The Revelation of Jesus Christ to John
Bible Study Notes - revised Nov 2017
"What is now and what will take place later." Rev 119
Contents
Introduction to Revelation
[Contents]
This study in Revelation will be built upon three pillars:
1. God remains intimately and powerfully involved with the world he created.
He has not just wound up the clockwork and let it go.
2. Satan is a temporary condemned Prince, but he is never King. Jn
1331 1430 1611
3. Only God knows the future accurately - both the good and the bad.
He has chosen to reveal all we need to know of it in
this book.
Avoid 2 extremes:
1) Those who find it too difficult, too disturbing or too controversial,
they hear its bad reputation; so are afraid to read it.
2) Those so obsessed they can't get out of it. We need to read all scripture.
They often resort to excessive guesswork, imagination
and dogmatism.
Revelation is NOT a difficult book! But some mysteries must remain.
Problems arise when a man's pride is offended: he says, 'I can find out ...'
Rev. promises a special blessing to the reader who takes it to heart. 13 227,14
John did not set out to write Rev.; God gave it to him unexpectedly.
He told him to write unedited exactly what he saw and heard. Rev 11, 11, 19
&nbs; And he did so.
As with all Scripture, it bears the authoritative stamp of God.
We are specifically warned not to add or subtract anything from the book. 2218,19
Rev. is a vital part of the complete and unchanging Word of God.
The book often appears strange because most are unfamiliar with the OT.
Over 100 references from OT. (mostly Is, Jer, Ezek, Dan, Joel, Zech).
It brings together the many strands and revelations of God.
The Bible is like a school textbook, the questions and answers are all in the back!
Rev. reveals Christ as Prophet, Priest and King (or Judge). Rev 11,19 Heb 928
Prophets interpret the past, discern the present and predict the future.
His 1st Coming was with humility. As a Lamb to redeem sinners. Jn 129
His 2nd Coming will be with all power and authority. As a Lion.
Rev. primarily reveals / warns of the events prior to the return of Christ. Why?
So that:
We do not despair at the terrible wickedness and fatal disasters.
We know God has ordained this just judgement. (Not Satan or 'fate')
We are prepared and protected - even if martyred!
Math 2820
We know that Jesus Christ has and will in the end triumph over Satan and all sin.
Trusting God who wrote Rev. will not cause us to fear;
Rev. is specially designed by God to bring us security and assurance.
Most people have a longing for righteousness, justice and peace - and ask:
Why doesn't God do something to end growing wickedness and war? Ps 733,17
Men have always asked this question - but most people do not like his answer.
He did; he sent his Son to die in our place, a perfect sacrifice for sin.
God’s answer is not liked because
a) we all have to admit we are sinners and deserve to die.
b) there is nothing any wicked man can do.
Habakkuk asked why God did do something to end the wickedness in Judea.
He didn’t like God’s answer either.
God told him he was raising up the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem!
In the last days men will be oppressed like never before. Math 2421-23
The Great Tribulation is God's just judgement upon world-wide wickedness.
Men will curse God for they don't see evil of abortion, same sex marriage,
legalising homosexuality, Sunday trading, Evolution etc. But God sees it.
God's Word reveals some surprising answers to man’s problems.
Is 358-10
God will surely fulfill all his two-part plan:
to put an end to sin, to atone
for wickedness, (1st Coming)
and to bring in everlasting
righteousness. (2nd Coming) Dan 924
Disasters = judgements with a purpose - sent by God!
Amos 46-13
Alert those who are 'Content without God' - like rich man
in Lu 1619-31
God's warnings are consistently ignored. Is
1311 Act 1730,31 Lu 131-6
So wickedness goes too far as at the Flood (Noah), Sodom, Babylon.
Today it is still a day of opportunity. Will men repent?
Jer 51-5 Rev 169,11,21
If not, God withdraws his protection
and restraint. Ro 124,26,28
Many dislike Rev. because they think it monstrous of a loving God
to send disasters and judgements upon the world for
its sin and rebellion.
But God can never ignore sin. He never has, and he
never will.
Jesus did not give his life for nothing!
God is just. Tribulation is only what unrepentant, blasphemous man deserves!
Some consider this outlook to be too gloomy - preferring popular 'Revival!' Is 3010-15
But it is God's verdict that is true - even if many spurn it.
In Rev. God's Judgement is seen to be:
Against all who reject his mercy and For
all who repent and believe.
You have come to Zion ... to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant ...
God will shake the earth so that what is unshakable may remain. Heb
1222-29
Rev. tells Christians on earth all they need to know; not all there is to
know.
"The purpose of God is sure and the people of
God are safe." David Pawson
Inevitably some mysteries remain concerning the future,
but Rev. will reveal much about:
The glory, power and justice of
God
The utter corruption and folly
of man without God
The consequence of sin
The initiative of God for salvation
offered to men in every age
The sure plan and promises of God
- good and bad - all are fulfilled.
The gift of God to interpret the
'signs of the times'
The need for Christians to be alert
and active
The sure prospect of heaven and God's
eternal Kingdom
No wonder the Lord promises the reader blessing and assurance!
General Structure
[Contents]
In Rev 119 Jesus himself provides the key to the structure of the book:
Write, therefore, what you have seen, (Rev 1)
what is now (Rev 2-4)
what will take place later. (Rev 5-22)
Rev 1 John's Preface. Jesus is revealed to John and Instructs him.
Rev 2,3 The Letters.
The letters to the Churches are easily understood, even if difficult to apply.
The predictions were largely fulfilled within 100 years.
But church problems and God's instructions are just as relevant in any age.
It is forcing history to see the 7 churches as each describing successive periods.
Warnings and rewards. The Lamb is our only reliable hope.
They will prepare Christians to stand with Christ in the coming Tribulation.
Rev 4,5 The View of Heaven.
The Lord God is seen seated on his throne,
surrounded by 24 Elders and 4 Living Creatures all worshipping him.
Who is worthy to open the seals?
The Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah - he alone is worthy.
This vision and truth reveals the sure plan of our great and faithful God.
Rev 6-17 The Great Tribulation.
The Great Tribulation may or may not be in our lifetime.
God's warnings will be fulfilled. His Judgement of
wickedness will be too.
Christians rejoice; Jesus is seen as powerful, faithful and just.
The demonic Beast and the False Prophet arise and deceive the world.
Given much detail so we do not despair as it unfolds.
Always be ready. 1615 All God's promises are sure. Joel 228-32
Rev 18-22 The Grand Finale.
The Harlot is judged - Babylon falls suddenly. Beast attacks Jerusalem.
Jesus returns and defeats him and False Prophet. Thrown into eternal fire.
Satan is bound and imprisoned in the Abyss (not the eternal fire) for 1000 years
while Jesus reigns on earth with resurrected martyrs.
At the end of the Millennium Satan is released, and deceives Gog and Magog.
They have the audacity to attack King Jesus in Jerusalem.
Naturally (or rather supernaturally!) they are defeated by Jesus.
Satan is thrown into the eternal fire; never to afflict the righteous again.
God creates a new heaven and a new earth.
The Bridegroom and his Bride enjoy the Marriage Supper.
They live happily together ever after!
John's Preface Rev 11-20
[Contents]
John was given a revelation of Jesus by God, by Jesus and his angels. 11
Jesus is the author, not by John. (c.f. Joseph Smith or Mohammed)
It is The revelation of Jesus (to John), not the revelation of John.
John is told to write what he directly heard and saw;
he bore witness to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 12,11
Why is Rev. given to us? What is God's purpose?
1. To show to his servants the things that must soon take place. 11
Also things that you have seen, those that are
and those that are to take place after this. 119
John is shown what the Son of God is doing now, and he will do in the future.
Jesus had come and gone. What’s next?
Little sign of his Messianic Kingdom so far.
11,19
The return of Jesus, who is to come. 14, 7, 8
The time is near. 13
Yes, I am coming soon. 2220
Confirmed by James 59b 1Pe 47
Imminent for 2000 years, and thus even more so now! Rom 1311,12
Seems delayed? - emphasises the grace of God.
Four parables Math 2445-2546 (See 'How are we to be Ready?')
a) Vital importance of personal holiness.
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy,
and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it,
for the time is near. 13
Rev. is intended to change the way we live;
not as ammunition for spurious theological debate!
b) Urgent task of evangelism of the unsaved. Soon it will be too late
2. To reveal the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ. 12
God sends his angel to reveal Jesus, The faithful witness. 15
He always fulfills his word.
Learn what his Word is and why given to us!
And then to expound that Word.
Reformation - Bible in English c.f. RC’s persecution.
(Welby to shortly express remorse for Reformation Jan 2017!!)
Faithful. Jesus came as promised at the appointed time to redeemed us.
Now he is our sure Advocate. Heb 725 924 1 Tim 25 Is 5312 1 Jn 21 Ro 834
He is the firstborn from the dead. 15
Only thus can many others also be born again.
No other Saviour for man is possible. Math 1127 Jn 335 146
He is the ruler of the kings of the earth, and the Almighty. 15,8
Many today think they can 'pic and mix' the scriptures to suit their own ideas.
e.g. Homosexuality now promoted to being ok,
when Almighty God clearly says it is an abomination. Lev 1822 2013
Also abortion seen as 'a woman's rights',
Creation is ridiculed and Evolution Theory is now said to be fact.
Sabbath and God rejected and ignored.
Jesus in his life on earth and in his death witnessed powerfully to the truth.
Great is the love Christ for us! He has freed us from the slavery to sin. 15b
Never forget the cost of our forgiveness and life that he willingly paid.
He has made us a kingdom of priests, able to serve him and be a joy to him - what a privilege. 16
A kingdom where he is King and his dominion is gladly acknowledged.
Who will mourn at his coming, and why? All the peoples ... because of him. 17
Most will hate him and his judgement. 616 920 169,11,21
Others will see how wrong they've been, and repent. 17 Zech 1210 - 131
Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega ... the Almighty 15,8
His was the First word at Creation and will be Last word at the Judgement.
He is the Almighty every second of all the time in between.
He was Almighty before the Creation and he will continue to be so for ever.
Always the Lord God - the great I Am. Exd 314 Jn 858
What he began, he will complete. Phil 16
He will destroy all evil and bring in his eternal kingdom. Dan 244 924
Why does Jesus ensure that John knows this truth?
It is such an encouragement to know that our God always reigns supreme,
when suffering either intense pain or grinding persecution. 19
John was not confined on Patmos for any crime,
but because of the word of God and testimony of Jesus. 19b
He was a partner with the churches:
he lived in tribulation and in the kingdom of God with patient endurance.
He was able to do this only because he was 'in Jesus'.
In UK we generally have little experience of persecution;
but there are many for whom it is all too real.
He then describes how he saw and heard the now risen, glorified Jesus.
He is overcome. Who wouldn't be?
He is told exactly what to write. 111
This book is dictated; not the musings of an old man.
Vision of the Son of Man 112-20
[Contents]
First shown the Lord in the midst of the seven golden lampstands. 112
Jesus, in the very midst of the 7 churches, was speaking to him. 120
God wants us to see and know that he is the Son of man.
Jesus used this title of himself x78 in the Gospels. (Also x93 in Ezekiel)
What is the significance of this title?
Almighty God enters time and this earth, born a man!
"Our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man." C. Wesley
Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah saw the same Lord of Glory. Ezek 125-28 Dan 79-14 Is 61-7
His long robe and sash show Jesus as High Priest. 113 Exd 284
White hair like the Ancient of Days, as seen by Daniel. Dan 79,13
Blazing, all-seeing eyes. Heb 413 Ezek 118
Whole body blazed! Hair, eyes, face, feet ... 116 Ezek 127 Math 172 Act 93
Nebuchadnezzar sees the Lord as brighter than 7x hot furnace. Dan 325
Voice like rushing waters 115 and loud voice like a trumpet. 110
More like the thunder of the Niagra Falls than a little tinkling stream!
No one needs a hearing aid to hear the voice of Almighty God.
Sharp two-edged sword 116 signifies judgement by warrior King. 1915 Heb 412
But the blood of Christ, more precious than gold, spares us the sword,
and brings us into his glorious kingdom. 1 Pe 118,19 Col 112-14
Jesus wants his embattled, suffering church to know each of these characteristics.
Not surprisingly, John fell at the feet as though dead. 117
As many have always done. Is 65 Ezek 128 Dan 817 Exd 36 Josh 514
(It was the Lord who stood before them in each case;
an angel would have told them not to bow down. e.g. Rev 228,9)
Jesus kneels down beside the fallen John and puts his right hand on his shoulder.
Tells him "Fear Not" - and Jesus gives him three good reasons! 117b,18
See website 99 Reasons Not to be Afraid (Use back arrow to return)
1. I am the First and the Last; his divine eternity.
2. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore!
The Good Shepherd died only because he laid down his life for the sheep.
But he was also raised from the dead.
3. I hold the keys of death and Hades. Keys that both lock in and lock out! Gen 716
Almighty God made the great gulf fixed between heaven and hell. Lu 1626
Therefore John is again told to write down the things he had seen,
those that are and those that are to take place after this. 119
Jesus then reveals two mysteries:
7 stars = 7 angels or messengers (the leaders of the Churches 1 Tim 31-7).
7 lampstands = 7 churches to bring the light of God to the dark fallen world.
Jesus Writes to the 7 Churches 2,3
[Contents]
Seven literal churches
Other churches in Asia minor - Lystra, Derbe, Iconium, Col. etc no letter.
Can also represent 7 types of churches that are always in existence.
Churches today may be similar to one, or usually more than one of these 7.
Each letter takes the same style. (See summary notes on each Church)
To the Angel of the church in ... written to the leaders and people in ...
(Gk = Aggelos = angel or messenger. Maybe human e.g. Mk 12 John Baptist)
These are the words of him who ... Characteristic of Jesus he wants to emphasise
to the church rather than a name.
I know ... Jesus does know all about every Church and every individual. Ps 139
I have this against you ... This varies; Jesus is honest, no false flattery;
he is complementary as well as critical where appropriate.
He who has an ear, let him hear ... It remains the great desire of Jesus for men
to hear him, above all the noise and busyness of life on earth. This requires
our attention. Very insulting not to listen to the King.
To him who overcomes ... All who hear, respond and are thus enabled to
overcome will receive an appropriate reward.
Each letter reveals the unchanging mind of Christ towards his Church.
John didn't decide to write to the Churches, Jesus did,
and with his intimate knowledge, he showed John exactly what to write.
He tells them accurately and honestly their real situation and the remedy.
He commends, warns and exhorts. We always do well to respond to the Lord
God's Word always requires action, not just acknowledgement of its truth.
He loves us as we are, but he will not allow us to stay as we are.
All churches in the last 2,000 years have needed to heed each of these letters.
All churches always need to hear Jesus.
These letters are like a school report from an earnest, truthful Headmaster.
5/7 need to repent.
2/7 are only commended.
3/7 commended + condemned.
2/7 only condemned.
Overcomers in each church are given great reward.
Satan uses 2 means to try to destroy the church:
1. Assimilation, compromise, destroyed from within. Most successful.
2. Annihilation, persecution. Usually unites and strengthens the church!
See also "Warnings to the Churches" by J.C.Ryle. (Use back arrow to return)
In the notes below, each Church name is followed by its principal characteristic in bold italics
Ephesus Legalism, Traditionalism. 21-7
The 'Vanity Fair' of the ancient world. Prosperous deep-water commercial port.
A very strategic but immoral city with population of 150,000.
Temple of Artimis 425x220ft, 120 columns 60ft high, one of 7 wonders of the world.
Religious centre; home to Artemis (Latin, Diana, hunting and fertility). Act 1923-41
Words of him ... 21
Jesus walked among the churches Gen 38 - he still does. What does he see?
He walks among us to strengthen our witness, not to indulge our ease.
I know ... 22a
Jesus knew and truly appreciated all the persevering hard work they had done.
Commendation 22b,3,6
They persevered. Stickability. It is better to burn out than rust out.
Hated evil and refused the Nicolaitans who encouraged compromise,
especially in morality, to gain social acceptability.
Like Balaam who caused Israel to compromise. Num 3116 2 Pe 2
Modern 'Nicolaitans' are afraid to say that abortion, divorce, fornication,
greed, 'economy of the truth' and homosexuality are sinful.
They prefer to be tolerant 'in the name of love'. They fear unpopularity.
They had been well taught for about 40 years!
Church was first led by Aquila and Priscilla (Act 1818-21), Apollos (Act 1824-26),
then Paul for 2 years (Act 198-10), Timothy (1 Tim 13), and probably John.
In Act 2028-33 Paul warns of false teachers (usually self-appointed).
In 1 and 2 Timothy we read that the erroneous teachers had arrived.
In Rev 22 the Church had rejected them.
Their false message had been tested by the whole infallible Word of God.
Beware! Hatred of wickedness can lead to being critical and self-righteous.
But ... 24
Becoming so immersed in church work, they neglected to love Jesus.
Our reputation can become the motivation, rather than affection and gratitude.
First love does not 'count the cost', it eagerly walks 'the extra mile'. 24 c.f. 219
It is naturally practical, rather than just attitude. 1 Jn 318
Maybe they were more concerned with church preservation than evangelism.
Let us be very conscious of God's continuing daily mercy, forgiveness and grace.
Like Mary; where much is forgiven, much love is shown. Lu 736-50
Exhortation 25a
Remember and repent. Take stock, admit the truth revealed and obey.
Else 25b
Jesus will withdraw. This is no idle warning. The candlestick was removed.
The Lord rightly expects a whole-hearted response from each of us.
Reward 27
The Tree of life has eternal fruit; far better than the sacred date-palm of Artemis.
Ephesus was destroyed by Goths in 262 AD.
It partly recovered, but was soon ruined by successive earthquakes.
Smyrna Poor Martyrs 28-11
Wealthy and beautiful seaport. Centre of emperor-worship.
Sophisticated, cultural, self-sufficient, idol-worshipping - goddess Roma (=Rome).
Christianity would always be a severe challenge to such men.
Words of him ... 28
In contrast to the mortal Caesars, Jesus he is the Alpha and Omega.
He was before the beginning, and though he died, he rose and reigns for ever!!
Why worship Caesar when Jesus is so greatly superior?
I know ... 29
Jesus knew all about their affliction and poverty.
So tells them Yet you are rich! 1 Pe 16 2Co 610 Math 619-21
c.f. Laodiceans who thought they were rich, but God said they were poor.
And he too had experienced unjustified affliction. Jn 1520 2 Co 89
Guilds worshipped idols before their meal and were immoral afterwards.
These Christians abstained, preferring holiness to prosperity. 1 Tim 618,19
Jesus reminds them of the truth.
How many Christians today are 'rich in faith'? James 25
Not many rich men in the kingdom. Lu 1825
Jesus was slandered and hated without reason. Jn 1518-25 Is 53 3
Slandered by Jews who were not truly children of Abraham. Ro 96-8
Their master was Satan, not the God of Abraham. Ro 228 Jn 837-41 Gal 37-9
Persecution takes many forms; Smyrna endured faithfully.
Commendation 29b
By inference they were willing accepted the poverty and agro.
'No But ...' So 'No Else' warning was needed.
Exhortation 210
Jesus warned them of a specific trial to come.
They would then be ready and not taken by surprise.
It is better to know the worst and trust in God, than to fear the unknown.
Are we ready for persecution? Do we love comfort more than heaven? Math 510-12
Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul Math 1028
Reward 211
The first death is of the body; but at the second death, judgement,
the Angel will pass by those marked with the blood of the Lamb. Rev 206,14
'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 1 Co 1554 Act224
The believer need have no fear; the Lord remains the King of kings.
His word is sure, he remains faithful. Jn 1125,26 Jn 1028,29 1 Pe 123-25
For the unbeliever and the unfaithful it will be a very different story! Heb 122
Polycarp was martyred here in 155 AD. "For 86 years I have followed him
and he has never done me anything but good; how can I now deny him?"
The city is now called Izmir (3rd largest in modern Turkey with pop. ½ million)
The few Christians (1500 in all Turkey) remain poor; yet rich in Christ.
Of the 7 cities only Smyrna and Philadelphia still have a Christian Church.
Pergamum Popular Compromise 212-17
A cultural capital. Centre of pagan worship of Zeus, also of emperor worship.
Great library (2nd only to Alexandria). Origin of parchment (skin scrolls).
Words of him ... 212
Christ challenges the Emperor with a mighty sword. He is Lord, not Caesar.
I know ... 213a
In higher Pergamum was a huge, throne-shaped altar to Zeus.
(Massive altar to Zeus moved to Berlin 1871. A copy was used by Hitler!)
Jesus was sympathetic to where they lived, but didn't excuse their failure.
Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith.
Asklepios - god of healing, whose snake-like form is still the medical symbol.
Culture often brings pride, wealth, knowledge, ... and wickedness.
Where these abound, Satan loves to make his home.
Commendation 213b
Antipas and many other martyrs may now be unknown and forgotten;
but Christ always remembers and honours all who are faithful.
But ... 214,15
Balaam's stumbling block to the Jews was inter-marriage, sexual immorality,
enjoying idol feasts (modern rave parties etc). Num
241 251-3 3116
This Church was mixed, some chose the disastrous 'easy road'.
Some hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Freethinking, new liberal ideas.
Compromisers prefer:
Pleasure to holiness. e.g. Sabbath day - is it just for rest and enjoyment?
Freedom to responsibility. e.g. marriage - real lasting commitment.
Popularity to truth. e.g. an easy 'friendly' church rather than challenging.
Sin without consequence. e.g. 'Safe sex'. 'Me, now' c.f. eternity.
Religion without repentance. e.g. no tears, judgement ignored.
Homosexuality though an abomination to God is accepted as natural.
Beware of costless Christianity. It costs to follow Christ and be different.
Corrupted from the inside. Belief (doctrine) affects behaviour.
The Word of God does not change. It is not 'Culturally conditioned'.
Doctrine must not be altered to 'be credible to contemporary society'.
Exhortation 216a
God commands all men everywhere to repent. Act 1730
And 5/7 Churches!
Else 216b
God will 'make war' on a mixed church - 'soon'!
'Sword' divides. Math 1034
See the sword in use in Rev 1911-21
Surely it is better to repent now!
Reward 217
Jesus was glad to eat hidden manna (doing the will of his Father). Jn 430-34
And he delights to feed the hungry. Jn 627-51
White stone: name inscribed on a small stone as proof of court acquittal,
or sentence fulfilled - 'Paid in full!' - by Jesus on the Cross.
Our names are engraved upon his heart and written in his Book. Is 4913-16
Now called Bergama. Known today for its carpets and gold.
The city remains prosperous; but alas, not the church.
Thyatira Dominating Leaders 218-29
A small garrison town noted for its trade guilds - brass, pottery, clothing,
dye. e.g. Lydia Act 1614
Each Guild was dedicated to a pagan god. Membership demanded worship. (similar
to modern Freemasons)
Words of him ... 218
Christ in his 'brilliance' challenges the dominant personalities.
The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire.
The Word of God is powerful and accurate; far more so than any teacher.
I know ... 219a
God knew all your love and faith and service and patient endurance.
And that their good works continued to grow.
Commendation 219b
Hadn't slid into ease and self-satisfaction. Their practical faith had increased.
They persevered with zeal. What could possibly be wrong?
But ... 220-23
Jezebel! Few were able to resist the dominance of this false prophetess.
She condoned and even encouraged immorality.
She refused to repent - and will therefore 'suffer intensely'.
How do you deal with the wrong advocated by such a leader?
Her appeal was by offering religious hedonism and 'deep secrets'. Gen
35,6
gratifying pleasures e.g. sex, drugs, drink. 'holidays', occult etc.
One step into forbidden experience makes the next step easier.
The Lord 'searches the heart and mind', where sin has its roots. 223b
Exhortation 224,25
'Hold on'. Keep saying 'No!' to her enticements. We will never miss out.
Only reward for ill discipline is sorrow, guilt and judgement!
Keep testing everything by the Word. Ask would Jesus say or do this?
Pray. Use the whole armour of God. Be quick to accept correction.
Jesus is our strength when temptation threatens to overwhelm. 1 Co 1012-14
Else 222,23
Intense suffering and Death! And everyone will know why.
Reward 226-28
Righteous power in coming kingdom; not now, but in the Millennium.
Morning star of hope, vanishes into sight and reality as the Sun rises. 2Pe 119b
Good churches are eagerly awaiting the coming again of Christ.
Now a large town called Akhisar.
Sardis Sleeping Sham 31-6
Once the capital of Lydia. Great wealth - gold in river and on trade route.
Impregnable fortress (like Massada) but had been defeated by Cyrus in 546 BC
and Antiochus in 214 BC. Both times the self-confident sentries were asleep.
I know ... 31b
Jesus knows the truth. He tells them honestly. They are a sham!
They had 'a form of religion ...' 2 Tim 35
Most had become apathetic to God, although enjoyed being in 'the club'.
This Church desires to appear lively, attractive, and especially, full!
No persecution since little different from the world. No threat.
The gospel of Christ, repentance and forgiveness were just words.
Unable to sing with confidence before God, "It is well with my soul"!
Much started, but little finished. No perseverance, easily distracted.
Commendation 34
Jesus saw nothing to commend in this apparently 'successful' church.
Yet there were a few who walked with Jesus himself; their lives were pure,
they were given white robes and were found worthy.
Col 110-14
But ... 31c
Most were dead; and didn't know it! Or maybe just refused to admit it.
Even those with the greatest vitality and zest for life can be dead to God.
Exhortation 32,3a
Wake up! ... Strengthen ... Remember. What? How?
Hear the truth from Jesus, admit it, be real. See ourselves as God sees us.
Then repent, and obey. Lu 84-15
Else 33b
The end will come unexpectedly; and it will not be pleasant!
Only unexpected for unbelievers and the careless. Math 251-13
Reward 35,6
'Blessed are the pure in heart." The honest, the pure, the holy.
Be like Nathanael - a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false. Jn
145-51
Names of 'overcomers' will never be blotted out. Lu 128
(others can be!)
Sardis is now just a few cottages. The star has been removed.
Philadelphia Safe Pilgrims 37-13
A newish city at the head of a fertile, but earthquake threatened valley.
Had to be rebuilt several times. Also renamed 3 times.
Words of him ... 37
This church aspired to be holy and true (= 'real' in Greek); like Jesus.
Key of David is of the Kingdom of Heaven; who but Jesus can hold the only key?
Jesus is the Door; not passive, but as Judge he decides if door is open or shut.
Where does this door lead to? Heaven and the glorious
Bridegroom. Jn 107-10
There is much work to do in this day of opportunity.
What doors has Jesus opened today? Prisons, Russia, China, Muslims ...
I know ... 38a
Weak and despised by the world, but God gave them power to keep his word.
That is rare and very beautiful in God's sight. Jer 3017
Commendation 38b,9
They kept God's Word (obeyed). Gen 622 Exd
4016 Heb 118 Math 724
So these people were friends of Jesus. Jn 1514
'Little strength' didn't stop their witness of Christ. Like ex-Blind Man. Jn 924-33
Christians can become: Hermits (isolated), or Nomads (going round in circles)
or Pilgrims (urgent about our Father's business). Heb 1113-16
Patient. 310 c.f. today's 'me now' and careless about the future.
More concerned with saving from present hang-ups than saving from hell.
Like those in Smyrna, they were hated by some Jews who didn't seek Jesus.
Jesus says that one day these Jews will learn that I have loved you.
They will have to admit they were not truly children of Abraham.
Their master was Satan, not the God of Abraham. Ro
228 Jn 837-41 Gal 37-9
'No But . . . '
It is significant that Jesus had nothing against this 'weak' church;
nor the 'poor' church at Smyrna.
How different from the world view that promotes power and assertiveness.
In what way did they have 'little strength'?
Numbers. They had no popular, charismatic, high-profile leader.
Not weak in that they easily gave in to temptation.
One day the weak will be strong, and the humble exalted. Rev
39b Is 662
Exhortation 311
Perseverance and stickability are essential in the long war against sin;
against 'the world, the flesh and the devil.' 1
Jn 215-17 Eph 611,12 James 47
This war does not stop when we become Christians, it starts!
His coming is soon and eagerly awaited. For others it was feared, or ignored.
Rev 11 227, 20 James
59 Ro 1312 1 Pe 47
'No Else'
Reward 310,12,13
'I will keep you from (or through) trial. Jer 18 c.f. Dan
317,18 Dan 121
This is specific to this church at this time,
It is not a justification for pre-tribulation rapture.
They may have felt insignificant, but they were sealed and made 'pillars'.
Their future was totally secure and their names written in indelible ink.
c.f. Their city and its name that was several times destroyed and also renamed.
The city fell to the Muslims in 14th C.
Today one small Orthodox church remains.
Laodicea Complacent, Proud and Blind 314-22
This city was new. Rebuilt after an earthquake in 64 AD.
Paul worked hard for this church. Col 21 413 He wrote to them. Col 416
His letter was later lost - which may indicate their complacency.
(His letter to the Colossians was also forwarded to Laodicea)
Hot springs taken by aqueduct to the town became luke-warm.
Water, rich in dissolved salts, could be drunk hot or cold, else emetic.
Local sheep had fine, glossy black wool. Luxury clothing trade.
Thriving industry, satisfied, self-sufficient. Declined imperial disaster relief!
Famous for its worship of Zeus.
Words of him ... 314
A personal letter from the King of all Creation!
Before Jesus made chairs, he made the trees!
Before he cooked breakfast, he designed and made the fish,
he also designed and made the human digestion system.
The Amen, the 'it is so' or the 'truly, truly', is the One who means what he says.
He faithfully gave everything, in order to be our Saviour.
Jesus is the Faithful and True. Rev 15
1911 Heb 217 But note also Jer 425
He guarantees to do all that he has promised; both the good and the bad.
I know ... 315,17
Jesus knew their true state; their detestable complacency; and hated it.
Amos 61
These people did not realise their abject poverty and need. Hos 128
They were not against God, but what were they so satisfied with?
They managed their lives reasonably well, and were active
in their local church.
God helped in occasional crises, in some of the big decisions;
but most of the time they didn't really need him! Zeph 215 Is 477,8
So self-sufficient, they once refused a years' tax relief to rebuild after an earthquake!
Salvation unsought; ignorant or disbelieving of God's judgement.
Did not realize they were wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
Why were they so complacent, so insipid, indifferent and smug?
Pride blinds. So does riches. Hos 136
When you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord. Deut 612
Prosperity is not proof of God's approval, nor poverty of his
disapproval.
How many Western Churches today are prosperous and careless;
instead of humble, needful, dependant, obedient and righteous?
Homosexuality was not the only sin that caused Sodom's judgement.
They were arrogant, overfed, and unconcerned. Ezek 1649,50
A "Britannia rules the waves" attitude is disastrous.
Commendation - None!
Exhortation 318-20
It is easy to see what is wrong. But Jesus also tells them how to correct
it.
He loved them enough to reprove them.
They must first see that this eye-opening counsel is from God himself!
They must admit their poverty and need for salvation
and righteousness.
(See 'The Plight of Man and the Power of God'
by Dr M.Lloyd-Jones)
Jesus experienced their hardness; he doesn't command, but pleads and invites them.
He says, 'Come and buy' (without money Is 551).
Come and exchange your empty worthless life, for real eternal life with me.
What 'shut doors' do men have? What is so offensive when challenged?
The love of sin, usually private, but at times becomes all too public.
Pride that will admit no wrong.
The pursuit of pleasure and worldly satisfaction.
Hedonistic society that enjoys sin, so redefines what is sinful.
Misuse of time that shuts out Jesus. Wrong priorities.
Possessions, riches, and power are for me to enjoy and protect.
Desire for honour or popularity (peer pressure) leads
to compromise and then sin.
Let us cry, O Lord, take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Ps 5111
Be merciful to me, a sinner. Lu 1813
"O to grace how great a debtor, daily I'm constrained to be,
Let that grace Lord, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee."
Let us yearn for real personal holiness.
Receipt of daily mercy and forgiveness is surely the
answer to complacency.
The main issue here was - 'Do you really want me?'
It should have been a bombshell to be told Jesus was
outside their church!
They did not even realise that Jesus was no longer
with them,
but was outside the door of their hearts and their church.
Only Ezekiel saw the Spirit depart from the Temple.
Ezek 104 1123 c.f. 1119
Note that Rev 320 by itself is inadequate for salvation.
Conversion needs more than just inviting Jesus into
your life.
Song of Sol 56 c.f. "Nothing
in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling ..."
God requires men to repent, believe,
and be baptised. Act 1730
Else 316
God would spew them out.
They could open the door if they chose to.
Else they would shut themselves out.
Reward 321,22
To sit down with Jesus. There can be no greater privilege; no greater joy.
A few years after this letter was written, Laodicea was again destroyed by an earthquake.
It has remained a ruin - and a lesson for every complacent church.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
The Lord God rightly expects all churches to take notice of all that he says.
We all need to both hear and obey.
If we do, the reward is immense.
If we do not, then the consequences will be disastrous.
How we respond to these letters will determine whether we are 'overcomers'
in the last days of the Great Tribulation.
1. Have you an adequate view of your Lord? Review his names.
2. Have you an adequate view of your church? Be honest.
3. Have you an ambitious view of your future? The prospect of heaven.
These letters should be read once a year
to honestly examine first ourselves, and then the Church.
A kind of annual stock-taking.
It will take courage and persistence to do this properly.
John Invited to 'Come up here'' 4
[Contents]
The initial vision was of Christ caring for and disciplining his Church. Rev 2-3
Now the vision moves forward to what must take place after this. Rev 11,19 41b
After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! 41 Heb 1019-23
As in Rev 112-15 John is invited to Come up here - and view heaven.
It is so vital that he knows who is King, the One who orders world events.
And it is vital also for us living in these 'last days'.
What does he see? What he saw was reality - not a mystical dream.
Behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. ...
Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders,
clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.
From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder,
and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God. ...
the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within,
and day and night they never cease to say,
"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!"
They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power,
for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." 42-11
The 24 elders and the 4 living creatures never cease praising God.
He is worthy and certainly deserves all our thanks and praise.
All heaven and earth were designed and created by Almighty God.
It is all his grand idea.
The view in heaven is so different to the wicked earth.
Like Habakkuk we cry, "How long, O Lord, must I call for help?
Why do you tolerate wrong?" Hab 12
O Lord God, why don’t you do something to change all this?
This book is God’s surprising answer.
1. It reveals in Rev 5 what he has already done.
The Lamb has been slain - and triumphed over sin.
2. It reveals the just judgement of God for wickedness in the Great Tribulation.
Deceived men insult God, ridicule or ignore him as never before. Rev 6-18
3. It reveals the return to earth of Jesus Christ; and his victory over the Beast,
the false prophet and all their wicked followers. Rev 19
4. It reveals the establishment of the glorious kingdom of God. Rev 20-22
The longed for kingdom of righteousness, justice and truth.
The latter was revealed to Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar in his dream. Dan 2
There he was shown four successive world empires -
'superpowers' that men thought were indestructible.
But Almighty God has directed that they are all destined for total destruction.
While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were broken to pieces at the same time and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind swept them away without leaving a trace. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth. ... In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands - a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces. The great God has shown the king what willtake place in the future. The dream is true and the interpretation is trustworthy. Dan 234,35, 44,45
Nebuchadnezzar's good response was short-lived.
Thinking Babylon would last for ever, he soon made an all-gold statue!
But God will destroy everything that proud, wicked man thinks is indestructible.
i.e. Babel, the EU, the USA or the 'One World Government'. Heb 1226-29
As we see the arrogance, sin and power of men increase let us remember Dan 2.
Almighty God has a revealed plan - he wants everyone to know what it is.
And he wants us to know what must take place before his righteous
and eternal kingdom is established.
First there is a final desperate effort by Satan to ensnare the whole world,
and to destroy the true Church of God.
The Romans tried in 1st C, and since then so have many Popes (!), Muslims,
Humanists, Communists, Modern Liberals, New Agers and Freemasons.
Now there are all sorts of divisions, 'new' ideas and compromises.
God is discredited and only the agreeable parts of Scripture are retained.
Men are so easily deceived - as Jesus warned us. Math 244,11,25
What is John shown?
There the Lord is pleased to show you what must take place after this.
Gen 65-8 1817-21 Dan 1014, 21 Amos 37 Jn 1613
God is the only one who can tell men about the future with total accuracy.
To see what God wanted to reveal he needed, and was given, spiritual vision.
First he sees the throne of God. ('throne' x9 in Rev 4) see also 112-16
This is the key to understanding Rev. It is God who rules both heaven and earth.
Note the kindness of God. He ensures that John knows the reality of King Jesus
before he reveals the tribulation - the horrific events which God commands.
Like Elisha, who saw the chariots and horsemen of Israel.
2 Kg 211 76 1314 Ro
1122
The Lord God ensures we know he remains the ruler of the kings of the earth.
And nothing happens without his permission or command. 15,8
Here, John is lost for words. How can you describe the Indescribable?
He sees the order, beauty, value, generosity, power ... of the Lord God Almighty.
Jewels and rainbow symbolic of this.
Had the appearance of ...resembling ... 43
What looked like ... 46
The 24 Elders are always worshipping the Lord, bowing down. also
48-11 1116 194
These leaders do so because the Lord God deserves to be worshipped.
Take heart those who find worship on earth inadequate.
Dressed in white = pure, righteous, true.
Crowns of gold = authority under God.
Thunder and flashing lightning denotes the presence of God. Exd
1916 Ezek 113
7 blazing lamps reveal the fullness of God's holy and mighty Spirit.
14 31
Something like a sea of clear glass. Transparent, honest. Jn
147 Rev 2118,21
4 Living Creatures. Seraphim Is 61-3 Cherubim Ezek 110
1014
We are so blind, but they see everything. And they instantly obey.
Harmony of thought and response. c.f. Is 558,9
All sing God is Holy, lives for ever, is totally worthy, and created all things.
Their worship is spontaneous, wholehearted and together.
One of the most diabolical things taught today is evolution.
Almighty God decided to create this earth and life and whole universe.
By your will they existed and were created.
It certainly did not happen by accident, by chance mutation.
Time, matter and life were each designed and created by the power of God.
Heaven rejoices in this,
but evil men have no joy in honouring God for his glorious creation.
Worthy is the Lamb to Open the Scroll 5
[Contents]
Next John is shown the Lord God holding a scroll with 7 seals.
What is this scroll that is it written on both sides that could not be read?
After the Throne of Almighty God, why is it the most important thing in heaven?
It is the will of Jesus. Not a list of possessions, but the names of the redeemed.
Unless it is opened no one can read these names and know who is saved.
It is ‘the Book of Life’. Exd 3232 Ps 6928 Rev
35 + Rev 138 178
2012,15 2127
All these names were written in this ‘Book of Life’ before creation! Eph 14-6
John is shown this great ‘book’, filled to the brim, no spaces -
But it is sealed. And not with just a single seal, but seven seals!
In Roman law important documents, like a will, were sealed with 7 seals.
The seals tell everyone who is the author, and who can read the contents.
The Author is clearly Almighty God, but who is the addressee?
A mighty angel asks, "Who is worthy to break the seals?"
No mere man, or even this angel, could open it.
(Angels are mighty beings, not little cherubs with wings)
Only the Lamb of God could 'prove' this will.
For without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. Heb 922
And the blood sacrifice had to be perfect.
Every one of the beneficiaries of this ‘will’ were sinners under wrath.
John weeps, and went on weeping. Why?
Because no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth
was able to open the scroll or to look into it. 53
At last an Elder brings comfort,
"The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered." 55 Gen 499,10
All other comfort is at best temporary.
Only Jesus can give the weary, sin-burdened soul relief and forgiveness.
In The Pilgrim's Progress Christian had to carry his burden
until he came to the Cross. Only then was it removed.
Only Jesus can give the weak strength and a new nature to sin no more.
Only Jesus can clothe a man in the righteousness that is recognised in heaven.
If only ministers and bishops would spend more time proclaiming
this truth about what only Jesus can do, and must do if we are to be saved,
instead of their many other popularist and compromising ideas.
Let each of us be like John the Baptist and cry:
"Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" Jn 129
Or as John Wesley taught and Charles Wesley wrote:
Jesus, the name high over all,
In hell, or earth, or sky;
Angels and men before it fall,
And devils fear and fly.
Jesus! the name to sinners dear,
The name to sinners given;
It scatters all their guilty fear,
It turns their hell to heaven.
Jesus! the prisoner's fetters breaks,
And bruises Satan's head;
Power into strengthless souls it speaks
And life into the dead.
O that the world might taste and see
The riches of his grace;
The arms of love that compass me
Would all mankind embrace.
His only righteousness I show,
His saving grace proclaim;
'Tis all my business here below
To cry, "Behold, the Lamb!"
Happy, if with my latest breath
I might but gasp his name;
Preach him to all, and cry in death,
"Behold, behold, the Lamb!"
The apostle John is then shown:
A Lamb standing, as though it had been slain. 56
He alone could open the 7 seals and reveal the scroll.
He alone could ransom people for God 59
and thus take away the sin of the world. Jn 129
Jesus takes away 'the sin' (the universal corruption and rebellion against God)
and all our sins (the thoughts and actions that result from sin).
The Son of God still bares the marks of crucifixion - and he always will.
As someone once asked, "Is there anything ‘man-made’ in heaven?"
Answer - Yes! The nail prints!!
They remain a constant reminder that 'Worthy is the Lamb!'
The Lamb had:
7 Horns = perfect or full strength. (Not a cuddly little wooly lamb)
7 Eyes = He sees all. Nothing is hidden from God. He even knows every thought.
(No connection with the Beast who has 7 heads and 10 horns. Rev 131)
The Lamb then takes the scroll. How patiently they have waited for this day.
The 24 Elders each have a harp and a new song to sing.
This is the first of 26 songs in Revelation!
"Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals,
for you were slain,
and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth."
59
Each Elder held bowls of incense = prayers of the saints. 58
What do they pray?
Like Daniel, the exile in Babylon, who longed for righteousness,
and longed for the end of idol worship and wickedness in the city.
After 66 years God sent Gabriel with his answer. Dan 924-27
God has a plan "to end sin ... and to bring in everlasting righteousness."
This is the great longing in the hearts of God's people in every generation.
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders
the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads
and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, (They responded with the 2nd song:)
"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honour and glory and blessing!"
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying (singing):
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever!"
511-13
Only the perfect blood of the sacrificed Lamb could pay the price. 1 Pe 118,19
Jesus purchased us as ‘slaves to sin’ and set us free. Gal 313 45
Jesus purchased men from every nation (not just Jews). Gal 37-9,14
All believers are a kingdom of priests, called to serve God on the earth.
It was 'a full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world';
and one that never needs to be repeated. (or re-enacted as in RC Mass).
As priests - all are able to enter into the holy presence of God. Heb 1019-23
And not just once a year! Lev 16
But the work of the Son of God did not end at Calvary.
(See 'Significance of Ascension' notes in Acts - Use back arrow to return).
Why can’t the scroll be opened now, immediately?
Because there are still men and women that Jesus will save.
God requires justice and also the separation of the righteous from the wicked.
Jesus is now enthroned in heaven, but there is no world-wide Kingdom of God.
At his 1st Coming Jesus appeased the wrath of God against all believers
and he earned our redemption and forgiveness.
He will come again to reign on earth.
Note verb tenses in 510
you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.
He has made us believers now in his kingdom of serving priests;
our reign with Christ on earth is in the future Millennium, not now. 204b
But before that:
1. He will also need to rescue the Jews in Israel. Joel 3 Zech 141-11
2. He will bring justice - the Great Tribulation.
The wicked will not always prosper!
Guidelines for Interpreting Prophecy
[Contents]
Many have found the book of Revelation controversial and difficult to understand.
The following guidelines may be helpful.
1. Words of scripture should always be taken as read in normal literal way
unless the text indicates otherwise.
The Beast with 7 heads and 10 horns in Rev 13 and Dan 7 is a figurative being
that is explained in Rev 177-14
The 7 heads are 7 kings who describe the beast (the 8th king) over time
("5 have fallen, 1 is, and the other yet to come".)
The 10 horns are 10 kings who will serve the beast.
The falling star (Rev 810) is most likely an asteroid.
But the fallen star in Rev 91 is probably a fallen angel who opens the Abyss.
The 'darkened sun, moon and stars' so often prophesied may be literal.
e.g. Is 1310 Joel 210
315 Math 2429
Or they could well represent governments. Gen
375-11 Rev 612-15 812,13
i.e. 'darkened' , deceived authority and worldwide lawlessness;
the 'Man of Lawlessness' (the Beast)
who comes to reign and refuses to recognise any of God's Laws.
It may be each of these!
The alert will recognise the truth when it comes.
2. Beware of forcing current political events into a prophecy.
When the Common Market (now the EU) had 10 members
many said it was the Beast with 7 heads and 10 horns.
The EU currently has 28 members.
The 10 may represent 10 world regions (NAFTA, EU, Africa, 'Tiger Economies', China etc).
In the Reformation era Rome (built on 7 hills) was seen as the Beast, Rev 179-14
50 years ago it was Russian Communism, now some see it as Islam, US or China.
The beast is a demonic dictator - but we do not know where his HQ will be.
3. Double reference.
Two or more people or events which are separated in time are sometimes seen
in single picture.
e.g. Christ's 1st and 2nd coming. Zech 99,10
Is 611,2 (Lu 418,19)
Anti-christ = Antiochus Epiphanes in 167 BC, the Roman emperor Nero, Hitler ...
each were forerunners of the ‘end-time Beast’. Rev 13
4. Context.
Every verse must be taken in the light of its context.
This is especially important as verses isolated from their context can be used to prove anything.
e.g. The beating of ploughshares into swords or visa-versa.
Is 24 c.f. Joel 310
Scripture should instruct us, not be used as a weapon to support 'my theory.'
Knowing and keeping the context is most important.
Many errors have arisen because men have ignored this prime requirement.
All the prophets spoke not only concerning their own day,
but also for the distant future. Why are they so often ignored?
Prophets like Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Daniel, Zechariah, Joel ....
5. Scripture never contradicts itself.
The OT and the NT are in full agreement.
There is no substitute for knowing all scripture. Too often the OT is ignored.
Always remember Prophecy is truth, not speculation.
Pictorial Language
[Contents]
Unlike parables, this is used to clarify, not to obscure. Math
1125 1311-17 Is 68-10 Col
126
Rev. was written to enable the ordinary, common sense folk in the 7 churches
to understand it,
to endure persecution, to have hope and to be ready.
It is often easier for such people to understand it than for the 'great
theologians',
who have so littered the path with difficulties that
many have run away.
As one man said, a good summary of the book is 'Endure today, for Jesus wins!'
The Obvious:
The lake of fire = hell. Rev 1920 2010
(Not the Abyss = bottomless pit 92 117 203)
The Explained:
The 7 Stars = 7 Angels and 7 Lampstands are 7 Churches. Rev
119
The Seals, Trumpets and Bowls = God judges advanced wickedness.
Rev 61,3,5,7,9,12 87,8,10,12
91,13 162,3,4,10,12,17
Incense = prayers of the saints ascending to God. Rev 58 84
e.g. Dan 91-19. See God’s revealed answer. 920-27
The 10 horns = 10 kings (concurrent coalition)
The 7 heads = 7 hills and 7 successive kings. Rev 123
131 177-14 Dan 723-26
Note it is significant that Rome is built on 7 hills!
Dragon or Serpent = Satan. Rev 12 13 129
The Harlot of Babylon = 'City' which rules over kings. Rev
171-7 181-17,21 1718
What has always ruled kingdoms? Money! 'Mother of abominations'. 175
See EU Europa statue in Brussels, Strasbourg and the Hague.
All honour 'the woman on the beast' ! Few know or care about this.
The new Jerusalem = The Holy City that comes down. Rev 212
The Previously Revealed: (in the OT)
The tree of Life. Rev 27 222,14,19 Gen
29 Ezek 477,12
The Beasts. Rev 131,11 Dan 73-8,11,12
723-26 927 1136-45
The Reasoned:
The righteous Woman = Israel; her Son = Jesus; and her offspring = Believers. Rev 121-17
Seven (stars, lamps, seals, trumpets, bowls). Complete and perfect.
See website 'Seven - the Completion of God's Plan
The two Witnesses = Like Methuselah, Elijah and Elisha, John Baptist.
They prepare and warn all men.
Killed by the Beast, all see their resurrection by God. Rev 111-13
The Harlot of Babylon, hated by the Beast = World finance.
The Obscure: (but will be revealed when we need to know)
The 7 thunders = ? Rev 103,4
Why exactly 12,000 sealed from each Jewish tribe? Not a literal number? Rev 72-8
666, the number of the Beast - what is it, and how will it be revealed? Rev 1318
Hebrew letters are also numbers. RUST = 200+6+60+400=666
Roman I+V+X+L+C+D=666 (leaving out M=1000)
Common bar code uses three alignment bars with number 6.
Signs of his Coming
[Contents]
Will there be any signs that the Great Tribulation is imminent?
In Math 24 the disciples asked Jesus about this; 3 times he warns them:
"Watch out that no-one deceives you ... False prophets." Math 244,11,24
The performing of powerful signs and wonders is not always of God. 2 Th 29-12
This has always been a surprise to many who say all healing must be 'of God'.
The Beast and his 'winger', the False Prophet, (and other false prophets)
will perform many great signs that appear good. Rev 133,14
But they will deceive the world.
Jesus warns us to 'watch out', to learn discernment.
What are the 'tell-tale' signs of falsehood?
Be honest. Ask, is Christ or the man being honoured?
Beware of false confidence and presumption.
False prophets often ridicule the need for discipline and holiness.
They usually give undue emphasis to the value of experiences.
Unlike Jesus they advertise any healing or miracle to prove their ministry.
Beware of popular, 'personality' figures who tell men what they want to hear:
triumph, peace, prosperity, revival, success. Jer 613,14 531 Math 713,14
Numbers may indicate popularity; but do not prove truth.
e.g. Rick Warren, Willow Creek and even much of New Wine.
The use isolated or out of context Scripture to try to prove their point.
Emotional manipulation (esp. in big meetings, misuse of music, lights etc).
Feelings are a notoriously poor guide to truth.
What is the best guard against this?
Be alert at all times. Examine what is said. 1 Thes 520,21 Jer 2316,17 298,9
Be like the noble Bereans who examined the scriptures. Acts 1711 Rev 22
Do not be lured by those who say, "Don't analyse or question; just receive, let it flow."
Examine carefully the context of quotes.
e.g. 'Joel's army' is not the triumphant Church;
it the judgement of Israel by God using Assyria.
Beware of what follows expressions like, 'The Bible says ...'
The most important protection is for each of us to know the Bible.
So seek to learn all God's word diligently; and not just the 'nice' parts!
Political leaders and the media regularly practice
an 'economy of the truth' + deliberate mis-information (distortion, 'spin')
This is done for their own devious ends -
Trying to curry popularity and further their desire for more power.
Beware - the motives of some spiritual leaders are also highly suspect.
Many say that both creation and theology evolve, so there is no absolute truth.
They say it just depends how you interpret scripture. "We know better now!"
Some things should remain a mystery. Some variations are not important.
But stand firm on major matters where scripture is clear.
Liberals ignore or bend ignore God's Commandments and his clear revelation.
Many will add their own ideas. Others will either discard or distort Scripture
to agree with what they want, what is currently popular.
Today very few agree with God that homosexuality is an abomination.
AB' Welby agrees with civil partnerships, and refuses to call it a sin.
Ex AB' Carey has recently endorsed euthanasia.
Modern humanism cannot succeed.
Neither can tolerance and multi-faith culture.
God's judgement that reveals our need for redemption by Jesus and his mercy,
is increasingly ignored (even in the Church, because it is socially unpopular).
Preaching the sound doctrine of the Word will be rejected. Jer 531
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching,
but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves
teachers to suit their own passions,
and will turn away from listening to the truth. 2 Tim 43
They say ... "Give us no more visions of what is right!
Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions." Is 3010
The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority,
and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end? Jer 531
Compromise, tolerance, forget the past, be loving ... will be popular.
Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets. Lu 626
Beware of false logic. e.g. God does extraordinary things. True.
But it does not follow that all extraordinary things are of God.
If it is true that all butchers wear blue aprons;
it does not mean that anyone wearing a blue apron is a butcher.
The media often present an example of an opinion, and then falsely imply that this is the general view.
Jesus also said there would be:
"Wars and rumours of wars." Math 246
Many small wars will continue up to the end.
Try as they may, no man will be able to stop them.
These wars include everything from WWI and WWII
to the many ethnic, Islamic and terrorist wars.
There will also be the breakdown of law and order (civil war);
the clamour for freedom from tyranny, for independence and justice.
Widespread Lawlessness. 2 Thes 27-9 2 Pe 27-9 2 Pe 317
The 7 year Tribulation begins when the first 4 seals are broken.
During and just after this war ¼ of the world's 7.5B die = 1,895 million! 63,4,8
The Tribulation ends with Beast attacking Jerusalem. 1919,20
Jesus returns at this time to defeat the Beast.
There is also another war at the end of the Millennium.
The Gog/Magog war. 207-9
"Famines and earthquakes." Math 247
Famines - greatly extended by war or evironmental damage,
increased population, bio-fuels, organic farming and not allowing GM crops.
Earthquake magnitude or frequency have not increased during last 100 years.
These natural disasters (famine and earthquakes) probably include many others:
volcanoes, hurricanes, flooding, drought, disease, El Nino ...
"Persecution." Math 249
True Christianity will be hated by all; especially by humanists and Muslims.
Men will say it intolerant and judgmental when Christians declare
that since all men are unable to change their naturally sinful nature,
all men need to be saved; and only Jesus can redeem and save.
This truth will be considered highly offensive.
As always, the 'Cross of Christ' will divide men.
Islam, Hindhus and humanists are fanatically against Judaism and Christianity.
Especially in Iran, Sudan, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria, India, China, N.Korea.
If Muslims should ever come to power UK, we too will be sorely oppressed.
Islam says, "First the Saturday people, then the Sunday people."
We need to be ready for a change in our relatively easy life-style.
"Love of most will grow cold." Math 2412
Most love is conditional; being based on 'I will love you if you will love me'.
The love that will not grow cold is both unconditional and undeserved.
This true love will be willing to suffer and it will survive.
Increased wickedness (in the church) will cause the chilling of love.
Many Christians will no longer seek to live a holy life.
Many youngsters even from Christian families will choose
sex, popularity, money, freedom, happiness:
God will become number 2 or 3, and will often be rejected altogether.
"The Gospel will be preached as a testimony to all nations." Math 2414
All will be able to hear gospel of Christ on Christian radio and the Internet,
though maybe not in their first native language.
"Abomination that makes desolate." Math 2415
This may be spiritual, like Communism or Islam,
or physical, like the Mosque of Omar and El Aksa Mosque on Temple Mount,
or an evil political power structure,
or Freemasonry that quickly extinguishes all desire for Jesus as Saviour.
or 'the Beast'
The desolation is the many martyrs he creates!
"Unequalled distress." Math 2421
Natural and man-induced disasters for which God is blamed, and cursed!
Incurable diseases - Ebola virus, new variants of TB, AIDS etc
Antibiotics become ineffective.
Chemical and biological warfare.
Breakdown of normal food supply, health services, law and order.
Over-crowded cities lacking necessary infrastructure.
Massive flooding often caused by deforestation.
Family breakdown, non-marriage and divorce.
Drugs and violent crime.
Homosexuality accepted as normal. God removes his protection. Ro 124-32
Abortion = mass murder. U.K. 185,824 in 2015; 20% of all pregnancies.
Current World abortions total 85 every minute!
Multi-ethnic societies that lead to isolation and strife.
Jews, Israel and Christians will be hated by all. Their distress will be the greatest.
Many hope the rapture will enable their escape,
but the return of Jesus will not be until the end of the Tribulation.
"The sun will be darkened ... the heavenly bodies will be shaken." Math 2529
This will occur 'immediately after the distress of those days'.
Literal cosmic shake up will bring world-wide panic and despair. Heb 1226
Few will heed any of these warnings of God repeated in the OT and NT.
Is 1310 Joel 210 315 Rev 812 92,20 169-11,21
The sun is also given power to scorch people with fire. Rev 168
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my word will never pass away." Math 2435
God gave man responsibility for this planet.
He is making a complete and greedy mess of it.
At the very end God will repair it by replacement! Rev 211
In all the uncertainty; God remains faithful and present;
his Word is totally reliable and all of it will always remain true. Lu 2133
They will perish, but you remain ... your years will never end. Heb 111,12
At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised,
"Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens."
This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things
that are shaken -- that is, things that have been made --
in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Heb 1226,27
"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace removed," says the Lord ... Is 5410
The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God stands for ever. Is 408
Other signs:
All will be shaken and the universal wickedness of man revealed, Heb
1225-29
e.g. family structure, loyalty, man's trust in
riches.
But the unshakeable truth of Jesus will be seen
to remain secure.
Growing wickedness in the Church. Math 2412
Compromise, fragmentation, reduced numbers,
Increased desire for unity - on any basis. e.g. with Rome.
Chaos and war creates a desire for strong government. 2 Thes 23-11
Wide acceptance of dictatorship, as in 1933 Germany.
False world peace. A New World Order. 1 Thes 53 Dan 927
e.g. Imposed peace in Bosnia, Kosova, Macedonia, N.Ireland, M.E., Afghanistan ...
Also enforced ethnic oneness within a community.
Proud, self-sufficient, humanistic man will reject and despise the One True God.
As at Babel, he will try to make a name for himself. Gen 114
God will confuse all the great plans of men.
Men will try to dissolve nations and make them a federation. e.g. E.U.
Plans to split Europe into 14 regional assemblies, each responsible to Brussels.
And eventually into one big world (demonic) superpower, NWO. Rev 13
Like Babel / Babylon, it will be a hugely evil, blasphemous, deceitful,
self-exalting dictatorship - and temporary! Dan 721-26 823-25 Rev 18
God's signs before and during the Great Tribulation will give plenty of warning,
but they will be ignored. Math 2437-39 Heb 117 1Pe 320 Dan 924,27
Just as Methuselah and the building of Noah's Ark were ridiculed.
Few of these signs are exclusive to the last days.
There has always been war and distress etc,
but they will be more numerous and far more severe than ever before.
Jesus describes them as the 'birth pains'
of the new, glorious and eternal Kingdom of God. Math 249 Dan 244,45
Take care. Do not be deceived. Jesus has warned us.
Satan only deceives those who desire what he has to offer.
Money, sex, power, happiness and popularity.
How are we to be Ready?
[Contents]
Jesus also told 4 parables about being 'ready'. Math
2445 - 2546
Each is centred on one Man - Householder, Bridegroom, Master, King.
In each story, men failed while this 'Man' was away (or 'delayed').
There was a crisis when he returned! The ready righteous were received,
but there was a disastrous ending for all those not ready:
These are not idle threats or old-fashioned exaggerations to frighten men.
It is the awful and solemn truth from the mouth of the Son of God himself.
It is an exceedingly foolish man who ignores such timely warnings.
| Who | Why not Ready | The result |
| Leaders | Misused their power. Enjoyed their privileged lifestyle, eating and being drunk. |
Cut in pieces Assigned to place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. |
| 5 Foolish Virgins |
Didn't realise the urgency. Careless, and either lazy or too busy with this world to care about the next. Ignored warning prophecy and signs. |
Shut out - for ever. |
| One Talent Man |
Thought Master and his Law were harsh - Too difficult to keep. Gave up. No gratitude for his mercy. Gal 323,24 |
Thrown into darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. |
| Goats | No heart-felt care or compassion. Did nothing real - not even 1st mile! Became experts in appearances, spin and in 'photo-opportunity'. |
Eternal punishment. |
Faithful servants, are not distracted when their Master seemed 'delayed'.
"True faith is not a single step, but a long walk."
They're zealous, grateful, compassionate, obedient, making the most of the time.
Discipline of consistent prayer and the reading (searching) of scripture.
They take heed to warnings, hear 'nasty' prophecy, and thus are ready.
They learn that Almighty God is faithful and his Word is always true.
Obedient, not because I must, but because I may. A privilege, not an obligation
Enabled by grace that is only possible through new birth. Jer 133
Noah wasn't righteous because obedient, but obedient because he was righteous.
Live a holy life. Learn to hate sin, and never excuse it.
1 Thes 523 Tit 212-14 Ro 1312 1 Pe 47 2 Pe 311,12
Dare to be different. Help each other to live our lives with Jesus.
Do not just live for the present + fatalism of "whatever will be, will be ..."
You cannot make sense of the present
unless you remember the past and anticipate the future. (ministry of prophets)
Hold all things 'lightly' - except the Word of God!
Practice zeal and be earnest for Christ.
Be aware, alert, eyes open, discerning, don't just 'go with the flow' or 'ride with the tide'.
The broad, popular, easy way does not lead to heaven. Math 713,14
Remember the object of worship is to worship, not to 'have a good time'.
Long for united goal, mutual respect, corporate purity of belief and behaviour.
Be consistent. Walk humbly in the love and fear and expectation of God.
Be honest with yourself, with others and with God.
Some 16 centuries ago Augustine wrote:
"He who loves the coming of the Lord is not he who affirms it is far off,
nor is it he who says it is near, rather it is he who, whether it is far off or near,
awaits it with sincere faith, steadfast hope and fervent love."
Man says: |
God says: |
| The world is getting better | It will get far more evil |
| Peace among nations is near | War will continue to the end |
| Expect cure for all diseases | Man denies sinful nature |
| Hopes to counter all disasters | Man reckons without God! |
The Great Tribulation 6-17
[Contents]
The three most significant events in world history are:
Creation and Fall of man
Messiah's 1st Coming (Redemption won, wrath assuaged = ‘propitiation’)
Tribulation Judgement and Return of Jesus as King, salvation completed
(c.f. birth - marriage - death & resurrection of man.)
The opening of the seals begins the third event, the preparation for the Return.
First, some general thoughts:
Need to avoid two extremes: trying to know everything or can't know anything.
Ignorance is never bliss when it comes to Christian doctrine (esp. of end times).
It leads to doubt, deception, instability, restlessness and extreme danger.
Few today admit that man's rebellion and natural sin deserve punishment.
So they cannot see the Tribulation as God's just judgement upon wickedness.
Ignoring it, they will thus be totally unprepared for these horrendous events.
Satan hates Gen 1-3 which tell of his death sentence for his beguiling man to sin,
and he also hates Rev. which tells of his final defeat.
He tries to persuade men that Genesis and Revelation
are full of impossible myths and impenetrable mysteries.
He does not like men to know about judgement, 2 Pe 33-7
in case they should seek the forgiveness of God and cry to him for mercy.
He hates men to understand the absolute necessity of the Cross.
Christ offering the perfect sacrifice, is the only way to assuage God's wrath,
and thus to enable men to live for ever with God. Heb 911-28
Many Christians have a problem with both 'what' will happen and 'when'.
See Summary of the Tribulation and the Grand Finale. (Use back arrow to return)
Some think that Christians will escape Tribulation through a prior 'rapture'.
This conveniently avoids having to warn Christians they will have to suffer.
Revival is always a more popular message than persecution.
It also disregards the need for discernment which Jesus emphasised. Math 24
A pre-Tribulation rapture was first championed by Darby in the mid 19th C.
As of now:
Although Christ has defeated sin and Satan;
there are further battles to fight - and win! Heb 928
By grace we now have the victory in Christ, but we are not yet always victorious!
By grace we will be prepared for the trials of deception and persecution.
And by grace we shall be called and enabled to 'cross the river'
and be welcomed at his table.
Purpose of the Tribulation
[Contents]
Like the Cross, the Tribulation not an unfortunate accident,
but is the declared plan of the Sovereign Lord.
What is his purpose?
1. To end all wickedness and deceit, and to separate the righteous from evil for ever.
Is 358-10 Rev 2127 Is 6517,18 Joel 317
2. Just punishment for rejecting God, the Creator, and disobeying his Commands.
A warning to all men of the imminent, just and eternal Judgement. Is 139-11
Most will stubbornly refuse God's last opportunity to repent, and curse God.
Just as they did in the days of Noah. Gen 66,7 723 also at Sodom.
3. That justice may be seen to be done. Rev 65 192 Is 114 Amos 518-24
Life lived other than in God's way always results in disappointment. Deut 28
Deliberately ignoring and insulting Almighty God,men refuse to repent.
Wickedness leads to confusion, however clever man may think he is. Gen 119
The world cries, "Foul." The saints and angels proclaim, "Justice."
4. A testing time for all, but especially hard for the Jews, and Christians.
First-born receive double: but not destroyed.
Jer 307,15 Deut 2117 Is 402
617
This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints. Rev 1310 1412
5. Preparation for the promised eternal Kingdom of God. Ps 89 Is
97 Dan 235,44
Not completed until Christ returns as King. Dan 823-25
God reveals how redemption is to be completed.
The restoration to the original Owner of what was stolen.
Lu 2128 Eph 113,14 Dan 121-4
Jesus has paid the price in full; so for believers the wrath of God is assuaged,
but the delivery of 'the goods' is not yet complete. He is coming soon!
Meanwhile we long for the world-wide righteous kingdom of heaven on earth.
ALL that God has promised has and will be completely fulfilled - the nice and the nasty!
Note the order of Is 611-11
Summary of the Tribulation and the Grand Finale - Rev 6-22
[Contents]
Note - This is not a 'Time chart'.
Rev. chapter ref.'s are shown in brackets ()
Seals of Authority (6):
1. White Horse - Conquest, domination
2. Red Horse - War, blood
3. Black Horse - Famine
4. Pale - Disease. 1/4 die
5. Martyrs ask, "How long?"
6. Great Earthquake. Sun darkened, stars fall to earth.
All terrified
[144,000 sealed. Multitude in heaven
rejoice. (7)]
7. Thunder, lightning and earthquake
Trumpet Warnings (8,9):
1. Hail and
Fire. 1/3 vegetation burned
2. Blazing
Mt. thrown into sea. 1/3 fish and sailors die
3. Blazing Star
(Wormwood) falls on rivers. 1/3 fresh water bitter
4. Sun, moon
and stars struck. 1/3 darkened
1st Woe 5. Star falls. Abyss opened. Smoke darkens sun
Locusts
sting unbelievers for 5 months
2nd Woe 6. 200m troops kill . Men did not repent. 1/3 die
[Little
Book, Prophecy and 2 Witnesses. (10-1114)]
3rd Woe 7. Thunder, lightning and earthquake
Woman and Dragon. (12)
Beast and false Prophet. (13)
Lamb and 144,000. 3 Angel warnings. Gather tares. (14)
Heaven rejoices. (15)
Bowls of Wrath (16):
1. Sores on all who had worshipped Beast
2. Sea turns to blood. All in it die
3. Rivers turn to blood
[Angels and men say,
"God is just"]
4. Sun scorches with fire
Men curse God - refuse to
repent
5. Kingdom of Beast darkened. Men gnaw their tongues
in agony
They curse God - refuse to
repent
6. Three evil spirits dry up Euphrates.
Demons use signs to gather all nations
to Armageddon
7. Thunder, lightning and earthquake
Babylon judged. Great hailstones. Men curse God.
Grand Finale:
Greatest earthquake ever. Cities collapse
Hailstones kill many. And men curse God
Harlot of Babylon judged. (17,18)
Great multitude rejoice at sudden fall of Babylon. (191-10)
King of kings returns, defeats the Beast, the False Prophet and all nations. (1911-21)
Satan confined to the Abyss. Millennium reign of Christ on earth. (20)
Satan released, deceives Gog and Magog who attack Christ.
Satan defeated and thrown into lake of fire for ever.
New heaven and new earth seen and the new Jerusalem comes down. (21,22)
God dwells with saved men for ever in righteous kingdom
First 6 Seals Opened 61-17
[Contents]
How does the Great Tribulation begin?
It is the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who opens each of the seals. 61,3,5,7,9,12
This is a most important fact in understanding Rev.
All the seals authenticate the full authority of Almighty God
and must be opened before the scroll can be read.
The full number of the Gentiles has come in. Ro 1125
These 'seal' judgments include all the judgments of the end-times.
The 7th seal contains the 7 trumpets; and the 7th trumpet contains the 7 bowls.
The day of Jacob's trouble begins. Jer 307
The world will be surprised by these sudden, calamitous events in the 'last days'.
They will refuse to repent. 920 169,11
They will curse God. 169,11,21
And refuse to admit that it is God's justice for our being wicked.
Believers who are ready will not be surprised by the fierce persecution.
Like Noah, who was not surprised when the rain started to fall!
He had spent the previous 120 years in obedient preparation.
Gen 63 1 Pe 320
'Voice like thunder'. As at Rev 85 1119
1618 also Exd 1916 2018 Jn
1229
The 'Four horses of the Apocalypse' are each called by one of the Living Creatures:
Each horse is commanded to "Come!" forth. (Rev 61,3,5,7) (like Lazarus Jn 1143)
The horses are clearly symbolic, but the horrific judgements are all too real.
Each of these horses is one of the first four seals:
1. White. A world superpower conqueror 'bent on conquest'; dictatorship.
Given a crown and a bow; but no arrows are mentioned.
Goal is world domination, especially the destruction of God's chosen Israel.
Power gained mostly by personal or military threat and by economic leverage.
But unable to overcome hatred or avoid world war - see next horse.
Not the same as white horse in Rev 1911 (Jesus)
A Living Creature would never dare command Jesus to "Come!"
Not 'church triumphant'. Must have same purpose as other 3 horses.
2. Red. Takes peace from the earth. Men kill each other (millions, not 1,000s).
Lawlessness, ethnic violence, injustice, greed, rebellion, Islamic Jihad.
World war on a scale far greater than WW1+2 (when 10m + 50m died)
Given a large sword. So much for man's peace treaties -
They are all "founded on fear and honoured when convenient."
3. Black. World wide food shortage but not total famine.
But as usual it will be the poor who suffer most, not the rich.
100% of wages spent on food, not just current 25%.
Oil and wine are not damaged. (Olive and vine are deep-rooted)
Shortage due to aftermath of war, poor transport, land destruction etc
4. Pale. Death and disease. Plague often follows war and poor nutrition.
AID's, Ebola, TB etc. Medicines unable to cure, or too expensive.
World Health Care totally unable to cope with demand.
During the opening of these first 4 seals ¼ of world will die = 1,975m (2021).
This will make it very obvious that the Tribulation has started!
5th Seal. Martyrs cry (only heard in heaven), "How long until you judge ...?"
This is not a plea for personal revenge. Ro 1219 Deut 3243
Their desire was to bring evil to an end. i.e. 'Thy Kingdom come.'
They called for justice, for God's plan, not just for 'peace on earth.' Is 612b
The blood of Abel, the first martyr, also cried like this. Gen 410
They did not cry how long until you come and establish peace on earth?!
Given white robes and told to wait a little longer. (Is there time in heaven?)
More martyrs will soon join them! (again, there is no pre-Tribulation rapture).
This 'waiting' is used to try to justify the Roman Catholic error of purgatory -
but it is the martyrs who wait, not the wicked, unsaved.
After death there is no further opportunity for repentance and salvation.
Under the altar is not physical,
They are 'under' the blood of Jesus shed on the 'altar' of Calvary. Ruth 39
6th Seal. Earthquake, sun darkened, stars fall, mountains move.
Even the greatest and most powerful are terrified
by these extreme natural disasters prophesied by Jesus. Math 2421,22
They try to hide in their 'bunkers' from the wrath and from the Almighty
Joel 231 315,16 Is
1310-13 Jer 423-26
Math 2429 Gen 38
The secret plans of world leaders are shattered.
They know that these are far more than mere local 'natural disasters',
and seek to escape wrath of God; but cannot. 615-17 Is 219 Hos 108
Note there is not a hint of any inclination to repent.
Like the magicians in Pharaoh's day, who saw signs as 'the finger of God', Exd 819
they still refuse to yield to Almighty God.
'Stars fall' may be literal asteroid collision or near collision with earth,
but also Mts removed so probably symbolise the fall of governments,
all authority and military power neutralised - complete lawlessness.
Sky receded may well symbolise the end of Church structure. Gen 379
These events continue to show convincingly that it is God who rules his creation.
They all happen at God's command, not that of man, or fate or even Satan.
Like little boy watching lightning, "Do it again, Lord, do it again!"
... Who can stand? Rev 617 God answers this in Rev 7. Joel 227
He wants us to know that his 'sealing' will give us courage in persecution.
Our bodies may perish, but our destiny is secure.
Almighty God will remain our Shepherd for all eternity.
Always remember why God initiates and conducts the Great Tribulation:
a) To separate the righteous and the wicked.
b) To bring justice to an arrogant and sinful people.
God is not vindictive, he gives men what they deserve.
The flood, Babel, Sodom, ... and the Tribulation. Each are just.
c) To bring justice to the persecuted people of God. 610 Gen 410
d) To establish the world-wide kingdom of God; not just within us. Lu 810 1721 Dan 244
Jesus 'opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers' at Calvary. Lu 177
144,000 Jews Sealed. Multitude Rejoices 71-17
[Contents]
Four Angels hold back the four winds.
Told not to harm the earth until the servants of God are sealed. Rev
94 162 (1316-18)
1. The 144,000. 12,000 sealed from each tribe of Israel.
Manasseh (but not Ephraim) is listed in 12 tribes is grandson of Jacob.
Dan is excluded because left inheritance, chose an easy life in N.Galilee -
and worshipped Baal. Judg 134, 18 Deut 3116-18
As prophesied, provided justice. Gen 4916 e.g. Samson. Jud 13
And later (after migration N.) they will become a serpent. Gen 4917
In the last days God will not forget the Jews. He remains faithful. Ro 1111,25-31
'Israel' occurs 36 times in NT, every one refers to national Jewish Israel.
(See also Israel in the New Testament (Use arrow Back to return here))
God's covenant with Abraham is eternal and unconditional. Gen 122,3 1518 Jer 3131-37
See also 'Promise of Restoration' (Use arrow Back to return here)
These 144,000 are the firstfruits of a vast multitude. 141-5 79
(See 2 below for completed family - Jew and Gentile, the true Church.
Gentile believers are also children of Abraham. Ro 228,29 411,12 Gal 329)
Those who grieved over (national) wickedness sealed by God. 733 Ezek 94
No tears are wasted. Ps 568
The complacent and secure rarely grieve. Amos 66
Sealed on the forehead; where all can see it, except the bearer!
Why were the 4 angels restrained until the grieving saints were sealed?
Sealed against some of the plagues (as in Egypt) Math 2421,22 Exd 822
Strength for coming persecution by the Beast. Rev 137,15 Col 113
Sealed with the Holy Spirit. Eph 430 Joel 228
who gives understanding, courage and peace in trouble. 715 Jn 1633
Darius sealed Daniel + angel in a cavern with a pride of lions! Dan 617,22
2. A great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people
and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.
They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
All the angels alsoworshipped God, saying:
"Amen!"
"Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honour and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!" 79-12 Act 412
This vision of all heaven worshipping Almighty God is a huge encouragement
to the believers undergoing intense persecution.
For included in this great multitude are the saints from all nations,
not just the 144,000 in Rev 71-8
They all wore white robes. 710
Righteousness is God’s gift, not our decision or endeavours. 198
One of the elders asks John who are these in white robes; and then tells the answer
"These are they who have come out of the great tribulation;
they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." 713,14
Many of the multitude were thus Tribulation martyrs.
As with all the others, salvation was given to each,
not by their own blood, but by that of the Lamb of God.
There is no other way to be made pure in the sight of God.
They are seen all praising and serving God with great and eternal delight.
Therefore, "they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.
Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." 715-17
What could be better than that?
The Lamb is their Redeeming Shepherd. 717 Ps 23 Ezek 3411-31
Never again will there be disappointment, regret, pain or tears.
No more will they suffer hearing the arrogant blasphemy of men.
Truth will be the order of the day, instead of lies and deceit.
Tribulation may seem unending, but is nothing c.f. living in God’s presence.
How gracious of God to reveal the joyful righteous life he has planned for us.
Suffering saints will greatly appreciate this vision when evil seems to prevail.
Daniel was also shown that persecution is only temporary. Dan 721,22, 25,26 823-25
7th Seal Opened and the First 4 Trumpets Sound 81-12
[Contents]
In Revelation always remember Hab 23 32
'The Old is in the New revealed ...' - prophecy is fulfiled, completed.
7th Seal is opened; and again it is the Lamb who opens it.
Silence!
A dreadful anticipation of the events to come.
This 7th seal has no 'event' like when the first six seals were opened.
7th Seal initiates the 7 Trumpets. (as the 7th Trumpet will initate the 7 Bowls) 81,2
Note that the Scroll is not yet opened.
John is shown 7 angels being given 7 trumpets. (c.f. 4 restraining angels in Rev 71)
Another angel with a golden censer is given much incense (prayer) to offer.
What were these effective prayers? For peace in our time? No!
They desired that all wickedness be judged and separated. Rev 610 Dan 924
They longed for the fulness of the righteous Kingdom of God on earth.
These last days of distress will draw the saints to much prayer. Dan 121-4 Math 2421,22
God answers their prayer in a way that many do not expect.
The same angel with the same censer, but it is now
filled with fire from the alter and hurled it on the earth!
The result? There came peals of thunder, rumblings,
flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. 85
Habakkuk was not the last man to question the plan of God. Read Hab 1-3
With justice, truth and great power, God will judge the wicked,
men who ignore, despise and distort him and his Word. Is 633 Rev 615-17 1915
Prayers for righteousness may well bring unexpected results.
Judgement is the consequence of man's deliberate rejection of God. Ro 128 28,9
They are blinded. Ps 362 Is 67 c.f. Is 69-13
There is no other option. God's action is perfectly just. Deut 3236,39,43 Is 631-6
How does this compare with the modern view that God only loves?
He wrote this scripture that we may all realise he is also the just Judge.
Such truth is vital if we are to understand the Great Tribulation.
In the end Habakkuk understood and bowed before God’s Word. Hab 316-18
The first 4 trumpets sound (c.f. first 4 Seals) 87-12
Trumpets signal important events and sound the alarm for imminent danger.
These trumpets herald that the danger has arrived!
The devastating effect of the 'hurled censer' is seen on earth:
1. Fire. 1/3 Earth and trees burned + all green grass. Literal scorching.
2. Mt. falls into sea. 1/3 sea turned to blood, 1/3 fish and ships destroyed. Volcano/asteroid?
3. Star (Wormwood) falls on rivers. Water bitter, many die. Jer 914,15 2314-18
c.f. Exd 1523-26 and the Cross of Christ that removes the bitterness of sin.
4. 1/3 Sun, moon and stars are 'struck' and darkened. Literal Heb 1226,27 Rev 613
The earth has only 1/3 normal light. These events cannot go unnoticed!
Think what these first 4 trumpets will do to food, energy, comms, transport ...
All the utilities that are today taken for granted.
The chief issue facing man will not be life style, but survival!
How will the remaining people react to these warnings by Almighty God?
Will it be like Pharaoh with God and Moses in Egypt? Heart hardened.
"The darkness is coming." Act 220 Zeph 114-17a Math 2429 are literal / Real.
Also darkness of ignorance, wrong relationships, greed, death, lives without God,
loneliness, shattered dreams, ... Is 821,22 Jer 1315-17
Increased knowledge will not satisfy, if without God. Dan 124 Amos 812
This darkness is preventable.
We do not have to walk in the darkness of sin. Ps 10710-14 Is 92 4216
Note well that God was with Job in his darkness
with the unjustly imprisoned Joseph,
with Jeremiah as he wept,
with Hannah in her darkness of disappointment,
with Daniel in his long night with the lions,
with Christian in the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
God will always be with his faithful followers. Col 113 Exd 2021
God reveals his Creation power to humanistic man who dare to scoff at the Lord.
Like in the apocalyptic first 4 Seals, God here warns man of his judgement,
and gives to man his final opportunity to repent.
This unpopular message may seem harsh, but Revelation reveals God’s truth.
Many churches prefer only popular ‘peace’ message.
Perhaps that is why so few read or understand the truth of Revelation 6-20.
1 Thes 53 1 Tim 41 2 Tim 43
He is called ‘The righteous Judge’. 2 Tim 48
How much do we long for his appearing and his righteous kingdom? Lu 238 Hab 316,18
5th Trumpet and 1st Woe
[Contents]
Eagle cries, "Woe! Woe! Woe! to the inhabitants of the world." 813
These three Woes are the last three trumpet warnings.
This greatest of birds flies at mid-day and cries loudly.
Thus God ensures that all hear his message!
But the inhabitants of the earth are the consistently rebellious. 1110 138 172
While the first 4 trumpets are horrific; these last 3 are even more so!
God means business! No man can ignore him any longer.
These 3 Woes also mark a significant change from the war, natural disasters
and cosmic catastrophes of the first 6 Seals, and the first 4 Trumpets,
to the ghastly activity of demons.
The saints will need, and will receive the full protection of Almighty God.
Star that had fallen. Scripture normally assumed to be literal, but not here.
The 'Star' is a fallen angel who is given key to Abyss which 'he' opens. Rev 91
c.f. 'Falling stars' in 6th seal (613) which are probably literal asteroids.
Abyss = prison for fallen angels. 2 Pe 24 Jude 16 Is 1412
Their release results in the 1st Woe:
Like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. Not from volcano, but smoke from the fires of hell.
Complete contrast to the incense smoke (the prayers of the saints. 83,4)
'Smoke' billowed out - these demons couldn't wait to harm the humans.
'Smoke' darkens the sky like a literal 'cloud of locusts'.
Here they darken the hearts of men with wickedness, deceit and cruelty.
These 'locusts' (demons) are given power on earth to torture men. Joel 13 23-11
They are more than literal locusts that only harm vegetation.
In Joel's day the 'locusts' were 'the 'army of the Lord' - Assyria.
Here they are demons commanded by Apollyon, the Angel of the Abyss. Rev 911
They sting like scorpions and are described in Rev 97-11
Insecticides are useless against these demons, not hatched on earth!
God has power to control animals, insects, events - also nations and demons.
e.g. animals 'drawn' to Noah's Ark, Balaam's ass, Elijah's ravens ...
also Red Sea and Jordan divide, Sodom fire, Assyria, Babylon, Rome ...
And the whole world now sees that he does so.
Told not to harm vegetation, but only those without the seal of God. Lu 1019
The righteous are spared from suffering this and the remaining 'plagues'. As in Goshen. Exd 822
Separation of the righteous and the wicked begins.
But there will be great persecution and many martyrs will be given crowns!
These demons delight to torture those not sealed by God for 5 months. Rev 95
A scorpion sting gives excruciating pain, but only rarely death. Rev 910
Men seek death, but it is denied. Rev 96
Not only demons arise from the Abyss, but later also the Beast. Rev 117 131
Satan's mask as 'an angel of light' is removed; his true character is revealed.
He needed no encouragement to afflict men; only God's permission.
Men ignore God's warning and suffer the extreme agony of this first 'Woe'.
This is not the end; there are still two other Woes yet to come 912
and also the seven Bowls of Wrath !! 161-21/Small>
6th Trumpet and 2nd Woe
[Contents]
Four evil angels bound at Euphrates released to kill 1/3 mankind.
(1/4 of world previously killed when first 4 seals opened. 68).
(Not the same angels as in 71 who were not bound but held back the winds.)
These fallen angels command 200 million cavalry - held for this one special time.
Their king is the angel of the bottomless pit ... he is called Apollyon. 911
Their horses kill using fire, smoke and sulphur from their mouths.
(It is not their tails that kill, nor the riders, nor the angels).
What sort of creatures and what riders will they be? We don't know.
They are demonic; not Chinese! and delight in their order to kill 1/3. 915
The remaining 2/3 still did not repent. 920 Act 1730
They reject this last God-given gracious opportunity.
Men will continue defiant to the end.
Neither miracles nor plagues cause men to repent - they rarely do. Lu 1631
They choose to worship demons (idols of gold, wood), murder, magic,
sexual immorality and thieving. Rev 920,21 Ro 128-31 Jn 319
Today idols are often possessions and personal 'image' (appearance). Col 35
Insecurity and uncertainty cause many to seek popularity and esteem.
Western hedonism (pursuit of happinness)
and the desire to include all religions is demonic deception;
so is heartless brutality of Islamic militancy, like Nineveh in Nahum 31-5
Western powers also reveal their nature by cruelty, murder, deceit and lies.
Unless the Word of God reveals the truth, all men remain totally deceived.
They presume that they can defy the Lord Almighty with impunity.
Now they are shown that their insults have a very high price tag. Ps 733,17-20
In the 1st Woe, Almighty God orders demons to be released from the Abyss.
He sets limits to their activity.
These 'Locusts' didn't harm vegetation or those marked with the seal of God.
In the 2nd Woe, Almighty God orders the release of 200 million 'troops'.
These demons kill 1/3 of mankind on earth! =1,975 million (2021)
(Note 1/4 of 7.9 billion died in 1st 4 seals leaving 5,925 million)
Before the 7th Trumpet and 3rd Woe
[Contents]
God wants us to know something else.
Loud shout like a lion roaring by a mighty angel. 101-3
7 thunders spoke. But John is told to seal up what they said. 103,4
Foolish to speculate on this mystery.
The mighty angel swears (declares edict) by him who lives for ever and ever,
who created the heavens and all that is in them,
the earth and all that is in it, the sea and all that is in it. 106a
Most men today deny that God lives or that he created anything. 2 Pe 33-7
He then declares, "There will be no more delay." 106b
"The mystery of God will be accomplished,
just as he announced to his servants the prophets." 107
What is this mystery that will be accomplished at 7th trumpet?
Separation judgement and the mystery of salvation. Heb 928
Why are both these things termed 'a mystery' ?
Neither are ever acknowledged by men, except by the revelation of God.
Both are proclaimed throughout the OT by his servants the prophets.
e.g. Israel separated and Egypt judged. Exd 822 1413-31
Lot is told to flee fromSodom which is then destroyed.
The Jews return to Jerusalem and Babylon is judged in 538 BC
Salvation is promised. Gen 228,14 Is 536,12b Jer 319-11 Dan 924
Many Jews have longed for the day of salvation.
Now, at last, it was imminent.
John told to eat the little scroll held by the mighty angel. 108,9
This scroll is already open. 102,8
i.e. Existing OT scriptures c.f. scroll with 7 seals in Rev 5-16.
Sweet to taste, but bitter in stomach. Ezek 31-3 Jer 1516 Is 69-12
Bitter because of Tribulation and consequences for the unrepemtant.
Those who stubbornly refused to hear the word of the Lord.
The gospel is indeed sweet to believers,
they are humble, seek and receive forgiveness, know and rejoice in the mercy of God.
But to ponder the plight of the many who are judged is most bitter.
Then told, "You must again prophesy
about many peoples and nations and languages and kings ." 1010,11
What must he prophesy?
That many are wicked and Almighty God has declared his just jusdgement.
That the kingdom of God is at hand, so repent. Math 417
The wicked will be separated from the righteous. Is 358-10
God's justice will be seen - though few will acknowledge it.
God's faithfulness will also be seen. Ezek 371-14 Jer 332-16
And the Word of God, his Covenant, is fulfilled. Rev 1115-19 153 165-7 191-8
Now there is no more delay.
This is man's very last moment of opportunity for salvation and eternal life.
The times of the Gentiles is now fulfilled. Ro 1125
The Two Witnesses 111-19
[Contents]
John was given a measuring rod ... to measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there. But do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for 42 months. 111,2
What is measured and what is not measured?
The answer reveals why God includes this and also the connection of 111,2
with the description of the Two Witnesses (113-14)
The Temple of God, the altar and the worshippers are measured.
This would suggest it is not a literal 3rd Temple on Mt Moriah, Jerusalem.
It is not size that is measured, but quality, substance, people.
Men made righteous, able to dwell with the Lord Almighty. 2Co 614-16 Rev 312
Jesus refers to himself being the temple destroyed and raised to life. Jn 219
The temple is Jesus, the altar is the mercy-seat of God and
the worshippers are those that believe, those he has made righteous.
God wants us to know the huge extent of his kingdom during this time of ‘Woe’.
John is told not to measure the extent of evil
that is making every effort to extinguish the righteousness of God;
trampling the holy city for these 3½ years.
Isaiah is shown this same measuring by God. Is 28
His immeasurable glory, justice, righteousness, mercy and sure foundation.
Revelation fulfills the promise of Jesus to separate the holy from the wicked;
to establish his everlasting kingdom for righteousness and truth.
Knowing this we may be able to see the purpose of God's Two Witnesses.
This trampling of the holy city is only for a short time; so stand firm.
Jesus is about to return with a sharp sword. Rev 1915 Math 1034
And he wields it with an expertise that will surprise everyone!!
And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, ...
However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? Lu 187,8
Part of the 'trampling' will be The abomination that makes desolate. Math 2415
It will become powerful. What is it? Dan 927b 814
Islam and the Dome on the Rock that defiantly says, 'God has no son!'
[see Koran 4:171, 5:72, 10:68 19:88 etc]
It is certainly 'an' abomination, but is it 'the' abomination?
Islam makes desolate both physically now and spiritually for ever.
Almighty God declares war upon such an enemy.
He gives his Two Witnesses power and protection to Prophesy for 1260 days -
(3½ years or 42 months) - part of the 7 years of Tribulation. Dan 924-27
Who are these witnesses?
They are described as the two olive trees and the two lampstands. 114
The two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth. Zech 4
So likely to be two Jewish prophets rather than Gentile believers.
What do they prophesy? What is purpose? Why sent?
They are clothed in sackcloth. 113 So they will not be preaching revival!
If attacked, the attackers will be destroyed. 115
Given power to bring drought and turn water to blood. 115 Amos 47 Exd 714-24
They will strike the earth with every kind of plague. 116b
Clearly they are very special prophets; not evangelists! 1110b
They proclaim to stubborn men that Almighty God cannot be side-lined,
ignored and continuously insulted.
That he will, and is, bringing his just judgement upon the wicked.
So unlike today when many say 'God is love ... he never judges anyone.'
These two witnesses are like Elijah on Mt Carmel in 1 Kg 17 also 2Kg 1
Like Moses before Pharaoh in Exd 7 to 14.
Like 'the angel of the Lord' dealing with Sennacherib. 2Kg 1935
So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem. 2Ch 3222
So many think God is like a cuddly teddy-bear instead of Mighty Creator.
Only when their ministry is complete does Almighty God allow
the Beast from Abyss (Rev 13) to arise and kill them. 117
Their bodies lie in Jerusalem for 3½ days.
Evil men gloat and rejoices, but the Lord God has not finished
The Two Witnesses are resurrected and earth hears the voice of God !!
Severe Earthquake - 7,000 die, survivors are terrified.
What are they witnesses of? The same as all the prophets:
The Lord Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth
Jesus Christ - the Redeemer of sinful men
Jesus Christ - the King and Lord of all
The justice of God
The judgement of God
The power of God
The choice of God
The mercy of God
The kindness of God
Each of which Satan hates and opposes vehemently.
To whom do they witness?
The whole world is challenged by the power of the one true God,
and especially the Beast, who arises to rule for 3½ years.
The Cross of Christ has always caused division, and been a cause of offence.
Why? Math 1034,35 Lu
201-18 Act 45-12 1 Pe 26-8
Only Christianity dares to tell men of their true fallen state;
that we rely entirely upon Christ bearing the punishment for our sins,
and we continue depend on his redeeming grace and life.
Witnessing during the Tribulation, they tell the world that the great distress
is caused by their own wickedness! That it is God's just judgement.
This is never a recipe for popularity or success!
Clothed in sackcloth. 2 Kg 18 Is 202
Zech 134
Compare this with the dress and message of many today
'prosperity' prophets and 'revival just around the corner' preachers.
What is the purpose of these Two Witnesses in the plan of God?
One last, clear opportunity, a clarrion call, to hear the truth of God -
but it is rejected, even hated. Satan hates his lies being exposed.
God sent Elijah and Elisha in the days of Ahab's great wickedness;
and then Hosea, Joel and Amos before Israel was conquered by the Assyrians.
He sent Jeremiah and Habakkuk before Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem.
God's surprising plan was totally fulfilled then, and it always will be.
The Witnesses are killed by the Beast; but the world's demonic joy is short-lived.
Their resurrection and call to come up to heaven was like Elijah, (2 Kgs 21-12)
and a great earthquake are further signs that God is Almighty.
He took a dim view of man's hatred of his Witnesses and their rejection of his message!
Earthquake kills 7,000, the rest were terrified and gave glory to God. Rev 1113
The Jews of Jerusalem, who had for so long rejected their Saviour,
now repent and know his salvation. Zech 1210 131
The Beast is described in Rev 13 and also by Daniel. Dan
720-26 823-25 Math 2421-24
Babel = pride Sodom = immorality Egypt = slavery
each are symbolic of hostile rejection of the one true God.
Resurrection gives assurance that the true, grieving Church will be preserved,
and that repentant Israel will be saved.
The 2nd woe has passed;
the 3rd woe is soon to come. 1114 (3rd Woe is the 7 bowls of wrath)
7th Trumpet
[Contents]
The 7th trumpet is loud, and with it a clear message is given. Jer 617 1 Co 148
The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,
and he shall reign forever and ever. 1115
Very simply, 'Regime change' - at last.
God's repeated trumpets warn all men of this change.
But this transfer of power will not be without a battle.
This battle will have physical and spiritual dimensions;
and will result in either repentance or judgement. Joel 1-3
The 7th Seal was not of a single event, but consisted of the 7 Trumpets.
Likewise this 7th Trumpet is not a single event,
but will herald the pouring out of the 7 Bowls of Wrath.
These 7 Bowls start with the 3rd Woe revealed in 151,5-8 161-17
They are bowls of wrath - God's just judgement of wickedness.
But first there is more that God desires to reveal to encourage the saints.
He wants to reveal the glorious end that awaits all who believe in Christ.
The long prayed-for righteous kingdom of God on earth.
Loud voices say, The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord. 1115
No more 'Roman' rule no Brussels, no Islam, no demons, no Beast;
but Jesus is now seen as Ruler of the Kingdom of God in Jerusalem.
"Jesus, having saved his people from the penalty and power of sin,
is now about to save them from the presence of sin." Geoff Feasey
The 24 elders worship God and repeatedly give thanks to God. 1117 18 59-14 710-12
But The nations were angry with God. 1118
They were totally unable to stop God's increasing disasters,
nor the rewarding of the prophets and saints, both small and great.
Now the time has come! The climax of God’s wrath is about to be poured out.
The days of opportunity are ended. There is no more delay. 106
To endure this most terrible day, the Lord reveals to the saints:
Then God's Temple in heaven was opened.
And within the opened Temple was seen the Ark of his Covenant. 1119a
What is the significance of this?
God is always faithful to his Word and his promises(his Covenants). Deut 79
Gen 315-17 Enmity, pain and work was both promised, and given.
Gen 122,3 Seed of Abraham will be a great nation and the world blessed.
Gen 1513,14 Israel enslaved 400 years, then rescued.
Gen 228,14 God himself will provide the required sacrifice.
Rejection of God and resulting lawlessness will lead to Tribulation justice.
This is seen in 2 Thes 2 Math 24 2 Pe 3 Dan 723-27 Rev 6-18
God keeps his word - all of it, always.
Israel remains a vital part of this covenant. Ro 11 Ezek 371-14 Jer 3136,37 3321-23
Satan, Islam and wicked world leaders all hate Israel.
But God will protect her. Zech 121-9
He gives courage and strength. 2 Thes 33 Joel 228
The Rider is called 'Faithful and True'. Rev 1911
God's covenant can never be broken, never.
There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder,
an earthquake, and heavy hail. 1119b
God again emphasises that he is the Lord Almighty. Exd 1916-20 Ps 187-13
This was no ordinary thunderstorm.
The Woman and the Dragon 121 - 131a
[Contents]
God's brief view of world history reveals a woman, a dragon and war.
Again shows Almighty God is consistently the King who triumphs and
Satan's failure in his struggle for power and his desire to destroy mankind.
God emphasises this vital truth for the day when evil men will seem to triumph.
121,2 Sign of Pregnant Woman with sun, moon and 12 stars on her head. Gen 379
= Israel (Jacob), Rachel and his 12 sons (tribes of Israel). 1Ch 1613 Jer 3136 (KJV)
In due time Mary would give birth to the Son of God, (the seed of Israel).
Many in Israel have cried all their lives for righteousness and a Messiah.
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea and many others.
123,4 Sign of a great red dragon (= Satan) appears
with 7 heads (= 7 different ages). Rev 179-14 Dan 720-26
and 10 horns (= 10 kings together at the end from which another arises).
His tail flings 1/3 stars (= fallen angels) from heaven to earth. Dan 89-12
He prepares (and fails) to devour the Woman's Child (= Jesus).
Like Pharaoh and Herod (Edom) both lie and kill male Jewish babies. Jn 844
He tries to stop Woman's Child redeeming the world and ruling all nations.
125 The Child is caught up to God.
After the perfect sacrifice on the Cross was 'finished', Jesus was raised to life.
He laid down his life, it was not taken from him.
Heb 716 914 Jn 1017,18
1430
Satan was never able to cause Jesus to fall into sin. Math 41-11
Nor was he able to stop him rise from the dead!
Satan has always hated Israel and the Jews and has attempted to destroy her.
Esau, Egypt, Amalek, Balaam, Philistines, Assyria, Babylon, Islam,
Russia, Hitler, even the Church (Crusades + RC's) and now the EU!
The current US, EU, Communist and Islamic goal is not to save Israel, but to dominate the world! 62
In 1948 Britain withdrew from Palestine and the UN voted for Israel
to become a nation again, not because they favoured Israel,
but because they knew the Arabs would attack the new Israel.
Field Marshal Montgomery reckoned Israel would last max of 3 weeks.
He was wrong!
The world has repeated their foolish efforts to destroy Israel ever since.
Israel was, and remains, God's chosen. Jesus our Redeemer was a Jew.
Satan has always hated the Lord, and all whom he has chosen. Gen 315
This is the root of anti-Semitism. Men hate God's choice + right to choose.
He tried in vain to prevent the 1st Coming of Christ the Saviour;
and now he tries to stop the 2nd Coming of Christ the King.
This is the most crucial fact in understanding world affairs in the last days.
See how alien Deut 7 sounds to most ears today.
Especially to those inclined to popular ecumenical, inter-faith ideals.
Yet God's chosen remain God's chosen. Jews and 'grafted-in' Gentiles.
The Church has not replaced Israel.
Love those who hate us; but remember we are a holy, separate people.
Christ returns with a sword, judgement and justice; not an olive branch! 1911-21
Only he can do this; we must not pre-empt his work.
127-12 War in heaven. The one and only angelic war - led by Michael .v. Satan.
Never again will there be a rebellion in heaven.
Not chronological. This war was before Adam and Eve were created. Is 1412
Satan, the deceiver of the whole world, 129 and the Accuser, 1210 Zech 31-5
and his angels are thrown down to the earth.
Now Satan is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short. 1212
The arch-Liar leads the whole world astray. 2 Co 113 Rev 133b Math 2424
But soon he will accuse, and deceive, and destroy no more.
But woe to you O earth (those without Christ) during these last 3½ years. 1212
Believers shall overcome him by the blood of the Lamb. 1211 1 Pe 13-9,18-21
Their lives testify to the truth of Scripture; they are not afraid to die!
Satan may be the 'Prince of this world', but he will never be King! Jn 1430
Note that Michael fights specially for Israel. 127 Dan 1013, 21
126, 13,14 Dragon pursues Woman (=Israel), again.
Israel is given miraculous protection of two eagles wings
and nourished in the wilderness for 3½ years (like Elijah 1Kgs 174,14 Lu 425).
God remains faithful to Israel throughout the time of Jacob's trouble. Jer 307
Deut 3326-29 Is 141 Jer 3012,15,17 Dan 121 Zech 12-14 etc
In this time of trouble Israel will mourn and seek the Lord as never before,
and the Lord God will be easy to find!
Deut 425-31 Jer 504,5 Hos 34,5 Zech
1210,11 131,9 143-9
1215-17 Satan attempts to drown woman - revenge.
His river of hatred, deceit and misery is swallowed up by the earth.
His vain hope is again defeated by God.
Enraged, he makes war on the rest of her offspring, (the Gentile saints). 1217a
Those who are obedient and who hold to the testimony of Jesus. 1217b 1910b
Remember that prophecy not only predicts the future,
it interprets (learns from) the past and discerns the present.
Our life on earth is not intended to be a glorious picnic.
Let us strive with all our being to be obedient and ready,
a consistent, good testimony to the life, grace and mercy of Jesus. 13
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Pe 13-7
Alleluia, sing to Jesus!
His the sceptre, his the throne;
Alleluia, his the triumph,
His the victory alone.
Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion
Thunder like a mighty flood:
Jesus, out of every nation,
Hath redeemed us by his blood.
The Beast and the False Prophet. 131-18
[Contents]
After Rev 12 overview of history, now returns to the Tribulation of the 'last days'.
Why has God written chapter 13? The answer is surprising -
Without it we may not recognise this world leader as being completely Satanic!
The dragon (same as Rev 12) is seen standing on the seashore. 131
He looks great and seems invincible. On earth he seems to prevail.
Abortion murder, same sex marriage, evolution etc not seen as wickedness.
But all is not what it seems. Almighty God remains Sovereign.
Satan has lost the war in heaven, and now he will lose the war on earth.
No wonder he hates Christians to know this book! (or Genesis)
A wild Beast rises up from the sea. Dan 73 Rev 171,15 Ps 933
He will be a Gentile from the confused and rebellious human race. Ps 657
He has 10 horns, each with a crown; and 7 heads with blasphemous names.
The meaning is explained later in Rev 179-12 Dan 720-27
This Beast had characteristics of each of the earlier evil world empires. 132a
Lion (Babylon), Bear (Persia), Leopard (Greece),
He is described in Dan 74-7 as the 4th 'terrifying' Beast.
Also After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time. But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Dan 724b-26
When rebels have become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. Dan 823-25
Satan, the red dragon, gave it his power and his throne and great authority. 132b
But Almighty God will soon destroy him - no one else can.
God wants the alert church to recognise the beast. So he reveals what he will do:
He will be given great authority by the Dragon and real satanic power. 132b
One head will receive a mortal wound, but it will be healed. 133a
The whole world will be astonished and deceived, and will follow him. 133b
All men will worship the Dragon, and also this Beast. 134a
This is what Satan has craved from the start. Is 1414 Lu 45-8
But those belonging to the Lamb will refuse to worship him. 138 Dan 3
So awed and mesmerised, most men will think it as futile to resist him.
He will utter proud words and blasphemies against God. 131,5,6 Dan 725a
He will never honour Christ crucified. (Few national leaders ever have)
He will exercise his authority. But only for 42 months. 135 Dan 725
Also it was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them! 137
1217 117 Dan 721,25 824 121
Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. 1310 1412 Math 2413
The 'defeat' of the saints only means their martyrdom! 610 152
Martyrs in all ages have learned the truth of God's promise in Joel 228
And afterwards (in days of persecution) I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Let us read about the Reformation martyrs, and be encouraged.
Also let us not forget who killed them, and why. Let Ecumenicals beware!
Rome has not changed its purpose, only its appearance!
See 25 RC Errors. (Use back arrow to return)
Who can defeat this terrifying beast?
Only Jesus can; and he will! 1919,20 Dan 722,26 825b 927b 2 Thes 28
Others references to this Beast:
The Lawless One. 2 Thes 21-12
A master of Intrigue. Dan 823-25 (and also Dan 88,9
Strong, but not by his own power, deceit prospers.
He will be a powerful and convincing liar. Jn 844 Gen
34 Act 53 1310 Math 244,5
The media news and information we receive is rarely honest or the truth.
Governments have their own reasons for being 'economical with the truth'.
Pergamum altar to Zeus taken to Berlin Museum in 1930 (see pictures). Rev 213
Caesars became Tsars of Russia and Kaisars of Germany.
Forerunners of the Beast:
Antiochus IV (175-164 BC) who called himself 'Epiphanes'.
Nero (54-68 AD) and Titus (79-81 AD) who persecuted the early church.
Domitian (81-96 AD) who demanded that he be called 'Lord and God'.
Also various Popes, Hitler, Stalin, Khomeini, EU ...
and many, many leaders who have consistently lied, cheated and deceived.
Each are warning examples of the character of this Beast;
the very opposite to Jesus Christ our faithful, true Lord and Saviour.
Another Beast Arises. 1311a
Religious 'winger' for the Beast, later called the False Prophet. 1613 1920 2010
Many false prophets like him. Math 2411, 24 1 Tim 41-3 1 Jn 41 Jer 28 2 Pe 2
Like its master, its principle characteristic is deceit, intrigue, lies.
It had 2 horns, like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 1311b
2 horns represent a coalition of 2 major parts.
Ecumenical (Rome + C of E.) or Multi-faith ??
Looked good, religious, popular - lambs are so sweet!!
But this one had a dragon's heart. Lu 645 1 Sam 167
It exercises all the authority of the first beast on his behalf. 1312
This man is not a rival to the Beast, but is his willing henchman.
(Note ESV refers to the Dragon as 'he' but correctly refers to 'the Beast' as 'it'.)
It makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast.
Its sole purpose is to defile men by making them worship the Beast.
It performs great signs. 1313
Recognise that Satan also performs signs. 2 Thes 29,10 Exd 722 87,18 Math 2424
Many mock the power of Voodoo, witch-doctors etc, but it is very real.
Others are deceived by signs and wonders - then and now. Math 2424
They presume that all healing must be of God. It is not.
Can the elect be deceived? Yes they can, but they need not be.
We must learn to discern which are founded on the compassion of God,
and which are used as miraculous signs. Deut 131-5
The False Prophet causes fire to come down from heaven. c.f. 115 2 Kg 110,12
It deceives everyone by setting up a speaking image of the Beast. 1314,15
And then executes all who refuse to worship it. Dan 3
It marks everyone with the number of the Beast. (666)
It is a counterfeit mark. c.f. Seal of God. 73 94 Eph 430 Ezek 94
None can buy or sell without this evil, seemingly sensible, anti-fraud mark.
To remain faithful to God in these days will have a high price tag.
But to receive the Beast's mark will be an absolute disaster. 162 149-11
Receiving the mark will certainly involve some form of worship
and the giving of allegiance to the Beast.
An ID Card is fine, but all Christians must refuse any physical marking.
There are many guesses as to the form of this number:
Hebrew letters are also numbers. e.g. Using Hebrew letters as numbers,
Ruth = Rut (Heb.) Tav, Vav, Resh = 400+6+200 = 606
(Note. Hebrew reads from right to left)
The common bar code on food, books etc has 3 pairs of position lines,
each having the number 6 (i.e. 666!)
Roman numerals (except M) I + V + X + L + C + D = 666
In days to come it will be clear what this mark is and what it will entail.
Again, Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. 1311b
How will the Beast come to power?
After war and many 'disasters' men will give anything for peaceful normality.
i.e. after Seals and Trumpets when 1,875 million die.
'One World' Authority will be popularised as being the sole author of peace.
Together with the 'One World Religion', they form the 'New World Order'.
(Multi-national companies and Inter-faith ... are just a preparation)
In the 1933 Germany voted for strong, idealistic, nationalistic leadership
which made extravagant promises (that many believed) and provided work.
In less than 5 years democracy was cunningly replaced by dictatorship.
Tired of weak coalitions men will vote for a strong centre party.
All others are branded as extreme, and called left or right wing.
Clinton did this in the US (1993) and Blair in the UK (1997).
Rev 13 warns us clearly that a great satanic Beast and its False Prophet
will hold centre-stage and absolute world governance power in the last days.
Almighty God warns us many times in Scripture of this satanic king.
The 4th beast that Daniel saw was more terrifying than any animal on earth. Dan 718,23
Also Fourth Kingdom and 'Another king' after the '10 kings'. Dan 7 Rev 1712
But remember that his reign will be short - just 3½ years. 135 Dan 725
Master of Intrigue (stern-faced king). Dan 823
An Abomination. Dan 927 Math 2415
Man of Lawlessness. 2 Thes 2
Eighth king who belongs to the seven. Rev 1711
Satan hates men knowing that his own destiny is destruction.
But Almighty God has revealed this truth. Dan 711-14 726 825 927 Rev 1920 2010
There will be many distractions, many deceits and many denials;
but nothing and no one can prevent God from keeping his word.
A Sovereign Protector I have,
Unseen, yet for ever at hand,
Unchangeably faithful to save,
Almighty to rule and command. ...
If Thou art my Shield and my Sun,
The night is no darkness to me;
And fast as my moments roll on,
They bring me but nearer to Thee. Augustus Toplady
"The purpose of God is sure, and the people of God are safe." David Pawson.
Deception
[Contents]
Jesus said, "Watch out that no one deceives you." Math 244,11,24
It is easy to be deceived - unless aware of the danger.
Gen 31-6, 13 2 Thes 21-12 2
Tim 312-15 Rev 133,14 1920
God tells us what is right and wrong.
Modern man thinks he can ignore God with impunity. He is deceived.
Even many in the Church can lack discernment; how can this be?
Simple. Proud ambitious men think they know better than Scripture.
1. Failure to see that is fatal. every word of God is flawless. Prov 305
If men choose to believe only the parts they agree with they will be deceived.
Such arrogance is unbecoming and highly dangerous.
From the beginning they have said in their hearts, "Did God really say ..." Gen 31
And they omit what is unpopular, inconvenient or what they refuse to learn.
It remains Satan’s most successful means to deceive even Christians. e.g.
a) Almighty God declares that homosexuality is an abomination. Lev 1822
And repeats this in the NT - Ro 126,27 1Co 69,10 1Tim 18-10 Jude 7 .
So why does Archbishop Welby strongly support civil partnerships
and refuse to declare that homosexuality is a sin? Fears unpopularity?
b) God’s covenant with Abraham in Gen 121-3 1518 and 178 is both eternal
and unconditional, yet most of the church do not see that Israel today
remains at the centre of his plans. The Church has not 'replaced' Israel.
(See also Israel and the Church in the Last Days (Use arrow Back to return here))
c) Many claim God is judge in the OT, but all love in the NT.
The truth is that he is both in both.
The Cross is God’s Judgement upon my sin (= propitiation).
Rev 6-19 is God’s judgement upon wickedness in the 'last days'.
Seeing this truth makes Rev much easier to understand!
d) Many 'so-called successful' churches try to make God popular with men
instead of proclaiming that it is we men who need changing!
Jesus said, 'You must be born again.' Jn 33
'Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near".' Math 417
We need the mercy of God and the undeserved forgiveness.
We cannot become Christians by just choosing to follow Jesus. Josh 2419
All men require much more than a little help; we need to be rescued.
The truth that all men are born with a sinful nature remains an affront to man's pride.
- especially in modern psychology
All Scripture is the accurate Word of God concerning the past, the present and the future;
concerning the nature of God and of man. None can be discarded or changed.
And none should be added. e.g. tradition, experience, revelations.
2. Idolatry remains attractive. But do men worship idols today? Yes!
Muslims worship the black Kaaba stone in Mecca.
Buddhists and 'New age' believe God is in everything and worship it.
Humanists and Secularists worship themselves!
Almighty God reveals what is behind idolatry:
Covetousness is as idolatry. Col 35 and
The love of money is the root of all evil. 1 Tim 610 In short 'greed'.
Men worship idols hoping to get something for nothing.
Christians worship God for who he is, Creator, Redeemer and Lord.
3. It is a deception that all signs and wonders are of God. They aren't.
False signs by the Beast and his winger. Rev 133,13 1614 1920 2 Thes 29,10
Also some signs are from God, but many will say they can’t be! Joel 230,31
And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire
and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the
moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.
Miracles because compassion of God + lead to repentance. Math 1120
4. False Prophets will deceive many warns Jesus. Math 244,11,24
Such men and women will have charisma and be selective in Scripture.
What will be their message and why are apparently godly men deceived?
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but
having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit
their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and
wander off into myths. 2 Tim 43,4 also Jer 531 Lu 626
The message will predominantly be easy, popular, low cost, successful.
Bunyan’s ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ gives an excellent account of this.
5. Ecumenical enticement will trap many into falsehood.
Rome remains under many vital errors.
The Pope has said he regrets the Reformation (cost to Rome is huge),
but he has yet to repent for the burning of many protestant martyrs,
nor has he admitted that Rome did anything wrong !!
They say "In the spirit of love, let us forget the past."
Without repentance there is no forgiveness of sin.
Many Protestants are not aware of the Reformation events
and are careless of the cost to our forebears when Rome was strong.
Read 'Foxe’s Book of Martyrs', J C Ryle 'Our debt to the Reformation'
'The Reformation in England' by J H Merle d’Aubigne (2 vols).
(See also English Reformation - Vital Lessons (Use arrow Back to return here))
(See also Our Debt to the Reformation - J C Ryle (Use arrow Back to return here))
A New Song 141-5
[Contents]
The Lamb is seen again on Mt Zion. 56 61
And the 144,000 are with him. 141 71-8
They are sealed with his name and his Father's name. 73 Eph 111
But only these could learn this loud, harp accompanied song. 142,3 58,9
They had not defiled themselves with women. (Note 'women' is plural) 144
i.e. with many women which is adultery. c.f. with one woman (their wife).
They are pure and chaste, but not necessarily celibate. 2 Co 112-4
Adultery is physical illicit sex (also Math 528),
but it can also be spiritual apostasy (desertion from the truth).
In these chapters it is both. Rev 148 183 etc
All these in heaven are without any lies or deceit, they are blameless. Rev 145
They always follow the Lamb.
Faithful, devoted discipleship. Mk 834-38
Note that they follow the Lamb; the Lamb did not follow them.
These 144,000 are redeemed from the earth, purchased from among men. 144
They are the 'firstfruits', the first of many (the main crop). Jer 23
In Rev 7 they were sealed by God; ready to endure and triumph as martyrs.
God here reveals the glorious eternity for these 144,000.
They are redeemed and know it.
The payment by Jesus is complete and accepted.
So they were always singing before the throne - and none were out of tune!
The Tribulation is characterised by gross lies, deceit, wickedness and blasphemy.
How different from these righteous believers who follow the Lamb,
and who so joyfully rehearse the truth.
What a grand witness to the rest of rebellious mankind on earth.
Like Daniel witnessed to the Medes and Persians. Dan 64,5
If we are to face these dark hours under the Beast,
may God often remind us of these righteous 144,000 firstfruits,
and so give us confidence to endure and triumph in death!
3 Angels Shout Warnings 146-13
[Contents]
Flying in the mid-heaven three angels had the eternal gospel to proclaim. 146
What was 'the gospell' that these angels proclaim in a loud voice?
1st Angel
Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of judgement has come. 147a
Why is the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom? Ps 11110 Prov 910
We see God as the Almighty Creator of all the universe,
who is justifiably angry with rebellious, sinful, blasphemous men.
A wise man sees that he deserves the just judgement of God; Math 53,4
He repents and is shown that Jesus has paid the full redemption price.
Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs. 147b
In UK education and media constantly promote the lie of evolution as truth.
They delight to deny that God is the Designer, Creator and Sustainer. 2 Pe 31-13
Men are without excuse for not worshipping the one true God. Ro 118-20
2nd Angel
Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great that made all nations drink
the maddening wine of the passion of her sexual immorality. 148
What is the nature of this Babylon?
Wine - the endless pursuit by men for happiness, prosperity and power.
Sexual immorality - widespread unfaithfulness in marriage (or no marriage)
the endemic lying, breaking of promises and homosexuality.
The men of 'Babylon' are proud, blasphemous, idolatrous and immoral.
Such characteristics make men mad, not just untrustworthy fools. Zech 55-11
Babylon rejects and blasphemes the one true God, Creator and Redeemer.
Babel sought to steal God's glory and make it their own. Gen 111-9
The proud, deluded New World Order leaders are doing the same today.
This preview of Rev 18 is given to the saints of when the whole demonic
unstable 'house of cards' will fall in a single hour.
Our world economics is based upon paper - 'I promise to pay the bearer ...'
or on electronic digits - here today and gone tomorrow, or sooner!
One day this promise will suddenly become worthless; as in adultery.
No gold standard. No honour. No honesty, No truth. No reliability.
Persecuted Believers will rejoice. They will see the devil defeated.
Unlike the world, they will lose nothing of any real or lasting value.
And the immanent coming of the Lord will bring in his righteous kingdom.
How much do we yearn for the coming of Christ? Dan 924 Rev 2212a
Do we heed the warning to be separate from Babylonian world-values
The Lord's complete destruction of Babylon is imminent.
184 2 Co 614-18 Jer 514-9, 24,25, 44-48, 53-59
3rd Angel
If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark
on the forehead or the hand, he, too, will drink the wine of God's fury. 149
All 3 angels warn of judgement with a loud clear voice so all would hear.
They give the world warnings of great and immediate danger.
This is also 'the gospel', the Good News; Why?
The longed-for separation of good and evil is now immanent.
Unlike the seal of God, the mark of the beast is literal and physical.
Maybe an electronic chip or a tattoo made visible under UV light or ??
Why does this demonic mark anger God so much?
Receiving the mark will also entail worship of the Beast. 147,9,11
God has specifically warned us of this mark, so we do well to heed it.
A few days of deprivation, even death c.f. an eternity of God's fury.
God's torment of these marked majority of men, will never stop.
There will be no escape, and no rest; none whatever!
This reveals the error of those who deny the real existence of hell,
or that death for the unbeliever is just annihilation or 'cuckoo land'
or we can safely ignore the judgement of 'the God of Love'.
In his kindness, Almighty God extends his warnings loudly to all men.
Like the crucified thief, perhaps a last few will repent and plead for mercy.
The conclusion of these three warnings:
This calls for our patient endurance and faithfulness to Jesus. 1412 1310
This word comes directly from heaven; the Lord desires to strengthen his own.
We can we certain that he who called us will remain faithful, his Word is sure.
Phil 16 Heb 122 1Pe 510 Ro 835-39
Blessed are those who die in the Lord. 1412
Indeed so! Jn 1125,26 reverses death of Gen 217
The Spirit echos an encouraging beatitude.
Persecution is to be welcomed, not feared. Remember context of Joel 228
Only the grace and presence of God can overcome this fear.
We may lose our temporary body, but not the God-given life. Jn 1125 Rev 312
Where, O death, is your victory? ... Thanks be to God!
He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Co 1553-57
It is God, not men or Satan, who determines our eternal destiny. Math 1028 (21-42)
Mighty Angel with a Sickle 1414-20
[Contents]
The one seated on the cloud who was crowned and had a sickle, was an angel.
He was only like a son of man. He was 'a' son, not 'the' son.
Also another angel instructs him,
and an angel would never 'instruct' Jesus.
Take your sickle and reap ... for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe. 1415,18
Only at the final harvest are the wheat and tares divided.
Jesus said, "Let both grow together until the harvest.
At that time I will tell the harvesters:
First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned;
then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn." Math 1324-30
At last the time has come for evil to be judged and separated from the saints.
As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come. Mk 429
God again shows us to whom the earth belongs.
You must not put a sickle into your neighbour's standing grain. Deut 2325
God is not neighbour, he is Creator. The earth is the Lord's. Ps 241
The 'grape' harvest is also to be gathered. Joel 313
The Tribulation is rightly called 'The Great Tribulation' !
The blood flowed high out of the press outside the city,
for so many, many men had refused to repent and believe,
and so very great was the wickedness of men.
As in Noah's day, they had made their choice - but it was the wrong choice
Men, then and now, appear utterly oblivious to the imminent danger.
They seem anaesthetised; there is no fear of God.
The winepress is obviously not literal, but pictorial.
However, the wrath of God is all too real - and fully justified.
So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest
of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 1419
These bad grapes are thrown into the winepress of God's wrath.
This fruit was only the bitter grapes of 'bloodshed' and 'distress'. Is 51-4, 7b
Many preachers, probably even a majority, never admit that Almighty God
can be very angry with sinful, rebellious, blasphemous man.
Thus they see no need to ever cry to God for mercy,
the Cross is proclaimed more as an example than the vital propitiation for sin.
Heb 217 1 Jn 410
The Song of the Victorious 151-4
[Contents]
I saw in heaven another great and marvellous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues - last, because with them God's wrath is completed. 151
What is this sign?
God reveals the precursor of the long planned purpose of his creation.
Like the burning bush, pillar of cloud and fire, circumcision, the Cross ...
Each of these signs revealed the hand of God; what he has done or will do.
The word 'Sign' in this book is only used twice.
Here and in 121 (woman=Israel)
and 123 (Dragon=Satan)
Where Satan's intense hatred of God and all he has created is revealed.
This is an extension of the 7 Seals and 7 Trumpets, and has the same objective.
The just destruction of the Beast, his evil system and his followers.
With these last 7 events, God's wrath (judgement) is rapidly completed.
At last the righteous are to be separated from the wicked. Satan is chained. 202
We are shown heaven rejoicing over God's victory over the Beast.
But our gracious God, who knows our weakness, and our need of courage,
reveals how in every age he has enabled the persecuted to be victorious.
Jesus reveals a glorious song to those who will live through the bowls of wrath.
Satan thinks that in killing the Redeemed, he has triumphed; but he is so wrong!
He didn't know the crucified Jesus would rise again.
Like the 3 in the fiery furnace, who refused to bow down to Satan's idols.
who were seen walking with the Son of God and were not even singed.
John is shown the martyrs, those who had been victorious over the Beast
and his image and over the number of his name. 152
With God-given harps they sing the song of Moses ... and the Lamb:
Great and marvellous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are all your ways, King of the ages. 153 also Ps 111
They are assured that God's judgement will be totally just, true and complete.
There are no problem cases for the One who knows every thought of man.
In the Torah there are two songs of Moses:
I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted.
The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea.
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name ... Exd 151-3
and
I will proclaim the name of the Lord.
Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he ... Deut 323,4
What Moses sang 3500 years ago, the redeemed will sing at the end, and for ever!
God is the great Almighty, the Creator, who is just, true and faithful.
He will totally subdue all his enemies. See Deut 3326-29
The redeemed will rejoice in the mighty triumph of God
and see his promise fulfilled - a righteous kingdom of God on earth,
when Jesus will reign and all sin on earth will cease!
None is like Jeshurun's God,
So great, so strong, so high;
Lo! he spreads his wings abroad,
He rides upon the sky:
Israel is his first-born son;
God, the almighty God, is thine;
See him to thy help come down,
The excellence divine.
Thee the great Jehovah deigns
To succour and defend;
Thee the eternal God sustains,
Thy Maker and thy Friend:
Israel, what hast thou to dread?
Safe from all impending harms,
Round thee and beneath are spread
The everlasting arms.
God is thine; disdain to fear
The enemy within:
God shall in thy flesh appear,
And make an end of sin;
God, the man of sin shall slay,
Fill thee with triumphant joy;
God shall thrust him out and say:
Destroy them all, destroy!
All the struggle then is o'er,
And wars and fightings cease;
Israel then shall sin no more,
But dwell in perfect peace:
All his enemies are gone;
Sin shall have in him no part;
Israel now shall dwell alone,
With Jesus in his heart.
Blest, O Israel, art thou!
What people is like thee?
Saved from sin by Jesus, now
Thou art and still shalt be;
Jesus is thy sevenfold shield,
Jesus is thy flaming sword;
Earth, and hell, and sin shall yield
To God's almighty Word.
Charles Wesley
7 Bowls of Wrath Poured (3rd Woe) 155-8 161-21
[Contents]
After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened, and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished. 155-8
Today in 2017 the world and even Bible reading Christians are unaware that
Almighty God is angry! We only talk about the God of Love.
The reality of the God-ordered Tribulation is relegated to extremists,
or at least to another age - God's warnings definitely not for now.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom isn't seen as significant truth.
Unlike us, Almighty God can be both loving and angry at the same time.
John is shown the temple of heaven opened, not for entry,
but to allow the 7 angels to complete the task of harvest judgement.
It should be noted that this in no way negates that Jesus has opened the way
the only way, to the Mercy Seat. Math 2751 Zech 131
And that the dead in Christ are with him. 610,11
No false RC Purgatory = suffering after death to expunge remaining sin.
Pope Benedict XVI declared that persons visiting the shrine at Lourdes
within a year from 8th December 2007 would be granted a Plenary Indulgence
excusing them from the pains of purgatory. What rubbish!
Jesus has paid in full the punishment for our sin;
his sacrifice is complete in every respect for those who repent and believe.
The Pope's foolish declaration is similar to the Muslim delusion
that those who make a Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca will be forgiven.
7 Angels in pure linen are each given a golden bowl full of the wrath of God.
God is justly angry at the world's arrogance, rebellion, and blasphemy.
1410,19 151 161,19 Lu 1421 Jn 336 Ro 118 Is 612
Even after the Seals and the Trumpets, the world and even much of the church,
is unaware that Almighty God is angered by such wickedness.
The command to 'pour' is given with a loud voice.
These bowls of wrath are totally and globally catastrophic:
1. Poured on land. 162
Painful sores only on all who had the mark of the Beast and worshipped him.
2. Poured on sea. 163
Water turned to (congealed) blood. All in it die (not just 1/3 as in Rev 88,9).
3. Poured on rivers. 164-7
Turned to blood - Angel again cries, You are just in these judgements ...
for they have shed the blood of saints and prophets. (No rapture)
These judgements are deserved and real - not fantasy or just figurative.
Like Egyptian plague in the days of Moses, only more so! Exd 714-24
4. Poured on sun. 168,9
People scorched by intense heat.
They cursed God and refused to repent - as earlier. 920
Opposite of sun being darkened. 812 Cosmic chaos!
Normally the solar wind is deflected by the earth's magnetic field,
and UV is absorbed by Ozone layer.
Does God now destroy either or both, thus removing his protection?
5. Poured on throne of the Beast. 1610,11
(Pergamum. Rev 312-17 Now in Berlin, and in the hearts of all unbelievers)
His kingdom was plunged into darkness.
Exd 1021 1420 Thick darkness upon Egyptians, but Israel had light!
Men gnawed their tongues in accumulating, unrelieved agony.
They again cursed God and refused to repent or admit wickedness.
They should have cursed the Beast! He has always delighted in man's pain.
6. Poured on Euphrates. 1612-16
Water dries up to allow path for Eastern Kings (Iran, Pakistan, India, China?).
Three evil spirits from Dragon, Beast and False Prophet perform miracles.
They easily corrupt and entice all the world leaders to get ready for battle.
These demons will gather all nations to Armageddon. 16
16
Final battle is in the valley of Jehoshaphat; men try to steal Jerusalem.
Israel is always hated by wicked men.
But God is faithful to his chosen people. Zech 121-9 141-5 Joel 32,12
Christians are told to keep awake. Jesus is about to return. 1615 Math 251-13
Math 251-13 All ‘heard’, but only 1/4 understood and believed.
7. Poured into the air. 1617-21
Out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne saying, "It is done."
God does not mumble!
At Calvary, 'It is finished' = Redemption completed. Jn 1930
Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake.
The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed.
God remembered Babylon the Great
and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. 1618,19
Now, when this 7th bowl poured out, God's Judgement is completed.
Lightning, thunder and earthquake.
As also after 7th Seal - 85 and 7th Trumpet - 1119
But in this greatest ever earthquake cities all over the world will collapse.
The Valdivia 9.5 earthquake Chile in 1960 sent 18ft Tsunami to Japan
and 35 ft to Hawaii; will seem a minor tremor in comparison!
It will be accompanied by 100lb hailstones; so men again curse God. 1621
God who sees all things, 'remembers Babylon'. Heb 413 Jer 1410 Hos 72
He 'remembers' Babel and sees the ever increasing pride of man.
The only thing God forgets is forgiven sin. Is 4325 Lev 1620-22 Jer 3120,34
Many will ask, "If God loves us, why does he allow such massive disasters?"
But these judgements are not just 'allowed' , but are ordered by God himself!
And they are well deserved.
Christians, beware of complacency, careless indifference and compromise.
David asked God why the wicked prospered;
so God answered by showing him their end. Ps 733,17 94 3,23
This 'end' may seem a long time coming, but now it is fulfilled.
And this distress is like nothing the world has ever seen.
Worse by far than even in the days of Noah.
Globalization and the 'One World Government' of man will fail totally.
This Beast has no answers
as well as no truth, no humility and not a hint of righteousness.
This Judgement and the imminent coming of Christ
will cause pain, panic and total despair in the world;
but the Sovereign Lord will be a great joy to all Believers,
their eager anticipation for the separation from evil is fulfilled.
God shortens these days for the sake of the elect. Math 2422
The saints are protected, but do not escape all the suffering.
See God's glorious conclusion prophesied. Is 296-24 Zech 1210-132 146-11,21b
This is the purpose of these signs and events.
God will faithfully fulfill all his word; however dark the days may seem.
These 7 bowls of wrath is not the end of the story!
Almighty God has yet to destroy the Great Prostitute, Babylon and the Beast.
Only then will the everlasting righteous Kingdom of God be established.
The Harlot of Babylon. 171-18
[Contents]
God 'remembers' Babylon. 1619
So John is now shown the punishment of the great prostitute. 171
Her dramatic and rapid fall. 18
But first he is shown more of the Harlot, and why her punishment is so just.
A man reaps what he sows ... Gal 67,8 (So does a woman!)
Who is this woman? How does God see her? It is very different from man's view.
She sits on many waters = world-wide nations 171b,15, wealthy + poverty Jer 5113,
wicked + turmoil 131 Is 5720 Ps 657
With her the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality,
and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk. 172
Following their relentless drive for more and more money, sex and power,
men are all stupefied, drunk, and act very foolishly.
The proud hedonistic gladly give her their allegiance, their total embrace.
Intoxicated, they fall completely under her enticing influence.
This harlot uses all her skills to entice men to forsake the Living God.
She scorns faithfulness and truth and delights in intrigue and deceit.
The last 50 years has seen wickedness prevail in UK law and life.
It seems that she is not a person, like the Beast and his False Prophet;
but is the human charactistic that desires evil ungodly ways.
We know well that covetousness is wrong, yet still desire what is not ours.
God also hates adultery and sexual immorality - especially homosexuality?
Each separate men from God, the high pinnacle of his creation.
The Harlot sat on a scarlet beast covered with blasphemous names.
173 131,5,6
She is like the Beast and his False Prophet, (world power and false religion).
Each hate the Lord God intensely; they insult him and attempt to ridicule him
at every opportunity. Dan 725 812b
The scarlet beast had 7 heads and 10 horns. (Explained later 177-14)
The Harlot was dressed in purple and scarlet and was glittering with gold. 174a
RC Cardinals wear scarlet and Bishops wear purple. (Pope wears white)
Her golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality 174b
that so many delight to drink.
She is also like the abomination that makes desolate. Math 2415 Dan 927 Jer 516-9
Her name is Mystery Babylon, the Mother of Prostitutes and abomination. 175
Her name may contain mystery, especially to those blinded and deceived.
But her nature and objective are here made plain by God for all to see.
She was the Mother ... the one who gave birth to all the filth that God hates.
She was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. 176
Why called 'Babylon'? Babylon followed on from Babel. Gen 114
Both were cities where impudent man shook his fist in the face of Almighty God.
c.f. total dependance for salvation and life, now and for eternity.
Proud man still thinks he is "Master of his destiny and captain of his fate".
Rubbish! See Is 477-11
Consider the destiny of the rich man, who was content without God. Lu 1622-26
Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon had over 50 Temples to various idols. Jer 105
God hated them all.
A note for today - covetousness is as idolatry. Col 35
This woman is the city that rules all the kings, Babylon, Babel who hate God. 1718
These rulers hate true Protestant Christians
and they especially hate all Jews, God's chosen Israel.
The EU has a statue of woman riding a beast outside Brussels Council building.
Rome still desires to smother all who believe that
salvation is by grace alone, through Christ alone, with faith alone.
They have never repented of those they burned for heresy in the 16th Century;
men who dared to publish the Bible in English, and believe God's Word.
John, who knew well the nature of God, of man and of Satan, was astonished. 176b
So the angel said: I will explain to you the mystery of the woman
and of the beast she rides, which has the 7 heads and 10 horns. 177
He then explains the mystery of the Beast that the Harlot rides and the Beast
of Rev 13 (the demonic World leader) who thus seem to be one and the same. 177-14
The beast, which you saw, with 7 heads and 10 horns, once was, now is not,
and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. 178 Dan 726 825b
The Beast will have a human form, but he will have a totally Satanic nature. 132b
His reign will be short. God will destroy him. Dan 726 825
Unbelievers will be astonished by the Beast, and worship him. 178b 133,8
They are deceived by his lies, his signs, and his grandeur. 1314 2 Thes 29,10
This calls for a mind with wisdom. 179a 1318
A renewed mind that fears God, respects and honours him. Ro 122
God's revelation in Scripture is more than knowledge, but learns from history.
The angel continues to explain the 7 heads:
The 7 heads are 7 hills on which the woman sits. 179
Rome was built on 7 hills. Refers to Roman empire - Caesar, Kaiser, Czar.
Historically, the woman is the Roman church with its thirst for power,
greed, immorality, darkness, murder of believers and multiplicity of errors.
They are also 7 kings. 5 have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come;
but when he does come, he must remain for a little while. 1710,11 Dan 725
The 7 heads are 7 empires (like statue and 4 beasts that Daniel saw. Dan 2,7)
5 heads have fallen (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia and Greece)
one is = Imperial Rome (when written).
one not yet come = Last great world empire (10 nation confederation)
The 7 heads are empires the Harlot has ruled over during the last 3000+ years.
The Beast .. is an 8th king. He belongs to the 7 and is going to his destruction. 1711
The Beast of Rev 13 is an 8th king, with the same demonic nature as the 7.
Though his reign will be ghastly, reminded he is soon to be destroyed by God.
He destroys 3 of the 10 confederation kings, leaving 7, he thus becomes an 8th.
He is the 'little horn' that arose out of the 4th most terrible beast. Dan 77,8, 19-27
His reign will be short - for one hour will receive authority. 1712
The angel then explains the 10 horns.
The 10 horns you saw are 10 kings who have not yet received a kingdom,
but for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast ... 1712,13
The 10 kings reign at the same moment, at a future time - at the end.
Their authority is given by the Beast and is thus totally Satanic.
Yet again emphasises their reign is short - one hour.
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them
because he is Lord of lords and King of kings. 1714a
Their united goal is to defeat Jesus Christ. Some hope!!
As prophesied, Jesus, the Rock uncut by human hand, fills all the world
and destroys the whole statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Dan 234,35, 44,45
With him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers. 1714b
All this explains the Beast of Rev 13, the One World leader.
Further explanation by the angel:
The beast and the 10 horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin,
leave her naked ... eat her flesh ... and burn her. 1716
This may be surprising when they are all so intimately one with Satan.
Not a male / female issue!
Their nature is thus to lie, cheat and deceive.
The union of the 10 under the Beast will not be one of willing harmony.
In Satan's kingdom all men (especially kings) hate to be ruled by anyone.
Contrast this with the people of God rejoicing under the kingship of Jesus.
David describes this joyful harmony beautifully in Psalm 197-11
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Kings commit adultery with the Harlot because she makes them rich. 189,11,14,19
There are few national leaders that have not become rich;
and not just from lecture tours!
Ex Prime Minister Blair is to receive $1m/year from the bankers J.P.Morgan
for just 2 days work/month! (Jan 2008). He trained in Law not Economics.
A Prostitute uses what is lawful, unlawfully. Money isn't wrong,
but in the hands of this woman riches can be as intoxicating and enticing as sex.
The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 1 Tim 610
How foolish it is to trust in riches instead of God.
This Harlot is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth. 1718
She is hated like a PM can hate his powerful Chancellor.
The Beast has power, but kings have always struggled to fund their schemes.
The Federal Bank, the Bank of England and the European Central Bank
are each independent from their respective governments.
The Harlot's destruction by the beast and the 10 kings is achieved because,
God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose. 1717
The defeat of God's enemies has often been achieved by their disarray.
Midian Judges. 722
Philistine. 1 Sam 1420
Ammon, Moab and Edom. 2 Ch 20
Gog Ezek 3821
See also Hag 222 Zech 1413
Note:
Throughout Rev 17 and 18 the KJV uses the word 'fornication', the NIV uses the word 'adulteries' and the ESV uses the word 'sexual immorality' when translating the Greek word 'porneuo' (=unlawful lust of either sex). It is wider than adultery and includes homosexuality and all forms of sexual idolatry.
The Grand Finale 18-22
[Contents]
The Fall of Babylon. 181-24 (and 148, 1619)
This is not a new prophecy, but a development of old literal fall of Babylon.
The revelation Almighty God gives is often gradual; else too much to discern.
So much of the OT points to Christ if we have eyes to see it.
Isaiah and Jeremiah both foretell the judgement and fall of literal Babylon.
(and all wicked nations - as also Flood, Babel, Egypt, Sodom, Tyre, Petra ...)
Literal fall of Babylon in Is 13,14, 21, 46,47 and Jer 50,51 merges and foretells
this judgement of symbolic Babylon and the harlot of Rev 17.
Now a mighty angel shouted, "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!" 182a< Is 219
And this time it will be for good! c.f. after Babel and Belshazzar.
This proud, enticing Harlot will never raise her tempting head again.
In God's kingdom our one consuming and enduring desire
is to love, serve and worship our Saviour and King - for ever.
John is then told more about this Harlot of Babylon:
As we saw in Rev 17 she is a demonic invasion that corrupts the human heart,
not a single individual woman.
She has become a dwelling place for demons,
a haunt for every unclean spirit, ...
all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, ...
the merchants of the earth have grown rich
from the power of her luxurious living. 182b,3
Living in men, she has deceived and lured them into great wickedness.
The love of money and power is worldwide.
The lure of wickedness has even been the downfall of many righteous men.
She is characterised by:
materialism without morality
wealth without wisdom
pleasure without purity
lust without love
power without pity
liars devoid of truth (deceit).
The saints are told to come out of her. 184 Is 4820 Jer 5145 2 Co 617
Learn to share and to hold all things lightly.
Do not to enter into debt; endeavour to become free of all debt.
Compassion is better than grasping, generosity is better than greed.
Resist advertising lies. Be content with what we have. Phil 411 Heb 135
Learn to be different, even if unpopular.
Peer pressure. What we are is much more important than what we have.
Keep sex within marriage. Keep your vows and stay faithful to your spouse.
Beware of power and the desire to domineer others.
Be like Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve. Math 2028
Proud leaders often find it hard to admit their faults (even in the church).
God's just verdict on the Harlot is to give her double what she gave to others. 186,7a
She offered luxury, but gave them grief - especially to Believers. 1813b,24
She is so self-confident, in her heart she boasts, 'I sit as queen, I am not a widow,
and I will never mourn.' Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her:
death and mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire,
for mighty is the Lord God who judges her. 187b,8
Is 477-9 rightly prefaces this quote with 'Listen, you wanton creature ...'
England needed to hear this, but sang 'Britannia rules the waves'
'and was Jerusalem builded here on England's green and pleasant land'.
Jerusalem is the capital of Israel; UK’s capital is increasingly like Babylon!
Like blasphemous EU poster of Babel with caption 'Many nations, one voice'.
Belshazzar, like many rich men and governments also have this arrogant attitude.
He was prosperous and thought himself secure, and could do whatever he liked.
Dining with 1000 of the most 'rich and famous' in his empire,
he deliberately chose to insult the God of the Jews. Dan 523
So Daniel told him:
The Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men
and sets over them anyone he wishes. Dan 521
You knew all this but have not humbled yourself. Dan 522
You have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. Dan 523a
You praised the gods of silver (and sex). Dan 523b
Therefore:
Mene, God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end;
Tekel, you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting;
Peres, your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians. Dan 526-28
God wrote his clear judgement on the wall for all to see. It was:
Swift - That very night Belshazzar was slain. Dan 530
Terrifying - It caused his knees to shake and buckle. Dan 56
Deserved - As always, God's judgement was just. Dan 522-24
God's action at the end will be the same.
Babylon will again be judged by God and consumed by fire. 188
When she falls, the kings and merchants will mourn and cry, "Woe". 189,10
All their valued possessions had gone up in smoke!
They had lost all their wealth, the whole unstable pack of cards fell. 1811-19
They lost it suddenly - in just one hour! 1810,17,19
They would never regain it. Jer 5163
What will cause the fall?
The financial structure of all modern governments may seem 'prudent'.
But they are highly unstable, based on false "I promise to pay the bearer ...".
All Governments have huge national debts based on iou's (gilt edged stocks).
Before elections they make great promises, but rarely keep them.
They make treaties that are founded on fear and honoured when convenient.
Banks use paper/digital promises for money, but are devoid of any gold standard.
They do not represent work. Hence the misery of modern rapid inflation.
The Harlot will use economic enticement or fierce blackmail on all those reluctant
to follow the Beast. e.g. 'stay in the EU or lose your job/prosperity'.
Merchants and great men will weep and mourn, they have lost all their luxuries.
All their riches and prospects had vanished. 188,9,11,15,19
Many shed tears, but none seek the forgiveness of God for their folly.
Worst, their fortunes were based upon the bodies and souls of men. 1813
Believers had lost nothing that they valued, Heb 1116, 35b-40 1314
All heaven and the saints need little encouragement to rejoice! 1820
Their hope of heaven and Christ's imminent return is heightened.
Their persecution by the Harlot and powerful, evil men is about to end. 1813,24
The fall of Babylon is indeed a time of relief and anticipated joy.
Now it is proved that God's power is far greater than Satan's deceptive boasts.
1 Jn 38 1 Kg 1839 Exd 1212 Satan is prince, but never King. Jn 1430
The Rock, not cut by human hands, strikes the statue of Nebuchadnezzar's dream.
Now all of 'Babylon' is destroyed, not just the feet. 1821 Dan 234,35, 45
God will destroy humanism and all the proud self-sufficiency of man;
everyone who thinks that he can casually dispense with God. Is 2421 Gen 111-9
Almighty God appointed Jeremiah to be his prophet and told him:
See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms,
to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow,
to build and to plant. Jer 110
Jeremiah was thus appointed as a forerunner of the Great Tribulation.
God is soon to destroy and overthrow, and also to build his eternal kingdom.
To seal the destruction of Babylon,
A mighty angel hurls a large millstone into the sea and declares,
"the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again." 1821
No more music will be played there, no workmen, no millers, no lamps,
no more the joyful singing of a bridegroom. 1822,23 Why?
Because in her was found the blood of the prophets and of the saints,
and of all who had been killed on the earth. 1824
The Rock will destroy every remembrance of all earth's proud empires,
and the remains will be blown away like chaff at harvest time. Dan 235
The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed ...
It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end,
but it will itself endure for ever.
This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of the mountain,
but not by human hands. ...
The great God has shown the king what will take place in the future.
The prophetic dream is true. Dan 244,45 Indeed it is!
This prophetic dream will be fulfilled when God destroys Babylon.
The new covenant that God revealed to Jeremiah will be fulfilled completely.
Now we only know the work of God in part. 1 Co 1312
Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make
a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, ...
I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts.
And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jer 3131-33
No longer will we have to strive to be holy and righteous;
the battle against sin and evil will be over. Jesus completes his victory.
God reveals this to be the final destiny of all that the world values so highly.
What do we learn the fall of Babylon?
1. It is a strong antidote to worldliness.
2. It is a strong motivation for endurance, righteousness and evangelism.
3. The Almighty God has never ceased being Lord and King, and never will.
4. The Lord of Glory created this earth to be his dwelling place
with those he has saved and made righteous.
Multitude in Heaven Shout, Hallelujah! 19 1-10
[Contents]
"Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
for his judgments are true and just;
for he has judged the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her immorality,
and has avenged on her the blood of his servants." 191,2
This is no half-hearted praise, but a mighty, spontaneous roar!
Why was the rejoicing so great?
1. God is the author of salvation, deserves glory and praise from all his creation.
2. God's Judgment upon the great Prostitute who had corrupted the earth
and martyred many is seen to be true and just.
3. God had delivered his saints from the hatred of the Beast and of the Harlot.
Saints had been persecuted and martyred from Abel on. 1813,24
But they had all 'overcome by the blood of the Lamb.' 1211
At last, the great prostitute and all her wickedness is destroyed for ever.
'Vengeance is mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. Now he had. Is 612b Ro 1219
Without exception, all the saints rejoice at the fall of Babylon.
They had hated the Harlot's corrupting nature, and longed to be free.
This is the basis of the 'Hallelujah Chorus' in Handel's Messiah.
The great multitude in heaven again shout their praise to God. 193a Ps 98
Hallelujah! (= Praise the Lord) used x4 here, but nowhere else in the NT. 191,3,4,6
Never again would the Harlot entice men or cause them to sin. 1821 193b
No wonder they are glad.
The 24 elders and 4 Living Creatures shout, "Amen, Hallelujah!" 194
All heaven is agreed and are instructed to continue to praise our God. 195
Then louder still, the cry goes up, the Lord God Almighty reigns ...
the wedding of the Lamb has come ... 196-9
Fine linen was given to the saints,(wedding garments. Math 2212)
Neither these clothes, nor the righteous deeds they represent,
can be bought or acquired 2nd hand. 714
When does God give them to believers?
In The Pilgrim's Progress, it is when Christian comes to the Cross
his burden (of sin) falls away, he is given new garments and a scroll.
Such was the love of Jesus, he greatly desired the day of the Cross. Lu 2215
The day when he paid in full the price of our redemption,
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
Now came the day when the joy that was set before him was celebrated. Heb 122
Blessed are those who are invited. 199 Indeed so!
Many are invited, but many also make excuses. Lu 1415-23
Blessed are those who are ready. Math 2444 2510 Eph 525-27 1 Jn 32,3
John falls at the feet of the angel; but is told not to worship him. 1910
Angels are indeed mighty, but only God is to be worshipped.
What is the testimony of Jesus ? 1910b
It is the spirit of prophecy.
All true prophecy must point to Jesus; his mission in his 1st Coming and his 2nd Coming.
This whole book is 'the testimony of Jesus'.
Prophecy - interprets the past, discerns the present and predicts the future.
The life (or testimony) of Jesus did this most accurately and effectively.
He interpreted history and fulfills all past prophecy. Lu 2426,27 Lu 246,47
He discerned the present situation and the plan of God. Jn 416-19 Math 91-7 Lu 1942
c.f. Pharisees and Sadducees. Math 2218, 29 Jn 539
He predicted the future accurately. Lu 1831-33 Math 1627,28 Math 241-31
And much more.
He either has, or will, fulfill all that has ever been prophesied. Lu 2444 Math 17
The King of Kings Triumphs. 1911-21
[Contents]
Jesus is called:
Faithful and True. 1911
The emphasis here is not so much of God who reveals the truth,
but Almighty God who is true (faithful) to his eternal covenant. 314
Deut 78,9 Ps 14513 Ps 1466 1 Jn 19 Ps 9610-13
He promised to overthrow all evil and to bring in an everlasting Kingdom.
Now he is seen fulfilling his word as proclaimed from the beginning.
The overflow is holy, righteous and just - completed precisely as planned.
As such, it is far better than any earthly utopian dream. Is 6517-19 35
The Word of God. 1913 Jn 11,14
Christ's sword is the word he speaks. Is 114
And his sword is sharp. 1915
He commands, and it always happens. Jn 1143 Mk 439 Lu 748 Mk 21-12 Rev 61-8
At the Creation he spoke the world into being. Heb 113 Ps 336,9
'Loud' = x 21 in Rev. (only 36 in all NT)
The King of kings and Lord of Lords. 1916
All vestige of earth's proud empires are blown away. Dan 234,35
No mere man can stand against Jesus Christ and expect to win.
He rides to war on a white horse. c.f. when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.
God is not a pacifist; though many would try to make him so. 1911,15,21
There is a time for peace and a time for war. Joel 39,10 c.f. Is 24
Not the same 'white horse' as in 62.
A Living Creature would never dare to command Jesus.
Besides, if he were, who were the other 3 Horsemen?
The armies of heaven followed him.
They also rode on white horses and were dressed in white garments. 1914
Christ is angry - very angry !! 1915b 1417-20
Why? Wickedness, blasphemous Beast leads world in war against Israel.
An angel instructs the birds to gather, ready to feast on all the bodies. 1917,18
Similar to after the Gog war - 1000 years later. Ezek 3917-21 Rev 207-9
The Beast and the enticed kings have the audacity to fight the King of kings.
Naturally, they lose.
This battle is so quick and complete. It is recorded in just 3 verses:
And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshipped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh. 1919-21
The Beast and False Prophet are captured.
They are thrown alive into the lake of fire.
(Satan will join them there, but not until after the Millennium. 2010)
Their deceived followers are slain and eaten by the birds.
Those deceived men are those who were 'marked' and worshipped the Beast.
Jesus makes it very clear that while the 'Lake of fire' may be symbolic,
the unending torment of hell is factual, fearful, fair and final.
It is a just judgment.
Satan hates this book because all his lies and deceits are revealed.
In it Satan, the Beast and False Prophet are seen totally and eternally defeated,
and the eternal, righteous Kingdom of God is established.
The Millennium. 201-6
[Contents]
This is the only direct reference to the millennium in scripture.
(except perhaps Dan 722,26,27 and several references to 'The day of the Lord')
Main controversy is not 'what', but 'when'. i.e. the chronology of the last days.
Does Jesus return before or after the Millennium ?
Three main possibilities; but there are variations on each! :
1. Post-Milleniumism. Only 350 years old.
Became popular among many Puritans who sought a 'new church order'.
Thus prevalent in US today. Also among 'Restorationists' and 'Revivalists'.
Claim Church so successful that majority are righteous for 1000 years.
Consider Tribulation to be after the Millennium, when Satan released.
Some also think Gog war before Millennium. i.e. Rev 20 is out of place.
But: Was (or is) their hope justified?
We cannot just rearrange order of Rev 6-19 and 20 to suit new views.
Rev 2010 clearly separates end of Beast and that of Satan. 1920
Worldwide righteousness requires a total change in human nature.
It seems to think that we can achieve this,
when every generation from Adam has failed.
Jesus will return to sort out the church as well as the world!
It presumes that God's promise of restoration to Israel is applied
only to the Church. c.f. Jer 3131
This 'Replacement theology' makes God break his promises to Israel.
(See ‘Israel and the Church in the Last Days’ (Use arrow Back to return here)
Many love to hear a false assurance of revival, privilege and power.
The resurrected martyrs, unmarked by the Beast during the Tribulation,
rule with the returned Christ in the Millennium. Rev 204 59,10 Dan 722
It is the returned Christ who triumphs over world-wide wickedness, not the church.
2. Pre-Millenniumism. View held by Polycarp (2nd C), Wycliffe (15th C),
also Ryle, Spurgeon (19th C)
'Wheat and tares' grow together until the end of the Tribulation. Math 1330
The Beast gathers nations at Armageddon; and leads them against Israel. Rev 1612-21
Christ returns and defeats the Beast, the False Prophet and evil nations. Rev 19
He establishes his 1000 year reign with the resurrected martyrs. Rev 204
i.e. the first resurrection. The rest do not come to life till the end of the Millennium. Rev 205
Then Satan is released from the Abyss, and again he is able to deceive many. Rev 203,7
He leads his followers against Jerusalem.
He is defeated by God's fire in Gog/Magog battle. Rev 20 Joel 3 Ezek 38,39
Satan is thrown into the lake of fire, where he joins the Beast, for ever.
This view does not have to distort the natural chronology of Revelation.
3. Ante-Millenniumism. Favoured by Augustine, Luther, Calvin.
1000 years = 'a long time' (not literal) and is the current 'Christian era'.
Antichrist comes at the end of the current Church-ruling Millennium,
then Tribulation and the return of Christ to judge.
But:
This again re-arranges scripture to suit their views.
The Church was much more powerful then, and it may have seemed that the Church did rule.
Claimed the promise of restoration and life applies only to the church.
Luther did well to promote justification by faith,
but regretably he became strongly anti-Semitic as he grew older.
While it seems to me that the second view is by far the best and truest to Scripture;
when it happens we will surely know what is being fulfilled.
The most important thing is to see and obey what God says we must do now,
while we wait for his Coming and the Millennium - whenever that may be.
We must remain alert against being deceived
and be earnest to live holy and obedient lives.
(See notes on 2nd Coming in Appendix)
Do not be overly disappointed if the current 'prophecies' of revival do not happen.
God has not failed. He has allowed wicked men their choice.
It is men who are deluded with a false hope of world-wide revival.
God's faithful promise is to give courage to the persecuted (martyrs). Joel 228
Trust him in the trial. Rev 1217 137,10 1412 1714 1824 Dan 721,22,25 824 121,7b
The important Millennium facts as stated in Rev 20:
Satan is bound and locked in the Abyss for 1000 years. 202,3
Martyrs and faithful reign with Christ for 1000 years. 204
The rest of the dead did not come to life until the 1000 years were ended. 205
Satan is released for a short while and deceives all nations. 207,8
Satan leads Gog and Magog in battle against the Holy City. 209a
Fire from heaven devours them. 209b
Satan joins the Beast and the False Prophet in the burning lake - for ever. 209b,10
These facts are what is important.
Let us not be distracted by the differing detailed possibilities as to 'when',
or in what sequence the end-time events take place.
Satan is subtle, arrogant and powerful; but it is always God who is in command.
And God decides when Satan's end will be. Dan 924,27b will be totally fulfilled.
The King of Kings Triumphs - again! 207-15
[Contents]
God has chosen to tell us only a little about life under his rule in the Millennium.
Is 22-4 Is 35 Ezek 471-12 Zech 148-21 Ezek 3411-31 Jer 311-26
He reveals that there will be honest repentance, real worship of the Lord,
true teaching of Word of the Lord, a healing of the nations,
no poverty or injustice, no wickedness or deceit,
and no wastage of men or resources on war.
(World defence budget in 2014 £1,170 Billion!)
Israel will return, repent and be honoured as never before.
A return to life on earth as it was before the fall.
But in the wisdom of God, at the end of the Millennium, Satan is released.
True to character he again deceives a vast army to rebel against Almighty God
and attack him in Jerusalem. This is the Gog/Magog battle. (see Appendix)
Since there is no poverty or injustice to enable Satan to deceive,
The resurrected martyrs who rule with Christ will not be deceived. 204,8
Many questions remain - like who will be living under their rule?
But we do not have to know their answers now.
They do not affect how we are to live, 'the great commission',
nor the great hope of our calling.
It seems that the 2nd resurrection is after the Millennium. 205,6
And at the 2nd death all unbelievers are sent to the lake of
fire. 2014 218
The vital truth of Rev 20 is that at the end God condemns Satan to the lake of fire for ever. 2010
There he joins the Beast and the False Prophet, who were sent there
at the end of the Tribulation before the Millennium. 1920
Rev emphasises these two events as being separated by 1,000 years.
Also all those whose names are not written in the book of life are thrown into the lake of fire. Rev 2015
This is a fearsome prospect;
denied by the world and even by some of the 'well-meaning' church.
God makes it clear that evil and unredeemed men can never enter heaven.
The dead (in Christ) are 'judged' according to what they had done. 1 Co 311-15
This judgement is not to determine our salvation. Ro 5-8 Heb 9,10 etc
The book of life determines our destiny.
'Other books' determine our reward.
e.g. Book of Truth. Dan 1021 111-123
The New Jerusalem 21, 22
[Contents]
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth,
for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. ...
for the former things have passed away. 211
The new heaven and the new earth replace the first earth. Is 6517 6622
It is clearly of a different order, with new physical laws. 214
Is this a new planet earth creation, a 'repair by replacement'?
There is no more sea out of which the Beast arose.
But there is a wonderful life-giving river. 221,2
What is the new heaven?
Can it be a new universe? Or is it a new spiritual realm?
Almighty God says it is 'new' - it is certainly beyond our current imagination.
Its principle characteristic is that of God dwelling with righteous man.
And he tells us something of what this means.
I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore ..." 212-4
The beautiful Bride, the New Jerusalem, comes down out of heaven from God.
The marriage of the Lamb is not described. Rev 196-8 212
But it is clearly the most beautiful, loving relationship.
Take the very best of an earthly marriage and magnify it many times!
Four stages in a Jewish wedding:
1. The Arrangement. Father of Bridegroom pays the Bride's family the agreed price.
Sometimes many years earlier. Eph 525-27
2. The Fetching of the Bride. Bridegroom goes to bring the Bride to his home.
3. Wedding Ceremony. The Betrothed becomes the wife of the Bridegroom.
4. Marriage Feast. A week of rejoicing. Rev 199 219
This completes the story of the world, which begins and ends with:
The Tree of Life - in between there is another 'Tree' - the Cross.
A marriage
Satan's entry and exit! Gen 31 Rev 2010
God Creating heaven and earth. Gen 1,2 Rev 21,22
Jesus is rightly called the Alpha and the Omega 216 2213 18
He was before the beginning and he continues beyond the end - for ever!
To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. ...
Let the one who is thirsty come;
let the one who desires take the water of life without price. 216b 2217b
This gracious theme is repeated throughout scripture.
Is 35, 551-7 Ezek 47 Joel 232 Zech 148 Math 56 Jn 414
Jesus always loves to feed the hungry and save all who call upon him.
In UK drought seldom occurs; but in Israel it is very different,
even in the best years it never rains throughout the summer months.
So by the end of August the land is very dry.
Today Jesus himself has appeared to several 'thirsty' Muslims.
Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues
and spoke to me, saying, "Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb." 219
The judgement of God is against the wicked, but it is also for the righteous.
The tasks given to an angel are various! Like that of the prophets.
See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms,
to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant. Jer 110
How does the angel reveal the Bride?
He is shown a holy, glorious, be-jewelled city, pure gold like clear glass.
In the city there was no Temple,
for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 2122
There is no sun or moon to shine upon this city,
for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 2123
The city has no darkness, no gates, no falsehood,
but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. 2127
The Lamb bestows upon his Bride all that is needed for her to be holy and good.
Come let us join our cheerful songs
With angels round the throne;
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues,
But all their joys are one.
"Worthy the Lamb that died," they cry,
"To be exalted thus:"
"Worthy the Lamb," our lips reply,
"For he was slain for us."
Jesus is worthy to receive
Honour and power divine:
And blessings more than we can give
Be, Lord, for ever thine.
The whole creation join in one,
To bless the sacred name
Of him who sits upon the throne,
And to adore the Lamb.
God reveals to John much about this new and eternal Kingdom.
Though some must remain beyond our comprehension;
what he reveals, fills us with great longing and expectation.
See summary below of what is and what isn’t in Heaven.
God has chosen to reveal all that matters about the future - and what a future!
It is offered to all who wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb. Rev 2214 714
There is no evil, nothing and no one is impure or sinful. Rev 218,27 2215 Is 358-10
Jesus repeats: Behold, I am coming soon. Rev 227a,10,12,20
The Spirit and the Bride are eager, "Come", they say, Come quickly! Maranatha!
Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book. 227b
Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near. 2210 c.f. Dan 129
They needed to know this truth 2,000 years ago; and in all the centuries since.
Now we need to know them even more. The time of his coming is near.
As wickedness increases and as the Tribulation judgements unfold,
let us keep these words of Jesus before our eyes. He is coming soon!
While we wait, let us heed the 4 parables in Math 25,26.
Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life
and that they may enter the city by the gates. 2214
"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches.
I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." 2216
Jesus is the Root. The sole origin of life and salvation.
He is the Offspring of David. Glad to be Jewish and fulfill his promises.
He is the bright Morning Star. The star that marks the end of the night.
A final warning:
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. 2218,19
Do not add, take away or change any words from this book.
This warning is so vital; yet remains so often unheeded.
'Pharisees' added laws and 'Sadducees' ignored them,
Today many try to add false hope or church tradition to the Word of God,
they reject 'Judgement' and thus nullify what Jesus has done for us,
and ignore scripture that is unpopular (i.e. homosexuality is sinful)
This warning by Jesus remains posted - even if too often unread.
In Heaven:
The following table summerises the description of heaven in Rev 21,22
Heaven is promised only to those who believe that Jesus Christ came
and died on a cross to pay the price for my sin,
not as a martyr, but as the necessary Saviour and Redeemer.
Rising again in triumph over sin, Satan and death, he shares with us his resurrection life for ever.
He remains our effective Advocate in heaven. Heb 725 924 1 Tim 25
What there IS in the Kingdom of Heaven
| New | 211, 5 | Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. Nothing will ever happen again to cause God or men to grieve. The Kingdom will remain new; it will never tarnish or become stale or corrupt. |
| Holy | 212, 10, 27 | I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven
from God ... All men will not only desire to be holy; but we will be holy. What a joy this will be to God, and to the redeemed. |
| Bride | 212, 9 | ... prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
Our permanent relationship with God will be closer and better than even the best marriage here on this earth. |
| Sons with God | 213, 7 | Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them
... And I will be his God and he will be my son. What greater privilege can man seek than to live with Almighty God, and to be his children. |
| Glory | 2111 | The Holy City, Jerusalem, shone with the glory of God. The Creator of the world and the Saviour of men will receive his rightful glory. Man will never build for his own selfish glory again. |
| Pure, Honest | 2121 | The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent
glass. Valuable, untarnished, clear and honest through and through. Like Nathaniel, no guile, no pretence. |
| King | 223 | The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city and his servants
will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. "The King of the Jews" will truly be king over all the earth. He will not be a remote, never to be spoken to, or touched, King! Much more and much better than an occasional walkabout. His rule will be just and wise. No-one will ever criticise any of his decisions or laws. |
| Redeemed | 2214 | Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right
to the tree of life
and may go through the gates into the city. Only the blood of Christ can remove the stain of my sin. My Redeemer has done what is impossible for me to do. He has forgiven all my sin, and has washed me thoroughly clean. |
| Invited | 2217 | The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. The case for my being allowed to enter is only successful because Jesus is the Advocate who pleads on my behalf. And he says, "Come!" His giving and invitation is so generous and undeserved. Is 551-3 431 |
| Word | 226 | The angel said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true."
God is consistently true and faithful to his Word. His Word will never fade or pass away. Is 408 |
What there ISN'T in the Kingdom of Heaven
| No Sea No Sin No Confusion |
211 | Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth ... there was no longer any
sea Harmony and peace will replace confusion, sin and war. Is 5720 Note - The Beast arose out of the sea; he cannot do so again. Rev 131 No longer need ceremonial cleansing in the temple. 1 Kg 723 The River of Life flows into 'the sea'; the Dead Sea, that now lives. Ezek 478-11 |
| No Loneliness | 213 | Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. With God always so evident and his people in permanent harmony, we shall never feel alone. |
| No Tears No Death No Pain |
214 | He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order has passed away. Our hearts will no longer have any cause to ache. Gone for ever will be all sorrow, grief, despair and suffering. |
| No Thirst | 216 | To the thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring
of the water of life. No longings will be left unfulfilled. There will be no needs to plead for, for others or for ourselves. |
| No liars No Impure No Unbelievers No Pretence |
218, 27 2215 |
But to the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murders, the
sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars - their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulphur. Nothing impure ... or deceitful, no lies, spin or pretence, no 'economy of the truth'. The struggle is over; even our thoughts will always be righteous. Nothing will cause any man anguish, injustice, grief or pain. No greed, no self-indulgence, no deceit, no idolatry. Believers will live with confidence, without fear or presumption. |
| No Anti-Semitism |
2112-14 | Twelve gates ... 12 foundations, and on them were the names of the
12 apostles of the Lamb. The Jews will not be persecuted, but honoured. Also Eph 220 |
| No Poverty No Thieves No money |
2118-21 2126 |
The city was made of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. No more poverty or grinding injustice will never be seen again. No cruel taskmasters or weary slaves without hope. All men will gladly share all things. No one will lack anything. No debts and no mortgages. |
| No Sacrifices | 2122 | I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty
and the Lamb are its temple. Man will no longer try to win God's approval or blessing. Jesus has made the one perfect and sufficient offering necessary for our salvation. |
| No Night
No Darkness |
2123, 25 | The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it,
for the Lamb is its lamp. ... There will be no night there. No more fear or doubt. No more stumbling or wrong decisions. Men will love light instead of darkness. No secrets or intrigue in heaven. |
| No War No Enemies |
2125 | On no day will its gates ever be shut. The aggression of men will be ended, so will the lust for power. There will be no hatred and no one will despise another; nor covet what he possesses. |
| No Hunger | 222 | On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing 12 crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. A variety of food will be provided for all. No one will ever starve. (No obesity either) |
| No Sickness | 222 | And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
No debilitating disease or pain. No one will grow old and frail or even tired. No ethnic distrust or animosity or religious differences; only real forgiveness and co-operation. |
| No Sin No Temptation |
223 | No longer will there be any curse. The curse on man for his wilful, determined sin will be lifted. Man will not have even the slightest inclination to disobey God. |
| No End | 225b | The Lord God will reign for ever. This new Kingdom of God is eternal and uninterrupted. |
Appendix
Israel are still God's Chosen People [Contents]
Since the days of Constantine (320 AD) the church has persecuted the Jews.
But it is a foolish man who thinks that God has now forgotten the Jews
and that the Church has inherited and 'replaced' the 'chosen people'.
Let us examine why.
God chose Abraham and promised him much:
To make him into a great nation. Gen
122
To bless all peoples through him. Jesus is the Jewish
world Messiah. Gen 123
To give his descendants the land. Gen
127
God has kept his word. The Messiah has come!
The Jews did become a great nation and they did inherit
the land.
But God also warned them that if they forsook him, he would punish them.
In this God has also kept his word. Deut 41-31 612
819,20 1126
In 722BC Assyria destroyed and exiled the 10 northern
tribes of Israel.
In addition to the warnings of God in Deut. they had refused to heed
the successive prophets sent by God - Elijah, Elisha, Hosea, Joel and Amos.
In the south, Judea refused to heed the prophets Isaiah and Micah,
so they too suffered the destruction of all their cities except Hezekiah's Jerusalem.
In 605 and 596 BC Nebuchadnezzar enslaved Jerusalem.
and finally in 586 Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed.
Just as Jeremiah had repeatedly warned them for 40 years!
God had also sent Zephaniah, Nahum and Habakkuk.
In 70 AD General Titus again destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple.
The Jewish leadership had rejected their Messiah.
Does this mean the end of the Jews? Has the Church taken over?
Has the Church inherited all the good promises God made to the Jews?
Have God's chosen people faded from the world stage for ever?
Never! Paul makes this abundantly clear in Ro 1111, 23-27
The Jews and Jerusalem will remain centre-stage. Ezek
3624-38 3921-29
Satan, wicked world leaders, Islam and the media, all hate Israel.
The Sovereign Lord warns heedless leaders of Israel and the world
that God himself will fight for Jerusalem. Zech 121-5 141-11
I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it ...
Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations ... Zech 142,3
Israel's return will be in a time of great trouble. Jer 307 319a
But they will be saved out of it and receive a new covenant. Jer 3131-34
How can we be sure?
This is what the Lord says:
"Your wound is incurable ... There is no one to plead your cause ... Because of your great guilt and many sins I have done these things to you ... But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the Lord, "because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares." Jer 3012-17
This is what the Lord says,
He who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar - the Lord Almighty is his name: "Only if these decrees vanish from my sight," declares the Lord, "will the descendants of Israel ever cease to be a nation before me." This is what the Lord says: "Only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the descendants of Israel because of all they have done," declares the Lord. Jer 3135-37
We can be sure that Israel will survive because God is faithful - always.
If God does not keep his promise to Israel what hope is there for us when we sin?
How could we maintain assurance of his abundant mercy and grace?
The 1st part of Ezek 371-14 is being fulfilled. The 'dry bones' are coming together.
Soon the 2nd part will be fulfilled. The breathe of life from the Sovereign Lord
will cause them to stand up in faith and truth, forgiven and restored.
They will return and be made altogether righteous.
But there is no shortcut to salvation; repentance cannot be bypassed.
The number of Messianic Jews in Israel is steadily increasing.
See some of the many specific restoration promises to Israel:
Deut 302,3 Jer 1615 2722 303 3017,18 313-11 3135-38 3244 3311 3323-26 4211,12
Is 124-28 495-9 611-7 Ezek 3721-28 Hos 71,2 Joel 31,2 Amos 98-15 Zeph 314-20
Zech 81-8 104-12 Lu 2120-27 Acts 14-8 312-23 Ro 1111,12,25-29
Many Gentiles have tried to steal these promises substituting the Church for Israel;
and mistaken Israel's promised restoration for worldwide church revival.
Gentiles do inherit many gracious promises. Is
353-10 4027-31 96,7 2 Ch
714
But strangely, they always leave Israel with the curses! Deut 28, 8
The popularity of Church 'Restoration and Revival'
does not prove that it is true.
We Gentiles are specifically warned to beware of
arrogance. Ro 1121-24
Messiah will come a second time and fight against the hostile nations.
Rev 1714 1911-21 Zech
123 143,9 Dan 244,45 Obad
118 Hag 220-23
Only then will he be acknowledged as King over all the earth. Is
22-4 Rev 204
When the scriptures speak of the hardness of Israel and God rebuking them,
it adds "until", "then", "yet", or "but". Ro
1125 Lu 2124 2 Co 316
Israel was God's first choice. He may punish, but
he will never divorce.
Balaam was promised a big reward to curse Israel. Num 23
Balaam could not reverse God's plan - nor can Satan nor anyone else.
But Balaam did cause Israel to grievously sin. Num 251-3 3116
God will judge all the nations on how they have treated Israel. Joel
31,2 Gen 123
And also the leaders of Israel who reject the Lord Almighty. Judges 2-15
There were many tears on the day that the rejected Joseph (like Jesus)
was united with his brothers. Gen 45 Zech
1310
Do not give yourselves, or God, any rest until God has fulfilled
his declared plan for Israel. Is 626,7,11,12
David Pawson commented, "A watchman is like a secretary;
he is the one who knows his boss, and reminds him of his appointments!" Ro 1126
The world will watch amazed at the end -
The Beast and the False Prophet will think Jews and
Jerusalem are easy meat.
But, as clearly promised, the Lord will return and fight for the Jews; and
win!
He is "Faithful and True", "The Word of God", "The
King of kings". Rev 1911-21
He will throw this most wicked 'Beast' and his 'winger'
into the lake of fire.
Prophecies concerning Israel already fulfilled:
| Gen 123 | All peoples on earth will be blessed through you. |
| Gen 127 1518 | Given the land of Canaan for ever. |
| Gen 1513 | Enslavement in Egypt for 400 years. |
| Gen 1514 | Deliverance from slavery with great wealth. |
| Exd 347 | God forgives wickedness but will not leave the guilty unpunished. Israel would turn to idolatry. (Josh 2419 Exd 2333) |
| Deut 125-7 | Central place for worship and sacrifices. (Jerusalem) |
| Amos 527 717 | Northern tribes of Israel would go into exile. |
| Jer 2511 | Judah will be exiled in Babylon for 70 years, and then return. |
| 2 Ch 719-22 | Temple will be destroyed because they worshipped other gods. |
| Lu 1944 | 2nd Temple and Jerusalem will be destroyed, and many murdered because they did not know time of their visitation. |
| Ezek 3624 | Scattering to all nations and final re-gathering. (Many other references) |
Prophecies yet to be fulfilled:
| Ro 1125,26 | Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved. |
| Zech 123 142,3 | All nations will turn against Israel. (Jews have never been popular)
Here they try to eliminate Israel for ever. Failed in 1948, 67 and 73 The UN, the US State Dept, the UK Foreign Office, all Islam etc are still trying with every deceit and arms supply. Satan hates the Jews - Jn 422 This is the basis of all M.E. problems. But at the end God himself will stand and fight for the Jews. |
| Zech 1210 | Israel will turn to God and be saved. Jer 3315,16 Ro 1129 |
| Zech 125 | Their leaders will say, "The people of Jerusalem are strong, Because the Lord Almighty is their God." But first US, UN and EU globalist domination must be broken. Also the pride of man be broken. Both seem impossible. |
| Zech 143 | Messiah will come a second time and fight against hostile nations. Only then will he be seen as King over all the earth. Is 22-4 Rev 204 |
| Is 6010-12 | Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Though in anger I struck you, in favour I will show you compassion. Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night, so that men may bring you the wealth of the nations - their kings led in triumphal procession. For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined. |
| Also Zech 8 Ezek 37 Is 11, 62 etc |
God will never break his unconditional covenant with Israel.
He must remain faithful.
(See Promise of Restoration for more details.)
Revival or Persecution?
[Contents]
When God showed Daniel the events he planned for the last days,
why was Daniel so distressed? Dan 728
827 102
If the promise of God was for revival, he would surely have been delighted.
But he was shown how truly terrible it would be at the end.
The 4th beast Daniel saw was so terrifying it could not even be named. Dan 77
The Saints will be oppressed. Dan 721 725 824 926b 121 127b
Jesus repeats the same prophesy he gave to Daniel. Math 249 24 21 Math 1017-42
John is shown the same truth. Rev 611 137 1310b 1412 1813 1824
In the last days Scripture prophesies intense persecution of the saints, not revival.
This is not revival and the reign of the Church on earth,
It will be a time of increasing wickedness. 2 Thes 21-17 Math 246-8,12 Ro 124-32
Satan really hates true Christians. He vents his anger; his time is short.
Is there no relief? Yes, but only when the Son of God returns.
Dan 722 726
825b 121b,2 1213 Math 2430
Rev 1911-21 204
But keep in mind Math 2413,22 Heb 122,3 Math 1024-33
And afterwards, I will pour out my Spirit revealing truth on all people ... Joel 228-32
Peter rightly claims fulfilment of this at Pentecost in 33 AD. Act 214-41
And God has been pouring out his Spirit ever since.
But there will be a greater fulfilment of this prophecy during the Great Tribulation,
when extreme persecution will necessitate an outpouring of the Spirit.
Note that the signs and wonders prophesied in Joel are not healings and miracles,
but blood and fire and billows of smoke,
when the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood !!
Yet all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. Ro 1013 Joel 232
The great tribulation of these last days will not be easy:
many, if not most faithful believers, will pay with their blood.
From Abel, men have always needed the outpouring of the Spirit,
but at the end the persecuted will need him even more, if we are to stand.
(see website 99 Reasons not to be
Afraid)
Why has the popular, but false, concept of revival arisen?
As Jesus warned us, many Christians will be deceived.
Math 244, 11,
24 2 Thes 29 Rev 133, 14
1920b also 2 Tim 43 Is 3010,11
Jer 613-15
Many hear what they want to hear; they seek popularity and fear rejection.
Who is able and willing to discern the truth when it is unpleasant?
Who is able to discern which miracles are 'of God' and which are not?
Few know the Scripture, being concerned more with experience than truth.
So they fail to test the 'out of context' verses that are often taught.
e.g. Joel 228,29 is quoted, but Joel 230,31 is ignored.
Gog / Magog War
[Contents]
From Revelation it is clear that at the end there will be three major wars.
1. At the start of the Tribulation when Jesus Christ breaks open the 2nd seal.
In this war and its aftermath ¼ of the world's population will die. Rev 8
2. At the end of the Great Tribulation when Jesus returns to defeat the Beast
and the False Prophet who, with all nations, gather at Armageddon, Rev 1616 and then attack Jerusalem. Rev 1911-21 Joel 3 Zech 14.
Zech 12 and 14 give a clear warning to any nation that contemplates attacking the returned Jews in Jerusalem. The returning Jews were only internationally recognised as a nation in 1948, so these prophecies can only refer to a time since then. Many nations attacked Jerusalem before 1948 without suffering the promised defence by the Lord himself. e.g. Rome, various Muslims groups, Crusaders, Turks and even the UK.
3. At the end of the Millennium reign of Christ when Satan is released from the Abyss. He immediately deceives 'the nations in the four corners of the earth', and leads them to attack King Jesus with God's people in Jerusalem. Rev 207-10
It is this 3rd war that Rev 208 describes as 'Gog and Magog'.
Ezekiel 3811 says that Gog will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting
people - all of them living without walls and without gates and bars. This
can only be during the Millennium, when Jesus reigns in Jerusalem. The time Isaiah refers to when nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will
they train for war any more. Is 24
Thus Ezekiel confirms Rev 20 that the Gog war is at the end of the 1000 year
reign of Christ on earth.
Many claim that the Gog war occurs at the start of the Tribulation. To do this they must ignore the chronology of Revelation and the specific statements about when the Beast was thrown into the lake of fire, and when Satan was given the same punishment. Rev 2010 emphasises that the Beast and his False Prophet had already been sent to the lake of fire - 1000 years earlier - as described in Rev 1920
There are some problems comparing the accounts in Rev 20 with Ezekiel 38,39.
It seems that God has determined that some things will remain a mystery until we need to know the answers.
1. Ezekiel says that Israel will be 7 months burying the nations that were killed and 7 years burning their weapons for fuel. After the devil is thrown into the lake of fire Rev 2011-15 describes the Last Judgement, but makes no mention of a 7 year interval. The 7 year 'weapons for fuel' could be symbolic of the size of the army and the greatness of their defeat. (Much symbolism in Ezekiel - wheels, Temple etc)
2. Ezekiel speaks of a great earthquake 3819,22 which is not mentioned in either Rev 19 or Rev 20. It is however a major part of the 7th bowl of wrath in Rev 1618 where there is no battle. In Rev 20 Ezek 396 and 2 Pe 37 Gog is defeated by fire.
3. Ezek 3927-29 reveals how Israel will be restored and will know the Lord their God. This is likely to be at the Second Coming at the beginning of the Millennium. But Ezekiel seems to place it at the time of the Gog war. Let us rejoice in the sure promise of God to restore Israel, even if we are less sure of the timing.
Ezek 36,37 prophesies the salvation of Israel.
Ezek 38,39 prophesies the Gog / Magog war.
Ezek 40-48 prophesies the new Jerusalem.
Are there any other scriptures that shed light upon these wars?
Is 13-23 reveals God's judgement on the nations of Babylon, Assyria, Moab, Egypt, Tyre and Jerusalem.
Jer 46-51 tells of the destruction of Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom and Babylon. These judgements have taken place during the last 2,500 years; and they may be repeated. e.g. the judgement against Edom, the flesh, that is continually at war with the Spirit.
Also there is the final fall of Babylon in Rev 18. This is not Babylon the city,
but Babylon the evil, blasphemous, financial system that the great Harlot
represents.
None of these judgements refer to the end-time battles.
Is 24 tells of the final destruction of the whole earth at the end of the Millennium; as does 2 Pe 310 which describes how the elements will be destroyed by fire.
Ps 83 is a prayer by Israel for the destruction of her (and God's) enemies. It is more of a plea, than a prophecy.
The Rapture
[Contents]
The following are the main references to the Rapture:
| Math 2430,31,40 | At that time (when the sun is darkened - 6th Seal and 4th Trumpet and immediately after the distress of those days 2429 and 2421) the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. |
| 1 Co 551,52 | Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last (7th) trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. |
| 1 Thes 413-17 | Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep,
or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus
died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those
who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell
you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord,
will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself
will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. |
| 1 Thes 59 Heb 928 |
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath (eternal judgement) but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ and at his second coming. Also 1 Thes 19,10 Rev 94 Exd 822 |
| 2 Thes 21 | Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. (i.e. the Beast and his False Prophet.) |
| Heb 1013 | Since that time (the ascension of Christ to his throne) he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. |
Some seek to separate the Rapture and the 2nd Coming. They promote the idea that Christians are raptured before the Tribulation, and that the 2nd Coming is after the Millennium. Pre-tribulation rapture may be a very nice idea, since it would mean we escape extreme persecution; but I do not see any real evidence for this view from the above scriptures, which show that the Lord will come with his saints (who had previously died) and for his saints who are still alive, and all meet together in the air after the Lawless one, (the Beast) who is doomed to destruction, is revealed. i.e. when the Beast and his False Prophet attack Jerusalem and are defeated by the Lord at the end of the Tribulation. Rev 1919-21
1 Thes 417 says that all will rise together, including those saved in the Tribulation. This reveals that the rapture is after the Tribulation; else there are two 2nd Comings, One before the Tribulation and one after. The wrath of God referred to in 1 Thes 59 is not the Tribulation the final judgement of God, which takes place after the Millennium. Rev 2011-15
2nd Coming
[Contents]
He will come again in the same manner that he left. Act 111
The end will come suddenly. Math 2444,50 255 1 Thes 53
It will seem delayed; many will become careless and deceived. Math 244
We are repeatedly encouraged to live waiting, expecting, alert and holy lives.
What we are is as important as what we do:
| Jn 141-3 Ro 819-21 1 Co 17-9 Phil 320,21 Col 33,4 |
1 Thes 219 1 Thes 523 1 Tim 611-14 2 Tim 41-5 Tit 212-14 |
Heb 928 James 57-9 1 Pe 16,7,13 1 Jn 228-32 Jude 121 |
Rev 225 Rev 310 Rev 227,12 |
Jesus said that even he did not know 'when'. Math 2436
It would save much grief if all men were to admit they
didn't know either.
How near is his coming? "Nearer than when we first believed!" Ro
1311
We earnestly long for his coming and to be with him in his new Kingdom.
Who shall stand? Mal 32
The redeemed, the righteous and the ready. Ps
243,4 Ps 15
The final Judgement will put an end to all sin,
and it will bring us salvation. Heb
926b-28
Note: Only sin that has been confessed has been forgiven.
Main Scriptures referring to Last Days and 2nd Coming of Christ:
| Gen 322-24 Gen 1816 - 1929 Is 612b Jer 51,2 Jer 730-34 Jer 30 - 32 Dan 240-46 Dan 78-27 Dan 922-27 Dan 1140-45 Dan 121-13 Joel 21-13 Joel 228 -32 Joel 39-17 Joel 321 Amos 911-15 Zech 82-8 Zech 99-11 Zech 109-12 Zech 141-15 Mic 41-12 Mal 216 - 46 |
Math 1341 Math 2415-31 Math 2654 Mk 131-13 Mk 1314-27 Mk 1462 Lu 1235-48 Lu 1720-37 Lu 198-27 Lu 215-36 Jn 141-6 Jn 1416-27 Jn 1518-25 Jn 161-4 Jn 168-10 Jn 1633-175 Acts 16-11 Acts 319-21 Ro 118 - 211 Rom 9 - 11 1 Co 44,5 1 Co 1522-28 Col 31-10 |
1 Thes 313 1 Thes 413-511 1 Thes 523 2 Thes 14-12 2 Thes 21-12 1 Tim 41-3 1 Tim 610-16 1 Tim 617-19 2 Tim 31-48 Titus 211-14 Heb 926-28 James 51-12 1 Pe 13-9 1 Pe 51-4 2 Pe 33-18 1 Jn 215-28 Jude 114-19 Rev 79,10,14,15 Rev 1217-1317 Rev 1911-16 Rev 201-3 Rev 207-10 Rev 212 Rev 2212,20 |
Summary of the Last Days
[Contents]
This is NOT an attempt to proclaim precisely when the end will come. For No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Math 2436,42 2513 Yet we are told to keep watch and eagerly expect the return of Jesus Christ. He has given us a surprising amount of detail concerning the signs of his coming. i.e. all the accurate tribulation prophecies. Today there is considerable variance of opinion about the order of events; most of which arises because men wish to distort the Scripture to make it fit their own preconceived plan. The following is the simple order given in Revelation - why change it?
| Action by Jesus | Time | Events | Comments |
| Jesus orders 7 years of Tribulation warnings and justice. Dan 927 |
3½ years Rev 6-9 |
7 Seals Starts with 4 Horsemen 1/4 of world die 7 Trumpets Demons abound 1/3 of world die |
Period of increasing wickedness, war, lawlessness 2 Thes 21-17 Math 246-8,12 Rom 124-32 The saints warned and enabled to endure. Joel 228 Dan721 725 824 926b 121 127b Math 249,21 Rev 611 137 1310b 1412 1813 1824 Daniel deeply grieved when shown these days. Dan 728 827 102 Jesus warns us about being deceived. Math 244, 11, 24 Rev 133, 14 1920b Follow his example. Heb 122,3 Math 1024-33 At the end Jews will call on the name of the Lord. All Israel will be saved. Ro 1126 Jer 307 319a, 31-34 Is 421-13 431-13 Ezek 34, 371-14 Zeph 3 Zech 81-8 12-14 Joel 31,2, 9-17 Amos 913 Hos 34,5 |
| 3½ years Rev 12-18 |
Beast and False Prophet reign God blasphemed Intense persecution 7 Bowls of God's wrath Men curse God Fall of Babylon earth mourns, saints rejoice |
||
|
Jesus Returns Rev 1911 - 203 |
Finally all nations attack Jerusalem Jesus returns to defend Jerusalem. Zech 141-5 Rapture 1 Thes 415-18 Beast + False Prophet defeated and thrown into Hell Satan bound in Abyss |
Most men will be surprised Saints are expecting and longing for this day |
|
| Jesus Reigns on earth Rev 204-10 |
1000 years | Tribulation martyrs reign with Christ At end Satan released Gog Magog battle. also Ezek 38,39 Defeated Satan thrown into Hell |
|
| Judgement Day Rev 2011-15 |
Book of Life reveals destiny, other books our reward. 1 Co 311-15 Unbelievers thrown into Hell |
||
| New Heaven and New Earth Rev 20,21 |
Eternity | Marriage of the Lamb A new order Righteousness, truth, love, justice and joy beyond our imagination |
Remember - God always keeps his Word. Lu 2133
The Times of the Gentiles Lu 2124
[Contents]
Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. Lu 2124
Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. Ro 1125
i.e. 70 AD until the 2nd Coming of Christ.
Jews controlled Jerusalem 1000-586 BC, 537-320 BC, 167-63 BC, 66-70 AD, 132-135 AD
(see website Jerusalem, the City of God )
From 1967 to today the Jews only have partial control of Temple Mount.
It is extraordinary how Muslims and others all want control of Jerusalem.
Control of the city changed 17 times BC and a further 23 times AD
No conqueror has made Jerusalem its capital except David 3,000 years ago.
There have been Arabs in Judea, but never a Palestinian people until 1967!
Arafat's false evil claim was only to try to give his objective respectability.
In Dec '95 in Bethlehem, he even claimed Jesus was a Palestinian!!
One day soon, the times of the Gentiles will be over,
then all Israel will be saved. Ro 1126
Let us be zealous to complete God's plan in the few remaining days.
World Empires Dan 2,7, 8
[Contents]
The Dreams of Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel:
| Nebuchadnezzar | Daniel | ||
| Gold head Silver chest Brass belly Iron legs Iron + Clay feet |
Lion Bear Leopard Terrifying Beast |
Babylon Medes and Persians Greece Rome Gentile Rule divided in 2 |
Dan 237,38 31-31 Dan 61-17 81-4 112 Dan 85-22 113-35 Dan 240-43 77-12, 19-27 927 121-7 |
From head to feet, the materials increase in strength, but decrease in value.
The Stone strikes the feet and destroys the whole statue suddenly and completely.
The Stone (Jesus) destroys every vestige of the Wolrd Empires
and becomes the Mountain (the eternal kingdom of God). Dan 235, 44,45 727
Several stages of development of 4th Dominion (beast):
1. Single Roman Imperialistic Government devours most, but not all earth.
2. Empire divided into 2 - Rome and the East (two legs, feet).
3. Final World Government by confederation of 10 (ten horns, toes) -
Another arises, defeats 3 of the 10, so becomes 8
(not G7, UN Security Council, NATO or EU - all currently wrong number).
It brutally devours and enslaves the whole world, not just the West.
Joshua Reveals God's Consistent Purpose
[Contents]
Joshua in Hebrew = Yeshua; in English = Saviour; in Greek = Jesus.
Whatever language his name is written in, his desire is to save.
At his 1st Coming he is crucified and bore our sin.
At his 2nd Coming his purpose is judgement - separating the righteous and the wicked;
and also salvation to those who are waiting for him. Heb 927,28
Is 358-10 Is 60, 61, 62
Part of Joshua's task was to bring God's judgement upon the wicked Canaanites
and dispossess them from the Land. Gen 1512-16.
In Revelation Jesus brings judgement upon the wicked.
Prior to crossing the Jordan Joshua sends ahead two spies (witnesses). They went to Jericho and from a Gentile woman brought back the heartening news of assured victory. In Rev 11 the two witnesses reveal who is King, and even when they were killed by the Beast and suffered the worst that man could do, they rose from the grave! Their resurrection told the world most eloquently of the victory and power of God.
In the initial attack on the Amorite capital of Jericho the Israelites are silent until the final trumpet blast. The 7 trumpets in Revelation are introduced after a strange silence. Rev 81
Later in Josh 10 other opposing kings align themselves under a leader who calls himself Adoni-Zedek (Lord of Righteousness). But they are wicked pretenders, like Antiochus Epiphanes (God come to earth) and like the Beast and his False Prophet. Rev 13. The Canaanite kings were defeated with signs in the sun and the moon at the battle of Beth Horon. They hide in caves, but they still suffer judgement. At the end the wicked kings and leaders will call on the mountains to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb. But there is no escape. Rev 612-17
A Final Word
[Contents]
"Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy ...
and takes to heart what is written." 13
"Anyone who adds anything ... or takes words away from this book of prophecy,
God will take away from him his share in the tree of life ..." 2218,19
Jeremiah reveals the consistent purpose of his Master and Lord:
"I appointed you a prophet to the nations. ...
Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.
See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms,
to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." Jer 15,10
Jesus came to destroy wickedness and forgive those who repent and believe.
He will come again to judge and to establish his righteous eternal kingdom.