OF THE MOUNTAINS AND CRIED TO THE MOUNTAINS TO CRUSH THEM.
a. "FALL ON US," THEY PLEADED, "AND HIDE US FROM THE FACE OF THE ONE SITTING ON THE THRONE, AND FROM THE ANGER OF THE LAMB, BECAUSE THE GREAT DAY OF THEIR ANGER HAS COME AND WHO CAN SURVIVE IT?"
M. *NOTE* THIS PICTURE IS NOT TO FRIGHTEN BELIEVERS. FOR THEM, THE LAMB IS A GENTLE SAVIOR. BUT, THOSE WHO PREVIOUSLY SHOWED NO FEAR OF GOD AND PROUDLY FLAUNTED THEIR UNBELIEF WILL FIND THEY WERE WRONG, AND IN THAT DAY THEY WILL HAVE TO FACE HIS WRATH. NO ONE WHO HAS REJECTED GOD CAN SURVIVE THE DAY OF THIS WRATH, BUT THOSE WHO BELONG TO CHRIST WILL RECEIVE A REWARD RATHER THAN PUNISHMENT.
CHAPTER VII
A. SAW 4 ANGELS STANDING AT 4 CORNERS OF THE EARTH.
1. THEY WERE HOLDING BACK THE FOUR WINDS FROM BLOWING SO THAT:
a. NOT A LEAF RUSTLED IN THE TREES
b. OCEAN BECAME SMOOTH AS GLASS
B. SAW ANOTHER ANGEL COMING FROM EAST CARRYING THE GREAT SEAL OF THE LIVING GOD.
1. HE SHOUTED TO THE 4 ANGELS WHO HAD BEEN GIVEN POWER TO INJURE EARTH AND SEA. "WAIT! DON'T DO ANYTHING YET, HURT NEITHER EARTH, NOR SEA, NOR TREES - UNTIL WE HAVE PLACED THE SEAL OF GOD UPON THE FOREHEADS OF HIS SERVANTS."
2. * NOTE * WHEN ALL HOPE SEEMS LOST, 4 ANGELS HOLD BACK THE 4 WINDS OF JUDGEMENT UNTIL GOD'S PEOPLE ARE MARKED AS HIS. ONLY THEN WILL GOD BREAK THE SEVENTH SEAL. NOTHING CAN HARM THE SOULS OF THOSE MARKED BY GOD. THIS SEAL OF GOD ON THE FOREHEADS OF HIS SERVANTS IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF THE MARK OF THE BEAST (REV 13:16) THESE 2 MARKS PLACE PEOPLE IN 2 DISTINCT CATEGORIES. - THOSE OWNED BY GOD AND THOSE OWNED BY SATAN. THIS ATTEMPT PORTRAYS A THEME THROUGHOUT REVELATION - SATAN'S ATTEMPT TO IMITATE THE GREAT WORKS OF GOD.
C.HOW MANY WILL BE GIVEN THE MARK. I HEARD THE NUMBER 144,000, OUT OF ALL TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL AS LISTED HERE.
1 THE NUMBER 144,000 IS 12 X 12 X 1000, SYMBOLIZING COMPLETENESS.
2. ALL GOD'S FOLLOWERS WILL BE BROUGHT SAFELY TO HIM
3. THE LIST OF THE 12 TRIBES IS A DIFFERENT AND A SYMBOLIC LIST OF GOD'S TRUE FOLLOWERS.
a. JUDAH 12,000
b. REUBEN 12,000
c. GAD 12,000
d. ASHER 12,000
e. NAPHATALI 12,000
f. MANASSEH 12,000
g. SIMEON 12,000
h. LEVI 12,000
i. ISSACHAR 12,000
j. ZEBULUN 12,000
k. JOSEPH 12,000
l. BENJAMIN 12,000
4.* NOTE * THE CHANGES ARE:
a. JUDAH IS MENTIONED FIRST BECAUSE JUDAH IS BOTH THE TRIBE OF DAVID AND OF JESUS THE MESSIAH. (REUBEN WAS BY BIRTH THE OLDEST, BUT LOST HIS BIRTHRIGHT AND JUDAH IS GIVEN 1ST PLACE IN THE LIST)
b. LEVI WAS CONSIDERED THE PRIEST LINE AND NORMALLY WAS NOT MENTIONED AS A TRIBE. HERE THE TRIBE IS GIVEN A PLACE AS A REWARD FOR FAITHFULNESS.
c. JOSEPH NORMALLY WAS NOT CONSIDERED A TRIBE, BUT HIS 2 SONS MANASSEH AND EPHRAIM WERE CONSIDERED TRIBES.
d. BECAUSE OF REBELLION AND IDOLATRY (TRAITS UNACCEPTABLE IN GOD'S FOLLOWERS) DAN AND EPHRAIM ARE REMOVED.
D. VAST CROWD, TOO GREAT TO COUNT, FROM ALL NATIONS AND PROVINCES AND LANGUAGES STANDING IN FRONT OF THE THRONE BEFORE THE LAMB.
1. CLOTHED IN WHITE WITH PALM BRANCHES IN THEIR HANDS.
2. THEY SHOUTED, "SALVATION COMES FROM OUR GOD UPON THE THRONE, AND FROM THE LAMB."
3. THESE ARE THE ONES COMING OUT OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION.
4. THEY WASHED THEIR ROBES AND WHITENED THEM BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB.
5. THEY ARE HERE BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD SERVING HIM DAY AND NIGHT IN HIS TEMPLE.
6. THE ONE SITTING ON THE THRONE WILL SHELTER THEM. THEY WILL NEVER BE HUNGRY NOR THIRSTY AGAIN.
7. THEY WILL BE FULLY PROTECTED FROM THE SCORCHING NOONTIME HEAT.
8. THE LAMB, STANDING IN FRONT OF THE THRONE, WILL FEED THEM.
9. THE LAMB WILL BE THEIR SHEPHERD AND LEAD THEM TO SPRINGS OF THE WATER OF LIFE.
10. GOD WILL WIPE THEIR TEARS AWAY.
E. ALL ANGELS WERE CROWDING AROUND THE THRONE AND AROUND THE ELDERS AND THE 4 LIVING BEINGS AND FALLING FACE DOWN BEFORE THE THRONE AND WORSHIPING GOD. "AMEN!" THEY SAID, "BLESSING AND GLORY, AND WISDOM, AND THANKSGIVING AND HONOR AND POWER AND MIGHT, BE TO OUR GOD FOREVER AND FOREVER. AMEN!"
CHAPTER VIII
A. WHEN THE LAMB BROKE THE 7TH SEAL THERE WAS SILENCE THROUGHOUT ALL HEAVEN FOR WHAT SEEMED LIKE 1/2 HOUR.
B. SAW SEVEN ANGELS THAT STAND BEFORE GOD THAT WERE GIVEN 7 TRUMPETS
C. ANOTHER ANGEL WITH A GOLDEN CENSER CAME AND STOOD AT THE ALTER.
1. GREAT QUANTITY OF INCENSE GIVEN TO HIM TO MIX WITH THE PRAYERS OF GOD'S PEOPLE.
2. OFFERED UPON THE GOLDEN ALTER BEFORE THE THRONE
3. PERFUME OF THE INCENSE MIXED WITH PRAYERS ASCENDED UP TO GOD
4. ANGEL FILLED CENSER WITH FIRE FROM THE ALTER AND THREW IT DOWN UPON EARTH
a. THUNDER CRASHED
b. LIGHTNING FLASHED
c. TERRIBLE EARTHQUAKE
D. THE 7 ANGELS WITH THE 7 TRUMPETS PREPARED TO BLOW THEIR MIGHTY BLASTS
1. THE FIRST ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET
a. HAIL AND FIRE MIXED WITH BLOOD WERE THROWN DOWN UPON EARTH
b. 1/3 OF THE EARTH WAS SET ON FIRE SO THAT 1/3 OF THE TREES WERE BURNED AND ALL THE GREEN GRASS
2. THE SECOND ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET
a. WHAT APPEARED TO BE A HUGE BURNING MOUNTAIN WAS THROWN INTO THE SEA
(1) IT DESTROYED 1/3 OF ALL SHIPS
(2) 1/3 OF SEA TURNED RED AS BLOOD
(3) 1/3 OF FISH WERE KILLED
3. THIRD ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET
a. GREAT FLAMING STAR FELL FROM HEAVEN UPON 1/3 OF RIVERS & SPRINGS
b. STAR NAMED "BITTERNESS", BECAUSE IT POISONED 1/3 OF ALL WATER ON EARTH AND MANY PEOPLE DIED
4. FOURTH ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET
a. IMMEDIATELY 1/3 OF THE SUN WAS BLIGHTED & DARKENED AND ALSO 1/3 OF THE MOON & STARS
b. DAYTIME WAS DIMMED AND NIGHTTIME DARKNESS DEEPENED
E. SAW A SOLITARY EAGLE FLYING THROUGH THE HEAVENS CRYING LOUDLY, "WOE, WOE, WOE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH BECAUSE OF THE TERRIBLE THINGS THAT WILL SOON HAPPEN WHEN THE REMAINING 3 ANGELS BLOW THEIR TRUMPETS
CHAPTER IX
A. FIFTH ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET
1. SAW ONE WHO WAS FALLEN TO EARTH FROM HEAVEN, AND HE WAS GIVEN THE KEY TO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT
2. HE OPENED IT AND SMOKE POURED OUT AS THOUGH FROM SOME HUGE FURNACE
3. SUN & AIR WERE DARKENED BY SMOKE
4. LOCUSTS CAME FROM THE SMOKE AND DESCENDED ONTO THE EARTH
a. GIVEN POWER TO STING LIKE SCORPIONS
b. THEY WERE TOLD NOT TO HURT THE GRASS OR PLANTS OR TREES, BUT TO ATTACK THE PEOPLE WHO DID NOT HAVE THE MARK OF GOD ON THEIR FOREHEADS.
c. WERE NOT TO KILL THEM, BUT WERE TO TORTURE THEM FOR 5 MONTHS WITH AGONY LIKE THE PAIN OF SCORPION STINGS
d. IN THOSE DAYS MEN WILL TRY TO KILL THEMSELVES, BUT WON'T BE ABLE TO--DEATH WILL NOT COME. THEY WILL LONG TO DIE, BUT DEATH WILL FLEE AWAY!
e. LOCUSTS LOOKED LIKE HORSES ARMORED FOR BATTLE
f. HAD GOLDEN CROWNS ON THEIR HEADS
g. FACES LOOKED LIKE MEN'S
h. HAIR WAS LONG LIKE WOMEN'S
i. TEETH WERE THOSE OF LIONS
j. WORE BREASTPLATES THAT SEEMED TO BE OF IRON
k. WINGS ROARED LIKE AN ARMY OF CHARIOTS RUSHING INTO BATTLE
l. STINGING TAILS LIKE SCORPIONS
m. POWER TO HURT, GIVEN TO THEM FOR 5 MONTHS, WAS IN THEIR TAILS
n. THEIR KING IS THE PRINCE OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT, WHOSE NAME IS DESTROYER.
B. ONE TERROR NOW ENDS, BUT THERE ARE TWO MORE COMING
C.SIXTH ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET
1. I HEARD A VOICE SPEAKING FROM THE FOUR HORNS OF THE GOLDEN ALTAR THAT STANDS BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD, SAYING TO THE SIXTH ANGEL, "RELEASE THE 4 MIGHTY DEMONS HELD BOUND AT THE GREAT RIVER EUPHRATES"
a. THEY HAD BEEN KEPT IN READINESS FOR THAT YEAR AND MONTH AND DAY AND HOUR, AND NOW THEY WERE TURNED LOOSE TO KILL 1/3 OF ALL MANKIND.
b. THEY HAD AN ARMY OF 200,000,000 WARRIORS
c. SAW THEIR HORSES. THEIR RIDERS WORE FIERY-RED BREASTPLATES, THOUGH SOME WERE SKY-BLUE AND OTHERS YELLOW.
d. THE HORSES' HEADS LOOKED MUCH LIKE LIONS, AND SMOKE AND FIRE AND FLAMING SULPHUR BILLOWED FROM THEIR MOUTHS, KILLING 1/3 OF ALL MANKIND
e. THEIR POWER OF DEATH WAS NOT ONLY IN THEIR MOUTHS, BUT IN THEIR TAILS AS WELL, FOR THEIR TAILS WERE SIMILAR TO SERPENTS' HEADS THAT STRUCK AND BIT WITH FATAL WOUNDS
D. BUT THE MEN LEFT ALIVE, AFTER THESE PLAGUES, STILL REFUSED TO WORSHIP GOD! THEY WOULD NOT RENOUNCE THEIR DEMON-WORSHIP, NOR THEIR IDOLS MADE OF GOLD AND SILVER, BRASS, STONE, AND WOOD--WHICH NEITHER SEE NOR HEAR NOR WALK! NEITHER DID THEY CHANGE THEIR MIND AND ATTITUDE ABOUT ALL THEIR MURDERS AND WITCHCRAFT, THEIR IMMORALITY AND THEFT.
CHAPTER X
A. JOHN SAW ANOTHER MIGHTY ANGEL COMING DOWN FROM HEAVEN
1. SURROUNDED BY A CLOUD
2. RAINBOW OVER HIS HEAD
3. FACE SHONE LIKE THE SUN
4. FEET FLASHED WITH FIRE
5. HELD OPEN IN HIS HAND A SMALL SCROLL
6. SET HIS RIGHT FOOT ON THE SEA AND HIS LEFT FOOT ON THE EARTH
7. GAVE A GREAT SHOUT-IT WAS LIKE THE ROAR OF A LION-AND THE SEVEN THUNDERS CRASHED THEIR REPLY
B. I WAS ABOUT TO WRITE WHAT THE THUNDERS SAID WHEN A VOICE FROM HEAVEN CALLED TO ME, "DON'T DO IT. THEIR WORDS ARE NOT TO BE REVEALED."
C. THEN THE MIGHTY ANGEL STANDING ON THE SEA AND LAND LIFTED HIS RIGHT HAND TO HEAVEN, AND SWORE BY HIM WHO LIVES FOREVER AND EVER, WHO CREATED HEAVEN AND EVERYTHING IN IT AND THE EARTH AND ALL THAT IT CONTAINS AND THE SEA AND IT'S INHABITANTS, THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO MORE DELAY, BUT THAT WHEN THE SEVENTH ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET, THEN GOD'S VEILED PLAN-MYSTERIOUS THROUGH THE AGES EVER SINCE IT WAS ANNOUNCED BY HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS - WOULD BE FULFILLED.
D. THE VOICE FROM HEAVEN SPOKE TO JOHN AGAIN, "GO AND GET THE UNROLLED SCROLL FROM THE MIGHTY ANGEL STANDING THERE UPON THE SEA AND LAND."
E. JOHN APPROACHED HIM AND ASKED HIM TO GIVE HIM THE SCROLL. "YES, TAKE IT AND EAT IT,"HE SAID, "AT FIRST IT WILL TASTE LIKE HONEY, BUT WHEN YOU SWALLOW IT, IT WILL MAKE YOUR STOMACH SOUR!"
F. JOHN TOOK THE SCROLL AND ATE IT.
1. JUST AS HE HAD SAID, IT WAS SWEET IN JOHN'S MOUTH, BUT IT GAVE HIM A STOMACH ACHE WHEN HE SWALLOWED IT.
G. THE ANGEL TOLD JOHN, "YOU MUST PROPHESY FURTHER ABOUT MANY PEOPLES, NATIONS, TRIBES, AND KINGS."
CHAPTER XI
A. JOHN GIVEN A MEASURING STICK AND TOLD TO GO AND MEASURE THE TEMPLE OF GOD, INCLUDING THE INNER COURT WHERE THE ALTAR STANDS.
1. COUNT THE NUMBER OF WORSHIPERS
2. DO NOT MEASURE THE OUTER COURT (FOR IT HAD BEEN TURNED OVER TO THE NATIONS)
a. THEY WILL TRAMPLE THE HOLY CITY FOR 42 MONTHS.
b. POWER WILL BE GIVEN TO TWO WITNESSES TO PROPHESY 1,260 DAYS CLOTHED IN SACKCLOTH.
(1) THESE 2 PROPHETS ARE THE TWO OLIVE TREES, AND TWO CANDLESTICKS STANDING BEFORE THE GOD OF ALL THE EARTH.
(2) ANYONE TRYING TO HARM THEM WILL BE KILLED BY BURSTS OF FIRE SHOOTING FROM THEIR MOUTHS.
(3) THEY HAVE THE POWER TO SHUT THE SKIES SO THAT NO RAIN WILL FALL DURING THE 3 1/2 YEARS THEY PROPHESY.
(4) THEY CAN TURN RIVERS AND OCEANS TO BLOOD
(5) THEY CAN SEND EVERY KIND OF PLAGUE UPON THE EARTH AS OFTEN AS THEY WISH.
(6) WHEN THEY COMPLETE THE 3 1/2 YEARS OF THEIR SOLEMN TESTIMONY:
(a) THE TYRANT WHO COMES OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT WILL DECLARE WAR AGAINST THEM
(b) CONQUER AND KILL THEM
(c) THEIR BODIES WILL BE EXPOSED IN THE STREETS OF JERUSALEM (THE CITY FITTINGLY DESCRIBED AS "SODOM" OR "EGYPT") FOR 3 1/2 DAYS (THE VERY PLACE WHERE THE LORD WAS CRUCIFIED)
(d) NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO BURY THEM
(e) MANY PEOPLE FROM MANY NATIONS WILL CROWD AROUND TO GAZE AT THEM.
(f) THERE WILL BE A WORLDWIDE HOLIDAY-PEOPLE EVERYWHERE WILL REJOICE AND GIVE PRESENTS TO EACH OTHER AND THROW PARTIES TO CELEBRATE THE DEATH OF THE 2 PROPHETS WHO HAD TORMENTED THEM SO MUCH!
(g) AFTER 3 1/2 DAYS THE SPIRIT OF LIFE FROM GOD WILL ENTER THEM AND THEY WILL STAND UP! GREAT FEAR WILL FALL ON EVERYONE.
(h) A LOUD VOICE WILL SHOUT FROM HEAVEN, "COME UP!" AND THEY WILL RISE TO HEAVEN IN A CLOUD AS THEIR ENEMIES WATCH.
(i) THE SAME HOUR THERE WILL BE A TERRIBLE EARTHQUAKE THAT LEVELS A TENTH OF THE CITY LEAVING 7,000 DEAD
B. EVERYONE LEFT WILL, IN THEIR TERROR, GIVE GLORY TO THE GOD OF HEAVEN.
C. THE SECOND WOE IS PAST, BUT THE THIRD QUICKLY FOLLOWS:
D. THE SEVENTH ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET
1. LOUD VOICES SHOUTING DOWN FROM HEAVEN, "THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD NOW BELONGS TO OUR LORD, AND TO HIS CHRIST; AND HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER."
2. 24 ELDERS SITTING ON THEIR THRONES BEFORE GOD THREW THEMSELVES DOWN IN WORSHIP, SAYING, "WE GIVE THANKS, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, WHO IS AND WAS, FOR NOW YOU HAVE ASSUMED YOUR GREAT POWER AND HAVE BEGUN TO REIGN. THE NATIONS WERE ANGRY WITH YOU, BUT NOW IT IS YOUR TURN TO BE ANGRY WITH THEM."
a. TIME TO JUDGE THE DEAD
(1) REWARD YOUR SERVANTS-PROPHETS AND PEOPLE ALIKE, ALL WHO FEAR YOUR NAME, BOTH GREAT AND SMALL
(2) DESTROY THOSE WHO HAVE CAUSED DESTRUCTION UPON THE EARTH
E. THEN, IN HEAVEN, THE TEMPLE OF GOD WAS OPENED AND THE ARK OF HIS COVENANT COULD BE SEEN INSIDE.
1. LIGHTNING FLASHED AND THUNDER CRASHED AND ROARED
2. THERE WAS A GREAT HAILSTORM
3. THE WORLD WAS SHAKEN BY A MIGHT EARTHQUAKE.
CHAPTER XII
A. A GREAT PAGEANT APPEARED IN HEAVEN, PORTRAYING THINGS TO COME.
1. JOHN SAW A WOMAN CLOTHED WITH THE SUN
a. MOON BENEATH HER FEET
b. CROWN OF 12 STARS ON HER HEAD
c. SHE WAS PREGNANT AND SCREAMED IN THE PAIN OF HER LABOR, AWAITING HER DELIVERY.
2. SUDDENLY A RED DRAGON APPEARED, WITH SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS, AND SEVEN CROWNS ON HIS HEADS.
a. HIS TAIL DREW ALONG BEHIND HIM 1/3 OF THE STARS, WHICH HE PLUNGED TO THE EARTH.
b. HE STOOD BEFORE THE WOMAN AS SHE WAS ABOUT TO GIVE BIRTH TO HER CHILD, READY TO EAT THE BABY AS SOON AS IT WAS BORN.
3. THE WOMAN GAVE BIRTH TO A BOY WHO WAS TO RULE ALL NATIONS WITH A HEAVY HAND, AND HE WAS CAUGHT UP TO GOD AND TO HIS THRONE. THE WOMAN FLED INTO THE WILDERNESS, WHERE GOD HAD PREPARED A PLACE FOR HER, TO TAKE CARE OF HER FOR 1,260 DAYS.
B. **NOTE** THE WOMAN REPRESENTS GOD'S FAITHFUL PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN AWAITING THE MESSIAH, THE 12 STARS ON HER HEAD REPRESENT THE 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL. GOD SET APART THE JEWS FOR HIMSELF (ROMANS 9:4,5), AND THAT NATION GAVE BIRTH TO THE MESSIAH. THE BOY IS JESUS, BORN TO A DEVOUT JEW, MARY (LUKE 1:26-33). EVIL KING HEROD IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO DESTROY THE INFANT JESUS (MATTHEW 2:13-20). HEROD'S DESIRE TO KILL THIS NEWBORN "KING", WHOM HE SAW AS A THREAT TO HIS THRONE, WAS MOTIVATED BY SATAN (THE RED DRAGON), WHO WANTED TO KILL THE WORLD'S SAVIOR. THE HEAVENLY PAGEANT OF REVELATION 12 SHOWS THAT CHRIST'S QUIET BIRTH IN THE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM HAD COSMIC SIGNIFICANCE.
2. **NOTE** THE RED DRAGON, SATAN, HAS SEVEN HEADS, TEN HORNS, AND SEVEN CROWNS, REPRESENTING HIS POWER AND THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD OVER WHICH HE RULES. THE STARS THAT PLUNGED TO EARTH WITH HIM ARE USUALLY CONSIDERED TO BE THE ANGELS WHO FELL WITH SATAN AND BECAME HIS DEMONS. ACCORDING TO HEBREW TRADITION, 1/3 OF ALL THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN FELL WITH SATAN.
3. **NOTE** THE WILDERNESS REPRESENTS A PLACE OF SPIRITUAL REFUGE AND PROTECTION FROM SATAN. BY AIDING THE WOMAN'S ESCAPE INTO THE WILDERNESS, GOD OFFERS SECURITY TO ALL TRUE BELIEVERS. SATAN ALWAYS ATTACKS GOD'S PEOPLE, BUT GOD KEEPS THEM SPIRITUALLY SECURE. SOME WILL EXPERIENCE PHYSICAL HARM, BUT ALL WILL BE PROTECTED FROM SPIRITUAL HARM. GOD WILL NOT LET SATAN TAKE THE SOULS OF HIS TRUE BELIEVERS.
4. **NOTE** THE 1,260 DAYS (3 1/2 YEARS) IS THE SAME LENGTH OF TIME THAT THE DRAGON IS ALLOWED TO CONTROL THE EARTH (REVELATION 13:5)
C. THERE WAS A WAR IN HEAVEN:
1. MICHAEL AND THE ANGELS UNDER HIS COMMAND FOUGHT THE DRAGON AND HIS HOSTS OF FALLEN ANGELS.
2. THE DRAGON LOST THE BATTLE AND WAS FORCED FROM HEAVEN.
3. THE GREAT DRAGON-THE ANCIENT SERPENT CALLED THE DEVIL, OR SATAN, THE ONE DECEIVING THE WHOLE WORLD- WAS THROWN DOWN ONTO THE EARTH WITH ALL HIS ARMY.
D. **NOTE** THIS EVENT FULFILLS DANIEL 12:1. MICHAEL IS A HIGH-RANKING ANGEL. ONE OF HIS RESPONSIBILITIES IS TO GUARD GOD'S COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS. FOR INSTANCE, IT WAS MICHAEL WHO FOUGHT SATAN FOR THE BODY OF MOSES (JUDE 1:9)
E. **NOTE** MUCH MORE HAPPENED AT CHRIST'S BIRTH, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION THAN MOST PEOPLE REALIZE. A BATTLE BETWEEN THE FORCES OF GOOD AND EVIL WAS UNDER WAY. WITH CHRIST'S RESURRECTION, SATAN'S ULTIMATE DEFEAT WAS ASSURED. SOME BELIEVE THAT SATAN'S FALL TO EARTH TOOK PLACE AT JESUS' RESURRECTION OR ASCENSION AND THAT THE 1,260 DAYS (3 1/2 YEARS) IS A SYMBOLIC WAY OF REFERRING TO THE TIME BETWEEN CHRIST'S FIRST AND SECOND COMINGS. OTHERS SAY THAT SATAN'S DEFEAT OCCURS AT THE MIDPOINT OF A LITERAL 7 YEAR TRIBULATION PERIOD, FOLLOWING THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH AND PRECEDING THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST AND THE BEGINNING OF HIS THOUSAND-YEAR REIGN. WHATEVER THE CASE, WE MUST REMEMBER THAT CHRIST IS VICTORIOUS-SATAN HAS ALREADY BEEN DEFEATED BY CHRIST'S DEATH ON THE CROSS.
F. **NOTE** SATAN IS NOT JUST A SYMBOL OR LEGEND, HE IS VERY REAL. ORIGINALLY HE WAS AN ANGEL OF GOD, BUT THROUGH HIS PRIDE, HE BECAME CORRUPT. SATAN IS GOD'S ENEMY AND HE CONSTANTLY TRIES TO HINDER GOD'S WORK, BUT HE IS LIMITED BY GOD'S POWER AND CAN DO ONLY WHAT HE IS PERMITTED TO DO. (JOB 1:6-2:8) THE NAME SATAN MEANS "ADVERSARY" OR "ACCUSER". HE ACTIVELY LOOKS FOR PEOPLE TO ATTACK (1 PETER 5:8-9) HE LIKES TO SEEK OUT BELIEVERS WHO ARE VULNERABLE IN THEIR FAITH, WHO ARE SPIRITUALLY WEAK. EVEN THOUGH GOD PERMITS SATAN TO DO HIS WORK IN THIS WORLD, GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL. AND JESUS HAS COMPLETE POWER OVER SATAN-HE DEFEATED SATAN WHEN HE DIED AND ROSE AGAIN FOR THE SINS OF MANKIND. ONE DAY SATAN WILL BE BOUND FOREVER, NEVER AGAIN TO DO HIS EVIL WORK.
G. JOHN HEARD A LOUD VOICE SHOUTING ACROSS THE HEAVENS,
1. "IT HAS HAPPENED AT LAST! GOD'S SALVATION AND THE POWER AND THE RULE, AND THE AUTHORITY OF HIS CHRIST ARE FINALLY HERE;
2. THE ACCUSER OF OUR BROTHERS HAS BEEN THROWN DOWN FROM HEAVEN ONTO EARTH-(HE ACCUSED THEM DAY AND NIGHT BEFORE OUR GOD.)
3. THEY DEFEATED HIM BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, AND BY THEIR TESTIMONY; FOR THEY DID NOT LOVE THEIR LIVES, BUT LAID THEM DOWN FOR HIM.
4. REJOICE, O HEAVENS! YOU CITIZENS OF HEAVEN, REJOICE! BE GLAD! BUT WOE TO YOU PEOPLE OF THE WORLD, FOR THE DEVIL HAS COME DOWN TO YOU IN GREAT ANGER, KNOWING THAT HE HAS LITTLE TIME."
H. **NOTE** THE CRITICAL BLOW TO SATAN CAME WHEN THE LAMB, JESUS CHRIST SHED HIS BLOOD FOR OUR SINS. THE VICTORY IS WON BY SACRIFICE--CHRIST'S SACRIFICE FOR SIN.
I. WHEN THE DRAGON FOUND HIMSELF CAST DOWN TO EARTH, HE PERSECUTED THE WOMAN WHO HAD GIVEN BIRTH TO THE CHILD. BUT SHE WAS GIVEN TWO WINGS LIKE THOSE OF A GREAT EAGLE, TO FLY INTO THE WILDERNESS TO THE PLACE PREPARED FOR HER, WHERE SHE WAS CARED FOR AND PROTECTED FROM THE SERPENT, THE DRAGON, FOR 3 1/2 YEARS.
J. FROM THE SERPENT'S MOUTH A VAST FLOOD OF WATER GUSHED OUT AND SWEPT TOWARD THE WOMAN IN AN EFFORT TO GET RID OF HER.
K. EARTH HELPED HER BY OPENING ITS MOUTH AND SWALLOWING THE FLOOD!
L. THE FURIOUS DRAGON SET OUT TO ATTACK THE REST OF HER CHILDREN - ALL WHO WERE KEEPING GOD'S COMMANDMENTS AND CONFESSING THAT THEY BELONG TO JESUS.
M. HE (SATAN) STOOD WAITING ON AN OCEAN BEACH.
CHAPTER XIII
A. JOHN SAW NEXT IN HIS VISION, A STRANGE CREATURE RISING UP OUT OF THE SEA.
1. HAD SEVEN HEADS
2. TEN HORNS
3. TEN CROWNS UPON ITS HORNS
4. WRITTEN ON EACH HEAD WERE BLASPHEMOUS NAMES, EACH ONE DEFYING AND INSULTING GOD.
5. LOOKED LIKE A LEOPARD
6. HAD BEAR'S FEET
7. LION'S MOUTH
8. DRAGON (SATAN) GAVE HIM HIS OWN POWER AND THRONE AND GREAT AUTHORITY
9. ONE OF HIS HEADS SEEMED WOUNDED BEYOND RECOVERY
a. BUT THE FATAL WOUND WAS HEALED
10. ALL THE WORLD MARVELED AT THIS MIRACLE AND FOLLOWED THE CREATURE IN AWE
11. THEY WORSHIPED THE DRAGON FOR GIVING HIM SUCH POWER
a. AND THEY WORSHIPED THE STRANGE CREATURE
12. THE DRAGON ENCOURAGED THE CREATURE TO SPEAK GREAT BLASPHEMIES AGAINST THE LORD
13. GAVE HIM AUTHORITY TO CONTROL THE EARTH FOR 42 MONTHS
14. ALL THAT TIME HE BLASPHEMED GOD'S NAME AND HIS TEMPLE AND ALL THOSE LIVING IN HEAVEN
15. DRAGON GAVE HIM POWER TO FIGHT AGAINST GOD'S PEOPLE AND TO OVERCOME THEM, AND TO RULE OVER ALL NATIONS AND LANGUAGE GROUPS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
16. ALL MANKIND--WHOSE NAMES WERE NOT WRITTEN DOWN BEFORE THE FOUNDING OF THE WORLD IN THE SLAIN LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE--WORSHIPED THE EVIL CREATURE
B. ANYONE WHO CAN HEAR, LISTEN CAREFULLY: THE PEOPLE OF GOD WHO ARE DESTINED FOR PRISON WILL BE ARRESTED AND TAKEN AWAY; THOSE DESTINED FOR DEATH WILL BE KILLED. BUT DO NOT BE DISMAYED, FOR HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY FOR ENDURANCE AND CONFIDENCE
C. JOHN SAW ANOTHER STRANGE ANIMAL
1. CAME OUT OF THE EARTH
2. 2 LITTLE HORNS LIKE THOSE OF A LAMB, BUT A FEARSOME VOICE LIKE THE DRAGON'S
3. EXERCISED ALL THE AUTHORITY OF THE CREATURE WHOSE DEATH WOUND HAD BEEN HEALED, WHOM HE REQUIRED ALL THE WORLD TO WORSHIP
4. DID UNBELIEVABLE MIRACLES SUCH AS MAKING FIRE FLAME DOWN TO EARTH FROM THE SKIES WHILE EVERYONE WAS WATCHING
5. DECEIVED PEOPLE EVERYWHERE BY THE MIRACLES
6. COULD DO THESE MARVELOUS THINGS WHENEVER THE FIRST CREATURE WAS THERE TO WATCH HIM
7. ORDERED PEOPLE OF THE WORLD TO MAKE A GREAT STATUE OF THE FIRST CREATURE (WHO WAS FATALLY WOUNDED AND THEN CAME BACK TO LIFE)
8. PERMITTED TO GIVE BREATH TO THIS STATUE AND EVEN MAKE IT SPEAK
9. STATUE ORDERED THAT ANYONE REFUSING TO WORSHIP IT MUST DIE
10. REQUIRED EVERYONE TO BE TATTOOED WITH A CERTAIN MARK ON THE RIGHT HAND OR ON THE FOREHEAD
11. NO ONE COULD GET A JOB OR EVEN BUY IN ANY STORE WITHOUT THE PERMIT OF THAT MARK, WHICH WAS EITHER THE NAME OF THE CREATURE OR THE CODE NUMBER OF HIS NAME
12. HERE IS A PUZZLE THAT CALLS FOR CAREFUL THOUGHT TO SOLVE IT. LET THOSE WHO ARE ABLE, INTERPRET THIS CODE: THE NUMERICAL VALUES OF THE LETTERS IN HIS NAME ADD TO 666!
D. **NOTE** THE CREATURE THAT COMES OUT OF THE SEA IS THE ANTICHRIST
1. HAS POLITICAL POWER
2. PEOPLE WILL FOLLOW AND WORSHIP HIM BECAUSE THEY ARE AWED BY HIS POWER AND MIRACLES
3. WILL UNITE THE WORLD UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP
4. WILL CONTROL THE WORLD ECONOMY
5. USES HIS POWER TO MANIPULATE OTHERS, TO POINT TO HIMSELF, AND TO PROMOTE EVIL PLANS
6. WILL BE A COUNTERFEIT OF JESUS CHRIST AND WILL EVEN STAGE A FALSE RESURRECTION
7. POWER GIVEN TO THE CREATURE IS LIMITED BY GOD
a. ALLOWS HIM TO HAVE POWER ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME
b. EVEN WHILE THE CREATURE IS IN POWER, GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL
E. **NOTE** THE CREATURE FROM THE EARTH IS THE FALSE PROPHET
1. HAS POWER TO DO MIRACLES
2. COUNTERFEIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
3. PURPOSE OF HIS MIRACLES IS TO DECEIVE
4. HE COULD DO THESE MIRACLES WHENEVER THE FIRST CREATURE WAS THERE TO WATCH HIM
5. **REMINDER** PHARAOH'S MAGICIANS, WHO DUPLICATED MOSES'S SIGNS IN EGYPT (EXODUS 7-12). TRUE SIGNS AND MIRACLES POINT US TO JESUS CHRIST, BUT MIRACLES ALONE CAN BE DECEPTIVE
F. **NOTE** THE UNHOLY TRINITY IS THE DRAGON (SATAN), THE ANTICHRIST, AND THE FALSE PROPHET
G. **NOTE** THE MARK OF THE BEAST IS DESIGNED TO MOCK THE MARK GOD PLACES ON HIS FOLLOWERS. THOSE WHO ACCEPT IT ARE SHOWING THEIR ALLEGIANCE TO SATAN, AND THEIR OPEN REBELLION AGAINST GOD.
H. **NOTE**THE MEANING OF THE NUMBER 666 HAS BEEN SAID TO REPRESENT MANY THINGS, INCLUDING THE NUMBER OF MAN OR THE UNHOLY TRINITY OF SATAN, THE CREATURE AND THE FALSE PROPHET. IF THE NUMBER SEVEN IS LOOKED UPON AS THE "PERFECT NUMBER" IN THE BIBLE, AND IF THREE SEVENS REPRESENT COMPLETE PERFECTION, THE NUMBER 666 FALLS COMPLETELY SHORT OF PERFECTION. WHATEVER SPECIFIC APPLICATION THE NUMBER IS GIVEN, IT SYMBOLIZES THE WORLDWIDE DOMINION AND COMPLETE EVIL OF THIS UNHOLY TRINITY DESIGNED TO UNDO CHRIST'S WORK AND OVERTHROW HIM
CHAPTER XIV
A. THE LAMB (JESUS) AND THE 144,000
1. JOHN SAW A LAMB STANDING ON MOUNT ZION IN JERUSALEM
2. WITH HIM WERE 144,000 WHO HAD HIS NAME AND HIS FATHER'S NAME WRITTEN ON THEIR FOREHEADS
3. HEARD A SOUND FROM HEAVEN LIKE THE ROARING OF A GREAT WATERFALL OR THE ROLLING OF MIGHTY THUNDER
a. IT WAS THE SINGING OF A CHOIR ACCOMPANIED BY HARPS
b. THE CHOIR - 144,000 STRONG - SANG A WONDERFUL NEW SONG IN FRONT OF THE THRONE OF GOD AND BEFORE THE 4 LIVING BEINGS AND THE 24 ELDERS
c. NO ONE COULD SING THIS SONG EXCEPT THOSE 144,000 WHO HAD BEEN REDEEMED FROM THE EARTH
d. FOR THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY UNDEFILED, PURE AS VIRGINS, FOLLOWING THE LAMB WHEREVER HE GOES
e. THEY HAVE BEEN PURCHASED FROM AMONG THE MEN ON THE EARTH AS A CONSECRATED OFFERING TO GOD AND THE LAMB
f. NO FALSEHOOD CAN BE CHARGED AGAINST THEM; THEY ARE BLAMELESS
B. THE THREE ANGELS
1. JOHN SAW ANOTHER ANGEL FLYING THROUGH THE HEAVENS
a. CARRYING THE EVERLASTING GOOD NEWS TO PREACH TO THOSE ON EARTH - TO EVERY NATION, TRIBE, LANGUAGE AND PEOPLE
b. "FEAR GOD," HE SHOUTED, "AND EXTOL HIS GREATNESS. FOR THE TIME HAS COME WHEN HE WILL SIT AS JUDGE. WORSHIP HIM WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH, THE SEA AND ALL ITS SOURCES."
2. ANOTHER ANGEL FOLLOWED HIM THROUGH THE SKIES, SAYING, "BABYLON IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN-THAT GREAT CITY-BECAUSE SHE SEDUCED THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD AND MADE THEM SHARE THE WINE OF HER INTENSE IMPURITY AND SIN."
3. THEN A THIRD ANGEL FOLLOWED THEM SHOUTING, "ANYONE WORSHIPING THE CREATURE FROM THE SEA AND HIS STATUE AND ACCEPTING HIS MARK ON THE FOREHEAD OR ON THE HAND MUST DRINK THE WINE OF THE ANGER OF GOD
a. IT IS POURED OUT UNDILUTED INTO GOD'S CUP OF WRATH
b. THEY WILL BE TORMENTED WITH FIRE AND BURNING SULPHUR IN THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY ANGELS AND THE LAMB
c. THE SMOKE OF THEIR TORTURE RISES FOREVER AND EVER
d. THEY WILL HAVE NO RELIEF DAY OR NIGHT, FOR THEY HAVE WORSHIPED THE CREATURE AND HIS STATUE, AND HAVE BEEN TATTOOED WITH THE CODE OF HIS NAME
e. LET THIS ENCOURAGE GOD'S PEOPLE TO ENDURE PATIENTLY EVERY TRIAL AND PERSECUTION, FOR THEY ARE HIS SAINTS WHO REMAIN FIRM TO THE END IN OBEDIENCE TO HIS COMMANDS AND TRUST IN JESUS.
C. THE HARVEST OF THE EARTH
1. HEARD A VOICE IN THE HEAVENS ABOVE ME SAYING, "WRITE THIS DOWN:
a. AT LAST THE TIME HAS COME FOR HIS MARTYRS TO ENTER INTO THEIR FULL REWARD
b. THEY ARE BLEST INDEED, FOR NOW THEY SHALL REST FROM ALL THEIR TOILS AND TRIALS
c. THEIR GOOD DEEDS FOLLOW THEM TO HEAVEN
D. SAW A WHITE CLOUD AND SOMEONE SITTING ON IT WHO LOOKED LIKE JESUS, WHO WAS CALLED "THE SON OF MAN"
1. HAD A CROWN OF SOLID GOLD UPON HIS HEAD
2. SHARP SICKLE IN HIS HAND
E. AN ANGEL CAME FROM THE TEMPLE AND CALLED OUT TO HIM
1. BEGIN TO USE THE SICKLE
2. THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO REAP, THE HARVEST IS RIPE ON THE EARTH
3. THE ONE SITTING ON THE CLOUD SWUNG HIS SICKLE OVER THE EARTH, AND THE HARVEST WAS GATHERED IN
F. ANOTHER ANGEL CAME FROM THE TEMPLE IN HEAVEN AND HE ALSO HAD A SHARP SICKLE
G. THE ANGEL WHO HAD THE POWER TO DESTROY THE WORLD WITH FIRE, SHOUTED TO THE ANGEL WITH THE SICKLE, "USE YOUR SICKLE NOW TO CUT OFF THE CLUSTERS OF GRAPES FROM THE VINES OF THE EARTH, FOR THEY ARE FULLY RIPE FOR JUDGMENT"
1. ANGEL SWUNG HIS SICKLE ON THE EARTH AND LOADED THE GRAPES INTO THE GREAT WINEPRESS OF GOD'S WRATH
2. THE GRAPES WERE TRODDEN IN THE WINEPRESS OUTSIDE THE CITY
3. BLOOD FLOWED OUT IN A STREAM 200 MILES LONG AND AS HIGH AS A HORSE'S BRIDLE.
H. **NOTE** CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT FEAR THE LAST JUDGMENT. JESUS SAID, "I SAY EMPHATICALLY THAT ANYONE WHO LISTENS TO MY MESSAGE AND BELIEVES IN GOD WHO SENT ME HAS ETERNAL LIFE, AND WILL NEVER BE DAMNED FOR HIS SINS, BUT HAS ALREADY PASSED OUT OF DEATH INTO LIFE (JOHN 5:24)
I. **NOTE** IF IN THIS LIFE WE CHOOSE TO BE INDEPENDENT OF GOD, IN THE NEXT LIFE WE WILL BE SEPARATED FROM HIM FOREVER. NOBODY IS FORCED TO CHOOSE ETERNAL SEPARATION FROM GOD AND NOBODY SUFFERS THIS FATE BY ACCIDENT. JESUS INVITES ALL OF US TO OPEN THE DOOR OF OUR HEARTS TO HIM (REV. 3:30)
CHAPTER XV
A. POURING OUT THE SEVEN PLAGUES
1. THE ANGELS WITH THE LAST PLAGUES
a. SAW IN HEAVEN ANOTHER MIGHTY PAGEANT SHOWING THINGS TO COME
b. SEVEN ANGELS WERE ASSIGNED TO CARRY DOWN TO EARTH THE 7 LAST PLAGUES-AND THEN AT LAST GOD'S ANGER WILL BE FINISHED
B. SPREAD OUT BEFORE ME WAS WHAT SEEMED TO BE AN OCEAN OF FIRE AND GLASS
1. ON IT STOOD ALL THOSE WHO HAD BEEN VICTORIOUS OVER THE EVIL CREATURE AND HIS STATUE AND HIS MARK AND NUMBER
2. ALL WERE HOLDING HARPS OF GOD
3. SINGING THE SONG OF MOSES, THE SERVANT OF GOD, AND THE SONG OF THE LAMB
a. GREAT AND MARVELOUS, ARE YOUR DOINGS, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.
b. JUST AND TRUE ARE YOUR WAYS
c. WHO SHALL NOT FEAR, O LORD, AND GLORIFY YOUR NAME?
d. FOR YOU ALONE ARE HOLY
e. ALL NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU
f. FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS DEEDS HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED
C. LOOKED AND SAW THAT THE HOLY OF HOLIES OF THE TEMPLE IN HEAVEN WAS THROWN WIDE OPEN
D. THE SEVEN ANGELS WHO WERE ASSIGNED TO POUR OUT THE SEVEN PLAGUES THEN CAME FROM THE TEMPLE
1. CLOTHED IN SPOTLESSLY WHITE LINEN
2. GOLDEN BELTS ACROSS THEIR CHESTS
3. ONE OF THE 4 LIVING BEINGS HANDED EACH OF THEM A GOLDEN FLASK FILLED WITH THE TERRIBLE WRATH OF THE LIVING GOD WHO LIVES FOREVER AND FOREVER
4. THE TEMPLE WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE FROM HIS GLORY AND POWER
5. NO ONE COULD ENTER UNTIL THE SEVEN ANGELS HAD COMPLETED POURING OUT THE SEVEN PLAGUES
E. **NOTE** THE HOLY OF HOLIES WAS THROWN OPEN ONCE BEFORE--AT CHRIST'S CRUCIFIXION, WHEN THE CURTAIN WAS RIPPED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM (MATTHEW 27:50-53). THE WIDE OPEN ENTRANCE INTO THE HOLY OF HOLIES SYMBOLIZES THE OPEN ACCESS TO GOD'S VERY PRESENCE WHICH CHRISTIANS HAVE ON THE BASIS OF JESUS'S SHED BLOOD. THOSE OF US WHO ARE UNITED WITH THE SINLESS CHRIST, OUR HIGH PRIEST, CAN APPROACH GOD BOLDLY (HEBREWS 4:14-16), BUT UNREPENTANT SINNERS WILL BE DESTROYED BY HIS PRESENCE (NAHUM 1:2-6)
CHAPTER XVI
A. JOHN HEARD A MIGHTY VOICE SHOUTING FROM THE TEMPLE TO THE SEVEN ANGELS, "NOW GO YOUR WAYS AND EMPTY OUT THE SEVEN FLASKS OF THE WRATH OF GOD UPON THE EARTH."
1. THE FIRST ANGEL LEFT THE TEMPLE AND POURED OUT HIS FLASK OVER THE EARTH
a. HORRIBLE, MALIGNANT SORES BROKE OUT ON EVERYONE WHO HAD THE MARK OF THE CREATURE AND WAS WORSHIPING HIS STATUE
2. THE SECOND ANGEL POURED OUT HIS FLASK UPON THE OCEANS
a. THEY BECAME LIKE WATERY BLOOD OF A DEAD MAN
b. EVERYTHING IN ALL THE OCEANS DIED
3. THE THIRD ANGEL POURED OUT HIS FLASK UPON THE RIVERS AND SPRINGS
a. THEY BECAME BLOOD
b. HEARD THIS ANGEL OF THE WATERS DECLARING, "YOU ARE JUST IN SENDING THIS JUDGMENT, O HOLY ONE, WHO IS AND WAS, FOR YOUR SAINTS AND PROPHETS HAVE BEEN MARTYRED AND THEIR BLOOD POURED OUT UPON THE EARTH
c. NOW, IN TURN, YOU HAVE POURED OUT THE BLOOD OF THOSE WHO MURDERED THEM; IT IS THEIR JUST REWARD."
B. JOHN HEARD THE ANGEL OF THE ALTAR SAY, "YES, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, YOUR PUNISHMENTS ARE JUST AND TRUE."
1. THE FOURTH ANGEL POURED OUT HIS FLASK UPON THE SUN
a. CAUSED IT TO SCORCH ALL MEN WITH ITS FIRE
b. EVERYONE WAS BURNED BY THIS BLAST OF HEAT
c. THEY CURSED THE NAME OF GOD WHO SENT THE PLAGUES
d. THEY DID NOT CHANGE THEIR MIND AND ATTITUDE TO GIVE HIM GLORY
2. THE FIFTH ANGEL POURED OUT HIS FLASK UPON THE THRONE OF THE CREATURE FROM THE SEA
a. HIS KINGDOM WAS PLUNGED INTO DARKNESS
b. HIS SUBJECTS GNAWED THEIR TONGUES IN ANGUISH
c. THEY CURSED THE GOD OF HEAVEN FOR THEIR PAINS AND SORES
d. BUT, THEY REFUSED TO REPENT OF ALL THEIR EVIL DEEDS
3. THE SIXTH ANGEL POURED OUT HIS FLASK UPON THE GREAT RIVER EUPHRATES
a. IT DRIED UP SO THAT THE KINGS FROM THE EAST COULD MARCH THEIR ARMIES WESTWARD WITHOUT HINDRANCE
b. JOHN SAW THREE EVIL SPIRITS DISGUISED AS FROGS LEAP FROM THE MOUTH OF THE DRAGON, THE CREATURE, AND HIS FALSE PROPHET
c. THESE MIRACLE-WORKING DEMONS CONFERRED WITH ALL THE RULERS OF THE WORLD TO GATHER THEM FOR BATTLE AGAINST THE LORD ON THAT GREAT COMING JUDGMENT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY.
C. REVELATION 16:15 (JESUS SPEAKING) "TAKE NOTE: I WILL COME AS UNEXPECTEDLY AS A THIEF! BLESSED ARE ALL WHO ARE AWAITING ME, WHO KEEP THEIR ROBES IN READINESS AND WILL NOT NEED TO WALK NAKED AND ASHAMED."
D. THEY GATHERED ALL THE ARMIES OF THE WORLD NEAR A PLACE CALLED, IN HEBREW, ARMAGEDDON-THE MOUNTAIN OF MEGIDDO.
1. THE SEVENTH ANGEL POURED OUT HIS FLASK INTO THE AIR
a. A MIGHTY SHOUT CAME FROM THE THRONE OF THE TEMPLE IN HEAVEN, SAYING, "IT IS FINISHED!"
b. THUNDER CRASHED AND ROLLED
c. LIGHTNING FLASHED
d. THERE WAS A GREAT EARTHQUAKE OF MAGNITUDE UNPRECEDENTED IN HUMAN HISTORY
e. THE GREAT CITY OF "BABYLON" SPLIT INTO THREE SECTIONS
f. CITIES AROUND THE WORLD FELL IN HEAPS OF RUBBLE
g. ALL OF "BABYLON'S" SINS WERE REMEMBERED IN GOD'S THOUGHTS
h. SHE WAS PUNISHED TO THE LAST DROP OF ANGER IN THE CUP OF THE WINE OF THE FIERCENESS OF HIS WRATH
i. ISLANDS VANISHED
j. MOUNTAINS FLATTENED OUT
k. THERE WAS AN INCREDIBLE HAILSTORM FROM HEAVEN
(1) HAILSTONES WEIGHING A HUNDRED POUNDS FELL FROM THE SKY ONTO THE PEOPLE BELOW
(2) THEY CURSED GOD BECAUSE OF THE TERRIBLE HAIL
E. **NOTE** THE FLASK JUDGMENTS ARE GOD'S FINAL AND COMPLETE JUDGMENTS UPON THE EARTH. THE END HAS COME. THERE ARE MANY SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE FLASK JUDGMENTS AND THE TRUMPET JUDGMENTS , BUT THERE ARE THREE MAIN DIFFERENCES:(1)THESE JUDGMENTS ARE COMPLETE WHERE THE TRUMPET JUDGMENTS ARE PARTIAL;(2)THE TRUMPET JUDGMENTS STILL GIVE UNBELIEVERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPENT, BUT THE FLASK JUDGMENTS DO NOT; AND (3)MANKIND IS INDIRECTLY AFFECTED BY SEVERAL OF THE TRUMPET JUDGMENTS BUT DIRECTLY ATTACKED BY ALL THE FLASK JUDGMENTS
F. **NOTE** CHRIST WILL RETURN UNEXPECTEDLY (1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-6), SO WE MUST BE READY WHEN HE RETURNS. WE CAN PREPARE OURSELVES BY STANDING FIRM IN THE MIDST OF TEMPTATION AND BY BEING COMMITTED TO GOD'S MORAL STANDARDS.
G. **NOTE** THIS BATTLEFIELD IS NEAR THE CITY OF MEGIDDO (SOUTHEAST OF THE MODERN PORT OF HAIFA) WHICH GUARDED A LARGE PLAIN IN NORTHERN ISRAEL. IT IS A STRATEGIC LOCATION NEAR A PROMINENT INTERNATIONAL HIGHWAY LEADING NORTH FROM EGYPT THROUGH ISRAEL, ALONG THE COAST, AND ON TO BABYLON. MEGIDDO OVERLOOKED THE ENTIRE PLAIN SOUTHWARD TOWARD GALILEE AND WESTWARD TOWARD MOUNT GILBOA.
H. **NOTE** SINFUL MEN WILL UNITE AGAINST GOD IN A FINAL DISPLAY OF REBELLION. MANY ARE ALREADY UNITED AGAINST CHRIST AND HIS PEOPLE WHO STAND FOR TRUTH, PEACE, JUSTICE, AND MORALITY. YOUR PERSONAL BATTLE WITH EVIL FORESHADOWS THE GREAT BATTLE PICTURED HERE, WHERE GOD WILL MEET EVIL AND DESTROY IT ONCE AND FOR ALL. BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS AS YOU BATTLE AGAINST SIN AND EVIL, YOU ARE FIGHTING ON THE WINNING SIDE.
CHAPTER XVII
A. THE PROSTITUTE AND THE SCARLET ANIMAL
B. ONE OF THE SEVEN ANGELS WHO HAD POURED OUT THE PLAGUES CAME OVER AND TALKED WITH JOHN. "COME WITH ME," HE SAID,"AND I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO THE NOTORIOUS PROSTITUTE, WHO SITS UPON THE MANY WATERS OF THE WORLD.
1. THE KINGS OF THE WORLD HAVE HAD IMMORAL RELATIONS WITH HER
2. THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH HAVE BEEN MADE DRUNK BY THE WINE OF HER IMMORALITY."
C. **NOTE** THE NOTORIOUS PROSTITUTE, CALLED BABYLON, REPRESENTED THE EARLY ROMAN EMPIRE WITH ITS MANY GODS AND THE BLOOD OF CHRISTIAN MARTYRS ON ITS HANDS. THE PROSTITUTE REPRESENTS THE SEDUCTIVENESS OF THE GOVERNMENTAL SYSTEM AS IT USED IMMORAL MEANS TO GAIN ITS OWN PLEASURE, PROSPERITY, AND ADVANTAGE. IN CONTRAST TO THE PROSTITUTE, CHRIST'S BRIDE, THE CHURCH IS PURE AND OBEDIENT. THE WICKED CITY OF BABYLON STANDS IN CONTRAST TO THE HEAVENLY CITY OF JERUSALEM. THE ORIGINAL READERS EASILY IDENTIFIED BABYLON WITH ROME, BUT IT ALSO SYMBOLIZES ANY SYSTEM THAT IS HOSTILE TO GOD
D. **NOTE** THE SCARLET ANIMAL IS EITHER THE DRAGON (SATAN) OR THE CREATURE FROM THE SEA (ANTICHRIST)
E. THE ANGEL TOOK JOHN IN SPIRIT INTO THE WILDERNESS WHERE JOHN SAW:
1. A WOMAN SITTING ON A SCARLET ANIMAL THAT HAD SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS
2. WRITTEN ALL OVER WITH BLASPHEMIES AGAINST GOD
3. WOMAN WORE PURPLE AND SCARLET CLOTHING
4. WORE BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY MADE OF GOLD AND PRECIOUS GEMS AND PEARLS
5. HELD IN HER HAND A GOLDEN GOBLET FULL OF OBSCENITIES
6. A MYSTERIOUS CAPTION WAS WRITTEN ON HER FOREHEAD: "BABYLON THE GREAT, MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF IDOL WORSHIP EVERYWHERE AROUND THE WORLD."
7. SHE WAS DRUNK--DRUNK WITH THE BLOOD OF THE MARTYRS OF JESUS SHE HAD KILLED.
8. JOHN STARED AT HER HORROR.
F. THE ANGEL ASKED JOHN, "WHY ARE YOU SO SURPRISED? I'LL TELL YOU WHO SHE IS AND WHAT THE ANIMAL SHE IS RIDING REPRESENTS. HE WAS ALIVE BUT ISN'T NOW. AND YET, SOON HE WILL COME UP OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT AND GO TO ETERNAL DESTRUCTION; AND THE PEOPLE OF EARTH, WHOSE NAMES HAVE NOT BEEN WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN, WILL BE DUMBFOUNDED AT HIS REAPPEARANCE AFTER BEING DEAD."
1. AND NOW THINK HARD
2. HIS SEVEN HEADS REPRESENT A CERTAIN CITY BUILT ON SEVEN HILLS WHERE THIS WOMAN HAS HER RESIDENCE
3. THEY ALSO REPRESENT SEVEN KINGS
a. 5 HAVE ALREADY FALLEN
b. THE 6TH NOW REIGNS
c. THE 7TH IS YET TO COME, BUT HIS REIGN WILL BE BRIEF
4. THE SCARLET ANIMAL THAT DIED IS THE EIGHTH KING
a. HAVING REIGNED BEFORE AS ONE OF THE SEVEN
b. AFTER HIS SECOND REIGN, HE TOO, WILL GO TO HIS DOOM
5. HIS TEN HORNS ARE TEN KINGS
a. WHO HAVE NOT YET RISEN TO POWER
b. THEY WILL BE APPOINTED TO THEIR KINGDOMS FOR ONE BRIEF MOMENT, TO REIGN WITH HIM
c. THEY WILL ALL SIGN A TREATY GIVING THEIR POWER AND STRENGTH TO HIM
d. TOGETHER THEY WILL WAGE WAR AGAINST THE LAMB
e. THE LAMB WILL CONQUER THEM; FOR HE IS LORD OVER ALL LORDS, AND KING OF KINGS
(1) HIS PEOPLE ARE THE CALLED AND CHOSEN AND FAITHFUL ONES
G. **NOTE** HERE JOHN WAS ALMOST CERTAINLY REFERRING TO ROME, THE CITY FAMOUS FOR ITS SEVEN HILLS. MANY SAY THIS CITY ALSO SYMBOLIZES ALL EVIL IN THE WORLD--ANY PERSON, RELIGION, GROUP, GOVERNMENT, OR STRUCTURE THAT IS AGAINST CHRIST. WHATEVER VIEW IS TAKEN OF THE SEVEN HILLS AND SEVEN KINGS, THIS SECTION INDICATES THE CLIMAX OF SATAN'S STRUGGLE AGAINST GOD. EVIL'S POWER IS LIMITED AND ITS DESTRUCTION IS ON THE HORIZON
H. **NOTE** THE TEN HORNS REPRESENT KINGS OF NATIONS YET TO ARISE. ROME WILL BE FOLLOWED BY OTHER POWERS. ROME IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF HOW THE ANTICHRIST'S SYSTEM WILL WORK, DEMANDING COMPLETE ALLEGIANCE, AND RULING BY RAW POWER, OPPRESSION, AND SLAVERY. WHOEVER THE TEN KINGS ARE, THEY WILL GIVE THEIR POWER TO THE ANTICHRIST AND WILL WAGE WAR AGAINST THE LAMB
I. "THE OCEANS, LAKES AND RIVERS THAT THE WOMAN IS SITTING ON REPRESENT MASSES OF PEOPLE OF EVERY RACE AND NATION.
J. "THE SCARLET ANIMAL AND HIS TEN HORNS-WHICH REPRESENT TEN KINGS WHO WILL REIGN WITH HIM
1. THEY ALL HATE THE WOMAN
2. THEY WILL ATTACK HER AND LEAVE HER NAKED AND RAVAGED BY FIRE
3. FOR GOD WILL PUT A PLAN INTO THEIR MINDS, A PLAN THAT WILL CARRY OUT HIS PURPOSES
4. THEY WILL MUTUALLY AGREE TO GIVE THEIR AUTHORITY TO THE SCARLET ANIMAL
a. SO THAT THE WORDS OF GOD WILL BE FULFILLED
5. THIS WOMAN YOU SAW IN YOUR VISION REPRESENTS THE GREAT CITY THAT RULES OVER THE KINGS OF THE EARTH."
K. **NOTE** IN A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS, THE WOMAN'S ALLIES TURN ON HER AND DESTROY HER. THIS IS HOW EVIL OPERATES. DESTRUCTIVE BY ITS VERY NATURE, IT DISCARDS ITS OWN ADHERENTS WHEN THEY CEASE TO SERVE ITS PURPOSES. AN UNHOLY ALLIANCE IS AN UNEASY ALLIANCE BECAUSE EACH PARTNER PUTS ITS OWN INTEREST FIRST
L. **NOTE** NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, WE MUST TRUST THAT GOD IS STILL IN CHARGE AND HIS PLANS WILL HAPPEN JUST AS HE SAYS. HE EVEN USES PEOPLE OPPOSED TO HIM TO EXECUTE HIS WILL. ALTHOUGH HE ALLOWS EVIL TO PERMEATE THIS PRESENT WORLD, THE NEW EARTH WILL NEVER KNOW SIN.
CHAPTER XVIII
A. (THE FALL OF BABYLON)
B. JOHN THEN SAW ANOTHER ANGEL COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN WITH GREAT AUTHORITY
1. THE EARTH GREW BRIGHT WITH HIS SPLENDOR
2. HE GAVE A MIGHTY SHOUT, "BABYLON THE GREAT IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN"
a. SHE HAS BECOME A DEN OF DEMONS
b. A HAUNT OF DEVILS AND EVERY KIND OF EVIL SPIRIT
c. ALL THE NATIONS HAVE DRUNK THE FATAL WINE OF HER INTENSE IMMORALITY d. THE RULERS OF EARTH HAVE ENJOYED THEMSELVES WITH HER
e. BUSINESSMEN THROUGHOUT THE WORLD HAVE GROWN RICH FROM ALL HER LUXURIOUS LIVING
C. THEN JOHN HEARD ANOTHER VOICE CALLING FROM HEAVEN
1. COME AWAY FROM HER, MY PEOPLE
2. DO NOT TAKE PART IN HER SINS, OR YOU WILL BE PUNISHED WITH HER
3. HER SINS ARE PILED AS HIGH AS HEAVEN AND GOD IS READY TO JUDGE HER FOR HER CRIMES
a. DO TO HER AS SHE HAS DONE TO YOU, AND MORE--GIVE DOUBLE PENALTY FOR ALL HER EVIL DEEDS
b. SHE BREWED MANY A CUP OF WOE FOR OTHERS
c. GIVE TWICE AS MUCH TO HER
d. SHE HAS LIVED IN LUXURY AND PLEASURE
e. MATCH IT NOW WITH TORMENTS AND WITH SORROWS
f. SHE BOASTS:
(1) I AM QUEEN UPON MY THRONE
(2) I AM NO HELPLESS WIDOW
(3) I WILL NOT EXPERIENCE SORROW
g. THEREFORE THE SORROWS OF DEATH AND MOURNING AND FAMINE SHALL OVERTAKE HER IN A SINGLE DAY
(1) SHE SHALL BE UTTERLY CONSUMED BY FIRE
(2) FOR MIGHTY IS THE LORD WHO JUDGES HER
4. THE WORLD LEADERS, WHO TOOK PART IN HER IMMORAL ACTS AND ENJOYED HER FAVORS
a. WILL MOURN FOR HER AS THEY SEE THE SMOKE RISING FROM HER CHARRED REMAINS
b. THEY WILL STAND FAR OFF, TREMBLING WITH FEAR AND CRYING OUT, "ALAS, BABYLON, THAT MIGHTY CITY! IN ONE MOMENT HER JUDGMENT FELL."
5. THE MERCHANTS OF THE EARTH WILL WEEP AND MOURN FOR HER
a. THERE IS NO ONE LEFT TO BUY THEIR GOODS
b. SHE WAS THEIR BIGGEST CUSTOMER FOR GOLD AND SILVER, PRECIOUS STONES, PEARLS, FINEST LINENS, PURPLE SILKS, AND SCARLET; AND EVERY KIND OF PERFUMED WOOD, AND IVORY GOODS AND MOST EXPENSIVE WOODEN CARVINGS, AND BRASS AND IRON AND MARBLE; AND SPICES AND PERFUMES, AND INCENSE, OINTMENT AND FRANKINCENSE, WINE, OLIVE OIL, AND FINE FLOUR, WHEAT, CATTLE, SHEEP, HORSES, CHARIOTS, AND SLAVES--AND EVEN THE SOULS OF MEN.
c. "ALL THE FANCY THINGS YOU LOVED SO MUCH ARE GONE," THEY CRY
d. THEY STAND AT A DISTANCE, FEARING DANGER TO THEMSELVES, WEEPING AND CRYING
e. CRY AS THEY WATCH THE SMOKE ASCEND AND SAY, "WHERE IN ALL THE WORLD IS THERE ANOTHER CITY SUCH AS THIS?"
f. THEY WILL THROW DUST ON THEIR HEADS IN THEIR SORROW AND SAY, "ALAS, ALAS, FOR THAT GREAT CITY! SHE MADE US ALL RICH FROM HER GREAT WEALTH. AND NOW IN A SINGLE HOUR ALL IS GONE."
D. BUT YOU, O HEAVEN, REJOICE OVER HER FATE; AND YOU, O CHILDREN OF GOD AND THE PROPHETS AND THE APOSTLES! FOR AT LAST GOD HAS GIVEN JUDGMENT AGAINST HER FOR YOU.
E. THEN A MIGHTY ANGEL PICKED UP A BOULDER-SHAPED LIKE A MILLSTONE AND THREW IT INTO THE OCEAN AND SHOUTED
1. BABYLON, THAT GREAT CITY, SHALL BE THROWN AWAY AS I HAVE THROWN AWAY THIS STONE
2. SHE SHALL DISAPPEAR FOREVER
3. NEVER AGAIN WILL INDUSTRY OF ANY KIND EVER AGAIN EXIST THERE
4. THERE WILL BE NO MORE MILLING OF THE GRAIN
5. DARK, DARK WILL BE HER NIGHTS; NOT EVEN A LAMP IN A WINDOW WILL EVER BE SEEN AGAIN
6. NO MORE JOYOUS WEDDING BELLS AND HAPPY VOICES OF THE BRIDEGROOMS AND THE BRIDES
7. HER BUSINESSMEN WERE KNOWN AROUND THE WORLD
8. SHE DECEIVED ALL NATIONS WITH HER SORCERIES
9. SHE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BLOOD OF ALL THE MARTYRED PROPHETS AND THE SAINTS.
F. **NOTE** THIS CHAPTER SHOWS THE COMPLETE DESTRUCTION OF BABYLON, JOHN'S METAPHORICAL NAME FOR THE EVIL WORLD POWER, AND ALL IT REPRESENTS. EVERYTHING THAT TRIES TO BLOCK GOD'S PURPOSES WILL COME TO A VIOLENT END.
G. **NOTE** BUSINESSMEN IN THE ROMAN EMPIRE GREW RICH BY EXPLOITING THE SINFUL PLEASURES OF THEIR SOCIETY. MANY BUSINESS PEOPLE TODAY DO THE SAME THING. BUSINESSES AND GOVERNMENTS ARE OFTEN BASED ON GREED, MONEY AND POWER. MANY BRIGHT INDIVIDUALS ARE TEMPTED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AN EVIL SYSTEM TO ENRICH THEMSELVES. CHRISTIANS ARE WARNED TO STAY FREE FROM THE ENCHANTMENT OF MONEY, STATUS, AND THE "GOOD LIFE." WE ARE TO LIVE ACCORDING TO THE VALUES CHRIST LIVED BY: SERVICE, GIVING, SELF-SACRIFICE, OBEDIENCE AND TRUTH.
H. **NOTE** BABYLON 'LIVED IN LUXURY AND PLEASURE' SHE BOASTED, "I AM QUEEN UPON MY THRONE...I WILL NOT EXPERIENCE SORROW." THE POWERFUL, WEALTHY PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO THIS SAME ATTITUDE. A PERSON WHO IS FINANCIALLY COMFORTABLE OFTEN FEELS INVULNERABLE, SECURE AND IN CONTROL, NOT IN NEED OF GOD OR ANYONE ELSE. THIS KIND OF ATTITUDE DEFIES GOD, AND HIS JUDGMENT AGAINST IT IS HARSH; WE ARE TOLD TO AVOID "HER SINS" (REV. 18:4) DON'T BECOME COMPLACENT AND DELUDED BY THE MYTH OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY. USE YOUR RESOURCES TO HELP OTHERS AND ADVANCE GOD'S KINGDOM.
I. **NOTE** THOSE WHO ARE TIED TO THE WORLD'S SYSTEM WILL LOSE EVERYTHING WHEN IT IS TAKEN AWAY. THOSE WHO WORK ONLY FOR MATERIAL REWARDS WILL HAVE NOTHING WHEN THEY DIE OR WHEN THEIR POSSESSIONS ARE DESTROYED. WHAT CAN WE TAKE WITH US TO THE NEW EARTH? OUR FAITH, OUR CHARACTERS, AND OUR GOOD DEEDS TOWARD OTHERS; THESE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY, POWER OR PLEASURES.
J. **NOTE** THE FALL OF THE EVIL WORLD SYSTEM AFFECTS ALL WHO ENJOYED AND DEPENDED ON IT. NO ONE REMAINS UNAFFECTED BY BABYLON'S FALL.
K. **NOTE** THIS LIST OF VARIOUS MERCHANDISE ILLUSTRATES THE EXTREME MATERIALISM OF THIS SOCIETY. FEW OF THESE GOODS ARE NECESSITIES-MOST ARE LUXURIES. THE SOCIETY HAD BECOME SO SELF-INDULGENT THAT PEOPLE WERE WILLING TO USE EVIL MEANS TO GRATIFY THEIR DESIRES. EVEN PEOPLE HAD BECOME COMMODITIES-THE "SOULS OF MEN," SLAVES, WERE SOLD TO BABYLON. IT IS AMAZING TO REALIZE THAT MANY OF THESE GOODS, ASSOCIATED WITH UNBELIEVABLE LUXURY IN THE ANCIENT WORLD, CAN BE FOUND IN OUR HOMES. IN OUR AFFLUENT SOCIETY IT IS VERY EASY TO LEAVE GOD OUT OF THIS PART OF OUR LIVES.
L. **NOTE** GOD'S PEOPLE SHOULD NOT LIVE FOR MONEY. INSTEAD THEY SHOULD KEEP ON GUARD CONSTANTLY AGAINST GREED, WHICH IS ALWAYS READY TO TAKE OVER THEIR LIVES. MONEY WILL BE WORTHLESS IN ETERNITY AND GOD CALLS GREED SINFUL.
CHAPTER XIX
A. AFTER THIS JOHN HEARD THE SHOUTING OF A VAST CROWD IN HEAVEN
1. "HALLELUJAH! PRAISE THE LORD!
2. SALVATION IS FROM OUR GOD
3. HONOR AND AUTHORITY BELONG TO HIM ALONE
4. HIS JUDGMENTS ARE JUST AND TRUE
5. HE HAS PUNISHED THE GREAT PROSTITUTE WHO CORRUPTED THE EARTH WITH HER SIN
6. HE HAS AVENGED THE MURDER OF HIS SERVANTS
7. AGAIN AND AGAIN THEIR VOICES RANG, "PRAISE THE LORD!
8. THE SMOKE FROM HER BURNING ASCENDS FOREVER AND FOREVER!"
B. THEN THE 24 ELDERS AND 4 LIVING BEINGS FELL DOWN AND WORSHIPED GOD, WHO WAS SITTING UPON THE THRONE, AND SAID, "AMEN! HALLELUJAH! PRAISE THE LORD!"
C. AND OUT OF THE THRONE CAME A VOICE THAT SAID, "PRAISE OUR GOD, ALL YOU HIS SERVANTS, SMALL AND GREAT, WHO FEAR HIM."
D. **NOTE** A 'VAST CROWD IN HEAVEN' INITIATES THE CHORUS OF PRAISE TO GOD FOR HIS VICTORY. THEN THE 24 ELDERS JOIN THE CHORUS. FINALLY, THE GREAT CHOIR OF HEAVEN ONCE AGAIN PRAISES GOD.
E. **NOTE** PRAISE IS THE HEARTFELT RESPONSE TO GOD BY THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. THE MORE YOU GET TO KNOW HIM AND REALIZE WHAT HE HAS DONE, THE MORE YOU WILL RESPOND WITH PRAISE. PRAISE IS THE HEART OF TRUE WORSHIP. LET YOUR PRAISE OF GOD FLOW OUT OF YOUR REALIZATION OF WHO HE IS AND HOW MUCH HE LOVES YOU.
F. THE TIME HAS COME FOR THE WEDDING BANQUET OF THE LAMB
1. HIS BRIDE HAS PREPARED HERSELF
2. SHE IS PERMITTED TO WEAR THE CLEANEST AND WHITEST AND FINEST OF LINENS (FINE LINEN REPRESENTS THE GOOD DEEDS DONE BY THE PEOPLE OF GOD)
G. AND THE ANGEL DICTATED THIS SENTENCE TO JOHN: "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ARE INVITED TO THE WEDDING FEAST OF THE LAMB."
1. AND HE ADDED, "GOD HIMSELF HAS STATED THIS."
H. THEN JOHN FELL DOWN AT HIS FEET TO WORSHIP HIM, BUT HE SAID,
1. "NO! DON'T! FOR I AM A SERVANT OF GOD JUST AS YOU ARE
2. AS YOUR BROTHER CHRISTIANS ARE, WHO TESTIFY OF THEIR FAITH IN JESUS
3. THE PURPOSE OF ALL PROPHECY AND ALL I HAVE SHOWN YOU IS TO TELL ABOUT JESUS.
I. **NOTE** THIS IS THE CULMINATION OF HUMAN HISTORY- THE JUDGMENT OF THE WICKED AND THE MARRIAGE FEAST OF THE LAMB AND HIS BRIDE, THE CHURCH. THE CHURCH CONSISTS OF ALL FAITHFUL BELIEVERS FROM ALL TIME. THE BRIDE'S PURITY STANDS IN STARK CONTRAST TO THE FILTH OF THE NOTORIOUS PROSTITUTE
J. **NOTE** HERE THE CHURCH IS PICTURED AS BOTH THE BRIDE AND THE GUESTS INVITED TO THE WEDDING FEAST. AS THOSE GIVEN TO CHRIST, WE ARE THE BRIDE, AS THOSE CALLED TO BE A PART OF GOD'S KINGDOM, WE ARE THE INVITED GUESTS.
K. **NOTE** JESUS IS THE CENTRAL FOCUS OF GOD'S REVELATION AND HIS REDEMPTIVE PLAN (AS ANNOUNCED BY THE PROPHETS). AS YOU READ THE BOOK OF REVELATION, DON'T GET BOGGED DOWN IN ALL THE DETAILS OF THE AWESOME VISIONS. REMEMBER THAT THE OVERARCHING THEME IN ALL THE VISIONS IS THE ULTIMATE VICTORY OF JESUS CHRIST OVER EVIL.
L. THEN JOHN SAW HEAVEN OPENED AND
1. A WHITE HORSE STANDING THERE
2. THE ONE SITTING ON THE HORSE WAS NAMED "FAITHFUL AND TRUE"
3. THE ONE WHO JUSTLY PUNISHES AND MAKES WAR
4. HIS EYES WERE LIKE FLAMES
5. ON HIS HEAD WERE MANY CROWNS
6. NAME WRITTEN ON HIS FOREHEAD
a. ONLY HE KNEW ITS MEANING
7. HE WAS CLOTHED WITH GARMENTS DIPPED IN BLOOD
8. HIS TITLE WAS "THE WORD OF GOD"
9. THE ARMIES OF HEAVEN DRESSED IN FINEST LINEN, WHITE AND CLEAN
a. FOLLOWED HIM ON WHITE HORSES
10. IN HIS MOUTH HE HELD A SHARP SWORD TO STRIKE DOWN THE NATIONS
11. HE RULED THEM WITH AN IRON GRIP
12. HE TROD THE WINEPRESS OF THE FIERCENESS OF THE WRATH OF ALMIGHTY GOD
13. ON HIS ROBE AND THIGH WAS WRITTEN THIS TITLE:"KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS"
M.THEN JOHN SAW AN ANGEL STANDING IN THE SUNSHINE, SHOUTING LOUDLY TO THE BIRDS
1. "COME! GATHER TOGETHER FOR THE SUPPER OF THE GREAT GOD
2. COME AND EAT THE FLESH OF KINGS, AND CAPTAINS, AND GREAT GENERALS; OF HORSES AND RIDERS; AND OF ALL HUMANITY, BOTH GREAT AND SMALL, SLAVE AND FREE
N. THEN JOHN SAW THE EVIL CREATURE GATHERING THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE EARTH AND THEIR ARMIES TO FIGHT AGAINST THE ONE SITTING ON THE HORSE AND HIS ARMY
1. THE EVIL CREATURE WAS CAPTURED
2. THE FALSE PROPHET WAS ALSO CAPTURED
3. THE EVIL CREATURE AND THE FALSE PROPHET WERE THROWN ALIVE INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE THAT BURNS WITH SULPHUR
a. THEIR ENTIRE ARMY WAS KILLED WITH THE SHARP SWORD IN THE MOUTH OF THE ONE RIDING THE WHITE HORSE
b. ALL THE BIRDS OF HEAVEN WERE GORGED WITH THEIR FLESH.
O. **NOTE** JOHN'S VISION SHIFTS AGAIN. HEAVEN OPENS AND JESUS APPEARS, THIS TIME NOT AS A LAMB, BUT AS A WARRIOR ON A WHITE HORSE (SYMBOLIZING VICTORY). JESUS CAME FIRST AS A LAMB TO BE A SACRIFICE FOR SIN, BUT HE WILL RETURN AS A CONQUEROR AND KING TO EXECUTE JUDGMENT (2 THESSALONIANS 1:7-10). HIS FIRST COMING BROUGHT FORGIVENESS, HIS SECOND WILL BRING JUDGMENT. THE BATTLE LINES HAVE NOW BEEN DRAWN BETWEEN GOD AND EVIL, AND THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR THE KING TO RIDE ONTO THE FIELD.
P. **NOTE** THIS TITLE "KING OF KINGS" INDICATES OUR GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY. MOST OF THE WORLD IS WORSHIPING THE ANTICHRIST, WHO THEY BELIEVE HAS ALL POWER AND AUTHORITY. THEN SUDDENLY OUT OF HEAVEN RIDES CHRIST AND HIS ARMY OF ANGELS-THE "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS". HIS ENTRANCE SIGNALS THE END OF THE FALSE POWERS.
Q. **NOTE** THE BATTLE LINES ARE DRAWN, AND THE GREATEST CONFRONTATION IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. THE ANTICHRIST AND THE FALSE PROPHET HAVE GATHERED THE GOVERNMENTS AND ARMIES OF THE EARTH UNDER THE ANTICHRIST'S RULE. THEY BELIEVE THEY HAVE COME TO THEIR OWN VOLITION, IN REALITY, GOD HAS SUMMONED THEM TO BATTLE IN ORDER TO DEFEAT THEM. THERE REALLY IS NO FIGHT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE VICTORY WAS WON WHEN JESUS DIED ON THE CROSS FOR SIN AND ROSE FROM THE DEAD. THUS THE EVIL LEADERS ARE IMMEDIATELY CAPTURED AND SENT TO THEIR PUNISHMENT, AND THE FORCES OF EVIL ARE ALL ANNIHILATED.
R. **NOTE** THE LAKE OF FIRE IS THE FINAL DESTINATION OF THE WICKED. IT IS DIFFERENT FROM THE BOTTOMLESS PIT REFERRED TO IN REV. 9:1. THE EVIL CREATURE AND THE FALSE PROPHET ARE THROWN INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE. THEN THEIR LEADER, SATAN HIMSELF, IS CAST THERE (REV. 20:10). FINALLY, DEATH AND HELL ARE ALSO CAST THERE (REV. 20:14). AFTERWARD EVERYONE WHOSE NAME IS NOT RECORDED IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WILL BE SENT TO THE SAME FATE (REV. 20:15)
CHAPTER XX
A. THEN JOHN SAW AN ANGEL COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN
1. HAD THE KEY TO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT
2. HAD A HEAVY CHAIN IN HIS HAND
3. HE SEIZED THE DRAGON (SATAN) AND BOUND HIM IN CHAINS FOR 1,000 YEARS
a. THREW HIM INTO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT
b. HE SHUT AND LOCKED THE PIT SO THAT HE COULD NOT FOOL THE NATIONS FOR 1,000 YEARS
c. AFTERWARDS, HE WOULD BE RELEASED AGAIN FOR A LITTLE WHILE
B. THEN JOHN SAW THRONES
1. SITTING ON THEM WERE THOSE WHO HAD BEEN GIVEN THE RIGHT TO JUDGE
C. JOHN SAW SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAD BEEN BEHEADED FOR THEIR TESTIMONY ABOUT JESUS
1. FOR PROCLAIMING THE WORD OF GOD
2. HAD NOT WORSHIPED THE CREATURE OR HIS STATUE
3. HAD NOT ACCEPTED HIS MARK ON THEIR FOREHEADS OR THEIR HANDS
4. THEY HAD COME TO LIFE AGAIN AND NOW THEY REIGNED WITH CHRIST FOR 1,000 YEARS
5. THIS IS THE FIRST RESURRECTION. (THE REST OF THE DEAD DID NOT COME BACK TO LIFE UNTIL THE THOUSAND YEARS HAD ENDED)
a. BLESSED AND HOLY ARE THOSE WHO SHARE IN THE FIRST RESURRECTION.
b. FOR THEM THE SECOND DEATH HOLDS NO TERRORS
c. THEY WILL BE PRIESTS OF GOD AND OF CHRIST
d. SHALL REIGN WITH HIM A THOUSAND YEARS
D. WHEN THE THOUSAND YEARS END:
1. SATAN WILL BE LET OUT OF HIS PRISON
2. HE WILL GO OUT TO DECEIVE THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD AND GATHER THEM TOGETHER WITH GOG AND MAGOG FOR BATTLE. **NOTE** GOG AND MAGOG SYMBOLIZE ALL THE FORCES OF EVIL WHO BAND TOGETHER TO BATTLE GOD. NOAH'S SON, JAPHETH, HAD A SON NAMED MAGOG (GENESIS 10:2) EZEKIEL PRESENTS GOG AS A LEADER OF FORCES AGAINST ISRAEL (EZEKIEL 38,39)
a. THERE WILL BE A MIGHTY HOST, NUMBERLESS AS SAND ALONG THE SHORE
b. THEY WILL GO UP ACROSS THE BROAD PLAIN OF THE EARTH AND SURROUND GOD'S PEOPLE AND THE BELOVED CITY OF JERUSALEM ON EVERY SIDE.
c. BUT FIRE FROM GOD IN HEAVEN WILL FLASH DOWN ON THE ATTACKING ARMIES AND CONSUME THEM
3. THEN THE DEVIL WHO HAD BETRAYED THEM WILL AGAIN BE THROWN INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE
a. BURNING WITH SULPHUR
b. WHERE THE CREATURE AND FALSE PROPHET ARE
c. WILL BE TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOREVER AND EVER.
E. JOHN SAW A GREAT WHITE THRONE AND THE ONE WHO SAT UPON IT
1. FROM WHOSE FACE THE EARTH AND SKY FLED AWAY
a. BUT THEY FOUND NO PLACE TO HIDE
F. JOHN SAW THE DEAD
1. GREAT AND SMALL
2. STANDING BEFORE GOD
a. THE BOOKS WERE OPENED
b. INCLUDING THE BOOK OF LIFE **NOTE** THE BOOK OF LIFE CONTAINS THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO HAVE PUT THEIR TRUST IN CHRIST TO SAVE THEM.
c. THE DEAD WERE JUDGED ACCORDING TO THE THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOKS
(1) EACH ACCORDING TO THE DEEDS HE HAD DONE
3. THE OCEANS SURRENDERED THE BODIES BURIED IN THEM
4. THE EARTH AND THE UNDERWORLD GAVE UP THE DEAD IN THEM
5. EACH WAS JUDGED ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS
G. AND DEATH AND HELL WERE THROWN INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE
H. THIS IS THE SECOND DEATH - THE LAKE OF FIRE
I. AND, IF ANYONE'S NAME WAS NOT FOUND RECORDED IN THE BOOK OF LIFE, HE WAS THROWN INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE.
J. **NOTE** THE THOUSAND YEARS ARE OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE MILLENNIUM, (LATIN FOR 'ONE THOUSAND'). JUST HOW AND WHEN THIS THOUSAND YEARS TAKES PLACE IS UNDERSTOOD DIFFERENTLY AMONG CHRISTIAN SCHOLARS. THE THREE MAJOR POSITIONS ON THIS ISSUE ARE CALLED POSTMILLENNIALISM, PREMILLENNIALISM, AND AMILLENNIALISM. THESE DIFFERENT VIEWS ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM NEED NOT CAUSE DIVISION AND CONTROVERSY IN THE CHURCH, BECAUSE EACH ONE ACKNOWLEDGES WHAT IS MOST CRUCIAL TO CHRISTIANITY--CHRIST WILL RETURN, DEFEAT SATAN, AND REIGN FOREVER! WHATEVER AND WHENEVER THE MILLENNIUM IS, JESUS CHRIST WILL UNITE ALL BELIEVERS. WE SHOULD NOT LET THIS ISSUE DIVIDE US.
CHAPTER XXI
A. THEN JOHN SAW A NEW EARTH
1. HAD NO OCEANS!
2. HAD A NEW SKY
3. THE PRESENT EARTH AND SKY HAD DISAPPEARED
4. SAW THE HOLY CITY, THE NEW JERUSALEM
a. COMING DOWN FROM GOD OUT OF HEAVEN
b. WAS A GLORIOUS SIGHT
c. BEAUTIFUL AS A BRIDE AT HER WEDDING
d. HEARD A LOUD SHOUT FROM THE THRONE SAYING,
(1) "LOOK, THE HOME OF GOD IS NOW AMONG MEN"
(2) HE WILL LIVE WITH THEM AND THEY WILL BE HIS PEOPLE
(3) YES, GOD HIMSELF WILL BE AMONG THEM
(4) HE WILL WIPE AWAY ALL TEARS FROM THEIR EYES
(5) THERE SHALL BE NO MORE DEATH
(6) NO MORE SORROW
(7) NO MORE CRYING
(8) NO MORE PAIN
B. AND THE ONE SITTING ON THE THRONE SAID,
1. "SEE, I AM MAKING ALL THINGS NEW!"
2. AND THEN HE SAID TO JOHN,
a. "WRITE THIS DOWN, FOR WHAT I TELL YOU IS TRUSTWORTHY AND TRUE:
(1) IT IS FINISHED!
(2) I AM THE A AND THE Z-THE BEGINNING AND THE END
(3) I WILL GIVE TO THE THIRSTY THE SPRINGS OF THE WATER OF LIFE-AS A GIFT!
(4) EVERYONE WHO CONQUERS WILL INHERIT ALL THESE BLESSINGS
(5) I WILL BE HIS GOD AND HE WILL BE MY SON
(6) BUT THE DOOM OF THE LAKE THAT BURNS WITH FIRE AND SULPHUR (THE SECOND DEATH) WILL BELONG TO:
(a) THE COWARDS WHO TURN BACK FROM FOLLOWING ME
(b) THOSE WHO ARE UNFAITHFUL TO ME
(c) THE CORRUPT
(d) MURDERERS
(e) THE IMMORAL
(f) THOSE CONVERSING WITH DEMONS
(g) IDOL WORSHIPERS
(h) ALL LIARS"
C. **NOTE** COWARDS ARE NOT THOSE WHO ARE FAINTHEARTED IN THEIR FAITH OR WHO SOMETIMES DOUBT OR QUESTION, RATHER, THEY ARE THOSE WHO TURN AWAY FROM GOD AND REFUSE TO FOLLOW HIM FURTHER. THEY ARE NOT BRAVE ENOUGH TO STAND UP FOR CHRIST; THEY ARE NOT HUMBLE ENOUGH TO ACCEPT HIS AUTHORITY OVER THEIR LIVES. THEY ARE PUT IN THE SAME LIST WITH THE CORRUPT, MURDERERS, LIARS, IDOLATERS, THE IMMORAL, AND THOSE PRACTICING DEMONIC ARTS. THOSE WHO CAN ENDURE THE TESTING OF EVIL AND REMAIN FAITHFUL ARE THOSE WHOM GOD WILL REWARD.
1. THEN ONE OF THE SEVEN ANGELS, WHO HAD EMPTIED THE FLASKS CONTAINING THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES, CAME AND SAID TO ME, "COME WITH ME AND I WILL SHOW YOU THE BRIDE, THE LAMB'S WIFE." IN A VISION HE TOOK ME TO A TOWERING MOUNTAIN PEAK AND FROM THERE I WATCHED THAT WONDROUS CITY, THE HOLY JERUSALEM
a. DESCENDED OUT OF THE SKIES FROM GOD
b. WAS FILLED WITH THE GLORY OF GOD
c. FLASHED AND GLOWED LIKE A PRECIOUS GEM
d. CRYSTAL CLEAR LIKE JASPER
e. WALLS WERE BROAD AND HIGH
f. TWELVE GATES GUARDED BY TWELVE ANGELS
g. NAMES OF THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL WERE WRITTEN ON THE GATES
h. THREE GATES ON EACH SIDE-NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, AND WEST
i. WALLS HAD TWELVE FOUNDATION STONES
(1) ON THEM WERE WRITTEN THE NAMES OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF THE LAMB
j. ANGEL HELD IN HIS HAND A GOLDEN MEASURING STICK TO MEASURE THE CITY AND ITS GATES AND WALLS
(1) IT WAS A SQUARE AS WIDE AS IT WAS LONG
(2) IN FACT, IT WAS IN THE FORM OF A CUBE, FOR ITS HEIGHT WAS EXACTLY THE SAME AS ITS OTHER DIMENSIONS
(a) 1,500 MILES EACH WAY
(b) THICKNESS OF THE WALLS WERE 216 FEET ACROSS
k. THE CITY ITSELF WAS PURE, TRANSPARENT GOLD LIKE GLASS!
l. WALL WAS MADE OF JASPER
m. WAS BUILT ON TWELVE LAYERS OF FOUNDATION STONES INLAID WITH GEMS
n. FIRST LAYER WITH JASPER
o. SECOND WITH SAPPHIRE
p. THIRD WITH CHALCEDONY
q. FOURTH WITH EMERALD
r. FIFTH WITH SARDONYX
s. SIXTH WITH SARDUS
t. SEVENTH WITH CHRYSOLITE
u. EIGHTH WITH BERYL
v. NINTH WITH TOPAZ
w. TENTH WITH CHRYSOPRASE
x. ELEVENTH WITH JACINTH
y. TWELFTH WITH AMETHYST
z. THE TWELVE GATES WERE MADE OF PEARLS
(1) EACH GATE FROM A SINGLE PEARL!
aa. MAIN STREET WAS PURE, TRANSPARENT GOLD, LIKE GLASS
bb. NO TEMPLE COULD BE SEEN IN THE CITY
(1) FOR THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY AND THE LAMB ARE WORSHIPED IN IT EVERYWHERE
cc. CITY HAS NO NEED OF SUN OR MOON TO LIGHT IT
(1) FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB ILLUMINATE IT.
(2) ITS LIGHT WILL LIGHT THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH
(a) THE RULERS OF THE WORLD WILL COME AND BRING THEIR GLORY TO IT
dd. ITS GATES NEVER CLOSE
ee. THERE IS NO NIGHT!
ff. THE GLORY AND HONOR OF ALL THE NATIONS SHALL BE BROUGHT INTO IT
gg. NOTHING EVIL WILL BE PERMITTED IN IT-NO ONE IMMORAL OR DISHONEST- BUT ONLY THOSE WHOSE NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE
D. **NOTE** THE NEW JERUSALEM IS A PICTURE OF GOD'S PLACE FOR GOD'S PEOPLE. THE 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL PROBABLY REPRESENT ALL THE FAITHFUL IN THE OLD TESTAMENT; THE 12 APOSTLES REPRESENT THE CHURCH. THUS, BOTH BELIEVING GENTILES AND JEWS WHO HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL TO GOD WILL LIVE TOGETHER ON THE NEW EARTH.
E **NOTE** THE CITY'S MEASUREMENTS ARE SYMBOLIC OF A PLACE THAT WILL HOLD ALL GOD'S PEOPLE. GIVEN IN CUBITS, THESE MEASUREMENTS ARE ALL MULTIPLES OF 12. TWELVE IS THE NUMBER FOR GOD'S PEOPLE-THERE WERE 12 TRIBES IN ISRAEL, AND 12 APOSTLES WHO STARTED THE CHURCH. THE WALLS ARE 144 CUBITS ACROSS (TRANSLATED 216 FEET ACROSS), THERE ARE 12 LAYERS IN THE WALLS, AND 12 GATES IN THE CITY, AND THE HEIGHT, LENGTH, AND BREADTH ARE ALL THE SAME. 12,000 STADIA (TRANSLATED "1,500 MILES"). THE NEW JERUSALEM IS A PERFECT CUBE, THE SAME SHAPE AS THE HOLY OF HOLIES IN THE TEMPLE (1 KINGS 6:20). THESE MEASUREMENTS ILLUSTRATE THAT THIS NEW HOME WILL BE PERFECT FOR US, AND THE IMAGE PORTRAYS GOD AS OUR HOLY OF HOLIES-WE WILL LIVE IN HIM FOREVER.
F. **NOTE** THE PICTURE OF WALLS MADE OF JEWELS REVEALS THAT THE NEW JERUSALEM WILL BE A PLACE OF PURITY AND DURABILITY-IT WILL LAST FOREVER. THE ORNATE BREASTPLATE OF THE HIGH PRIEST HAD 12 PRECIOUS STONES, REPRESENTING THE 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL (EXODUS 28:15-21)
G. **NOTE** THE TEMPLE, CENTER OF GOD'S PRESENCE AMONG HIS PEOPLE WAS THE PRIMARY PLACE OF WORSHIP. NO TEMPLE IS NEEDED IN THE NEW CITY BECAUSE GOD'S PRESENCE WILL BE EVERYWHERE. HE WILL BE WORSHIPED THROUGHOUT THE CITY, AND NOTHING WILL HINDER US FROM BEING WITH HIM
CHAPTER XXII
A RIVER OF PURE WATER OF LIFE
1. CLEAR AS CRYSTAL
2. FLOWING FROM THE THRONE OF GOD AND THE LAMB
3. COURSING DOWN THE CENTER OF THE MAIN STREET
4. ON EACH SIDE OF THE RIVER GREW TREES OF LIFE
a. BEARING 12 CROPS OF FRUIT
b. FRESH CROP EACH MONTH
c. LEAVES WERE USED FOR MEDICINE TO HEAL THE NATIONS **NOTE** HE IS NOT IMPLYING THAT THERE WILL BE ILLNESS IN THE NEW EARTH, HE IS EMPHASIZING THAT THE WATER OF LIFE PRODUCES HEALTH AND STRENGTH WHEREVER IT GOES
B. THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB WILL BE THERE
1. HIS SERVANTS WILL WORSHIP HIM
2. THERE SHALL BE NOTHING IN THE CITY WHICH IS EVIL
3. THEY SHALL SEE HIS FACE
4. HIS NAME SHALL BE WRITTEN ON THEIR FOREHEADS
5. THERE WILL BE NO NIGHT THERE
6. NO NEED FOR LAMPS OR SUN
a. FOR THE LORD GOD WILL BE THEIR LIGHT
7. THEY SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER
C. THE ANGEL SAID TO JOHN
1. "THESE WORDS ARE TRUSTWORTHY AND TRUE; 'I AM COMING SOON!' GOD, WHO TELLS HIS PROPHETS WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS, HAS SENT HIS ANGEL TO TELL YOU THIS WILL HAPPEN SOON
2. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO BELIEVE IT AND ALL ELSE WRITTEN IN THE SCROLL."
D. JOHN SAW AND HEARD ALL THESE THINGS
1. FELL DOWN TO WORSHIP THE ANGEL WHO SHOWED THEM TO HIM, BUT AGAIN THE ANGEL SAID, "NO, DON'T DO ANYTHING LIKE THAT. I, TOO, AM A SERVANT OF JESUS AS YOU ARE, AND AS YOUR BROTHERS THE PROPHETS ARE, AS WELL AS ALL THOSE WHO HEED THE TRUTH STATED IN THIS BOOK.
2. WORSHIP GOD ALONE." **NOTE** GOD ALONE IS WORTHY OF OUR WORSHIP AND ADORATION. HE IS ABOVE ALL CREATION, EVEN THE ANGELS. ARE THERE PEOPLE, IDEAS, GOALS, OR POSSESSIONS THAT OCCUPY THE CENTRAL PLACE IN YOUR LIFE, CROWDING GOD OUT? WORSHIP ONLY GOD BY ALLOWING NOTHING TO DISTRACT YOU FROM YOUR DEVOTION TO HIM.
3. THEN HE INSTRUCTED ME,
a. "DO NOT SEAL UP WHAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN
b. FOR THE TIME OF FULFILLMENT IS NEAR
c. WHEN IT COMES, ALL DOING WRONG WILL DO IT MORE AND MORE
(1) THE VILE WILL BECOME MORE VILE
(2) THE GOOD MEN WILL BE BETTER
(3) THOSE WHO ARE HOLY WILL CONTINUE ON IN GREATER HOLINESS."
E. JESUS SAID,
1. "SEE, I AM COMING SOON
2. MY REWARD IS WITH ME
3. TO REPAY EVERYONE ACCORDING TO THE DEEDS HE HAS DONE
4. I AM THE A AND THE Z
5. THE BEGINNING AND THE END
6. THE FIRST AND LAST
7. BLESSED FOREVER ARE ALL WHO ARE WASHING THEIR ROBES, TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO ENTER IN THROUGH THE GATES OF THE CITY, AND TO EAT THE FRUIT FROM THE TREE OF LIFE." **NOTE** THOSE WHO ARE WASHING THEIR ROBES ARE THOSE WHO ARE SEEKING TO PURIFY THEMSELVES FROM A SINFUL WAY OF LIFE. THEY ARE DAILY STRIVING TO REMAIN FAITHFUL AND READY FOR CHRIST'S RETURN
8. OUTSIDE THE CITY ARE:
a. THOSE WHO HAVE STRAYED AWAY FROM GOD
b. THE SORCERERS
c. THE IMMORAL
d. THE MURDERERS
e. IDOLATERS
f. ALL WHO LOVE TO LIE, AND DO SO
9. I, JESUS, HAVE SENT MY ANGEL TO YOU TO TELL THE CHURCHES ALL THESE THINGS
a. I AM BOTH DAVID'S ROOT AND HIS DESCENDANT
b. I AM THE BRIGHT MORNING STAR
c. THE SPIRIT AND THE BRIDE SAY, 'COME.'
d. LET EACH ONE WHO HEARS THEM SAY THE SAME, 'COME.'
e. LET THE THIRSTY ONE COME
(1) ANYONE WHO WANTS TO-LET HIM COME AND DRINK THE WATER OF LIFE WITHOUT CHARGE
10. I SOLEMNLY DECLARE TO EVERYONE WHO READS THIS BOOK:
a. IF ANYONE ADDS ANYTHING TO WHAT IS WRITTEN HERE, GOD SHALL ADD TO HIM THE PLAGUES DESCRIBED IN THIS BOOK
b. AND, IF ANYONE SUBTRACTS ANY PART OF THESE PROPHECIES, GOD SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS SHARE IN THE TREE OF LIFE, AND THE HOLY CITY JUST DESCRIBED
11. HE WHO HAS SAID ALL THESE THINGS DECLARES: YES, I AM COMING SOON! "AMEN! COME, LORD JESUS!
12. THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BE WITH YOU ALL, AMEN!"
DEAR READERS,
A LOT OF HOURS HAVE GONE INTO THIS OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION. MY EARNEST PRAYER IS THAT IT HELPS TO MAKE CLEAR THIS SPECIAL BOOK. THE MAIN QUESTION THAT EACH OF US MUST ANSWER IS: WHO IS JESUS? HE IS THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS. HE IS COMING AGAIN TO DEFEAT SATAN AND RULE FOR ETERNITY.
HAS THERE EVER BEEN A TIME THAT YOU HAVE ACCEPTED HIM AS YOUR OWN PERSONAL LORD? IF NOT, YOU CAN STOP RIGHT NOW AND TELL HIM IN YOUR HEART, "I DON'T UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING THAT IS WRITTEN IN THIS DOCUMENT, BUT I DO UNDERSTAND THAT YOU, JESUS, ARE MY ONLY HOPE. PLEASE HAVE MERCY ON ME AND COUNT ME AS ONE OF YOUR FOLLOWERS." HE HAS PROMISED TO SAVE ANYONE WHO SEEKS HIM.
FOR EACH OF US WHO HAVE BEEN SAVED, WE NEED TO ASK OURSELVES THIS QUESTION, "HAS THERE EVER BEEN A TIME THAT WE WERE CLOSER TO THE LORD AND THE THINGS OF THE LORD THAN WE ARE NOW?" IF SO, WE NEED TO TURN BACK TO HIM AND HONOR HIM AS HE DESERVES. WE NEED TO BE READY FOR HIS RETURN AND SHARE THE GOOD NEWS WITH EVERYONE.
MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU,
GINGER BLOUNT
WRITTEN BY JOHN
1. JOHN WAS AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST. WAS IN EXILE ON THE ISLAND OF PATMOS IN THE AEGEAN SEA FOR WITNESSING ABOUT JESUS CHRIST (SENT THERE BY THE ROMANS)AND THE ONLY ORIGINAL DISCIPLE WHO WAS NOT KILLED FOR HIS FAITH.
2. THE ONLY BOOK IN THE BIBLE THAT PROMISES A BLESSING TO THOSE WHO LISTEN TO THE WORDS AND DOES WHAT IT SAYS. (REV. 1:3)
3. JESUS APPEARED TO JOHN AND REVEALED THESE THINGS IN A VISION. AFTERWARDS AN ANGEL WAS SENT FROM HEAVEN TO EXPLAIN THE VISION'S MEANING.
4. SEND LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN TURKEY.
5. DECLARES THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST.
6. HE IS COMING AGAIN.
a. COMING IN THE CLOUDS
b. EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM (WHEN HE WAS RESURRECTED HE ONLY APPEARED TO THE
BELIEVERS)
c. ALL NATIONS WILL WEEP IN SORROW AND IN TERROR WHEN HE COMES.
d. REV 1:8 "I AM THE A AND THE Z, THE BEGINNING AND THE ENDING OF ALL THINGS," SAYS GOD WHO IS THE LORD, THE ALL POWERFUL ONE WHO IS, AND WAS, AND IS COMING AGAIN! JOHN 1:1 BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE EXISTED, THERE WAS CHRIST, WITH GOD. HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ALIVE AND IS HIMSELF GOD. HE CREATED EVERYTHING THERE IS - NOTHING EXISTS THAT HE DIDN'T MAKE. ETERNAL LIFE IS IN HIM AND THIS LIFE GIVES LIGHT TO ALL MANKIND. HIS LIFE IS THE LIGHT THAT SHINES THROUGH THE DARKNESS--AND THE DARKNESS CAN NEVER EXTINGUISH IT.
7. ON THE LORD'S DAY WHILE JOHN WAS WORSHIPING, SUDDENLY HE HEARD A LOUD VOICE BEHIND HIM THAT SOUNDED LIKE A TRUMPET BLAST SAYING, "I AM A AND Z, THE FIRST AND LAST!" WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING YOU SEE AND SEND A LETTER TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN TURKEY.
(WHEN HE TURNED AROUND TO SEE WHO WAS SPEAKING HE SAW:
a. 7 CANDLESTICKS OF GOLD
b. JESUS STANDING AMONG THEM WEARING A LONG ROBE CIRCLED WITH A GOLDEN BAND ACROSS HIS CHEST.
c. HAIR WAS WHITE AS SNOW
d. EYES PENETRATED LIKE FLAMES OF FIRE
e. FEET GLEAMED LIKE BURNISHED BRONZE
f. VOICE THUNDERED LIKE THE WAVES AGAINST THE SHORE
g. HELD SEVEN STARS IN HIS RIGHT HAND
h. SHARP, DOUBLE-BLADED SWORD IN HIS MOUTH
i. FACE SHONE LIKE THE POWER OF THE SUN IN UNCLOUDED BRILLIANCE
8. JOHN FELL AT HIS FEET AS A DEAD MAN, BUT JESUS LAID HIS RIGHT HAND ON HIM AND SAID, "DON'T BE AFRAID! I AM THE ONE THAT IS THE FIRST AND THE LAST, THE LIVING ONE WHO DIED, WHO IS NOW ALIVE FOREVERMORE, AND HAVE THE KEYS OF HELL AND DEATH."
a. EXPLAINED THAT THE SEVEN STARS ARE THE LEADERS OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES, AND THE SEVEN CANDLESTICKS ARE THE CHURCHES THEMSELVES.
CHAPTER II
A. EPHESUS (THE LOVELESS CHURCH)
1. GOOD
a. HARD WORK
b. PATIENCE
c. DON'T TOLERATE SIN AMONG YOUR MEMBERS
d. CAREFULLY EXAMINED THE CLAIMS OF THOSE WHO SAY THEY ARE APOSTLES, BUT AREN'T. YOU HAVE FOUND OUT HOW THEY LIE.
e. PATIENTLY SUFFERED WITHOUT QUITTING
f. YOU HATE THE DEEDS OF THE LICENTIOUS NICOLAITANS
2. BAD
a. YOU DON'T LOVE ME AS AT THE FIRST
***WARNING***TURN BACK AND WORK FROM THE HEART AS YOU DID IN THE BEGINNING***OR ELSE I WILL COME AND REMOVE YOUR CANDLESTICK FROM IT'S PLACE AMONG THE CHURCHES.
***REV. 2:7 "LET THIS MESSAGE SINK INTO THE EARS OF ANYONE WHO LISTENS TO WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING TO THE CHURCHES. TO EVERYONE WHO IS VICTORIOUS, I WILL GIVE FRUIT FROM THE TREE OF LIFE IN THE PARADISE OF GOD."***
B. SMYRNA (THE PERSECUTED CHURCH)
1. ** SMYRNA & PHILADELPHIA WERE THE ONLY CHURCHES AMONG THE SEVEN TO RECEIVE COMPLETELY POSITIVE MESSAGES. **
2. I KNOW HOW MUCH YOU SUFFER.
3. I KNOW ALL ABOUT YOUR POVERTY *(BUT YOU HAVE HEAVENLY RICHES!)*
4. I KNOW THE SLANDER OF THOSE OPPOSING YOU, WHO SAY THEY ARE JEWS- THE CHILDREN OF GOD-BUT THEY AREN'T, FOR THEY SUPPORT THE CAUSE OF SATAN.
5. STOP BEING AFRAID OF WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO SUFFER.
6. THE DEVIL WILL SOON THROW SOME OF YOU INTO PRISON TO TEST YOU.
7. YOU WILL BE PERSECUTED FOR 'TEN DAYS'.*TEN DAYS MEANS THAT ALTHOUGH PERSECUTION WILL BE INTENSE, IT WILL BE RELATIVELY SHORT. IT HAS A DEFINITE BEGINNING AND END, AND GOD REMAINS IN COMPLETE CONTROL.
8. REMAIN FAITHFUL EVEN WHEN FACING DEATH ** AND ** I WILL GIVE YOU THE CROWN OF LIFE-AN UNENDING, GLORIOUS FUTURE.
9. LET EVERYONE WHO CAN HEAR, LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING TO THE CHURCHES. HE WHO IS VICTORIOUS SHALL NOT BE HURT BY THE SECOND DEATH.
C. PERGAMOS (THE LENIENT CHURCH)
1. GOOD
a. REMAINED LOYAL TO ME AND REFUSED TO DENY ME EVEN WHEN ANTIPAS, MY FAITHFUL WITNESS, WAS MARTYRED AMONG YOU BY SATAN'S DEVOTEES. (I AM FULLY AWARE THAT YOU LIVE IN THE CITY WHERE SATAN'S THRONE IS, AT THE CENTER OF SATANIC WORSHIP AND YET YOU HAVE BEEN LOYAL TO ME)
2. BAD
a. YOU TOLERATE SOME AMONG YOU WHO DO AS BALAAM DID WHEN HE TAUGHT BALAK HOW TO RUIN THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL BY INVOLVING THEM IN SEXUAL SIN AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO GO TO THE IDOL FEASTS.
3. CHANGE YOUR MIND AND ATTITUDE, OR ELSE I WILL COME TO YOU SUDDENLY AND FIGHT AGAINST THEM WITH THE SWORD OF MY MOUTH.
4. LET EVERYONE WHO CAN HEAR, LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING TO THE CHURCHES. ** EVERY ONE WHO IS VICTORIOUS SHALL EAT OF THE HIDDEN MANNA, THE SECRET NOURISHMENT FROM HEAVEN; AND I WILL GIVE TO EACH A WHITE STONE, AND ON THE STONE WILL BE ENGRAVED A NEW NAME THAT NO ONE ELSE KNOWS EXCEPT THE ONE RECEIVING IT.
D. THYATIRA (THE COMPROMISING CHURCH)
1. GOOD
a. KINDNESS TO THE POOR, YOUR GIFTS AND SERVICE TO THEM; ALSO, I KNOW YOUR LOVE AND FAITH AND PATIENCE, AND I CAN SEE YOUR CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT IN ALL THESE THINGS.
2. BAD
a. YOU ARE PERMITTING THAT WOMAN JEZEBEL, WHO CALLS HERSELF A PROPHETESS, TO TEACH MY SERVANTS THAT SEX SIN IS NOT A SERIOUS MATTER; SHE URGES THEM TO PRACTICE IMMORALITY AND TO EAT MEAT THAT HAS BEEN SACRIFICED TO IDOLS.
b. I GAVE HER TIME TO CHANGE HER MIND AND ATTITUDE, BUT SHE REFUSED.
c. PAY ATTENTION NOW TO WHAT I AM SAYING:"I WILL LAY HER UPON A SICKBED OF INTENSE AFFLICTION, ALONG WITH ALL HER IMMORAL FOLLOWERS, UNLESS THEY TURN AGAIN TO ME, REPENTING OF THEIR SIN WITH HER, AND I WILL STRIKE HER CHILDREN DEAD. AND ALL THE CHURCHES SHALL KNOW THAT I AM HE WHO SEARCHES DEEP WITHIN MEN'S HEARTS, AND MINDS; I WILL GIVE TO EACH OF YOU WHATEVER HE DESERVES.
d. AS FOR THE REST OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT FOLLOWED THIS FALSE TEACHING, I WILL ASK NOTHING FURTHER OF YOU; ONLY HOLD TIGHTLY TO WHAT YOU HAVE UNTIL I COME.
3. TO EVERY ONE WHO OVERCOMES-WHO TO THE VERY END KEEPS ON DOING THINGS THAT PLEASE ME-I WILL GIVE POWER OVER THE NATIONS. YOU WILL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON JUST AS MY FATHER GAVE ME THE AUTHORITY TO RULE THEM; THEY WILL BE SHATTERED LIKE A POT OF CLAY THAT IS BROKEN INTO TINY PIECES. AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE MORNING STAR!
4. LET ALL WHO CAN HEAR, LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO THE CHURCHES.
CHAPTER III
A. SARDIS (THE LIFELESS CHURCH)
1. I KNOW YOUR REPUTATION AS A LIVE AND ACTIVE CHURCH, BUT YOU ARE DEAD. **NOW WAKE UP**
2. YOUR DEEDS ARE FAR FROM RIGHT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.
3. GO BACK TO WHAT YOU HEARD AND BELIEVED AT FIRST. HOLD TO IT FIRMLY AND TURN TO ME AGAIN.
4. UNLESS YOU DO, I WILL COME SUDDENLY UPON YOU, UNEXPECTED AS A THIEF, AND PUNISH YOU.
5. YET, SOME HAVEN'T SOILED THEIR GARMENTS WITH THE WORLD'S FILTH; THEY SHALL WALK WITH ME IN WHITE.
6. EVERYONE THAT CONQUERS WILL BE CLOTHED IN WHITE, AND I WILL NOT ERASE HIS NAME FROM THE BOOK OF LIFE, BUT I WILL ANNOUNCE BEFORE MY FATHER AND HIS ANGELS THAT HE IS MINE.
7. LET ALL WHO CAN HEAR, LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING TO THE CHURCHES.
B. PHILADELPHIA (THE OBEDIENT CHURCH)
1. I KNOW YOU WELL; YOU AREN'T STRONG, BUT YOU HAVE TRIED TO OBEY AND HAVE NOT DENIED MY NAME. THEREFORE, I HAVE OPENED A DOOR TO YOU THAT NO ONE CAN SHUT.
2. **NOTE THIS: I WILL FORCE THOSE SUPPORTING THE CAUSES OF SATAN WHILE CLAIMING TO BE MINE (BUT THEY AREN'T - THEY ARE LYING) TO FALL AT YOUR FEET AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU ARE THE ONES I LOVE.
3. BECAUSE YOU HAVE PATIENTLY OBEYED ME DESPITE THE PERSECUTION, THEREFORE I WILL PROTECT YOU FROM THE TIME OF GREAT TRIBULATION AND TEMPTATION, WHICH WILL COME UPON THE WORLD TO TEST EVERYONE ALIVE.
4. LOOK, I AM COMING SOON! HOLD TIGHTLY TO THE LITTLE STRENGTH YOU HAVE--SO THAT NO ONE WILL TAKE AWAY YOUR CROWN.
5. FOR THE ONE WHO CONQUERS
a. I WILL MAKE HIM A PILLAR IN THE TEMPLE OF MY GOD; HE WILL BE SECURE AND WILL GO OUT NO MORE
b. I WILL WRITE MY GOD'S NAME ON HIM
c. HE WILL BE A CITIZEN IN THE CITY OF MY GOD-THE NEW JERUSALEM, COMING DOWN FROM HEAVEN FROM MY GOD
d. HE WILL HAVE MY NEW NAME INSCRIBED UPON HIM.
6. LET ALL WHO CAN HEAR, LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING TO THE CHURCHES.
C. LAODICEA (THE LUKEWARM CHURCH)
1. YOU ARE NEITHER HOT NOR COLD; I WISH YOU WERE ONE OR THE OTHER! BUT SINCE YOU ARE MERELY LUKEWARM, I WILL SPIT YOU OUT OF MY MOUTH!
2. YOU SAY YOU ARE RICH AND DON'T NEED A THING***YOU DON'T REALIZE THAT YOU ARE SPIRITUALLY WRETCHED AND MISERABLE AND POOR AND BLIND AND NAKED.
3. MY ADVICE TO YOU IS TO BUY PURE GOLD FROM ME, GOLD PURIFIED BY FIRE-ONLY THEN WILL YOU TRULY BE RICH.
4. ALSO PURCHASE WHITE GARMENTS, CLEAN AND PURE, SO YOU WON'T BE NAKED AND ASHAMED
5. GET MEDICINE FROM ME TO HEAL YOUR EYES AND GIVE YOU BACK YOUR SIGHT.
6. I CONTINUALLY DISCIPLINE AND PUNISH EVERYONE I LOVE; SO I MUST PUNISH YOU, UNLESS YOU TURN FROM YOUR INDIFFERENCE AND BECOME ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THE THINGS OF GOD.
7. REV.3:20 "LOOK! I HAVE BEEN STANDING AT THE DOOR AND I AM CONSTANTLY KNOCKING. IF ANYONE HEARS ME CALLING HIM AND OPENS THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN AND FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM AND HE WITH ME. I WILL LET EVERY ONE WHO CONQUERS SIT BESIDE ME ON MY THRONE, JUST AS I TOOK MY PLACE WITH MY FATHER ON HIS THRONE WHEN I HAD CONQUERED.
8. LET THOSE WHO CAN HEAR, LISTEN TO WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING TO THE CHURCHES.
CHAPTER IV
A. JOHN SAW A DOOR STANDING OPEN IN HEAVEN
B. JESUS SAID, "COME UP HERE AND I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT MUST HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE!"
C. INSTANTLY JOHN WAS IN SPIRIT, IN HEAVEN AND SAW:
1. SOMEONE SITTING ON A THRONE
a. GREAT BURSTS OF LIGHT FLASHED FORTH FROM HIM AS FROM A GLITTERING DIAMOND, OR FROM A SHINING RUBY, AND A RAINBOW GLOWING LIKE AN EMERALD ENCIRCLED HIS THRONE. LIGHTNING AND THUNDER ISSUED FROM THE THRONE, AND THERE WERE VOICES IN THE THUNDER.
2. TWENTY-FOUR SMALLER THRONES SURROUNDED HIS, WITH TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS SITTING ON THEM
a. ELDERS CLOTHED IN WHITE
b. GOLDEN CROWNS UPON THEIR HEADS
c. 24 ELDERS PROBABLY REPRESENT THE 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL IN THE OLD TESTAMENT AND THE 12 APOSTLES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT (ALL THE REDEEMED OF GOD FOR ALL TIME-BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER CHRIST'S DEATH AND RESURRECTION. THEY SYMBOLIZE ALL THOSE-BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES-WHO ARE NOW PART OF GOD'S FAMILY. THE 24 ELDERS SHOW US THAT ALL THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD ARE WORSHIPING HIM.
3. DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF HIS THRONE WERE SEVEN LIGHTED LAMPS REPRESENTING THE SEVEN-FOLD SPIRIT OF GOD (ANOTHER NAME FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT)
4. SPREAD OUT BEFORE IT WAS A SHINY CRYSTAL SEA.
5. FOUR LIVING BEINGS STOOD AT THE THRONE'S FOUR SIDES. (THE FOUR LIVING BEINGS REPRESENT THE ATTRIBUTES-THE QUALITIES AND CHARACTER- OF GOD. THESE BEINGS, PROBABLY NOT REAL ANIMALS, GUARD GOD'S THRONE, LEAD OTHERS IN WORSHIP AND PROCLAIM GOD'S HOLINESS.)
a. DOTTED FRONT AND BACK WITH EYES
b. SIX WINGS - CENTRAL SECTIONS OF THEIR WINGS WERE COVERED WITH EYES.
c. FIRST BEING WAS IN THE FORM OF A LION (REPRESENTS GOD'S MAJESTY AND POWER)
d. SECOND BEING WAS IN THE FORM OF AN OX (REPRESENTS GOD'S FAITHFULNESS)
e. THIRD BEING WAS IN THE FORM OF MAN (REPRESENTS INTELLIGENCE)
f. FOURTH BEING WAS IN THE FORM OF AN EAGLE (REPRESENTS SOVEREIGNTY)
g. DAY AFTER DAY AND NIGHT AFTER NIGHT THEY KEPT ON SAYING, "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY-THE ONE WHO WAS, AND IS, AND IS TO COME."
6. WHEN THE LIVING BEINGS GAVE GLORY AND HONOR AND THANKS TO THE ONE SITTING ON THE THRONE, WHO LIVES FOREVER AND EVER, THE 24 ELDERS FELL DOWN BEFORE HIM AND WORSHIPED HIM, THE ETERNAL LIVING ONE, AND CAST THEIR CROWNS BEFORE THE THRONE.
a. SANG, "O LORD, YOU ARE WORTHY TO RECEIVE THE GLORY AND HONOR AND POWER"
(1) FOR YOU HAVE CREATED ALL THINGS
(2) THEY WERE CREATED AND CALLED INTO BEING BY YOUR ACT OF WILL.
CHAPTER V
A. SAW A SCROLL IN THE RIGHT HAND OF THE ONE WHO WAS SITTING ON THE THRONE.
1. SCROLL HAD WRITING ON THE INSIDE AND ON THE BACK AND WAS SEALED WITH 7 SEALS (7 SEALS INDICATE THE IMPORTANCE OF IT'S CONTENTS--IT CONTAINS GOD'S PLAN FOR THE END OF THE WORLD)
2. MIGHTY ANGEL SHOUTS WITH A LOUD VOICE, "WHO IS WORTHY TO BREAK THE SEALS ON THE SCROLL AND UNROLL IT?"
3. FEAR AND TEARS BECAUSE NO ONE WAS WORTHY TO OPEN AND READ THE SCROLL.
4. ONE OF THE 24 ELDERS SAID, "STOP CRYING, FOR LOOK! THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH, THE ROOT OF DAVID, HAS CONQUERED, AND PROVED HIMSELF WORTHY TO OPEN THE SCROLL AND BREAK THE 7 SEALS.
5. JOHN LOOKED AND SAW A LAMB (JESUS) STANDING BEFORE THE 24 ELDERS, IN FRONT OF THE THRONE AND THE LIVING BEINGS.
6. ON THE LAMB WERE WOUNDS THAT CAUSED HIS DEATH.
7. LAMB HAD 7 HORNS AND 7 EYES, WHICH REPRESENT THE SEVEN-FOLD SPIRIT OF GOD, SENT OUT TO EVERY PART OF THE WORLD.
8. LAMB TOOK SCROLL FROM THE RIGHT HAND OF THE ONE SITTING ON THE THRONE.
9. AS THE LAMB TOOK THE SCROLL, THE 24 ELDERS FELL DOWN BEFORE THE LAMB, EACH WITH A HARP AND GOLDEN VIALS FILLED WITH INCENSE. (THE PRAYERS OF GOD'S PEOPLE)
10. THEY WERE SINGING HIM A NEW SONG WITH THESE WORDS:
a. YOU ARE WORTHY TO TAKE THE SCROLL AND BREAK IT'S SEALS AND OPEN IT.
b. FOR YOU WERE SLAIN, AND YOUR BLOOD HAS BROUGHT PEOPLE FROM EVERY NATION AS GIFTS FOR GOD.
(1) GATHERED THEM INTO A KINGDOM
(2) MADE THEM PRIESTS OF OUR GOD
(3) THEY SHALL REIGN UPON THE EARTH.
B. HEARD THE SINGING OF MILLIONS OF ANGELS SURROUNDING THE THRONE AND THE LIVING BEINGS AND THE ELDERS. THEY SANG:
THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN IS WORTHY TO RECEIVE:
a. POWER
b. RICHES
c. WISDOM
d. STRENGTH
e. HONOR
f. BLESSING
C. JOHN HEARD EVERYONE IN HEAVEN AND EARTH, AND FROM THE DEAD BENEATH THE EARTH AND IN THE SEA EXCLAIMING:
1. "THE BLESSING AND THE HONOR AND THE GLORY AND THE POWER BELONG FOREVER AND FOREVER TO:
a. THE ONE SITTING ON THE THRONE **AND TO**
b. THE LAMB
D. FOUR LIVING BEINGS KEPT SAYING "AMEN"
E. 24 ELDERS FELL DOWN AND WORSHIPED HIM.
CHAPTER VI
A. LAMB BROKE 1ST SEAL AND BEGAN TO UNROLL THE SCROLL
B. ONE OF THE 4 LIVING BEINGS WITH A VOICE OF THUNDER SAID, "COME!"
C. WHITE HORSE. RIDER CARRIED A BOW, AND A CROWN WAS PLACED ON HIS HEAD. HE RODE OUT TO CONQUER IN MANY BATTLES AND WIN THE WAR. * NOTE * SOME SAY THE WHITE HORSE REPRESENTS VICTORY, AND IT'S RIDER IS CHRIST (BECAUSE CHRIST LATER RIDES ON A WHITE HORSE - REV. 19:11). BUT SINCE THE OTHER THREE HORSES RELATE TO JUDGMENT AND DESTRUCTION, THIS WHITE HORSE AND RIDER MAY BE THE ANTICHRIST WHO RULES THE WORLD BY DECEPTION FOR A SHORT TIME.
D. HE UNROLLED THE SCROLL TO THE SECOND SEAL AND BROKE IT OPEN, TOO.
E. SECOND LIVING BEING SAID, "COME!"
F. RED HORSE. RIDER WAS GIVEN A LONG SWORD AND THE AUTHORITY TO BANISH PEACE AND BRING ANARCHY TO THE EARTH. WAR AND KILLING BROKE OUT EVERYWHERE. (RED FOR WARFARE AND BLOODSHED)
G. THIRD SEAL BROKEN AND THIRD LIVING BEING SAID, "COME!"
H. BLACK HORSE. RIDER HOLDING A PAIR OF BALANCES IN HIS HAND. A VOICE FROM AMONG THE LIVING BEINGS SAID, "A LOAF OF BREAD FOR $20.00 OR THREE POUNDS OF BARLEY FLOUR, BUT THEIR IS NO OLIVE OIL OR WINE." (BLACK FOR FAMINE OR DEATH)
I. FOURTH SEAL BROKEN AND 4TH LIVING BEING SAID, "COME!"
J. PALE HORSE.
1. RIDER'S NAME WAS DEATH
2. FOLLOWED AFTER HIM ANOTHER HORSE WHOSE RIDER'S NAME WAS HELL.
3. THEY WERE GIVEN CONTROL OF 1/4 OF THE EARTH TO KILL WITH WAR, FAMINE, DISEASE AND WILD ANIMALS.
K. FIFTH SEAL
1. SAW AN ALTER
a. UNDER ALTER WERE ALL SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAD BEEN MARTYRED FOR PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD AND FOR BEING FAITHFUL IN THEIR WITNESSING
b. THEY CALLED LOUDLY TO THE LORD AND SAID, "O SOVEREIGN LORD, HOLY AND TRUE, HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE YOU JUDGE THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH FOR WHAT THEY'VE DONE TO US.
(1) WHEN WILL YOU AVENGE OUR BLOOD AGAINST THOSE LIVING ON THE EARTH?
(2) WHITE ROBES WERE GIVEN TO THEM
(3) TOLD TO REST A LITTLE LONGER UNTIL THEIR OTHER BROTHERS, FELLOW SERVANTS OF JESUS, HAD BEEN MARTYRED ON THE EARTH AND JOINED THEM.
L. SIXTH SEAL
1. VAST EARTHQUAKE
2. SUN BECAME DARK LIKE BLACK CLOTH
3. MOON WAS BLOOD RED
4. STARS APPEARED TO BE FALLING TO EARTH LIKE GREEN FRUIT FROM FIG TREES BUFFETED BY MIGHTY WINDS.
5. THE STARRY HEAVENS DISAPPEARED AS THOUGH ROLLED UP LIKE A SCROLL AND TAKEN AWAY.
6. EVERY MOUNTAIN AND ISLAND SHOOK AND SHIFTED.
7. ALL MEN GREAT AND SMALL, SLAVE AND FREE HID THEMSELVES IN THE CAVES AND ROCKS OF THE MOUNTAINS AND CRIED TO THE MOUNTAINS TO CRUSH THEM.
a. "FALL ON US," THEY PLEADED, "AND HIDE US FROM THE FACE OF THE ONE SITTING ON THE THRONE, AND FROM THE ANGER OF THE LAMB, BECAUSE THE GREAT DAY OF THEIR ANGER HAS COME AND WHO CAN SURVIVE IT?"
M. *NOTE* THIS PICTURE IS NOT TO FRIGHTEN BELIEVERS. FOR THEM, THE LAMB IS A GENTLE SAVIOR. BUT, THOSE WHO PREVIOUSLY SHOWED NO FEAR OF GOD AND PROUDLY FLAUNTED THEIR UNBELIEF WILL FIND THEY WERE WRONG, AND IN THAT DAY THEY WILL HAVE TO FACE HIS WRATH. NO ONE WHO HAS REJECTED GOD CAN SURVIVE THE DAY OF THIS WRATH, BUT THOSE WHO BELONG TO CHRIST WILL RECEIVE A REWARD RATHER THAN PUNISHMENT.
CHAPTER VII
A. SAW 4 ANGELS STANDING AT 4 CORNERS OF THE EARTH.
1. THEY WERE HOLDING BACK THE FOUR WINDS FROM BLOWING SO THAT:
a. NOT A LEAF RUSTLED IN THE TREES
b. OCEAN BECAME SMOOTH AS GLASS
B. SAW ANOTHER ANGEL COMING FROM EAST CARRYING THE GREAT SEAL OF THE LIVING GOD.
1. HE SHOUTED TO THE 4 ANGELS WHO HAD BEEN GIVEN POWER TO INJURE EARTH AND SEA. "WAIT! DON'T DO ANYTHING YET, HURT NEITHER EARTH, NOR SEA, NOR TREES - UNTIL WE HAVE PLACED THE SEAL OF GOD UPON THE FOREHEADS OF HIS SERVANTS."
2. * NOTE * WHEN ALL HOPE SEEMS LOST, 4 ANGELS HOLD BACK THE 4 WINDS OF JUDGEMENT UNTIL GOD'S PEOPLE ARE MARKED AS HIS. ONLY THEN WILL GOD BREAK THE SEVENTH SEAL. NOTHING CAN HARM THE SOULS OF THOSE MARKED BY GOD. THIS SEAL OF GOD ON THE FOREHEADS OF HIS SERVANTS IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF THE MARK OF THE BEAST (REV 13:16) THESE 2 MARKS PLACE PEOPLE IN 2 DISTINCT CATEGORIES. - THOSE OWNED BY GOD AND THOSE OWNED BY SATAN. THIS ATTEMPT PORTRAYS A THEME THROUGHOUT REVELATION - SATAN'S ATTEMPT TO IMITATE THE GREAT WORKS OF GOD.
C.HOW MANY WILL BE GIVEN THE MARK. I HEARD THE NUMBER 144,000, OUT OF ALL TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL AS LISTED HERE.
1 THE NUMBER 144,000 IS 12 X 12 X 1000, SYMBOLIZING COMPLETENESS.
2. ALL GOD'S FOLLOWERS WILL BE BROUGHT SAFELY TO HIM
3. THE LIST OF THE 12 TRIBES IS A DIFFERENT AND A SYMBOLIC LIST OF GOD'S TRUE FOLLOWERS.
a. JUDAH 12,000
b. REUBEN 12,000
c. GAD 12,000
d. ASHER 12,000
e. NAPHATALI 12,000
f. MANASSEH 12,000
g. SIMEON 12,000
h. LEVI 12,000
i. ISSACHAR 12,000
j. ZEBULUN 12,000
k. JOSEPH 12,000
l. BENJAMIN 12,000
4.* NOTE * THE CHANGES ARE:
a. JUDAH IS MENTIONED FIRST BECAUSE JUDAH IS BOTH THE TRIBE OF DAVID AND OF JESUS THE MESSIAH. (REUBEN WAS BY BIRTH THE OLDEST, BUT LOST HIS BIRTHRIGHT AND JUDAH IS GIVEN 1ST PLACE IN THE LIST)
b. LEVI WAS CONSIDERED THE PRIEST LINE AND NORMALLY WAS NOT MENTIONED AS A TRIBE. HERE THE TRIBE IS GIVEN A PLACE AS A REWARD FOR FAITHFULNESS.
c. JOSEPH NORMALLY WAS NOT CONSIDERED A TRIBE, BUT HIS 2 SONS MANASSEH AND EPHRAIM WERE CONSIDERED TRIBES.
d. BECAUSE OF REBELLION AND IDOLATRY (TRAITS UNACCEPTABLE IN GOD'S FOLLOWERS) DAN AND EPHRAIM ARE REMOVED.
D. VAST CROWD, TOO GREAT TO COUNT, FROM ALL NATIONS AND PROVINCES AND LANGUAGES STANDING IN FRONT OF THE THRONE BEFORE THE LAMB.
1. CLOTHED IN WHITE WITH PALM BRANCHES IN THEIR HANDS.
2. THEY SHOUTED, "SALVATION COMES FROM OUR GOD UPON THE THRONE, AND FROM THE LAMB."
3. THESE ARE THE ONES COMING OUT OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION.
4. THEY WASHED THEIR ROBES AND WHITENED THEM BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB.
5. THEY ARE HERE BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD SERVING HIM DAY AND NIGHT IN HIS TEMPLE.
6. THE ONE SITTING ON THE THRONE WILL SHELTER THEM. THEY WILL NEVER BE HUNGRY NOR THIRSTY AGAIN.
7. THEY WILL BE FULLY PROTECTED FROM THE SCORCHING NOONTIME HEAT.
8. THE LAMB, STANDING IN FRONT OF THE THRONE, WILL FEED THEM.
9. THE LAMB WILL BE THEIR SHEPHERD AND LEAD THEM TO SPRINGS OF THE WATER OF LIFE.
10. GOD WILL WIPE THEIR TEARS AWAY.
E. ALL ANGELS WERE CROWDING AROUND THE THRONE AND AROUND THE ELDERS AND THE 4 LIVING BEINGS AND FALLING FACE DOWN BEFORE THE THRONE AND WORSHIPING GOD. "AMEN!" THEY SAID, "BLESSING AND GLORY, AND WISDOM, AND THANKSGIVING AND HONOR AND POWER AND MIGHT, BE TO OUR GOD FOREVER AND FOREVER. AMEN!"
CHAPTER VIII
A. WHEN THE LAMB BROKE THE 7TH SEAL THERE WAS SILENCE THROUGHOUT ALL HEAVEN FOR WHAT SEEMED LIKE 1/2 HOUR.
B. SAW SEVEN ANGELS THAT STAND BEFORE GOD THAT WERE GIVEN 7 TRUMPETS
C. ANOTHER ANGEL WITH A GOLDEN CENSER CAME AND STOOD AT THE ALTER.
1. GREAT QUANTITY OF INCENSE GIVEN TO HIM TO MIX WITH THE PRAYERS OF GOD'S PEOPLE.
2. OFFERED UPON THE GOLDEN ALTER BEFORE THE THRONE
3. PERFUME OF THE INCENSE MIXED WITH PRAYERS ASCENDED UP TO GOD
4. ANGEL FILLED CENSER WITH FIRE FROM THE ALTER AND THREW IT DOWN UPON EARTH
a. THUNDER CRASHED
b. LIGHTNING FLASHED
c. TERRIBLE EARTHQUAKE
D. THE 7 ANGELS WITH THE 7 TRUMPETS PREPARED TO BLOW THEIR MIGHTY BLASTS
1. THE FIRST ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET
a. HAIL AND FIRE MIXED WITH BLOOD WERE THROWN DOWN UPON EARTH
b. 1/3 OF THE EARTH WAS SET ON FIRE SO THAT 1/3 OF THE TREES WERE BURNED AND ALL THE GREEN GRASS
2. THE SECOND ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET
a. WHAT APPEARED TO BE A HUGE BURNING MOUNTAIN WAS THROWN INTO THE SEA
(1) IT DESTROYED 1/3 OF ALL SHIPS
(2) 1/3 OF SEA TURNED RED AS BLOOD
(3) 1/3 OF FISH WERE KILLED
3. THIRD ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET
a. GREAT FLAMING STAR FELL FROM HEAVEN UPON 1/3 OF RIVERS & SPRINGS
b. STAR NAMED "BITTERNESS", BECAUSE IT POISONED 1/3 OF ALL WATER ON EARTH AND MANY PEOPLE DIED
4. FOURTH ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET
a. IMMEDIATELY 1/3 OF THE SUN WAS BLIGHTED & DARKENED AND ALSO 1/3 OF THE MOON & STARS
b. DAYTIME WAS DIMMED AND NIGHTTIME DARKNESS DEEPENED
E. SAW A SOLITARY EAGLE FLYING THROUGH THE HEAVENS CRYING LOUDLY, "WOE, WOE, WOE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH BECAUSE OF THE TERRIBLE THINGS THAT WILL SOON HAPPEN WHEN THE REMAINING 3 ANGELS BLOW THEIR TRUMPETS
CHAPTER IX
A. FIFTH ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET
1. SAW ONE WHO WAS FALLEN TO EARTH FROM HEAVEN, AND HE WAS GIVEN THE KEY TO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT
2. HE OPENED IT AND SMOKE POURED OUT AS THOUGH FROM SOME HUGE FURNACE
3. SUN & AIR WERE DARKENED BY SMOKE
4. LOCUSTS CAME FROM THE SMOKE AND DESCENDED ONTO THE EARTH
a. GIVEN POWER TO STING LIKE SCORPIONS
b. THEY WERE TOLD NOT TO HURT THE GRASS OR PLANTS OR TREES, BUT TO ATTACK THE PEOPLE WHO DID NOT HAVE THE MARK OF GOD ON THEIR FOREHEADS.
c. WERE NOT TO KILL THEM, BUT WERE TO TORTURE THEM FOR 5 MONTHS WITH AGONY LIKE THE PAIN OF SCORPION STINGS
d. IN THOSE DAYS MEN WILL TRY TO KILL THEMSELVES, BUT WON'T BE ABLE TO--DEATH WILL NOT COME. THEY WILL LONG TO DIE, BUT DEATH WILL FLEE AWAY!
e. LOCUSTS LOOKED LIKE HORSES ARMORED FOR BATTLE
f. HAD GOLDEN CROWNS ON THEIR HEADS
g. FACES LOOKED LIKE MEN'S
h. HAIR WAS LONG LIKE WOMEN'S
i. TEETH WERE THOSE OF LIONS
j. WORE BREASTPLATES THAT SEEMED TO BE OF IRON
k. WINGS ROARED LIKE AN ARMY OF CHARIOTS RUSHING INTO BATTLE
l. STINGING TAILS LIKE SCORPIONS
m. POWER TO HURT, GIVEN TO THEM FOR 5 MONTHS, WAS IN THEIR TAILS
n. THEIR KING IS THE PRINCE OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT, WHOSE NAME IS DESTROYER.
B. ONE TERROR NOW ENDS, BUT THERE ARE TWO MORE COMING
C.SIXTH ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET
1. I HEARD A VOICE SPEAKING FROM THE FOUR HORNS OF THE GOLDEN ALTAR THAT STANDS BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD, SAYING TO THE SIXTH ANGEL, "RELEASE THE 4 MIGHTY DEMONS HELD BOUND AT THE GREAT RIVER EUPHRATES"
a. THEY HAD BEEN KEPT IN READINESS FOR THAT YEAR AND MONTH AND DAY AND HOUR, AND NOW THEY WERE TURNED LOOSE TO KILL 1/3 OF ALL MANKIND.
b. THEY HAD AN ARMY OF 200,000,000 WARRIORS
c. SAW THEIR HORSES. THEIR RIDERS WORE FIERY-RED BREASTPLATES, THOUGH SOME WERE SKY-BLUE AND OTHERS YELLOW.
d. THE HORSES' HEADS LOOKED MUCH LIKE LIONS, AND SMOKE AND FIRE AND FLAMING SULPHUR BILLOWED FROM THEIR MOUTHS, KILLING 1/3 OF ALL MANKIND
e. THEIR POWER OF DEATH WAS NOT ONLY IN THEIR MOUTHS, BUT IN THEIR TAILS AS WELL, FOR THEIR TAILS WERE SIMILAR TO SERPENTS' HEADS THAT STRUCK AND BIT WITH FATAL WOUNDS
D. BUT THE MEN LEFT ALIVE, AFTER THESE PLAGUES, STILL REFUSED TO WORSHIP GOD! THEY WOULD NOT RENOUNCE THEIR DEMON-WORSHIP, NOR THEIR IDOLS MADE OF GOLD AND SILVER, BRASS, STONE, AND WOOD--WHICH NEITHER SEE NOR HEAR NOR WALK! NEITHER DID THEY CHANGE THEIR MIND AND ATTITUDE ABOUT ALL THEIR MURDERS AND WITCHCRAFT, THEIR IMMORALITY AND THEFT.
CHAPTER X
A. JOHN SAW ANOTHER MIGHTY ANGEL COMING DOWN FROM HEAVEN
1. SURROUNDED BY A CLOUD
2. RAINBOW OVER HIS HEAD
3. FACE SHONE LIKE THE SUN
4. FEET FLASHED WITH FIRE
5. HELD OPEN IN HIS HAND A SMALL SCROLL
6. SET HIS RIGHT FOOT ON THE SEA AND HIS LEFT FOOT ON THE EARTH
7. GAVE A GREAT SHOUT-IT WAS LIKE THE ROAR OF A LION-AND THE SEVEN THUNDERS CRASHED THEIR REPLY
B. I WAS ABOUT TO WRITE WHAT THE THUNDERS SAID WHEN A VOICE FROM HEAVEN CALLED TO ME, "DON'T DO IT. THEIR WORDS ARE NOT TO BE REVEALED."
C. THEN THE MIGHTY ANGEL STANDING ON THE SEA AND LAND LIFTED HIS RIGHT HAND TO HEAVEN, AND SWORE BY HIM WHO LIVES FOREVER AND EVER, WHO CREATED HEAVEN AND EVERYTHING IN IT AND THE EARTH AND ALL THAT IT CONTAINS AND THE SEA AND IT'S INHABITANTS, THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO MORE DELAY, BUT THAT WHEN THE SEVENTH ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET, THEN GOD'S VEILED PLAN-MYSTERIOUS THROUGH THE AGES EVER SINCE IT WAS ANNOUNCED BY HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS - WOULD BE FULFILLED.
D. THE VOICE FROM HEAVEN SPOKE TO JOHN AGAIN, "GO AND GET THE UNROLLED SCROLL FROM THE MIGHTY ANGEL STANDING THERE UPON THE SEA AND LAND."
E. JOHN APPROACHED HIM AND ASKED HIM TO GIVE HIM THE SCROLL. "YES, TAKE IT AND EAT IT,"HE SAID, "AT FIRST IT WILL TASTE LIKE HONEY, BUT WHEN YOU SWALLOW IT, IT WILL MAKE YOUR STOMACH SOUR!"
F. JOHN TOOK THE SCROLL AND ATE IT.
1. JUST AS HE HAD SAID, IT WAS SWEET IN JOHN'S MOUTH, BUT IT GAVE HIM A STOMACH ACHE WHEN HE SWALLOWED IT.
G. THE ANGEL TOLD JOHN, "YOU MUST PROPHESY FURTHER ABOUT MANY PEOPLES, NATIONS, TRIBES, AND KINGS."
CHAPTER XI
A. JOHN GIVEN A MEASURING STICK AND TOLD TO GO AND MEASURE THE TEMPLE OF GOD, INCLUDING THE INNER COURT WHERE THE ALTAR STANDS.
1. COUNT THE NUMBER OF WORSHIPERS
2. DO NOT MEASURE THE OUTER COURT (FOR IT HAD BEEN TURNED OVER TO THE NATIONS)
a. THEY WILL TRAMPLE THE HOLY CITY FOR 42 MONTHS.
b. POWER WILL BE GIVEN TO TWO WITNESSES TO PROPHESY 1,260 DAYS CLOTHED IN SACKCLOTH.
(1) THESE 2 PROPHETS ARE THE TWO OLIVE TREES, AND TWO CANDLESTICKS STANDING BEFORE THE GOD OF ALL THE EARTH.
(2) ANYONE TRYING TO HARM THEM WILL BE KILLED BY BURSTS OF FIRE SHOOTING FROM THEIR MOUTHS.
(3) THEY HAVE THE POWER TO SHUT THE SKIES SO THAT NO RAIN WILL FALL DURING THE 3 1/2 YEARS THEY PROPHESY.
(4) THEY CAN TURN RIVERS AND OCEANS TO BLOOD
(5) THEY CAN SEND EVERY KIND OF PLAGUE UPON THE EARTH AS OFTEN AS THEY WISH.
(6) WHEN THEY COMPLETE THE 3 1/2 YEARS OF THEIR SOLEMN TESTIMONY:
(a) THE TYRANT WHO COMES OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT WILL DECLARE WAR AGAINST THEM
(b) CONQUER AND KILL THEM
(c) THEIR BODIES WILL BE EXPOSED IN THE STREETS OF JERUSALEM (THE CITY FITTINGLY DESCRIBED AS "SODOM" OR "EGYPT") FOR 3 1/2 DAYS (THE VERY PLACE WHERE THE LORD WAS CRUCIFIED)
(d) NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO BURY THEM
(e) MANY PEOPLE FROM MANY NATIONS WILL CROWD AROUND TO GAZE AT THEM.
(f) THERE WILL BE A WORLDWIDE HOLIDAY-PEOPLE EVERYWHERE WILL REJOICE AND GIVE PRESENTS TO EACH OTHER AND THROW PARTIES TO CELEBRATE THE DEATH OF THE 2 PROPHETS WHO HAD TORMENTED THEM SO MUCH!
(g) AFTER 3 1/2 DAYS THE SPIRIT OF LIFE FROM GOD WILL ENTER THEM AND THEY WILL STAND UP! GREAT FEAR WILL FALL ON EVERYONE.
(h) A LOUD VOICE WILL SHOUT FROM HEAVEN, "COME UP!" AND THEY WILL RISE TO HEAVEN IN A CLOUD AS THEIR ENEMIES WATCH.
(i) THE SAME HOUR THERE WILL BE A TERRIBLE EARTHQUAKE THAT LEVELS A TENTH OF THE CITY LEAVING 7,000 DEAD
B. EVERYONE LEFT WILL, IN THEIR TERROR, GIVE GLORY TO THE GOD OF HEAVEN.
C. THE SECOND WOE IS PAST, BUT THE THIRD QUICKLY FOLLOWS:
D. THE SEVENTH ANGEL BLEW HIS TRUMPET
1. LOUD VOICES SHOUTING DOWN FROM HEAVEN, "THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD NOW BELONGS TO OUR LORD, AND TO HIS CHRIST; AND HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER."
2. 24 ELDERS SITTING ON THEIR THRONES BEFORE GOD THREW THEMSELVES DOWN IN WORSHIP, SAYING, "WE GIVE THANKS, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, WHO IS AND WAS, FOR NOW YOU HAVE ASSUMED YOUR GREAT POWER AND HAVE BEGUN TO REIGN. THE NATIONS WERE ANGRY WITH YOU, BUT NOW IT IS YOUR TURN TO BE ANGRY WITH THEM."
a. TIME TO JUDGE THE DEAD
(1) REWARD YOUR SERVANTS-PROPHETS AND PEOPLE ALIKE, ALL WHO FEAR YOUR NAME, BOTH GREAT AND SMALL
(2) DESTROY THOSE WHO HAVE CAUSED DESTRUCTION UPON THE EARTH
E. THEN, IN HEAVEN, THE TEMPLE OF GOD WAS OPENED AND THE ARK OF HIS COVENANT COULD BE SEEN INSIDE.
1. LIGHTNING FLASHED AND THUNDER CRASHED AND ROARED
2. THERE WAS A GREAT HAILSTORM
3. THE WORLD WAS SHAKEN BY A MIGHT EARTHQUAKE.
CHAPTER XII
A. A GREAT PAGEANT APPEARED IN HEAVEN, PORTRAYING THINGS TO COME.
1. JOHN SAW A WOMAN CLOTHED WITH THE SUN
a. MOON BENEATH HER FEET
b. CROWN OF 12 STARS ON HER HEAD
c. SHE WAS PREGNANT AND SCREAMED IN THE PAIN OF HER LABOR, AWAITING HER DELIVERY.
2. SUDDENLY A RED DRAGON APPEARED, WITH SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS, AND SEVEN CROWNS ON HIS HEADS.
a. HIS TAIL DREW ALONG BEHIND HIM 1/3 OF THE STARS, WHICH HE PLUNGED TO THE EARTH.
b. HE STOOD BEFORE THE WOMAN AS SHE WAS ABOUT TO GIVE BIRTH TO HER CHILD, READY TO EAT THE BABY AS SOON AS IT WAS BORN.
3. THE WOMAN GAVE BIRTH TO A BOY WHO WAS TO RULE ALL NATIONS WITH A HEAVY HAND, AND HE WAS CAUGHT UP TO GOD AND TO HIS THRONE. THE WOMAN FLED INTO THE WILDERNESS, WHERE GOD HAD PREPARED A PLACE FOR HER, TO TAKE CARE OF HER FOR 1,260 DAYS.
B. **NOTE** THE WOMAN REPRESENTS GOD'S FAITHFUL PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN AWAITING THE MESSIAH, THE 12 STARS ON HER HEAD REPRESENT THE 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL. GOD SET APART THE JEWS FOR HIMSELF (ROMANS 9:4,5), AND THAT NATION GAVE BIRTH TO THE MESSIAH. THE BOY IS JESUS, BORN TO A DEVOUT JEW, MARY (LUKE 1:26-33). EVIL KING HEROD IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO DESTROY THE INFANT JESUS (MATTHEW 2:13-20). HEROD'S DESIRE TO KILL THIS NEWBORN "KING", WHOM HE SAW AS A THREAT TO HIS THRONE, WAS MOTIVATED BY SATAN (THE RED DRAGON), WHO WANTED TO KILL THE WORLD'S SAVIOR. THE HEAVENLY PAGEANT OF REVELATION 12 SHOWS THAT CHRIST'S QUIET BIRTH IN THE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM HAD COSMIC SIGNIFICANCE.
2. **NOTE** THE RED DRAGON, SATAN, HAS SEVEN HEADS, TEN HORNS, AND SEVEN CROWNS, REPRESENTING HIS POWER AND THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD OVER WHICH HE RULES. THE STARS THAT PLUNGED TO EARTH WITH HIM ARE USUALLY CONSIDERED TO BE THE ANGELS WHO FELL WITH SATAN AND BECAME HIS DEMONS. ACCORDING TO HEBREW TRADITION, 1/3 OF ALL THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN FELL WITH SATAN.
3. **NOTE** THE WILDERNESS REPRESENTS A PLACE OF SPIRITUAL REFUGE AND PROTECTION FROM SATAN. BY AIDING THE WOMAN'S ESCAPE INTO THE WILDERNESS, GOD OFFERS SECURITY TO ALL TRUE BELIEVERS. SATAN ALWAYS ATTACKS GOD'S PEOPLE, BUT GOD KEEPS THEM SPIRITUALLY SECURE. SOME WILL EXPERIENCE PHYSICAL HARM, BUT ALL WILL BE PROTECTED FROM SPIRITUAL HARM. GOD WILL NOT LET SATAN TAKE THE SOULS OF HIS TRUE BELIEVERS.
4. **NOTE** THE 1,260 DAYS (3 1/2 YEARS) IS THE SAME LENGTH OF TIME THAT THE DRAGON IS ALLOWED TO CONTROL THE EARTH (REVELATION 13:5)
C. THERE WAS A WAR IN HEAVEN:
1. MICHAEL AND THE ANGELS UNDER HIS COMMAND FOUGHT THE DRAGON AND HIS HOSTS OF FALLEN ANGELS.
2. THE DRAGON LOST THE BATTLE AND WAS FORCED FROM HEAVEN.
3. THE GREAT DRAGON-THE ANCIENT SERPENT CALLED THE DEVIL, OR SATAN, THE ONE DECEIVING THE WHOLE WORLD- WAS THROWN DOWN ONTO THE EARTH WITH ALL HIS ARMY.
D. **NOTE** THIS EVENT FULFILLS DANIEL 12:1. MICHAEL IS A HIGH-RANKING ANGEL. ONE OF HIS RESPONSIBILITIES IS TO GUARD GOD'S COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS. FOR INSTANCE, IT WAS MICHAEL WHO FOUGHT SATAN FOR THE BODY OF MOSES (JUDE 1:9)
E. **NOTE** MUCH MORE HAPPENED AT CHRIST'S BIRTH, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION THAN MOST PEOPLE REALIZE. A BATTLE BETWEEN THE FORCES OF GOOD AND EVIL WAS UNDER WAY. WITH CHRIST'S RESURRECTION, SATAN'S ULTIMATE DEFEAT WAS ASSURED. SOME BELIEVE THAT SATAN'S FALL TO EARTH TOOK PLACE AT JESUS' RESURRECTION OR ASCENSION AND THAT THE 1,260 DAYS (3 1/2 YEARS) IS A SYMBOLIC WAY OF REFERRING TO THE TIME BETWEEN CHRIST'S FIRST AND SECOND COMINGS. OTHERS SAY THAT SATAN'S DEFEAT OCCURS AT THE MIDPOINT OF A LITERAL 7 YEAR TRIBULATION PERIOD, FOLLOWING THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH AND PRECEDING THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST AND THE BEGINNING OF HIS THOUSAND-YEAR REIGN. WHATEVER THE CASE, WE MUST REMEMBER THAT CHRIST IS VICTORIOUS-SATAN HAS ALREADY BEEN DEFEATED BY CHRIST'S DEATH ON THE CROSS.
F. **NOTE** SATAN IS NOT JUST A SYMBOL OR LEGEND, HE IS VERY REAL. ORIGINALLY HE WAS AN ANGEL OF GOD, BUT THROUGH HIS PRIDE, HE BECAME CORRUPT. SATAN IS GOD'S ENEMY AND HE CONSTANTLY TRIES TO HINDER GOD'S WORK, BUT HE IS LIMITED BY GOD'S POWER AND CAN DO ONLY WHAT HE IS PERMITTED TO DO. (JOB 1:6-2:8) THE NAME SATAN MEANS "ADVERSARY" OR "ACCUSER". HE ACTIVELY LOOKS FOR PEOPLE TO ATTACK (1 PETER 5:8-9) HE LIKES TO SEEK OUT BELIEVERS WHO ARE VULNERABLE IN THEIR FAITH, WHO ARE SPIRITUALLY WEAK. EVEN THOUGH GOD PERMITS SATAN TO DO HIS WORK IN THIS WORLD, GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL. AND JESUS HAS COMPLETE POWER OVER SATAN-HE DEFEATED SATAN WHEN HE DIED AND ROSE AGAIN FOR THE SINS OF MANKIND. ONE DAY SATAN WILL BE BOUND FOREVER, NEVER AGAIN TO DO HIS EVIL WORK.
G. JOHN HEARD A LOUD VOICE SHOUTING ACROSS THE HEAVENS,
1. "IT HAS HAPPENED AT LAST! GOD'S SALVATION AND THE POWER AND THE RULE, AND THE AUTHORITY OF HIS CHRIST ARE FINALLY HERE;
2. THE ACCUSER OF OUR BROTHERS HAS BEEN THROWN DOWN FROM HEAVEN ONTO EARTH-(HE ACCUSED THEM DAY AND NIGHT BEFORE OUR GOD.)
3. THEY DEFEATED HIM BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, AND BY THEIR TESTIMONY; FOR THEY DID NOT LOVE THEIR LIVES, BUT LAID THEM DOWN FOR HIM.
4. REJOICE, O HEAVENS! YOU CITIZENS OF HEAVEN, REJOICE! BE GLAD! BUT WOE TO YOU PEOPLE OF THE WORLD, FOR THE DEVIL HAS COME DOWN TO YOU IN GREAT ANGER, KNOWING THAT HE HAS LITTLE TIME."
H. **NOTE** THE CRITICAL BLOW TO SATAN CAME WHEN THE LAMB, JESUS CHRIST SHED HIS BLOOD FOR OUR SINS. THE VICTORY IS WON BY SACRIFICE--CHRIST'S SACRIFICE FOR SIN.
I. WHEN THE DRAGON FOUND HIMSELF CAST DOWN TO EARTH, HE PERSECUTED THE WOMAN WHO HAD GIVEN BIRTH TO THE CHILD. BUT SHE WAS GIVEN TWO WINGS LIKE THOSE OF A GREAT EAGLE, TO FLY INTO THE WILDERNESS TO THE PLACE PREPARED FOR HER, WHERE SHE WAS CARED FOR AND PROTECTED FROM THE SERPENT, THE DRAGON, FOR 3 1/2 YEARS.
J. FROM THE SERPENT'S MOUTH A VAST FLOOD OF WATER GUSHED OUT AND SWEPT TOWARD THE WOMAN IN AN EFFORT TO GET RID OF HER.
K. EARTH HELPED HER BY OPENING ITS MOUTH AND SWALLOWING THE FLOOD!
L. THE FURIOUS DRAGON SET OUT TO ATTACK THE REST OF HER CHILDREN - ALL WHO WERE KEEPING GOD'S COMMANDMENTS AND CONFESSING THAT THEY BELONG TO JESUS.
M. HE (SATAN) STOOD WAITING ON AN OCEAN BEACH.
CHAPTER XIII
A. JOHN SAW NEXT IN HIS VISION, A STRANGE CREATURE RISING UP OUT OF THE SEA.
1. HAD SEVEN HEADS
2. TEN HORNS
3. TEN CROWNS UPON ITS HORNS
4. WRITTEN ON EACH HEAD WERE BLASPHEMOUS NAMES, EACH ONE DEFYING AND INSULTING GOD.
5. LOOKED LIKE A LEOPARD
6. HAD BEAR'S FEET
7. LION'S MOUTH
8. DRAGON (SATAN) GAVE HIM HIS OWN POWER AND THRONE AND GREAT AUTHORITY
9. ONE OF HIS HEADS SEEMED WOUNDED BEYOND RECOVERY
a. BUT THE FATAL WOUND WAS HEALED
10. ALL THE WORLD MARVELED AT THIS MIRACLE AND FOLLOWED THE CREATURE IN AWE
11. THEY WORSHIPED THE DRAGON FOR GIVING HIM SUCH POWER
a. AND THEY WORSHIPED THE STRANGE CREATURE
12. THE DRAGON ENCOURAGED THE CREATURE TO SPEAK GREAT BLASPHEMIES AGAINST THE LORD
13. GAVE HIM AUTHORITY TO CONTROL THE EARTH FOR 42 MONTHS
14. ALL THAT TIME HE BLASPHEMED GOD'S NAME AND HIS TEMPLE AND ALL THOSE LIVING IN HEAVEN
15. DRAGON GAVE HIM POWER TO FIGHT AGAINST GOD'S PEOPLE AND TO OVERCOME THEM, AND TO RULE OVER ALL NATIONS AND LANGUAGE GROUPS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
16. ALL MANKIND--WHOSE NAMES WERE NOT WRITTEN DOWN BEFORE THE FOUNDING OF THE WORLD IN THE SLAIN LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE--WORSHIPED THE EVIL CREATURE
B. ANYONE WHO CAN HEAR, LISTEN CAREFULLY: THE PEOPLE OF GOD WHO ARE DESTINED FOR PRISON WILL BE ARRESTED AND TAKEN AWAY; THOSE DESTINED FOR DEATH WILL BE KILLED. BUT DO NOT BE DISMAYED, FOR HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY FOR ENDURANCE AND CONFIDENCE
C. JOHN SAW ANOTHER STRANGE ANIMAL
1. CAME OUT OF THE EARTH
2. 2 LITTLE HORNS LIKE THOSE OF A LAMB, BUT A FEARSOME VOICE LIKE THE DRAGON'S
3. EXERCISED ALL THE AUTHORITY OF THE CREATURE WHOSE DEATH WOUND HAD BEEN HEALED, WHOM HE REQUIRED ALL THE WORLD TO WORSHIP
4. DID UNBELIEVABLE MIRACLES SUCH AS MAKING FIRE FLAME DOWN TO EARTH FROM THE SKIES WHILE EVERYONE WAS WATCHING
5. DECEIVED PEOPLE EVERYWHERE BY THE MIRACLES
6. COULD DO THESE MARVELOUS THINGS WHENEVER THE FIRST CREATURE WAS THERE TO WATCH HIM
7. ORDERED PEOPLE OF THE WORLD TO MAKE A GREAT STATUE OF THE FIRST CREATURE (WHO WAS FATALLY WOUNDED AND THEN CAME BACK TO LIFE)
8. PERMITTED TO GIVE BREATH TO THIS STATUE AND EVEN MAKE IT SPEAK
9. STATUE ORDERED THAT ANYONE REFUSING TO WORSHIP IT MUST DIE
10. REQUIRED EVERYONE TO BE TATTOOED WITH A CERTAIN MARK ON THE RIGHT HAND OR ON THE FOREHEAD
11. NO ONE COULD GET A JOB OR EVEN BUY IN ANY STORE WITHOUT THE PERMIT OF THAT MARK, WHICH WAS EITHER THE NAME OF THE CREATURE OR THE CODE NUMBER OF HIS NAME
12. HERE IS A PUZZLE THAT CALLS FOR CAREFUL THOUGHT TO SOLVE IT. LET THOSE WHO ARE ABLE, INTERPRET THIS CODE: THE NUMERICAL VALUES OF THE LETTERS IN HIS NAME ADD TO 666!
D. **NOTE** THE CREATURE THAT COMES OUT OF THE SEA IS THE ANTICHRIST
1. HAS POLITICAL POWER
2. PEOPLE WILL FOLLOW AND WORSHIP HIM BECAUSE THEY ARE AWED BY HIS POWER AND MIRACLES
3. WILL UNITE THE WORLD UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP
4. WILL CONTROL THE WORLD ECONOMY
5. USES HIS POWER TO MANIPULATE OTHERS, TO POINT TO HIMSELF, AND TO PROMOTE EVIL PLANS
6. WILL BE A COUNTERFEIT OF JESUS CHRIST AND WILL EVEN STAGE A FALSE RESURRECTION
7. POWER GIVEN TO THE CREATURE IS LIMITED BY GOD
a. ALLOWS HIM TO HAVE POWER ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME
b. EVEN WHILE THE CREATURE IS IN POWER, GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL
E. **NOTE** THE CREATURE FROM THE EARTH IS THE FALSE PROPHET
1. HAS POWER TO DO MIRACLES
2. COUNTERFEIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
3. PURPOSE OF HIS MIRACLES IS TO DECEIVE
4. HE COULD DO THESE MIRACLES WHENEVER THE FIRST CREATURE WAS THERE TO WATCH HIM
5. **REMINDER** PHARAOH'S MAGICIANS, WHO DUPLICATED MOSES'S SIGNS IN EGYPT (EXODUS 7-12). TRUE SIGNS AND MIRACLES POINT US TO JESUS CHRIST, BUT MIRACLES ALONE CAN BE DECEPTIVE
F. **NOTE** THE UNHOLY TRINITY IS THE DRAGON (SATAN), THE ANTICHRIST, AND THE FALSE PROPHET
G. **NOTE** THE MARK OF THE BEAST IS DESIGNED TO MOCK THE MARK GOD PLACES ON HIS FOLLOWERS. THOSE WHO ACCEPT IT ARE SHOWING THEIR ALLEGIANCE TO SATAN, AND THEIR OPEN REBELLION AGAINST GOD.
H. **NOTE**THE MEANING OF THE NUMBER 666 HAS BEEN SAID TO REPRESENT MANY THINGS, INCLUDING THE NUMBER OF MAN OR THE UNHOLY TRINITY OF SATAN, THE CREATURE AND THE FALSE PROPHET. IF THE NUMBER SEVEN IS LOOKED UPON AS THE "PERFECT NUMBER" IN THE BIBLE, AND IF THREE SEVENS REPRESENT COMPLETE PERFECTION, THE NUMBER 666 FALLS COMPLETELY SHORT OF PERFECTION. WHATEVER SPECIFIC APPLICATION THE NUMBER IS GIVEN, IT SYMBOLIZES THE WORLDWIDE DOMINION AND COMPLETE EVIL OF THIS UNHOLY TRINITY DESIGNED TO UNDO CHRIST'S WORK AND OVERTHROW HIM
CHAPTER XIV
A. THE LAMB (JESUS) AND THE 144,000
1. JOHN SAW A LAMB STANDING ON MOUNT ZION IN JERUSALEM
2. WITH HIM WERE 144,000 WHO HAD HIS NAME AND HIS FATHER'S NAME WRITTEN ON THEIR FOREHEADS
3. HEARD A SOUND FROM HEAVEN LIKE THE ROARING OF A GREAT WATERFALL OR THE ROLLING OF MIGHTY THUNDER
a. IT WAS THE SINGING OF A CHOIR ACCOMPANIED BY HARPS
b. THE CHOIR - 144,000 STRONG - SANG A WONDERFUL NEW SONG IN FRONT OF THE THRONE OF GOD AND BEFORE THE 4 LIVING BEINGS AND THE 24 ELDERS
c. NO ONE COULD SING THIS SONG EXCEPT THOSE 144,000 WHO HAD BEEN REDEEMED FROM THE EARTH
d. FOR THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY UNDEFILED, PURE AS VIRGINS, FOLLOWING THE LAMB WHEREVER HE GOES
e. THEY HAVE BEEN PURCHASED FROM AMONG THE MEN ON THE EARTH AS A CONSECRATED OFFERING TO GOD AND THE LAMB
f. NO FALSEHOOD CAN BE CHARGED AGAINST THEM; THEY ARE BLAMELESS
B. THE THREE ANGELS
1. JOHN SAW ANOTHER ANGEL FLYING THROUGH THE HEAVENS
a. CARRYING THE EVERLASTING GOOD NEWS TO PREACH TO THOSE ON EARTH - TO EVERY NATION, TRIBE, LANGUAGE AND PEOPLE
b. "FEAR GOD," HE SHOUTED, "AND EXTOL HIS GREATNESS. FOR THE TIME HAS COME WHEN HE WILL SIT AS JUDGE. WORSHIP HIM WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH, THE SEA AND ALL ITS SOURCES."
2. ANOTHER ANGEL FOLLOWED HIM THROUGH THE SKIES, SAYING, "BABYLON IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN-THAT GREAT CITY-BECAUSE SHE SEDUCED THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD AND MADE THEM SHARE THE WINE OF HER INTENSE IMPURITY AND SIN."
3. THEN A THIRD ANGEL FOLLOWED THEM SHOUTING, "ANYONE WORSHIPING THE CREATURE FROM THE SEA AND HIS STATUE AND ACCEPTING HIS MARK ON THE FOREHEAD OR ON THE HAND MUST DRINK THE WINE OF THE ANGER OF GOD
a. IT IS POURED OUT UNDILUTED INTO GOD'S CUP OF WRATH
b. THEY WILL BE TORMENTED WITH FIRE AND BURNING SULPHUR IN THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY ANGELS AND THE LAMB
c. THE SMOKE OF THEIR TORTURE RISES FOREVER AND EVER
d. THEY WILL HAVE NO RELIEF DAY OR NIGHT, FOR THEY HAVE WORSHIPED THE CREATURE AND HIS STATUE, AND HAVE BEEN TATTOOED WITH THE CODE OF HIS NAME
e. LET THIS ENCOURAGE GOD'S PEOPLE TO ENDURE PATIENTLY EVERY TRIAL AND PERSECUTION, FOR THEY ARE HIS SAINTS WHO REMAIN FIRM TO THE END IN OBEDIENCE TO HIS COMMANDS AND TRUST IN JESUS.
C. THE HARVEST OF THE EARTH
1. HEARD A VOICE IN THE HEAVENS ABOVE ME SAYING, "WRITE THIS DOWN:
a. AT LAST THE TIME HAS COME FOR HIS MARTYRS TO ENTER INTO THEIR FULL REWARD
b. THEY ARE BLEST INDEED, FOR NOW THEY SHALL REST FROM ALL THEIR TOILS AND TRIALS
c. THEIR GOOD DEEDS FOLLOW THEM TO HEAVEN
D. SAW A WHITE CLOUD AND SOMEONE SITTING ON IT WHO LOOKED LIKE JESUS, WHO WAS CALLED "THE SON OF MAN"
1. HAD A CROWN OF SOLID GOLD UPON HIS HEAD
2. SHARP SICKLE IN HIS HAND
E. AN ANGEL CAME FROM THE TEMPLE AND CALLED OUT TO HIM
1. BEGIN TO USE THE SICKLE
2. THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO REAP, THE HARVEST IS RIPE ON THE EARTH
3. THE ONE SITTING ON THE CLOUD SWUNG HIS SICKLE OVER THE EARTH, AND THE HARVEST WAS GATHERED IN
F. ANOTHER ANGEL CAME FROM THE TEMPLE IN HEAVEN AND HE ALSO HAD A SHARP SICKLE
G. THE ANGEL WHO HAD THE POWER TO DESTROY THE WORLD WITH FIRE, SHOUTED TO THE ANGEL WITH THE SICKLE, "USE YOUR SICKLE NOW TO CUT OFF THE CLUSTERS OF GRAPES FROM THE VINES OF THE EARTH, FOR THEY ARE FULLY RIPE FOR JUDGMENT"
1. ANGEL SWUNG HIS SICKLE ON THE EARTH AND LOADED THE GRAPES INTO THE GREAT WINEPRESS OF GOD'S WRATH
2. THE GRAPES WERE TRODDEN IN THE WINEPRESS OUTSIDE THE CITY
3. BLOOD FLOWED OUT IN A STREAM 200 MILES LONG AND AS HIGH AS A HORSE'S BRIDLE.
H. **NOTE** CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT FEAR THE LAST JUDGMENT. JESUS SAID, "I SAY EMPHATICALLY THAT ANYONE WHO LISTENS TO MY MESSAGE AND BELIEVES IN GOD WHO SENT ME HAS ETERNAL LIFE, AND WILL NEVER BE DAMNED FOR HIS SINS, BUT HAS ALREADY PASSED OUT OF DEATH INTO LIFE (JOHN 5:24)
I. **NOTE** IF IN THIS LIFE WE CHOOSE TO BE INDEPENDENT OF GOD, IN THE NEXT LIFE WE WILL BE SEPARATED FROM HIM FOREVER. NOBODY IS FORCED TO CHOOSE ETERNAL SEPARATION FROM GOD AND NOBODY SUFFERS THIS FATE BY ACCIDENT. JESUS INVITES ALL OF US TO OPEN THE DOOR OF OUR HEARTS TO HIM (REV. 3:30)
CHAPTER XV
A. POURING OUT THE SEVEN PLAGUES
1. THE ANGELS WITH THE LAST PLAGUES
a. SAW IN HEAVEN ANOTHER MIGHTY PAGEANT SHOWING THINGS TO COME
b. SEVEN ANGELS WERE ASSIGNED TO CARRY DOWN TO EARTH THE 7 LAST PLAGUES-AND THEN AT LAST GOD'S ANGER WILL BE FINISHED
B. SPREAD OUT BEFORE ME WAS WHAT SEEMED TO BE AN OCEAN OF FIRE AND GLASS
1. ON IT STOOD ALL THOSE WHO HAD BEEN VICTORIOUS OVER THE EVIL CREATURE AND HIS STATUE AND HIS MARK AND NUMBER
2. ALL WERE HOLDING HARPS OF GOD
3. SINGING THE SONG OF MOSES, THE SERVANT OF GOD, AND THE SONG OF THE LAMB
a. GREAT AND MARVELOUS, ARE YOUR DOINGS, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.
b. JUST AND TRUE ARE YOUR WAYS
c. WHO SHALL NOT FEAR, O LORD, AND GLORIFY YOUR NAME?
d. FOR YOU ALONE ARE HOLY
e. ALL NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU
f. FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS DEEDS HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED
C. LOOKED AND SAW THAT THE HOLY OF HOLIES OF THE TEMPLE IN HEAVEN WAS THROWN WIDE OPEN
D. THE SEVEN ANGELS WHO WERE ASSIGNED TO POUR OUT THE SEVEN PLAGUES THEN CAME FROM THE TEMPLE
1. CLOTHED IN SPOTLESSLY WHITE LINEN
2. GOLDEN BELTS ACROSS THEIR CHESTS
3. ONE OF THE 4 LIVING BEINGS HANDED EACH OF THEM A GOLDEN FLASK FILLED WITH THE TERRIBLE WRATH OF THE LIVING GOD WHO LIVES FOREVER AND FOREVER
4. THE TEMPLE WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE FROM HIS GLORY AND POWER
5. NO ONE COULD ENTER UNTIL THE SEVEN ANGELS HAD COMPLETED POURING OUT THE SEVEN PLAGUES
E. **NOTE** THE HOLY OF HOLIES WAS THROWN OPEN ONCE BEFORE--AT CHRIST'S CRUCIFIXION, WHEN THE CURTAIN WAS RIPPED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM (MATTHEW 27:50-53). THE WIDE OPEN ENTRANCE INTO THE HOLY OF HOLIES SYMBOLIZES THE OPEN ACCESS TO GOD'S VERY PRESENCE WHICH CHRISTIANS HAVE ON THE BASIS OF JESUS'S SHED BLOOD. THOSE OF US WHO ARE UNITED WITH THE SINLESS CHRIST, OUR HIGH PRIEST, CAN APPROACH GOD BOLDLY (HEBREWS 4:14-16), BUT UNREPENTANT SINNERS WILL BE DESTROYED BY HIS PRESENCE (NAHUM 1:2-6)
CHAPTER XVI
A. JOHN HEARD A MIGHTY VOICE SHOUTING FROM THE TEMPLE TO THE SEVEN ANGELS, "NOW GO YOUR WAYS AND EMPTY OUT THE SEVEN FLASKS OF THE WRATH OF GOD UPON THE EARTH."
1. THE FIRST ANGEL LEFT THE TEMPLE AND POURED OUT HIS FLASK OVER THE EARTH
a. HORRIBLE, MALIGNANT SORES BROKE OUT ON EVERYONE WHO HAD THE MARK OF THE CREATURE AND WAS WORSHIPING HIS STATUE
2. THE SECOND ANGEL POURED OUT HIS FLASK UPON THE OCEANS
a. THEY BECAME LIKE WATERY BLOOD OF A DEAD MAN
b. EVERYTHING IN ALL THE OCEANS DIED
3. THE THIRD ANGEL POURED OUT HIS FLASK UPON THE RIVERS AND SPRINGS
a. THEY BECAME BLOOD
b. HEARD THIS ANGEL OF THE WATERS DECLARING, "YOU ARE JUST IN SENDING THIS JUDGMENT, O HOLY ONE, WHO IS AND WAS, FOR YOUR SAINTS AND PROPHETS HAVE BEEN MARTYRED AND THEIR BLOOD POURED OUT UPON THE EARTH
c. NOW, IN TURN, YOU HAVE POURED OUT THE BLOOD OF THOSE WHO MURDERED THEM; IT IS THEIR JUST REWARD."
B. JOHN HEARD THE ANGEL OF THE ALTAR SAY, "YES, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, YOUR PUNISHMENTS ARE JUST AND TRUE."
1. THE FOURTH ANGEL POURED OUT HIS FLASK UPON THE SUN
a. CAUSED IT TO SCORCH ALL MEN WITH ITS FIRE
b. EVERYONE WAS BURNED BY THIS BLAST OF HEAT
c. THEY CURSED THE NAME OF GOD WHO SENT THE PLAGUES
d. THEY DID NOT CHANGE THEIR MIND AND ATTITUDE TO GIVE HIM GLORY
2. THE FIFTH ANGEL POURED OUT HIS FLASK UPON THE THRONE OF THE CREATURE FROM THE SEA
a. HIS KINGDOM WAS PLUNGED INTO DARKNESS
b. HIS SUBJECTS GNAWED THEIR TONGUES IN ANGUISH
c. THEY CURSED THE GOD OF HEAVEN FOR THEIR PAINS AND SORES
d. BUT, THEY REFUSED TO REPENT OF ALL THEIR EVIL DEEDS
3. THE SIXTH ANGEL POURED OUT HIS FLASK UPON THE GREAT RIVER EUPHRATES
a. IT DRIED UP SO THAT THE KINGS FROM THE EAST COULD MARCH THEIR ARMIES WESTWARD WITHOUT HINDRANCE
b. JOHN SAW THREE EVIL SPIRITS DISGUISED AS FROGS LEAP FROM THE MOUTH OF THE DRAGON, THE CREATURE, AND HIS FALSE PROPHET
c. THESE MIRACLE-WORKING DEMONS CONFERRED WITH ALL THE RULERS OF THE WORLD TO GATHER THEM FOR BATTLE AGAINST THE LORD ON THAT GREAT COMING JUDGMENT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY.
C. REVELATION 16:15 (JESUS SPEAKING) "TAKE NOTE: I WILL COME AS UNEXPECTEDLY AS A THIEF! BLESSED ARE ALL WHO ARE AWAITING ME, WHO KEEP THEIR ROBES IN READINESS AND WILL NOT NEED TO WALK NAKED AND ASHAMED."
D. THEY GATHERED ALL THE ARMIES OF THE WORLD NEAR A PLACE CALLED, IN HEBREW, ARMAGEDDON-THE MOUNTAIN OF MEGIDDO.
1. THE SEVENTH ANGEL POURED OUT HIS FLASK INTO THE AIR
a. A MIGHTY SHOUT CAME FROM THE THRONE OF THE TEMPLE IN HEAVEN, SAYING, "IT IS FINISHED!"
b. THUNDER CRASHED AND ROLLED
c. LIGHTNING FLASHED
d. THERE WAS A GREAT EARTHQUAKE OF MAGNITUDE UNPRECEDENTED IN HUMAN HISTORY
e. THE GREAT CITY OF "BABYLON" SPLIT INTO THREE SECTIONS
f. CITIES AROUND THE WORLD FELL IN HEAPS OF RUBBLE
g. ALL OF "BABYLON'S" SINS WERE REMEMBERED IN GOD'S THOUGHTS
h. SHE WAS PUNISHED TO THE LAST DROP OF ANGER IN THE CUP OF THE WINE OF THE FIERCENESS OF HIS WRATH
i. ISLANDS VANISHED
j. MOUNTAINS FLATTENED OUT
k. THERE WAS AN INCREDIBLE HAILSTORM FROM HEAVEN
(1) HAILSTONES WEIGHING A HUNDRED POUNDS FELL FROM THE SKY ONTO THE PEOPLE BELOW
(2) THEY CURSED GOD BECAUSE OF THE TERRIBLE HAIL
E. **NOTE** THE FLASK JUDGMENTS ARE GOD'S FINAL AND COMPLETE JUDGMENTS UPON THE EARTH. THE END HAS COME. THERE ARE MANY SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE FLASK JUDGMENTS AND THE TRUMPET JUDGMENTS , BUT THERE ARE THREE MAIN DIFFERENCES:(1)THESE JUDGMENTS ARE COMPLETE WHERE THE TRUMPET JUDGMENTS ARE PARTIAL;(2)THE TRUMPET JUDGMENTS STILL GIVE UNBELIEVERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPENT, BUT THE FLASK JUDGMENTS DO NOT; AND (3)MANKIND IS INDIRECTLY AFFECTED BY SEVERAL OF THE TRUMPET JUDGMENTS BUT DIRECTLY ATTACKED BY ALL THE FLASK JUDGMENTS
F. **NOTE** CHRIST WILL RETURN UNEXPECTEDLY (1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-6), SO WE MUST BE READY WHEN HE RETURNS. WE CAN PREPARE OURSELVES BY STANDING FIRM IN THE MIDST OF TEMPTATION AND BY BEING COMMITTED TO GOD'S MORAL STANDARDS.
G. **NOTE** THIS BATTLEFIELD IS NEAR THE CITY OF MEGIDDO (SOUTHEAST OF THE MODERN PORT OF HAIFA) WHICH GUARDED A LARGE PLAIN IN NORTHERN ISRAEL. IT IS A STRATEGIC LOCATION NEAR A PROMINENT INTERNATIONAL HIGHWAY LEADING NORTH FROM EGYPT THROUGH ISRAEL, ALONG THE COAST, AND ON TO BABYLON. MEGIDDO OVERLOOKED THE ENTIRE PLAIN SOUTHWARD TOWARD GALILEE AND WESTWARD TOWARD MOUNT GILBOA.
H. **NOTE** SINFUL MEN WILL UNITE AGAINST GOD IN A FINAL DISPLAY OF REBELLION. MANY ARE ALREADY UNITED AGAINST CHRIST AND HIS PEOPLE WHO STAND FOR TRUTH, PEACE, JUSTICE, AND MORALITY. YOUR PERSONAL BATTLE WITH EVIL FORESHADOWS THE GREAT BATTLE PICTURED HERE, WHERE GOD WILL MEET EVIL AND DESTROY IT ONCE AND FOR ALL. BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS AS YOU BATTLE AGAINST SIN AND EVIL, YOU ARE FIGHTING ON THE WINNING SIDE.
CHAPTER XVII
A. THE PROSTITUTE AND THE SCARLET ANIMAL
B. ONE OF THE SEVEN ANGELS WHO HAD POURED OUT THE PLAGUES CAME OVER AND TALKED WITH JOHN. "COME WITH ME," HE SAID,"AND I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO THE NOTORIOUS PROSTITUTE, WHO SITS UPON THE MANY WATERS OF THE WORLD.
1. THE KINGS OF THE WORLD HAVE HAD IMMORAL RELATIONS WITH HER
2. THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH HAVE BEEN MADE DRUNK BY THE WINE OF HER IMMORALITY."
C. **NOTE** THE NOTORIOUS PROSTITUTE, CALLED BABYLON, REPRESENTED THE EARLY ROMAN EMPIRE WITH ITS MANY GODS AND THE BLOOD OF CHRISTIAN MARTYRS ON ITS HANDS. THE PROSTITUTE REPRESENTS THE SEDUCTIVENESS OF THE GOVERNMENTAL SYSTEM AS IT USED IMMORAL MEANS TO GAIN ITS OWN PLEASURE, PROSPERITY, AND ADVANTAGE. IN CONTRAST TO THE PROSTITUTE, CHRIST'S BRIDE, THE CHURCH IS PURE AND OBEDIENT. THE WICKED CITY OF BABYLON STANDS IN CONTRAST TO THE HEAVENLY CITY OF JERUSALEM. THE ORIGINAL READERS EASILY IDENTIFIED BABYLON WITH ROME, BUT IT ALSO SYMBOLIZES ANY SYSTEM THAT IS HOSTILE TO GOD
D. **NOTE** THE SCARLET ANIMAL IS EITHER THE DRAGON (SATAN) OR THE CREATURE FROM THE SEA (ANTICHRIST)
E. THE ANGEL TOOK JOHN IN SPIRIT INTO THE WILDERNESS WHERE JOHN SAW:
1. A WOMAN SITTING ON A SCARLET ANIMAL THAT HAD SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS
2. WRITTEN ALL OVER WITH BLASPHEMIES AGAINST GOD
3. WOMAN WORE PURPLE AND SCARLET CLOTHING
4. WORE BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY MADE OF GOLD AND PRECIOUS GEMS AND PEARLS
5. HELD IN HER HAND A GOLDEN GOBLET FULL OF OBSCENITIES
6. A MYSTERIOUS CAPTION WAS WRITTEN ON HER FOREHEAD: "BABYLON THE GREAT, MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF IDOL WORSHIP EVERYWHERE AROUND THE WORLD."
7. SHE WAS DRUNK--DRUNK WITH THE BLOOD OF THE MARTYRS OF JESUS SHE HAD KILLED.
8. JOHN STARED AT HER HORROR.
F. THE ANGEL ASKED JOHN, "WHY ARE YOU SO SURPRISED? I'LL TELL YOU WHO SHE IS AND WHAT THE ANIMAL SHE IS RIDING REPRESENTS. HE WAS ALIVE BUT ISN'T NOW. AND YET, SOON HE WILL COME UP OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT AND GO TO ETERNAL DESTRUCTION; AND THE PEOPLE OF EARTH, WHOSE NAMES HAVE NOT BEEN WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN, WILL BE DUMBFOUNDED AT HIS REAPPEARANCE AFTER BEING DEAD."
1. AND NOW THINK HARD
2. HIS SEVEN HEADS REPRESENT A CERTAIN CITY BUILT ON SEVEN HILLS WHERE THIS WOMAN HAS HER RESIDENCE
3. THEY ALSO REPRESENT SEVEN KINGS
a. 5 HAVE ALREADY FALLEN
b. THE 6TH NOW REIGNS
c. THE 7TH IS YET TO COME, BUT HIS REIGN WILL BE BRIEF
4. THE SCARLET ANIMAL THAT DIED IS THE EIGHTH KING
a. HAVING REIGNED BEFORE AS ONE OF THE SEVEN
b. AFTER HIS SECOND REIGN, HE TOO, WILL GO TO HIS DOOM
5. HIS TEN HORNS ARE TEN KINGS
a. WHO HAVE NOT YET RISEN TO POWER
b. THEY WILL BE APPOINTED TO THEIR KINGDOMS FOR ONE BRIEF MOMENT, TO REIGN WITH HIM
c. THEY WILL ALL SIGN A TREATY GIVING THEIR POWER AND STRENGTH TO HIM
d. TOGETHER THEY WILL WAGE WAR AGAINST THE LAMB
e. THE LAMB WILL CONQUER THEM; FOR HE IS LORD OVER ALL LORDS, AND KING OF KINGS
(1) HIS PEOPLE ARE THE CALLED AND CHOSEN AND FAITHFUL ONES
G. **NOTE** HERE JOHN WAS ALMOST CERTAINLY REFERRING TO ROME, THE CITY FAMOUS FOR ITS SEVEN HILLS. MANY SAY THIS CITY ALSO SYMBOLIZES ALL EVIL IN THE WORLD--ANY PERSON, RELIGION, GROUP, GOVERNMENT, OR STRUCTURE THAT IS AGAINST CHRIST. WHATEVER VIEW IS TAKEN OF THE SEVEN HILLS AND SEVEN KINGS, THIS SECTION INDICATES THE CLIMAX OF SATAN'S STRUGGLE AGAINST GOD. EVIL'S POWER IS LIMITED AND ITS DESTRUCTION IS ON THE HORIZON
H. **NOTE** THE TEN HORNS REPRESENT KINGS OF NATIONS YET TO ARISE. ROME WILL BE FOLLOWED BY OTHER POWERS. ROME IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF HOW THE ANTICHRIST'S SYSTEM WILL WORK, DEMANDING COMPLETE ALLEGIANCE, AND RULING BY RAW POWER, OPPRESSION, AND SLAVERY. WHOEVER THE TEN KINGS ARE, THEY WILL GIVE THEIR POWER TO THE ANTICHRIST AND WILL WAGE WAR AGAINST THE LAMB
I. "THE OCEANS, LAKES AND RIVERS THAT THE WOMAN IS SITTING ON REPRESENT MASSES OF PEOPLE OF EVERY RACE AND NATION.
J. "THE SCARLET ANIMAL AND HIS TEN HORNS-WHICH REPRESENT TEN KINGS WHO WILL REIGN WITH HIM
1. THEY ALL HATE THE WOMAN
2. THEY WILL ATTACK HER AND LEAVE HER NAKED AND RAVAGED BY FIRE
3. FOR GOD WILL PUT A PLAN INTO THEIR MINDS, A PLAN THAT WILL CARRY OUT HIS PURPOSES
4. THEY WILL MUTUALLY AGREE TO GIVE THEIR AUTHORITY TO THE SCARLET ANIMAL
a. SO THAT THE WORDS OF GOD WILL BE FULFILLED
5. THIS WOMAN YOU SAW IN YOUR VISION REPRESENTS THE GREAT CITY THAT RULES OVER THE KINGS OF THE EARTH."
K. **NOTE** IN A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS, THE WOMAN'S ALLIES TURN ON HER AND DESTROY HER. THIS IS HOW EVIL OPERATES. DESTRUCTIVE BY ITS VERY NATURE, IT DISCARDS ITS OWN ADHERENTS WHEN THEY CEASE TO SERVE ITS PURPOSES. AN UNHOLY ALLIANCE IS AN UNEASY ALLIANCE BECAUSE EACH PARTNER PUTS ITS OWN INTEREST FIRST
L. **NOTE** NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, WE MUST TRUST THAT GOD IS STILL IN CHARGE AND HIS PLANS WILL HAPPEN JUST AS HE SAYS. HE EVEN USES PEOPLE OPPOSED TO HIM TO EXECUTE HIS WILL. ALTHOUGH HE ALLOWS EVIL TO PERMEATE THIS PRESENT WORLD, THE NEW EARTH WILL NEVER KNOW SIN.
CHAPTER XVIII
A. (THE FALL OF BABYLON)
B. JOHN THEN SAW ANOTHER ANGEL COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN WITH GREAT AUTHORITY
1. THE EARTH GREW BRIGHT WITH HIS SPLENDOR
2. HE GAVE A MIGHTY SHOUT, "BABYLON THE GREAT IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN"
a. SHE HAS BECOME A DEN OF DEMONS
b. A HAUNT OF DEVILS AND EVERY KIND OF EVIL SPIRIT
c. ALL THE NATIONS HAVE DRUNK THE FATAL WINE OF HER INTENSE IMMORALITY d. THE RULERS OF EARTH HAVE ENJOYED THEMSELVES WITH HER
e. BUSINESSMEN THROUGHOUT THE WORLD HAVE GROWN RICH FROM ALL HER LUXURIOUS LIVING
C. THEN JOHN HEARD ANOTHER VOICE CALLING FROM HEAVEN
1. COME AWAY FROM HER, MY PEOPLE
2. DO NOT TAKE PART IN HER SINS, OR YOU WILL BE PUNISHED WITH HER
3. HER SINS ARE PILED AS HIGH AS HEAVEN AND GOD IS READY TO JUDGE HER FOR HER CRIMES
a. DO TO HER AS SHE HAS DONE TO YOU, AND MORE--GIVE DOUBLE PENALTY FOR ALL HER EVIL DEEDS
b. SHE BREWED MANY A CUP OF WOE FOR OTHERS
c. GIVE TWICE AS MUCH TO HER
d. SHE HAS LIVED IN LUXURY AND PLEASURE
e. MATCH IT NOW WITH TORMENTS AND WITH SORROWS
f. SHE BOASTS:
(1) I AM QUEEN UPON MY THRONE
(2) I AM NO HELPLESS WIDOW
(3) I WILL NOT EXPERIENCE SORROW
g. THEREFORE THE SORROWS OF DEATH AND MOURNING AND FAMINE SHALL OVERTAKE HER IN A SINGLE DAY
(1) SHE SHALL BE UTTERLY CONSUMED BY FIRE
(2) FOR MIGHTY IS THE LORD WHO JUDGES HER
4. THE WORLD LEADERS, WHO TOOK PART IN HER IMMORAL ACTS AND ENJOYED HER FAVORS
a. WILL MOURN FOR HER AS THEY SEE THE SMOKE RISING FROM HER CHARRED REMAINS
b. THEY WILL STAND FAR OFF, TREMBLING WITH FEAR AND CRYING OUT, "ALAS, BABYLON, THAT MIGHTY CITY! IN ONE MOMENT HER JUDGMENT FELL."
5. THE MERCHANTS OF THE EARTH WILL WEEP AND MOURN FOR HER
a. THERE IS NO ONE LEFT TO BUY THEIR GOODS
b. SHE WAS THEIR BIGGEST CUSTOMER FOR GOLD AND SILVER, PRECIOUS STONES, PEARLS, FINEST LINENS, PURPLE SILKS, AND SCARLET; AND EVERY KIND OF PERFUMED WOOD, AND IVORY GOODS AND MOST EXPENSIVE WOODEN CARVINGS, AND BRASS AND IRON AND MARBLE; AND SPICES AND PERFUMES, AND INCENSE, OINTMENT AND FRANKINCENSE, WINE, OLIVE OIL, AND FINE FLOUR, WHEAT, CATTLE, SHEEP, HORSES, CHARIOTS, AND SLAVES--AND EVEN THE SOULS OF MEN.
c. "ALL THE FANCY THINGS YOU LOVED SO MUCH ARE GONE," THEY CRY
d. THEY STAND AT A DISTANCE, FEARING DANGER TO THEMSELVES, WEEPING AND CRYING
e. CRY AS THEY WATCH THE SMOKE ASCEND AND SAY, "WHERE IN ALL THE WORLD IS THERE ANOTHER CITY SUCH AS THIS?"
f. THEY WILL THROW DUST ON THEIR HEADS IN THEIR SORROW AND SAY, "ALAS, ALAS, FOR THAT GREAT CITY! SHE MADE US ALL RICH FROM HER GREAT WEALTH. AND NOW IN A SINGLE HOUR ALL IS GONE."
D. BUT YOU, O HEAVEN, REJOICE OVER HER FATE; AND YOU, O CHILDREN OF GOD AND THE PROPHETS AND THE APOSTLES! FOR AT LAST GOD HAS GIVEN JUDGMENT AGAINST HER FOR YOU.
E. THEN A MIGHTY ANGEL PICKED UP A BOULDER-SHAPED LIKE A MILLSTONE AND THREW IT INTO THE OCEAN AND SHOUTED
1. BABYLON, THAT GREAT CITY, SHALL BE THROWN AWAY AS I HAVE THROWN AWAY THIS STONE
2. SHE SHALL DISAPPEAR FOREVER
3. NEVER AGAIN WILL INDUSTRY OF ANY KIND EVER AGAIN EXIST THERE
4. THERE WILL BE NO MORE MILLING OF THE GRAIN
5. DARK, DARK WILL BE HER NIGHTS; NOT EVEN A LAMP IN A WINDOW WILL EVER BE SEEN AGAIN
6. NO MORE JOYOUS WEDDING BELLS AND HAPPY VOICES OF THE BRIDEGROOMS AND THE BRIDES
7. HER BUSINESSMEN WERE KNOWN AROUND THE WORLD
8. SHE DECEIVED ALL NATIONS WITH HER SORCERIES
9. SHE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BLOOD OF ALL THE MARTYRED PROPHETS AND THE SAINTS.
F. **NOTE** THIS CHAPTER SHOWS THE COMPLETE DESTRUCTION OF BABYLON, JOHN'S METAPHORICAL NAME FOR THE EVIL WORLD POWER, AND ALL IT REPRESENTS. EVERYTHING THAT TRIES TO BLOCK GOD'S PURPOSES WILL COME TO A VIOLENT END.
G. **NOTE** BUSINESSMEN IN THE ROMAN EMPIRE GREW RICH BY EXPLOITING THE SINFUL PLEASURES OF THEIR SOCIETY. MANY BUSINESS PEOPLE TODAY DO THE SAME THING. BUSINESSES AND GOVERNMENTS ARE OFTEN BASED ON GREED, MONEY AND POWER. MANY BRIGHT INDIVIDUALS ARE TEMPTED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AN EVIL SYSTEM TO ENRICH THEMSELVES. CHRISTIANS ARE WARNED TO STAY FREE FROM THE ENCHANTMENT OF MONEY, STATUS, AND THE "GOOD LIFE." WE ARE TO LIVE ACCORDING TO THE VALUES CHRIST LIVED BY: SERVICE, GIVING, SELF-SACRIFICE, OBEDIENCE AND TRUTH.
H. **NOTE** BABYLON 'LIVED IN LUXURY AND PLEASURE' SHE BOASTED, "I AM QUEEN UPON MY THRONE...I WILL NOT EXPERIENCE SORROW." THE POWERFUL, WEALTHY PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO THIS SAME ATTITUDE. A PERSON WHO IS FINANCIALLY COMFORTABLE OFTEN FEELS INVULNERABLE, SECURE AND IN CONTROL, NOT IN NEED OF GOD OR ANYONE ELSE. THIS KIND OF ATTITUDE DEFIES GOD, AND HIS JUDGMENT AGAINST IT IS HARSH; WE ARE TOLD TO AVOID "HER SINS" (REV. 18:4) DON'T BECOME COMPLACENT AND DELUDED BY THE MYTH OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY. USE YOUR RESOURCES TO HELP OTHERS AND ADVANCE GOD'S KINGDOM.
I. **NOTE** THOSE WHO ARE TIED TO THE WORLD'S SYSTEM WILL LOSE EVERYTHING WHEN IT IS TAKEN AWAY. THOSE WHO WORK ONLY FOR MATERIAL REWARDS WILL HAVE NOTHING WHEN THEY DIE OR WHEN THEIR POSSESSIONS ARE DESTROYED. WHAT CAN WE TAKE WITH US TO THE NEW EARTH? OUR FAITH, OUR CHARACTERS, AND OUR GOOD DEEDS TOWARD OTHERS; THESE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY, POWER OR PLEASURES.
J. **NOTE** THE FALL OF THE EVIL WORLD SYSTEM AFFECTS ALL WHO ENJOYED AND DEPENDED ON IT. NO ONE REMAINS UNAFFECTED BY BABYLON'S FALL.
K. **NOTE** THIS LIST OF VARIOUS MERCHANDISE ILLUSTRATES THE EXTREME MATERIALISM OF THIS SOCIETY. FEW OF THESE GOODS ARE NECESSITIES-MOST ARE LUXURIES. THE SOCIETY HAD BECOME SO SELF-INDULGENT THAT PEOPLE WERE WILLING TO USE EVIL MEANS TO GRATIFY THEIR DESIRES. EVEN PEOPLE HAD BECOME COMMODITIES-THE "SOULS OF MEN," SLAVES, WERE SOLD TO BABYLON. IT IS AMAZING TO REALIZE THAT MANY OF THESE GOODS, ASSOCIATED WITH UNBELIEVABLE LUXURY IN THE ANCIENT WORLD, CAN BE FOUND IN OUR HOMES. IN OUR AFFLUENT SOCIETY IT IS VERY EASY TO LEAVE GOD OUT OF THIS PART OF OUR LIVES.
L. **NOTE** GOD'S PEOPLE SHOULD NOT LIVE FOR MONEY. INSTEAD THEY SHOULD KEEP ON GUARD CONSTANTLY AGAINST GREED, WHICH IS ALWAYS READY TO TAKE OVER THEIR LIVES. MONEY WILL BE WORTHLESS IN ETERNITY AND GOD CALLS GREED SINFUL.
CHAPTER XIX
A. AFTER THIS JOHN HEARD THE SHOUTING OF A VAST CROWD IN HEAVEN
1. "HALLELUJAH! PRAISE THE LORD!
2. SALVATION IS FROM OUR GOD
3. HONOR AND AUTHORITY BELONG TO HIM ALONE
4. HIS JUDGMENTS ARE JUST AND TRUE
5. HE HAS PUNISHED THE GREAT PROSTITUTE WHO CORRUPTED THE EARTH WITH HER SIN
6. HE HAS AVENGED THE MURDER OF HIS SERVANTS
7. AGAIN AND AGAIN THEIR VOICES RANG, "PRAISE THE LORD!
8. THE SMOKE FROM HER BURNING ASCENDS FOREVER AND FOREVER!"
B. THEN THE 24 ELDERS AND 4 LIVING BEINGS FELL DOWN AND WORSHIPED GOD, WHO WAS SITTING UPON THE THRONE, AND SAID, "AMEN! HALLELUJAH! PRAISE THE LORD!"
C. AND OUT OF THE THRONE CAME A VOICE THAT SAID, "PRAISE OUR GOD, ALL YOU HIS SERVANTS, SMALL AND GREAT, WHO FEAR HIM."
D. **NOTE** A 'VAST CROWD IN HEAVEN' INITIATES THE CHORUS OF PRAISE TO GOD FOR HIS VICTORY. THEN THE 24 ELDERS JOIN THE CHORUS. FINALLY, THE GREAT CHOIR OF HEAVEN ONCE AGAIN PRAISES GOD.
E. **NOTE** PRAISE IS THE HEARTFELT RESPONSE TO GOD BY THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. THE MORE YOU GET TO KNOW HIM AND REALIZE WHAT HE HAS DONE, THE MORE YOU WILL RESPOND WITH PRAISE. PRAISE IS THE HEART OF TRUE WORSHIP. LET YOUR PRAISE OF GOD FLOW OUT OF YOUR REALIZATION OF WHO HE IS AND HOW MUCH HE LOVES YOU.
F. THE TIME HAS COME FOR THE WEDDING BANQUET OF THE LAMB
1. HIS BRIDE HAS PREPARED HERSELF
2. SHE IS PERMITTED TO WEAR THE CLEANEST AND WHITEST AND FINEST OF LINENS (FINE LINEN REPRESENTS THE GOOD DEEDS DONE BY THE PEOPLE OF GOD)
G. AND THE ANGEL DICTATED THIS SENTENCE TO JOHN: "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ARE INVITED TO THE WEDDING FEAST OF THE LAMB."
1. AND HE ADDED, "GOD HIMSELF HAS STATED THIS."
H. THEN JOHN FELL DOWN AT HIS FEET TO WORSHIP HIM, BUT HE SAID,
1. "NO! DON'T! FOR I AM A SERVANT OF GOD JUST AS YOU ARE
2. AS YOUR BROTHER CHRISTIANS ARE, WHO TESTIFY OF THEIR FAITH IN JESUS
3. THE PURPOSE OF ALL PROPHECY AND ALL I HAVE SHOWN YOU IS TO TELL ABOUT JESUS.
I. **NOTE** THIS IS THE CULMINATION OF HUMAN HISTORY- THE JUDGMENT OF THE WICKED AND THE MARRIAGE FEAST OF THE LAMB AND HIS BRIDE, THE CHURCH. THE CHURCH CONSISTS OF ALL FAITHFUL BELIEVERS FROM ALL TIME. THE BRIDE'S PURITY STANDS IN STARK CONTRAST TO THE FILTH OF THE NOTORIOUS PROSTITUTE
J. **NOTE** HERE THE CHURCH IS PICTURED AS BOTH THE BRIDE AND THE GUESTS INVITED TO THE WEDDING FEAST. AS THOSE GIVEN TO CHRIST, WE ARE THE BRIDE, AS THOSE CALLED TO BE A PART OF GOD'S KINGDOM, WE ARE THE INVITED GUESTS.
K. **NOTE** JESUS IS THE CENTRAL FOCUS OF GOD'S REVELATION AND HIS REDEMPTIVE PLAN (AS ANNOUNCED BY THE PROPHETS). AS YOU READ THE BOOK OF REVELATION, DON'T GET BOGGED DOWN IN ALL THE DETAILS OF THE AWESOME VISIONS. REMEMBER THAT THE OVERARCHING THEME IN ALL THE VISIONS IS THE ULTIMATE VICTORY OF JESUS CHRIST OVER EVIL.
L. THEN JOHN SAW HEAVEN OPENED AND
1. A WHITE HORSE STANDING THERE
2. THE ONE SITTING ON THE HORSE WAS NAMED "FAITHFUL AND TRUE"
3. THE ONE WHO JUSTLY PUNISHES AND MAKES WAR
4. HIS EYES WERE LIKE FLAMES
5. ON HIS HEAD WERE MANY CROWNS
6. NAME WRITTEN ON HIS FOREHEAD
a. ONLY HE KNEW ITS MEANING
7. HE WAS CLOTHED WITH GARMENTS DIPPED IN BLOOD
8. HIS TITLE WAS "THE WORD OF GOD"
9. THE ARMIES OF HEAVEN DRESSED IN FINEST LINEN, WHITE AND CLEAN
a. FOLLOWED HIM ON WHITE HORSES
10. IN HIS MOUTH HE HELD A SHARP SWORD TO STRIKE DOWN THE NATIONS
11. HE RULED THEM WITH AN IRON GRIP
12. HE TROD THE WINEPRESS OF THE FIERCENESS OF THE WRATH OF ALMIGHTY GOD
13. ON HIS ROBE AND THIGH WAS WRITTEN THIS TITLE:"KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS"
M.THEN JOHN SAW AN ANGEL STANDING IN THE SUNSHINE, SHOUTING LOUDLY TO THE BIRDS
1. "COME! GATHER TOGETHER FOR THE SUPPER OF THE GREAT GOD
2. COME AND EAT THE FLESH OF KINGS, AND CAPTAINS, AND GREAT GENERALS; OF HORSES AND RIDERS; AND OF ALL HUMANITY, BOTH GREAT AND SMALL, SLAVE AND FREE
N. THEN JOHN SAW THE EVIL CREATURE GATHERING THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE EARTH AND THEIR ARMIES TO FIGHT AGAINST THE ONE SITTING ON THE HORSE AND HIS ARMY
1. THE EVIL CREATURE WAS CAPTURED
2. THE FALSE PROPHET WAS ALSO CAPTURED
3. THE EVIL CREATURE AND THE FALSE PROPHET WERE THROWN ALIVE INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE THAT BURNS WITH SULPHUR
a. THEIR ENTIRE ARMY WAS KILLED WITH THE SHARP SWORD IN THE MOUTH OF THE ONE RIDING THE WHITE HORSE
b. ALL THE BIRDS OF HEAVEN WERE GORGED WITH THEIR FLESH.
O. **NOTE** JOHN'S VISION SHIFTS AGAIN. HEAVEN OPENS AND JESUS APPEARS, THIS TIME NOT AS A LAMB, BUT AS A WARRIOR ON A WHITE HORSE (SYMBOLIZING VICTORY). JESUS CAME FIRST AS A LAMB TO BE A SACRIFICE FOR SIN, BUT HE WILL RETURN AS A CONQUEROR AND KING TO EXECUTE JUDGMENT (2 THESSALONIANS 1:7-10). HIS FIRST COMING BROUGHT FORGIVENESS, HIS SECOND WILL BRING JUDGMENT. THE BATTLE LINES HAVE NOW BEEN DRAWN BETWEEN GOD AND EVIL, AND THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR THE KING TO RIDE ONTO THE FIELD.
P. **NOTE** THIS TITLE "KING OF KINGS" INDICATES OUR GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY. MOST OF THE WORLD IS WORSHIPING THE ANTICHRIST, WHO THEY BELIEVE HAS ALL POWER AND AUTHORITY. THEN SUDDENLY OUT OF HEAVEN RIDES CHRIST AND HIS ARMY OF ANGELS-THE "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS". HIS ENTRANCE SIGNALS THE END OF THE FALSE POWERS.
Q. **NOTE** THE BATTLE LINES ARE DRAWN, AND THE GREATEST CONFRONTATION IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. THE ANTICHRIST AND THE FALSE PROPHET HAVE GATHERED THE GOVERNMENTS AND ARMIES OF THE EARTH UNDER THE ANTICHRIST'S RULE. THEY BELIEVE THEY HAVE COME TO THEIR OWN VOLITION, IN REALITY, GOD HAS SUMMONED THEM TO BATTLE IN ORDER TO DEFEAT THEM. THERE REALLY IS NO FIGHT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE VICTORY WAS WON WHEN JESUS DIED ON THE CROSS FOR SIN AND ROSE FROM THE DEAD. THUS THE EVIL LEADERS ARE IMMEDIATELY CAPTURED AND SENT TO THEIR PUNISHMENT, AND THE FORCES OF EVIL ARE ALL ANNIHILATED.
R. **NOTE** THE LAKE OF FIRE IS THE FINAL DESTINATION OF THE WICKED. IT IS DIFFERENT FROM THE BOTTOMLESS PIT REFERRED TO IN REV. 9:1. THE EVIL CREATURE AND THE FALSE PROPHET ARE THROWN INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE. THEN THEIR LEADER, SATAN HIMSELF, IS CAST THERE (REV. 20:10). FINALLY, DEATH AND HELL ARE ALSO CAST THERE (REV. 20:14). AFTERWARD EVERYONE WHOSE NAME IS NOT RECORDED IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WILL BE SENT TO THE SAME FATE (REV. 20:15)
CHAPTER XX
A. THEN JOHN SAW AN ANGEL COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN
1. HAD THE KEY TO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT
2. HAD A HEAVY CHAIN IN HIS HAND
3. HE SEIZED THE DRAGON (SATAN) AND BOUND HIM IN CHAINS FOR 1,000 YEARS
a. THREW HIM INTO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT
b. HE SHUT AND LOCKED THE PIT SO THAT HE COULD NOT FOOL THE NATIONS FOR 1,000 YEARS
c. AFTERWARDS, HE WOULD BE RELEASED AGAIN FOR A LITTLE WHILE
B. THEN JOHN SAW THRONES
1. SITTING ON THEM WERE THOSE WHO HAD BEEN GIVEN THE RIGHT TO JUDGE
C. JOHN SAW SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAD BEEN BEHEADED FOR THEIR TESTIMONY ABOUT JESUS
1. FOR PROCLAIMING THE WORD OF GOD
2. HAD NOT WORSHIPED THE CREATURE OR HIS STATUE
3. HAD NOT ACCEPTED HIS MARK ON THEIR FOREHEADS OR THEIR HANDS
4. THEY HAD COME TO LIFE AGAIN AND NOW THEY REIGNED WITH CHRIST FOR 1,000 YEARS
5. THIS IS THE FIRST RESURRECTION. (THE REST OF THE DEAD DID NOT COME BACK TO LIFE UNTIL THE THOUSAND YEARS HAD ENDED)
a. BLESSED AND HOLY ARE THOSE WHO SHARE IN THE FIRST RESURRECTION.
b. FOR THEM THE SECOND DEATH HOLDS NO TERRORS
c. THEY WILL BE PRIESTS OF GOD AND OF CHRIST
d. SHALL REIGN WITH HIM A THOUSAND YEARS
D. WHEN THE THOUSAND YEARS END:
1. SATAN WILL BE LET OUT OF HIS PRISON
2. HE WILL GO OUT TO DECEIVE THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD AND GATHER THEM TOGETHER WITH GOG AND MAGOG FOR BATTLE. **NOTE** GOG AND MAGOG SYMBOLIZE ALL THE FORCES OF EVIL WHO BAND TOGETHER TO BATTLE GOD. NOAH'S SON, JAPHETH, HAD A SON NAMED MAGOG (GENESIS 10:2) EZEKIEL PRESENTS GOG AS A LEADER OF FORCES AGAINST ISRAEL (EZEKIEL 38,39)
a. THERE WILL BE A MIGHTY HOST, NUMBERLESS AS SAND ALONG THE SHORE
b. THEY WILL GO UP ACROSS THE BROAD PLAIN OF THE EARTH AND SURROUND GOD'S PEOPLE AND THE BELOVED CITY OF JERUSALEM ON EVERY SIDE.
c. BUT FIRE FROM GOD IN HEAVEN WILL FLASH DOWN ON THE ATTACKING ARMIES AND CONSUME THEM
3. THEN THE DEVIL WHO HAD BETRAYED THEM WILL AGAIN BE THROWN INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE
a. BURNING WITH SULPHUR
b. WHERE THE CREATURE AND FALSE PROPHET ARE
c. WILL BE TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOREVER AND EVER.
E. JOHN SAW A GREAT WHITE THRONE AND THE ONE WHO SAT UPON IT
1. FROM WHOSE FACE THE EARTH AND SKY FLED AWAY
a. BUT THEY FOUND NO PLACE TO HIDE
F. JOHN SAW THE DEAD
1. GREAT AND SMALL
2. STANDING BEFORE GOD
a. THE BOOKS WERE OPENED
b. INCLUDING THE BOOK OF LIFE **NOTE** THE BOOK OF LIFE CONTAINS THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO HAVE PUT THEIR TRUST IN CHRIST TO SAVE THEM.
c. THE DEAD WERE JUDGED ACCORDING TO THE THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOKS
(1) EACH ACCORDING TO THE DEEDS HE HAD DONE
3. THE OCEANS SURRENDERED THE BODIES BURIED IN THEM
4. THE EARTH AND THE UNDERWORLD GAVE UP THE DEAD IN THEM
5. EACH WAS JUDGED ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS
G. AND DEATH AND HELL WERE THROWN INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE
H. THIS IS THE SECOND DEATH - THE LAKE OF FIRE
I. AND, IF ANYONE'S NAME WAS NOT FOUND RECORDED IN THE BOOK OF LIFE, HE WAS THROWN INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE.
J. **NOTE** THE THOUSAND YEARS ARE OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE MILLENNIUM, (LATIN FOR 'ONE THOUSAND'). JUST HOW AND WHEN THIS THOUSAND YEARS TAKES PLACE IS UNDERSTOOD DIFFERENTLY AMONG CHRISTIAN SCHOLARS. THE THREE MAJOR POSITIONS ON THIS ISSUE ARE CALLED POSTMILLENNIALISM, PREMILLENNIALISM, AND AMILLENNIALISM. THESE DIFFERENT VIEWS ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM NEED NOT CAUSE DIVISION AND CONTROVERSY IN THE CHURCH, BECAUSE EACH ONE ACKNOWLEDGES WHAT IS MOST CRUCIAL TO CHRISTIANITY--CHRIST WILL RETURN, DEFEAT SATAN, AND REIGN FOREVER! WHATEVER AND WHENEVER THE MILLENNIUM IS, JESUS CHRIST WILL UNITE ALL BELIEVERS. WE SHOULD NOT LET THIS ISSUE DIVIDE US.
CHAPTER XXI
A. THEN JOHN SAW A NEW EARTH
1. HAD NO OCEANS!
2. HAD A NEW SKY
3. THE PRESENT EARTH AND SKY HAD DISAPPEARED
4. SAW THE HOLY CITY, THE NEW JERUSALEM
a. COMING DOWN FROM GOD OUT OF HEAVEN
b. WAS A GLORIOUS SIGHT
c. BEAUTIFUL AS A BRIDE AT HER WEDDING
d. HEARD A LOUD SHOUT FROM THE THRONE SAYING,
(1) "LOOK, THE HOME OF GOD IS NOW AMONG MEN"
(2) HE WILL LIVE WITH THEM AND THEY WILL BE HIS PEOPLE
(3) YES, GOD HIMSELF WILL BE AMONG THEM
(4) HE WILL WIPE AWAY ALL TEARS FROM THEIR EYES
(5) THERE SHALL BE NO MORE DEATH
(6) NO MORE SORROW
(7) NO MORE CRYING
(8) NO MORE PAIN
B. AND THE ONE SITTING ON THE THRONE SAID,
1. "SEE, I AM MAKING ALL THINGS NEW!"
2. AND THEN HE SAID TO JOHN,
a. "WRITE THIS DOWN, FOR WHAT I TELL YOU IS TRUSTWORTHY AND TRUE:
(1) IT IS FINISHED!
(2) I AM THE A AND THE Z-THE BEGINNING AND THE END
(3) I WILL GIVE TO THE THIRSTY THE SPRINGS OF THE WATER OF LIFE-AS A GIFT!
(4) EVERYONE WHO CONQUERS WILL INHERIT ALL THESE BLESSINGS
(5) I WILL BE HIS GOD AND HE WILL BE MY SON
(6) BUT THE DOOM OF THE LAKE THAT BURNS WITH FIRE AND SULPHUR (THE SECOND DEATH) WILL BELONG TO:
(a) THE COWARDS WHO TURN BACK FROM FOLLOWING ME
(b) THOSE WHO ARE UNFAITHFUL TO ME
(c) THE CORRUPT
(d) MURDERERS
(e) THE IMMORAL
(f) THOSE CONVERSING WITH DEMONS
(g) IDOL WORSHIPERS
(h) ALL LIARS"
C. **NOTE** COWARDS ARE NOT THOSE WHO ARE FAINTHEARTED IN THEIR FAITH OR WHO SOMETIMES DOUBT OR QUESTION, RATHER, THEY ARE THOSE WHO TURN AWAY FROM GOD AND REFUSE TO FOLLOW HIM FURTHER. THEY ARE NOT BRAVE ENOUGH TO STAND UP FOR CHRIST; THEY ARE NOT HUMBLE ENOUGH TO ACCEPT HIS AUTHORITY OVER THEIR LIVES. THEY ARE PUT IN THE SAME LIST WITH THE CORRUPT, MURDERERS, LIARS, IDOLATERS, THE IMMORAL, AND THOSE PRACTICING DEMONIC ARTS. THOSE WHO CAN ENDURE THE TESTING OF EVIL AND REMAIN FAITHFUL ARE THOSE WHOM GOD WILL REWARD.
1. THEN ONE OF THE SEVEN ANGELS, WHO HAD EMPTIED THE FLASKS CONTAINING THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES, CAME AND SAID TO ME, "COME WITH ME AND I WILL SHOW YOU THE BRIDE, THE LAMB'S WIFE." IN A VISION HE TOOK ME TO A TOWERING MOUNTAIN PEAK AND FROM THERE I WATCHED THAT WONDROUS CITY, THE HOLY JERUSALEM
a. DESCENDED OUT OF THE SKIES FROM GOD
b. WAS FILLED WITH THE GLORY OF GOD
c. FLASHED AND GLOWED LIKE A PRECIOUS GEM
d. CRYSTAL CLEAR LIKE JASPER
e. WALLS WERE BROAD AND HIGH
f. TWELVE GATES GUARDED BY TWELVE ANGELS
g. NAMES OF THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL WERE WRITTEN ON THE GATES
h. THREE GATES ON EACH SIDE-NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, AND WEST
i. WALLS HAD TWELVE FOUNDATION STONES
(1) ON THEM WERE WRITTEN THE NAMES OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF THE LAMB
j. ANGEL HELD IN HIS HAND A GOLDEN MEASURING STICK TO MEASURE THE CITY AND ITS GATES AND WALLS
(1) IT WAS A SQUARE AS WIDE AS IT WAS LONG
(2) IN FACT, IT WAS IN THE FORM OF A CUBE, FOR ITS HEIGHT WAS EXACTLY THE SAME AS ITS OTHER DIMENSIONS
(a) 1,500 MILES EACH WAY
(b) THICKNESS OF THE WALLS WERE 216 FEET ACROSS
k. THE CITY ITSELF WAS PURE, TRANSPARENT GOLD LIKE GLASS!
l. WALL WAS MADE OF JASPER
m. WAS BUILT ON TWELVE LAYERS OF FOUNDATION STONES INLAID WITH GEMS
n. FIRST LAYER WITH JASPER
o. SECOND WITH SAPPHIRE
p. THIRD WITH CHALCEDONY
q. FOURTH WITH EMERALD
r. FIFTH WITH SARDONYX
s. SIXTH WITH SARDUS
t. SEVENTH WITH CHRYSOLITE
u. EIGHTH WITH BERYL
v. NINTH WITH TOPAZ
w. TENTH WITH CHRYSOPRASE
x. ELEVENTH WITH JACINTH
y. TWELFTH WITH AMETHYST
z. THE TWELVE GATES WERE MADE OF PEARLS
(1) EACH GATE FROM A SINGLE PEARL!
aa. MAIN STREET WAS PURE, TRANSPARENT GOLD, LIKE GLASS
bb. NO TEMPLE COULD BE SEEN IN THE CITY
(1) FOR THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY AND THE LAMB ARE WORSHIPED IN IT EVERYWHERE
cc. CITY HAS NO NEED OF SUN OR MOON TO LIGHT IT
(1) FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB ILLUMINATE IT.
(2) ITS LIGHT WILL LIGHT THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH
(a) THE RULERS OF THE WORLD WILL COME AND BRING THEIR GLORY TO IT
dd. ITS GATES NEVER CLOSE
ee. THERE IS NO NIGHT!
ff. THE GLORY AND HONOR OF ALL THE NATIONS SHALL BE BROUGHT INTO IT
gg. NOTHING EVIL WILL BE PERMITTED IN IT-NO ONE IMMORAL OR DISHONEST- BUT ONLY THOSE WHOSE NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE
D. **NOTE** THE NEW JERUSALEM IS A PICTURE OF GOD'S PLACE FOR GOD'S PEOPLE. THE 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL PROBABLY REPRESENT ALL THE FAITHFUL IN THE OLD TESTAMENT; THE 12 APOSTLES REPRESENT THE CHURCH. THUS, BOTH BELIEVING GENTILES AND JEWS WHO HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL TO GOD WILL LIVE TOGETHER ON THE NEW EARTH.
E **NOTE** THE CITY'S MEASUREMENTS ARE SYMBOLIC OF A PLACE THAT WILL HOLD ALL GOD'S PEOPLE. GIVEN IN CUBITS, THESE MEASUREMENTS ARE ALL MULTIPLES OF 12. TWELVE IS THE NUMBER FOR GOD'S PEOPLE-THERE WERE 12 TRIBES IN ISRAEL, AND 12 APOSTLES WHO STARTED THE CHURCH. THE WALLS ARE 144 CUBITS ACROSS (TRANSLATED 216 FEET ACROSS), THERE ARE 12 LAYERS IN THE WALLS, AND 12 GATES IN THE CITY, AND THE HEIGHT, LENGTH, AND BREADTH ARE ALL THE SAME. 12,000 STADIA (TRANSLATED "1,500 MILES"). THE NEW JERUSALEM IS A PERFECT CUBE, THE SAME SHAPE AS THE HOLY OF HOLIES IN THE TEMPLE (1 KINGS 6:20). THESE MEASUREMENTS ILLUSTRATE THAT THIS NEW HOME WILL BE PERFECT FOR US, AND THE IMAGE PORTRAYS GOD AS OUR HOLY OF HOLIES-WE WILL LIVE IN HIM FOREVER.
F. **NOTE** THE PICTURE OF WALLS MADE OF JEWELS REVEALS THAT THE NEW JERUSALEM WILL BE A PLACE OF PURITY AND DURABILITY-IT WILL LAST FOREVER. THE ORNATE BREASTPLATE OF THE HIGH PRIEST HAD 12 PRECIOUS STONES, REPRESENTING THE 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL (EXODUS 28:15-21)
G. **NOTE** THE TEMPLE, CENTER OF GOD'S PRESENCE AMONG HIS PEOPLE WAS THE PRIMARY PLACE OF WORSHIP. NO TEMPLE IS NEEDED IN THE NEW CITY BECAUSE GOD'S PRESENCE WILL BE EVERYWHERE. HE WILL BE WORSHIPED THROUGHOUT THE CITY, AND NOTHING WILL HINDER US FROM BEING WITH HIM
CHAPTER XXII
A RIVER OF PURE WATER OF LIFE
1. CLEAR AS CRYSTAL
2. FLOWING FROM THE THRONE OF GOD AND THE LAMB
3. COURSING DOWN THE CENTER OF THE MAIN STREET
4. ON EACH SIDE OF THE RIVER GREW TREES OF LIFE
a. BEARING 12 CROPS OF FRUIT
b. FRESH CROP EACH MONTH
c. LEAVES WERE USED FOR MEDICINE TO HEAL THE NATIONS **NOTE** HE IS NOT IMPLYING THAT THERE WILL BE ILLNESS IN THE NEW EARTH, HE IS EMPHASIZING THAT THE WATER OF LIFE PRODUCES HEALTH AND STRENGTH WHEREVER IT GOES
B. THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB WILL BE THERE
1. HIS SERVANTS WILL WORSHIP HIM
2. THERE SHALL BE NOTHING IN THE CITY WHICH IS EVIL
3. THEY SHALL SEE HIS FACE
4. HIS NAME SHALL BE WRITTEN ON THEIR FOREHEADS
5. THERE WILL BE NO NIGHT THERE
6. NO NEED FOR LAMPS OR SUN
a. FOR THE LORD GOD WILL BE THEIR LIGHT
7. THEY SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER
C. THE ANGEL SAID TO JOHN
1. "THESE WORDS ARE TRUSTWORTHY AND TRUE; 'I AM COMING SOON!' GOD, WHO TELLS HIS PROPHETS WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS, HAS SENT HIS ANGEL TO TELL YOU THIS WILL HAPPEN SOON
2. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO BELIEVE IT AND ALL ELSE WRITTEN IN THE SCROLL."
D. JOHN SAW AND HEARD ALL THESE THINGS
1. FELL DOWN TO WORSHIP THE ANGEL WHO SHOWED THEM TO HIM, BUT AGAIN THE ANGEL SAID, "NO, DON'T DO ANYTHING LIKE THAT. I, TOO, AM A SERVANT OF JESUS AS YOU ARE, AND AS YOUR BROTHERS THE PROPHETS ARE, AS WELL AS ALL THOSE WHO HEED THE TRUTH STATED IN THIS BOOK.
2. WORSHIP GOD ALONE." **NOTE** GOD ALONE IS WORTHY OF OUR WORSHIP AND ADORATION. HE IS ABOVE ALL CREATION, EVEN THE ANGELS. ARE THERE PEOPLE, IDEAS, GOALS, OR POSSESSIONS THAT OCCUPY THE CENTRAL PLACE IN YOUR LIFE, CROWDING GOD OUT? WORSHIP ONLY GOD BY ALLOWING NOTHING TO DISTRACT YOU FROM YOUR DEVOTION TO HIM.
3. THEN HE INSTRUCTED ME,
a. "DO NOT SEAL UP WHAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN
b. FOR THE TIME OF FULFILLMENT IS NEAR
c. WHEN IT COMES, ALL DOING WRONG WILL DO IT MORE AND MORE
(1) THE VILE WILL BECOME MORE VILE
(2) THE GOOD MEN WILL BE BETTER
(3) THOSE WHO ARE HOLY WILL CONTINUE ON IN GREATER HOLINESS."
E. JESUS SAID,
1. "SEE, I AM COMING SOON
2. MY REWARD IS WITH ME
3. TO REPAY EVERYONE ACCORDING TO THE DEEDS HE HAS DONE
4. I AM THE A AND THE Z
5. THE BEGINNING AND THE END
6. THE FIRST AND LAST
7. BLESSED FOREVER ARE ALL WHO ARE WASHING THEIR ROBES, TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO ENTER IN THROUGH THE GATES OF THE CITY, AND TO EAT THE FRUIT FROM THE TREE OF LIFE." **NOTE** THOSE WHO ARE WASHING THEIR ROBES ARE THOSE WHO ARE SEEKING TO PURIFY THEMSELVES FROM A SINFUL WAY OF LIFE. THEY ARE DAILY STRIVING TO REMAIN FAITHFUL AND READY FOR CHRIST'S RETURN
8. OUTSIDE THE CITY ARE:
a. THOSE WHO HAVE STRAYED AWAY FROM GOD
b. THE SORCERERS
c. THE IMMORAL
d. THE MURDERERS
e. IDOLATERS
f. ALL WHO LOVE TO LIE, AND DO SO
9. I, JESUS, HAVE SENT MY ANGEL TO YOU TO TELL THE CHURCHES ALL THESE THINGS
a. I AM BOTH DAVID'S ROOT AND HIS DESCENDANT
b. I AM THE BRIGHT MORNING STAR
c. THE SPIRIT AND THE BRIDE SAY, 'COME.'
d. LET EACH ONE WHO HEARS THEM SAY THE SAME, 'COME.'
e. LET THE THIRSTY ONE COME
(1) ANYONE WHO WANTS TO-LET HIM COME AND DRINK THE WATER OF LIFE WITHOUT CHARGE
10. I SOLEMNLY DECLARE TO EVERYONE WHO READS THIS BOOK:
a. IF ANYONE ADDS ANYTHING TO WHAT IS WRITTEN HERE, GOD SHALL ADD TO HIM THE PLAGUES DESCRIBED IN THIS BOOK
b. AND, IF ANYONE SUBTRACTS ANY PART OF THESE PROPHECIES, GOD SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS SHARE IN THE TREE OF LIFE, AND THE HOLY CITY JUST DESCRIBED
11. HE WHO HAS SAID ALL THESE THINGS DECLARES: YES, I AM COMING SOON! "AMEN! COME, LORD JESUS!
12. THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BE WITH YOU ALL, AMEN!"
DEAR READERS,
A LOT OF HOURS HAVE GONE INTO THIS OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION. MY EARNEST PRAYER IS THAT IT HELPS TO MAKE CLEAR THIS SPECIAL BOOK. THE MAIN QUESTION THAT EACH OF US MUST ANSWER IS: WHO IS JESUS? HE IS THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS. HE IS COMING AGAIN TO DEFEAT SATAN AND RULE FOR ETERNITY.
HAS THERE EVER BEEN A TIME THAT YOU HAVE ACCEPTED HIM AS YOUR OWN PERSONAL LORD? IF NOT, YOU CAN STOP RIGHT NOW AND TELL HIM IN YOUR HEART, "I DON'T UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING THAT IS WRITTEN IN THIS DOCUMENT, BUT I DO UNDERSTAND THAT YOU, JESUS, ARE MY ONLY HOPE. PLEASE HAVE MERCY ON ME AND COUNT ME AS ONE OF YOUR FOLLOWERS." HE HAS PROMISED TO SAVE ANYONE WHO SEEKS HIM.
FOR EACH OF US WHO HAVE BEEN SAVED, WE NEED TO ASK OURSELVES THIS QUESTION, "HAS THERE EVER BEEN A TIME THAT WE WERE CLOSER TO THE LORD AND THE THINGS OF THE LORD THAN WE ARE NOW?" IF SO, WE NEED TO TURN BACK TO HIM AND HONOR HIM AS HE DESERVES. WE NEED TO BE READY FOR HIS RETURN AND SHARE THE GOOD NEWS WITH EVERYONE.
MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU,
GINGER BLOUNT
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