The Revelation of Jesus Christ
to John
Bible Study Notes
"What is now and what will take place later." Rev 119
Contents
| Israel are still God's Chosen People |
| Revival or Persecution |
| Gog / Magog War |
| Rapture |
| 2nd Coming |
| The Times of the Gentiles |
| World Empires |
| Joshua Reveals God's Consistent Purpose |
| A Final Word |
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 temporary condemned Prince, but he is never King. Jn
1331 1430 1611
3. Only God knows the future accurately.
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;
so do not 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
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. sees 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!
Joel 228 Math 2820
We know that Jesus Christ has and will triumph over
Satan and all sin.
Rev. will not cause us to fear;
but is specially designed by God to bring us security
and assurance.
Our longing for righteousness, justice and peace.
Why doesn't God do something to end growing wickedness
and war? Ps 733,17
God is going to separate the righteous from the wicked.
Lu 1249-51 Is 358-10
The O.T. and Rev. gives us some surprising answers.
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 'Content without God' - like rich man
in Lu 1619-31
God's warnings consistently ignored. Is
1311 Act 1730 Lu 131-6
So wickedness goes too far as at the Flood (Noah) and Sodom.
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 cannot ever 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 man
deserves!
Some consider this outlook to be too gloomy - preferring 'Revival!' Is 3010
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 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 wonderful prospect of heaven and God's
eternal Kingdom
No wonder the Lord promises the reader blessing and assurance!
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)
and 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.
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.
Rev 6-17 The Great Tribulation.
The Great Tribulation may or may not be in our
lifetime.
God's warnings change to his longed-for Judgement of
wickedness.
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. They are cast into the eternal fire.
Satan is bound and imprisoned in the Abyss (not the eternal fire)
Jesus reigns on earth with resurrected martyrs for 1000 years.
At the end of the Millennium Satan is released, and deceives Gog and Magog.
They have the audacity to attack King Jesus.
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 was given a revelation of Jesus, and by Jesus. 11
He is shown what the Son of God is doing now, and will do in the future.
It is his Revelation given to John, not by John. (c.f. Joseph Smith or Mohammed)
Why is Rev. given to us? What is God's purpose?
1. To reveal what must soon take place. 11,19
The return of Jesus, 'who is to come'. 14, 7, 8
'The time is near'. 13 2220 Therefore: James 59b 1 Pe 47 2 Pe
311-13
Imminent for 2000 years, and thus even more so now! Rom 1311,12
Seems delayed? Four parables - Math 2445-2546 (See 'How are we to be Ready?')
Vital importance of personal holiness.
Blessed if we both read this book and also take notice of it. 13
Rev. is intended to change the way we live;
not as ammunition for spurious theological debate!
Urgent task of evangelism of the
unsaved.
2. To reveal the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ. 12
God wants us to know something of who he is.
God sends his angel to reveal Jesus, The faithful witness. 15
He always fulfills his word. Learn what his Word is!
He came 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.
He is the ruler of the kings of the earth, and the Almighty. 15,8
O how 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 able to serve him and be a joy to him - what a privilege. 16
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. 15,8
His was the First word at Creation and will be Last word at the Judgement.
He is throughout all time between.
He was before the Creation and he continues 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 a joy 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 then describes how he saw and heard the now risen, glorified Jesus. 111-17a
He is overcome. Who wouldn't be?
He is told exactly what to write. Dictation; not the musings of an old man.
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 of Ezek)
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
Daniel also sees the same 'Son of man'. Dan 79-14
Note that Jesus refers to God as his Father x113 in John's Gospel.
Long robe and sash show Jesus as High Priest. Exd 284
White hair like 'the Ancient of Days'. Dan 79
Blazing, all-seeing eyes. Heb 412,13 Ezek 118
Whole body blazed! Hair, eyes, face, feet ... 116 Ezek 127 Math 172 Act 93
Voice 'like rushing waters' 115 and 'loud voice like a trumpet'. 110
Not a little tinkling stream, but like the thunder of the Niagra Falls!
Two-edged sword signifies judgement. 116 1915 Heb 412
He stands among the 7 golden lampstands (7 churches). 112,13 Jn 19 Col 112-14
Note that the blood of Christ is more precious than gold. 1 Pe 119
Jesus wants his embattled, suffering church to know each of these characteristics.
Not surprisingly, John falls at the feet of the Lord God as though dead.
As many have done before and since. Is 65 Ezek 128 Dan 817 Exd 36 Josh 514
(It must have been the Lord in each case;
an angel would have told them not to bow down. e.g. Rev 228,9)
Jesus kneels beside the fallen John and puts his right hand on his shoulder.
Told not to be afraid - and Jesus gives him three good reasons! 117b,18
1. I am the First and the Last.
2. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!
3. I hold the keys of death and Hades. He is King and Judge.
Two mysteries revealed:
7 lampstands = 7 churches to bring the light of God to the dark world.
7 stars = 7 angels or Messengers (the leaders of the Churches 1 Tim 31-7).
John is given a personal letter from Jesus to each church. 14,11
And the whole book of Rev. which is also for all churches.
About what is and what will take place later. 11,19
Jesus Writes to the 7 Churches 2,3
Seven literal churches (other churches in Asia minor - Lystra, Derbe, Iconium, Col. etc)
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.
What is written 'to the Angel in ...' is written to the leaders and to the people in ...
Gk = Aggelos = angel or messenger. Maybe human e.g. Mk 12 John Baptist
Each letter takes the same form.
"I know ..." Jesus knows all about every Church and every individual. Ps 139
"I have this against you ..." Jesus is honest as well as encouraging.
Jesus never used false flattery; nor was he unnecessarily critical.
"... let him hear ..." It remains the great desire of Jesus
for men to hear him.
above all the noise and clamours of life on earth. We
must respond with zeal.
"To him who overcomes ..." To receive the promised gift
offered, each church,
and each individual must 'overcome'. Rev
27,11,17,26 35,12,21 217 1
Jn 51-8
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 all these letters of Jesus.
All churches need to hear.
These letters are like a school report from the 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 . ( precis on this web site Use back arrow to return)
In the notes below, each Church name is followed by its principal characteristic in 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.
Religious centre; home to Artemis (Latin, Diana, hunting and fertility). Act 1923-41
Temple of Artimis 425x220ft, 120 60ft high columns, one of 7 wonders of the world.
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 false teachers had arrived.
In Rev 2 the Church had rejected them.
Their message was tested by the whole infallible Word of God; and rejected.
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.
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 also knew their affliction and poverty from experience. Jn 1520 2 Co 89
Guilds worshipped idols before their meal and were immoral afterwards.
These Christians abstained, prefering holiness to prosperity. 1 Tim 618,19
Jesus reminds them of the truth, 'Yet you are rich!' 1 Pe 16 2Co 610 Math 620,21
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
Persecution takes many forms; Smyrna endured faithfully.
Slandered by Jews who were not real children of Abraham. Ro 96-8
Their master was Satan, not the God of Abraham. Ro 228 Jn 837-41 Gal 37-9
Commendation 29b
By inference they were willing accepted the poverty and agro.
'No But ... ' Jesus had nothing against them.
So 'No Else' was needed either.
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, 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, Rev 206,14
the Angel will pass by those marked with the blood of the Lamb of God.
'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.
[Massive altar to Zeus now in Berlin Museum. A copy was used by Hitler!]
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.
Jesus was sympathetic to where they lived, but didn't excuse their failure.
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, immorality,
enjoying idol feasts (modern rave parties etc). Num
241 251-3 3116
This Church was mixed, some chose the disastrous 'easy road'.
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.
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. 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. 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 Word of God is powerful and accurate; far more than any teacher.
I know ... 219a
God knew all that they did - their kindness and love - unknown to others.
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 pleasure and 'deep secrets'. Gen
35,6
e.g. sex, drugs, drink. 'holidays', occult
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 - except to sorrow, guilt and judgement!
Keep testing everything by the Word. 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. 2
Pe 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 could hold the only key?
Jesus is the Door; not passive, but as Judge he decides if 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, but not yet Arabs.
I know ... 38a
God loves the small and the weak as much as the big and powerful. 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 living for 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.
One day these Jews 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. 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 here, 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. One small Orthodox church today.
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.
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 suitable to eat.
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. 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!
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 see that this eye-opening counsel is from God himself!
They must admit their poverty and long for 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 offensive when challenged?
The love of sin, usually private, but at times becomes
all too public.
Pride that will admit no wrong. Feel inferior
but dare not admit it either.
Misuse of time that shuts out Jesus. Wrong priorities.
Possessions, riches, and power are for me to enjoy and protect.
The pursuit of pleasure and worldly satisfaction.
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. Or 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.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
The Lord God rightly expects us to take notice of all that he says to us.
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 if 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 to do this properly.
The first vision is of Christ caring for and disciplining his Church. Rev
1-3
Now the vision moves forward to 'what must take place after this.' Rev
11,19 41
i.e. the coming of God's Kingdom and the total destruction
of all evil.
How will this take place? God wants US to know his surprising answer.
First revealed to Daniel when Nebuchadnezzar had his statue dream. Dan 2
He was shown four successive world empires - 'superpowers' that men thought
were indestructible; especially Nebuchadnezzar.
But they are all destined for 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 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.
The Lord Almighty has a revealed plan - he wants US 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 Scriptures are retained.
What is John shown? What does God want us to know and grasp in Revelation ?
How does he want to prepare us for these cataclysmic events?
The Sovereign Lord wants us to know he remains the Lord Almighty.
41
John sees an open door c.f. door in 38,20 God opened this door
of heaven.
God welcomes John. He is told to come up. Heb
1019-23
There the Lord is pleased to 'show you what must take place after
this'.
Gen 65-8 1817-19 c.f.
1820,21 Dan 1014 Amos 37
Jn 1613
God is the only one who can tell men about the future
with total accuracy.
The view of heaven and the view from heaven was wonderful, but less important.
To see what God wanted to reveal he needed, and was given, spiritual vision.
42-17
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, he sees 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
Most men reject his rule. e.g. It was God who wrought the Dunkirk miracle
after king George VI called Britain to prayer. 2
Ch 2012
John is lost for words. How can you describe the Indescribable?
See the order, beauty, value, generosity, power ... of the Lord God.
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
Take heart those who find worship on earth inadequate.
Why 24? Several fanciful theories. Not used elsewhere
in Scripture.
Who are they? Leaders in heaven - others followed them.
Dressed in white = pure.
Crowns of gold = authority under God; their righteous,
true and valuable thought.
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
Also more fanciful interpretations - without foundation.
(e.g. 4 Gospels)
All sing God is Holy, lives for ever, is totally worthy, and created all
things.
Their worship is spontaneous and together, as one.
They know so much more than we do that God the Creator
of all things
deserves glory, honour,
power and praise.
Why are we often reluctant to sing with heaven?
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 hearts reply, for he was
slain for us.
Do we really understand that Jesus had to bear the full punishment for our
sin?
This view of heaven is easy to read but more difficult to absorb or see.
Now we see but a poor reflection ... then we shall see face to face.
1 Co 1312
51-5
John sees the scroll with 7 seals, which cannot be read until all seals are
broken.
The Rev. events are not the contents of what is sealed, but are the unsealing.
What is this scroll that is it written on both sides?
What is written in it that could not be read? It is
the will of Jesus.
In it are written, not a list of possessions, but the
names of the redeemed.
All these names were written in this 'Book of Life'
before creation! Eph 14-6
In Roman important documents, like a will, were sealed
with 7 seals.
'Book of Life'. Exd 3232 Ps 6928 Rev
35 + Rev 138 178
2012,15 2127
The first three of these mention names being blotted
out!
c.f. false doctrine of 'once saved,
always saved'.
The commissioning in Math 1028,33 contains
a warning. So does 2 Tim 211,12
Mighty angel asks, "Who is worthy to break the seals?"
No mere man, or even this mighty angel, could open it.
Only Jesus could 'prove' this will. But first he had to be crucified and raised.
John weeps, and went on weeping. Why? What makes us weep?
How much do we care if the scroll is opened, or not?
At last an Elder brings comfort, "The Lion has triumphed!" Gen
499,10 Is 111-9
All other comfort is at best temporary.
Only Jesus can give the weary, sin-burdened soul rest and forgiveness.
Only Jesus can give the weak strength and new nature to sin no more.
Only Jesus can clothe a man in the righteousness that is recognised in heaven.
Righteousness that is inside, of the heart; not just
outer clothing or words.
If only ministers and bishops would spend more time proclaiming this truth,
instead of so many other popularist ideas and half-baked theories.
Let each of us be like John the Baptist and cry:
"Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the
world!" Jn 129
Or as Charles Wesley wrote and John Wesley taught:
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!"
56-14
Why did the apostle John see a Lamb?
He alone could "take away the sin of the world." Jn 129
Note it is 'the sin' (the natural corruption and rebellion against God), not sins.
By the way, is there anything 'man-made' in heaven?
Yes! The nail prints!!
The Son of God still bares the crucifixion marks - and he always will.
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 having 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.
Each held bowls of incense = prayers of the saints. What do they pray?
Like Daniel, the exile in Babylon, who longed for righteousness.
He 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.
What does the new song of the 4 Living Creatures and 24 Elders say? 59,10
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
Believers are a kingdom who serve God on the earth.
His sacrifice was full, perfect and sufficient,
and never to be repeated (or re-enacted
as in RC Mass).
All are priests - all are able to enter into the holy
presence of God.
And not just once a year!
But the work of the Son of God did not end at Calvary. (See
Ascension notes).
Why can't the scroll now be opened, immediately?
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 earned our redemption and
forgiveness.
He will come again to reign on earth.
Note verb tenses in Rev 510
He has come and has made believers into a kingdom of serving priests.
Our reign with Christ on earth
is in the future Millennium, not now. Rev 204b
But before that he will need to rescue the Jews in Israel. Joel 3 Zech 141-11
And bring justice - the Great Tribulation - the wicked will not always prosper!
All the many thousands upon thousands of angels echoed the joyful song. 512,13
What a choir! And what a song!
Worthy is the Lamb! ... For ever and ever!
Then every creature in heaven and on earth sings praise to the Redeeming Lamb.
And rightly so too!
At no time on earth have all men praised God or been willing to bow down.
It is one of the revelations given to John of what will surely take place.
At this moment the 7 year Tribulation trials were not in their minds.
It was eclipsed by the joy and privilege of being in the unrestricted presence of Almighty God.
Guidelines for Interpreting Prophecy
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.
Now 15 members have recently become 22.
The 10 may represent 10 world regions (NAFTA, EU, OPEC,
'Tiger Economies', China etc).
In the Reformation era Rome was seen as the Beast,
40 years ago it was Russian Communism, now some see
it as Islam, US or New Age.
Prophecy is truth, not speculation.
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)
or Antiochus Epiphanes in 167 BC, the Roman emperor
Nero and the 'end-time Beast'. Rev 13
4. Recurrence.
One scripture may tell of an event, and another tells of the same event from
another angle.
e.g. Gen 1-23 then Gen 24-25 repeats
detail of 6th day.
5. 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.
6. Association of ideas.
Note that the Greek for "the Lord's day" and "the day of the Lord" is the same
but they have different connotations
i.e. Sabbath and Judgement day. Rev
110
This is mostly a problem for the translators!
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 determined judgements.
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
The 10 horns = 10 kings (concurrent coalition)
The 7 heads = 7 hills and 7 successive kings. Rev 123
131 177-14 Dan 723-26
Dragon or Serpent = Satan. Rev 12 13 129
The Harlot of Babylon = 'City' which rules over kings. Rev
171-7 181-17,21 1718
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 Rainbow. Rev 43 101 Gen 913
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
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
Seven (stars, lamps, seals, trumpets, bowls). Complete and perfect.
Babylon, the Harlot, hated by the Beast = World finance.
The Obscure: (but will be revealed when we need to know)
The 7 thunders = ? Rev 71-4
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.
Roman I+V+X+L+C+D=666 (leaving out M=1000)
Common bar code uses three alignment bars with number 6.
Will there be any signs that the Great Tribulation is imminent?
In Math 24 the disciples asked Jesus about this; and he said:
"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 emphasise to the value of experiences.
They will 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.
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 only way to check this 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.
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.
This enables them to ignore God's Commandments and his clear revelation.
Modern humanism cannot succeed.
Neither can 'God in everything', tolerance and multi-faith culture.
God's judgement, the reality of hell, and our vital need for redemption by Jesus,
is increasingly unpopular (even in the Church).
Preaching the sound doctrine of the Word will be rejected. 2 Tim 41-4 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.
"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.
They include everything from WWI and WWII
to the many ethnic, Islamic and terrorist wars.
There is also the breakdown of law and order; and the clamour for independence.
Lawlessness. 2 Thes 27-9 (New LB) 2 Pe 27-9 2 Pe 317
The 7 year Tribulation begins when the first 4 seals are broken.
During this war Ľ of the world die (1,500 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 a third major 'End Time' war at the end of the Millennium. 207-9
"Famines and earthquakes." Math 247
Famines - greatly extended by war or evironmental damage,
bio-fuels .v. food production, organic farming and not allowing GM crops.
Earthquakes have not increased according to the latest USGS data (Nov 2008)
see: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/topics/increase_in_earthquakes.php
and http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/eqlists/graphs.html
These disasters probably include many other natural disasters:
volcanoes, hurricanes, flooding, drought, disease, El Nino ...
"Persecution." Math 249
True Christianity will be hated by all.
Considered unacceptably intolerant to declare that all men are sinful and cannot change this;
so all men need to be saved and only Jesus can redeem and save.
c.f. popular 'No God' or 'many ways to God'.
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.
If Muslims should ever come to power UK, we too will be sorely oppressed.
Islam says, "First the Saturday people, then the Sunday people."
"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 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 from Christian families will choose sex, popularity, money:
God will become number 2 or 3, and will often be rejected altogether.
"Gospel 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 evaporates all desire for Jesus as Saviour.
or 'the Beast' and 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.
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. 170,000/year. World total ~20,000,000/year.
Multi-ethnic societies that lead to isolation and strife.
Jews, Israel and Christians will be hated by all. Their distress will be the greatest.
The rapture is at the end of the Tribulation when Jesus returns, not the beginning.
"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 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 will always remain true. Lu 2133
They will perish, but your remain ... your years will never end. Heb 111,12
"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.
And eventually into one big world (demonic) superpower, NWO. Rev 13
Like Babel and Babylon, it will be a blasphemous, self-exalting dictatorship.
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.
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
Take care. Do not be deceived. Jesus has warned us.
Satan deceives those who desire what he has to offer.
Money, sex, power and popularity.
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. |
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.
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'.
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'.
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.
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. Augustine
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! |
Rev 61 The Lamb of God opens the 1st Seal
The three most significant events in world history are:
Creation, Messiah's 1st Coming (Redemption won), and at the end - judgement.
(c.f. birth - marriage - death and resurrection of man).
The opening of the seals begins the third and last event.
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.
Satan hates Gen 1-3 which tell of his death sentence for his beguiling man to sin,
and he hates Rev. which tells of his final defeat.
He tries to persuade us that both are full of impossible myths,
impenetrable mysteries or theological disagreements.
He does not like men to know about judgement
in case they should seek the forgiveness of God, understand the Cross,
be saved and live for ever. 2 Pe 33-7
For Christians the big problem in Rev 6-22 is not 'what' will happen, but 'when'.
Revelation gives the following order of events:-
Great Tribulation. 6-16
Fall of Babylon, Defeat of Beast and the 2nd Coming of Christ. 17-19
Millennium reign of Christ on earth. 201-6
Gog / Magog war and the final defeat of Satan. 207-15
New heaven and new earth. 21,22
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 more popular message than persecution and extreme trials.
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 will be two further battles. 1920,21 and 209b,10
By grace we now have the victory in Christ, but we are not always victorious!
By grace we will be prepared for the trials of deception and persecution.
And by grace we shall be called to 'cross the river' and be welcomed at his table.
Like the Cross, it 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 God's way always results in disappointment. Deut 28
Disobedience results in death of the soul, of relationship with God. Gen 217
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.
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. Fulfilment of the promised everlasting 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 lost.
Lu 2128 Eph 113,14 Dan 121-4
Jesus has paid the price in full, but the delivery of the goods is not yet complete.
We long for the full kingdom of heaven on earth. He is coming soon!
God's order prophesied:
Is 611,2a 'The year of the Lord's favour'; believers set free from sin.
Is 612b 'The day of vengeance of our God'; the just Tribulation
Is 613-11 'Righteousness and praise spring up'; the promised kingdom of God.
ALL that God has promised has and will be completely fulfilled - the nice and the nasty!
Rev. reveals God's JUSTICE.
His judgement for the saints and against the wicked. 1113-18 151-3 191-3 Ro 1122
Believers rejoice that at last God's world-wide Kingdom has come.
Satan and all his followers are destroyed.
Summary of the Tribulation and the Grand Finale - Rev 6-22
Note - This is not a 'Time chart'.
Rev. chapter ref.'s are shown in brackets ()
Seals (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
Trumpets (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
[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 (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.
Miracles gather all nations
to Armageddon
7. Thunder, lightning and earthquake
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 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 men for ever.
It is the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who opens each of the seals. 61,3,5,7,9,12
The day of Jacob's trouble begins. Jer 307
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 world will be surprised by these sudden, calamitous events in the 'last days'.
They will curse God and refuse to admit that it is justice
for being wicked.
Believers who are ready will not be surprised.
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'.
Given a crown and a bow; but no arrows are mentioned.
Goal is world domination, but especially of 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 1000s).
Lawlessness, ethnic violence, injustice, greed, rebellion,
Islamic Jihad.
World war on a scale far greater than the two in 20th
C. (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 war, weather, crop disease, large populations,
poor transport and communications 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 unable to cope with demand.
During the opening of the first 4 seals ¼ of world (1,500 million) will die.
This makes it obvious that the Tribulation has started!
5th Seal. Martyrs cry, "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.
More martyrs will 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.
There is no further opportunity after death 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.
They try to hide in their 'bunkers' from the wrath and
from the Lamb. Some Lamb!
Joel 231 315,16 Is
1310,13 Hag 26 Jer 423-28
Math 2429-31 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
'Stars fall' may be literal asteroid collision or near collision with earth.
Mts removed probably symbolise the fall of governments and all authority
and sky receded symbolises 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.
He wants us to know that his 'sealing' will give us courage in persecution
and that our destiny is secure. Joel 228
He will be 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
Jesus 'opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers' at Calvary. Lu 177
144,000 Jews Sealed. Multitude Rejoices
71-17
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)
Those he has sealed:
1. The 144,000. 12,000 sealed from each tribe of Israel.
12 x 12,000 = complete, none lost
God will not forget the Jews. He remains faithful.
Ro 1111,25-31
'Israel' occurs 68 times in NT, and every
one refers to national Israel, the Jews.
God's covenant with Abraham was unconditional.
Gen 122,3 1518 Jer 31
True Gentile believers are also children of Abraham.
Ro 228,29 411,12 Gal 329
This is the completed family - Jew and Gentile
(the completed true Church).
These 144,000 are the firstfruits of a vast multitude.
141-5 79
The 144,000 are sealed by God. Rev 73
Who are these who are sealed? Those who
are grieved over (national) wickedness. 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 Joel 228
Sealed with the Holy Spirit, who gives understanding,
courage, peace in trouble.
Rev 715 Eph
430 Jn 1633 Joel 228
Darius sealed a pride of lions, Daniel and an angel
in a cavern ! Dan 617,22
Sometimes we learn much from what the Bible does not say.
Dan is not included in the 12 tribes - (like Judas).
Why not?
They chose an easy life in N.Galilee - and Baal. Judg
134 18 Deut 3116-18
As prophesied Dan will provide justice. Gen
4916 e.g. Samson. Judg 13
And later (after migration North)
they will become a serpent. Gen 4917
2. Great multitude in white robes shout,
"Salvation belongs to our God ... and to the Lamb."
Rev 710 Act 417
Salvation was given, not by their own blood, but by
that of the Lamb of God. Jn 129
The shout is confirmed by Angels, Elders and Living Creatures. Rev
711
All had washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.
Rev 714
And they serve God day and night. Rev
715
No more do they suffer any anguish. Tears are no
more. Rev 716,17
The Lamb is their Shepherd. Rev
717 Ps 23 Ezek 3411-31
This multitude are those who have 'come out of the great tribulation'. Rev
714
Not raptured, but martyred! Rev
69,11b
They all wear white robes and await the final
resurrection. Rev 79b,13 611a
They are a vast number, and are from every nation (far
greater than 144,000). Rev 79a
7th Seal Opened and First 4 Trumpets Sound 1,2
7th Seal opened. Silence! A dreadful anticipation of events to come.
This 7th seal has no 'event' like for the first six seals.
7th Seal is the 7 Trumpets. (as also the 7th Trumpet is the 7 Bowls) 81,2
Note that the Scroll is not yet opened.
John sees 7 angels being given 7 trumpets. (c.f. 4 restraining angels in
Rev 71)
Another angel with golden censer is given much incense (prayer) to offer.
What were the effective prayers? For peace in
our time? No!
They desired all wickedness to
be judged and separated. Rev 610 Dan
924
And longed for the fulness of the
Kingdom of God on earth.
God answers their prayer in a way we would not expect.
The same angel, hurls the 'golden' censer now filled with fire from altar on the earth!
Thunder, lightning, earthquake. God's emphasis - like 'Verily, verily ...'
God tells the praying saints, "I have heard your earnest prayer.
You share my desire for righteousness. I am about to act! Watch!" Hab 1-3
With justice, truth and great power, God will judge wicked, God-despising men.
God will never force men to love him.
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 3236-43
How does this compare with the modern view that God only loves?
He added this scripture that we may all realise he is also a just Judge.
This is vital if we are to have any understanding of the Great Tribulation.
The first 4 trumpets sound (c.f. first 4 Seals):
Trumpets signal important events and sound the alarm for imminent danger.
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. An 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. Heb 1226,27 Literal c.f. Rev 613
The earth has only 1/3 normal light. These events cannot go unnoticed!
"The darkness is coming." Act 220 Zeph 114-17a Math 2429 are literal.
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
Note that this darkness is preventable.
We do not have to walk in the darkness of sin. Ps 10710-14 Is 92 4216
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 power in his Creation to humanistic man who scoff at the Lord.
Like in the apocalyptic first 4 Seals, God here warns man of the judgement,
and gives his final appeal to men to repent.
Eagle cries, "Woe! Woe! Woe!" because of next 3 trumpet blasts. 813
Woe in Gk is 'Ouai' (Onomatopoeia)
This greatest of birds flies at mid-day and cries loudly. All hear his message!
'The inhabitants of the earth' are the consistently rebellious. 1110 138 172
While the first 4 trumpets are horrific; the 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 almost unbridled activity of demons.
Star that had fallen. Scripture normally assumed to be literal,
but here it is shown to be figurative.
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.
How unlike 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 ...
Red Sea and Jordan divide, fire falls. Also Assyria, Babylon, Rome ...
Told not to harm vegetation, but only those without the seal of God. Lu 1019
The righteous are spared from suffering 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
Four evil angels bound at Euphrates released to kill.
Not the same angels as in 71 who were not bound but held back the winds.
These angels command 200 million cavalry - held for this one special time.
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 to kill 1/3 of mankind.
The remaining 2/3 (3 billion) still did not repent.
(1/4 of world's 6 billion previously killed when first 4 seals opened).
God gives man this last gracious opportunity, but they reject it.
They continued defiant to the end. 920 Act 1730
Neither miracles nor plagues cause men to repent - they rarely do. Lu 1631
They choose idol worship, murder, magic, immorality and thieving
as being more attractive than righteousness. Rev 920,21 Ro 128-31 Jn 319
Today idols are often possessions and '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.
Heartless brutality of Islamic militancy, like Nineveh in Nahum 31-5
Western powers also reveal their nature by cruelty, murder and lies.
Unless the Word of God reveals the truth, all men remain totally deceived.
They presumed that they could 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.
'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!
In the 3rd Woe, the Beast with all Satan's authority and the False Prophet
arise.
Later, after the 7 bowls of wrath are poured out upon the earth,
Jesus returns to defeat them in battle.
In each of these we see the spiritual reality;
God's complete authority.
Satan's true colours - his fierce hatred for God and man.
and his ultimate defeat by the Lord of Glory.
Believers are grateful to be clad in the whole armour of God. Eph 6
God sets the boundaries of demonic activity; they can never go beyond it.
Before the 7th Trumpet and 3rd Woe
God wants us to know something else.
Loud shout by a mighty angel, who looks like the Son of God.
101,2 1414,15
7 thunders spoke. 103,4
But John is told to seal up what they said. Foolish to speculate 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
They each longed for the day of salvation.
Now, at last, it was imminent.
John told to eat the little scroll held by the mighty angel.
109
This scroll is already open. 102,8
i.e. Existing 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 consequences for those who stubbornly refused to hear the word of the Lord.
The gospel is indeed sweet to believers,
But to ponder the plight of 'the
many' is most bitter.
Then told, "You must prophesy again." 1010,11
What must he prophesy?
About many wicked peoples and nation,
and their impending doom.
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
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.
Temple is measured. Probably not a literal 3rd Temple built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem
but Israel and the Church is tested by God's plumb line. Is 2817
God's exacting measure of righteousness and justice will be used.
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
Outer court is trampled on by Gentiles (unbelievers) for 42 months. 112
The 'abomination that makes desolate' becomes powerful. Math 2415 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.
God gives his Two Witnesses are given power and protection to Prophesy for 1260 days -
(3½ years or 42 months) - for 1st half of 7 years of Tribulation. Dan 924-27
What do they prophesy? See end of previous section.
They cry to stubborn men who are unwilling to see their great need.
Like John Baptist and Elijah.
Command drought, water to blood and plagues.
Unlike today when so many say, "God is love ... he never judges anyone."
These two witnesses are like Elijah
in 1 Kg 17, and Moses. Exd 714
The consistent witness
to men of the 'Law and the Prophets'.
Anyone trying to harm the witnesses are killed, Elijah 2 Kg 1
until the Beast from Abyss (Rev 13) arises and kills them:
but only when the Lod God determines that their ministry
is finished. Dan 127
Their bodies lie in Jerusalem for 3½ days. Earth gloats and rejoices
- until ...
They are resurrected, and earth hears the voice
of God!
Earthquake, 7000 die, survivors
terrified.
Who are these witnesses?
Likely to be two Jewish prophets rather than Gentile believers.
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 in
the 2nd 3½ years of the Tribulation.
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 today's
'prosperity prophets'.
What is their purpose 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 Jerusalem was destroyed
by Nebuchadnezzar.
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 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!
Some are saved. They gave glory to God. Rev 1113 c.f.
curse God. Rev 920 1611,21
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, Sodom and Egypt are symbolic of hostile rejection of the one true
God.
Babel = pride Sodom = immorality
Egypt = slavery
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 coming soon. 1114
Trumpets rally for battle or they are a timely warning. Jer
617 Joel 21,12 Lev 2323
God's trumpets are clear and repeated. All men are warned
- practically! 1 Co 148
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 are the 3rd Woe revealed in 151,5-8 161-17.
But first there is more that God desires to reveal to encourage the saints.
Loud voices say, The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our
Lord. 1115
No more 'Roman' rule or Brussels or the Beast,
but Jesus is now 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 and repeatedly give thanks to God. 1117 18 59-14 710-12
The nations were angry with God. 1118
They were totally unable to stop God's just disasters,
or the rewarding of the prophets and saints, both small and great.
The time has come! There is no more delay; the days of opportunity are ended.
Then God's Temple in heaven was opened. 1119
God's purpose for this opening revealed in
213 - God and men dwell together.
Temple (veil torn in two) on earth was opened at
crucifixion. Math 2751
And the kingdom of heaven was opened to all believers. Heb 1019-22
Within the opened Temple was seen the Ark of his Covenant. 1119
What was 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 - promised, and given
Gen 122,3 Seed of Abraham
a great nation and world blessed.
Gen 1513,14 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.
He gives courage and strength.
2 Thes 33 Joel 228
Rider is called Faithful and True.
Rev 1911
God's covenant can never be broken.
Lightning, thunder, earthquake. God again emphasises that he is the Almighty.
The Woman and the Dragon 121 - 131a
God's brief view of world history reveals a woman, a dragon and war.
Again shown God is consistently the King who triumphs.
And Satan's struggle for power and his desire to
destroy - he fails in both.
God emphasises this vital truth for the day when
evil men will seem to triumph.
121,2 Pregnant Woman with sun, moon and 12 stars on her
head. Gen 379
= Israel (Jacob), Rachel and his 12 sons (tribes); not just Mary
She cries in labour, waiting to give birth to the
Son of God (the seed of Israel).
Many in Israel have cried for righteousness and a
Messiah.
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel,
Daniel, Hosea and many others.
123,4 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
Try to stop Woman's Child
redeeming the world and ruling all nations.
125 The Child is caught up to God.
After the redemption 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. Math
41-11 Nor to stop him rise!
Satan has always hated Israel and the Jews and has attempted
to destroy her.
Esau, Egypt, Amalek,
Balaam, Philistines, Assyria, Babylon, Islam (Arabs),
Russia, Hitler, even
the Church (Crusades + Rome) and now the USA!
[The current US objective is not to save Israel,
[but to gain control of ME oil and to dominate the world! Rev 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 efforts ever since.
Israel was, and remains, God's chosen. Jesus our Redeemer was a Jew.
Satan has always hated him, 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.
Gap of 2000 years - as in Dan 1139/40 and Is 612a/2b
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 Accuser 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.
Woe to the 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. Dan
1013, 21
126, 13,14 Dragon pursues Woman (=Israel), again.
Israel given miraculous protection by eagle to place
in the desert for 3½ years.
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's attempted 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
131 This overview of history now moves on to the Tribulation of the 'last days'.
The dragon stands on the seashore.
He looks great and seems invincible.
On earth wickedness seems to prevail. But God ...
Satan lost the war in heaven, and he will lose the war on earth.
No wonder he hates Christians to know this book!
The Beast and the False Prophet. 131-18
A wild Beast (Gk 'Thera') 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
10 horns and 7 heads, each with a blasphemous name.
Like the red dragon - in character and goal. 123
The Beast's 10 horns are crowned and he had 7 heads. Why ??
These are 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),
and also a 4th 'terrifying' Beast. Dan 74-7
God wants the alert church to recognise him. So he reveals what he will do:
He will be given great authority by the Dragon and real satanic power. 132b
He will receive a fatal wound, but it will be healed. 133a
The whole world will be astonished, and will follow him. 133b
They will worship him. 134
All men will worship the Dragon, and also this Beast.
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 see 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
He will be given power to make war against the saints and to conquer
them!
137 1217 117 Dan 721,25 824 121
Who can make war against him successfully?
Who can defeat this terrifying beast?
Only Jesus can; and he will! 134 1919,20 Dan 722,26 825b 927b 2 Thes 28
The saints are called to patient endurance and faithfulness.
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 now and be encouraged by the Reformation martyrs.
Others references to this Beast:
The Lawless One. 2 Thes 21-12
The Master of Intrigue. Dan 823-25
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.
Governments have their own reasons for being 'economical
with the truth'.
He is likely to come
from Pergamum. Dan 88,9 Rev 213
Forerunners of the Beast:
Antiochus IV (175-164 BC, Nero 54-68 AD, Titus 79-81,
Domitian 81-96
Antiochus called himself
'Epiphanes'.
Domitian demanded that
he be called 'Lord and God'.
Also various Popes, Hitler, Stalin, Amin, Hussein,
Khomeini, Clinton etc
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 1 Jn 41
He had 2 horns like a lamb, but he 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, but had a dragon's heart. Lu 645 1 Sam 167
He exercised 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.
He made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast.
His sole purpose is to defile men by making them
worship the Beast.
He performed great and miraculous signs. 1313
Recognise that Satan can also perform signs. 2
Thes 29 Exd 722 87,18 Math
2424
Many mock the power of Voodoo, witch-doctors etc, but it can be very real.
Many deceived by signs and wonders - then and now.
They presume that all healing must be of God. It is not.
Can the elect be deceived? They can, but need not be.
We must learn to discern which miraculous signs are of God. Deut 131-5
He even causes fire to come down from heaven.
c.f. 115 2 Kg 110,12
He deceives everyone by setting up a speaking image of the Beast.
1314,15
And then executes all who refuse to worship it. Dan 3
He 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
Cannot buy or sell without this 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 probably involve some form of worship
and certainly the giving of allegiance to the Beast.
An ID Card is fine, but Christians must refuse any physical marking.
Hebrew letters are also numbers. e.g. Using Hebrew letters as numbers,
Ruth = Rut (Heb.) Resh, Vav, Tav = 200+6+400 = 606
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.
How will the Beast come to power?
After anoth major war and many 'disasters' men will give anything for peace.
i.e. after Seals and Trumpets when 1,500 million die.
'One World' Authority is now popularised as being the sole author of world 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
who made extravagant promises (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.
l others are branded as extreme.
Clinton did this in the US (1993) and Blair in the UK (1997).
Rev 13 warns us clearly that a great satanic Beast and his False Prophet
will hold centre-stage in the last days.
The 4th beast that Daniel saw was more terrifying any animal on earth. Dan
718,23
But remember that his reign will be short - just
3½ years. 135 Dan 725
Satan hates men knowing that his destiny is destruction.
But God has revealed this truth. Dan
711-14 726 825 927
There may be many distractions and many denials;
but nothing and no one can prevent God from keeping his word.
"The purpose of God is sure, and the people of God are safe." David Pawson.
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 313 2 Thes 23,9-12 2
Tim 312,13 Rev 133,14
God tells us what is right and wrong.
Modern man thinks he can ignore God with impunity. He is deceived.
Some examples:
With money you may be comfortable, but rarely happy.
Liberal morality has many footfalls. Disease, divorce, family structure.
All the Commandments and the Law are rejected
Minority rights must not legalise the sinful. e.g. homosexuality
Freedom of religion that encourages evil, idol-worship.
Fear and greed that allows evil, oil-rich Islam to dominate.
Ecumenism in the name of tolerance; but embraces all manner of errors.
The rebellious do what they like in their own eyes. Judges
2125
Discipline is considered bad.
Because it is popular, it doesn't make it right. 2 Co 44
Beware of smooth talk that tells us what we want to hear. 2 Tim
43 Jer 531
Those who stop believing in hell, usually stop believing in heaven.
Jesus clearly taught about a literal Heaven Rev 21,22
- and a literal Hell.
Hell. Math 1028
188,9 2315,33 Lu 1623,24
Fire. Math
1340-42,50 2541 Lu 317 Rev
1410
Gnashing teeth. Math
812 2213 2451 2530 Lu
1328
No escape. Lu 1626
Gen 716 Math 2510,46 Rev
1411
Fortune telling and the occult thought to be good.
The Harry Potter novels promote witchcraft; Satan is thrilled at it popularity.
How did Satan deceive Eve? How did he try to deceive Jesus ?
Jesus was never deceived by anyone.
He was never deflected or compromised.
Beware of any moves towards a one world government or a one world religion.
Be cautious of any easy way, or enticement of the comfortable. Lu
624-26
Christianity is not a costless religion. Not to Jesus,
and not to us either.
Triumphalism is not faith (c.f. well-founded assurance based upon Scripture)
We must be overcomers; with Jesus we can share his Calvary victory.
Even in death. But please, Lord, may it be quick. Jn
1125,26 Joel 228
The truth is given to set us free - but have to admit we are slaves to sin.
Jn 831-59
Satan will do all he can to stop a man seeing his need
for salvation in Christ.
But all who seek, repent and call upon the name of Jesus
will be saved. Joel 232
The Lamb is seen again on Mt Zion. 56 61
And the 144,000 are with him. 141
They are sealed with his and his Father's name. 73 Eph 111
They were now sing - loudly. 142
But only these could learn this harp accompanied song. 58,9
They had not defiled themselves with women. (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
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
They are without any lies and are blameless.
They always follow the Lamb. Faithful, devoted discipleship. Mk 834-38
Note that they follow the Lamb; the Lamb did not follow them.
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 is sufficient and accepted.
So they were singing before the throne - and none were out of tune!
If we are to face these dark hours under the Beast.
May God remind us of these 144,000 and so give us confidence to endure.
The Tribulation is characterised by lies, deceit, wickedness and blasphemy.
How different from these righteous believers who follow the Lamb.
What a grand witness to the rest of rebellious mankind. Like Daniel. Dan 64
3 Angels Shout Warnings 146-13
Flying in the mid-heaven these angels had the eternal gospel to proclaim. 146
They loudly proclaim to all those on earth an essential
part of the gospel,
which today many churches fail to
preach - God's warnings.
These angels ensure that no one can claim he was not warned.
All are given this last opportunity.
This gospel shall be preached in all the world. Math 2414
What did the three angels proclaim in a loud voice?
1. 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, who is justifiably angry with rebellious, blasphemous men.
A wise man sees that he deserves the just judgement
of God; (Math 53 = 1st step)
He repents and is shown that Jesus
has paid the 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
2. Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great that made all nations drink
the maddening wine of her adulteries. 148
What is the nature of this Babylon?
Wine - the endless pursuit by men for happiness, prosperity
and power.
Adultery - widespread unfaithfulness in marriage and also endemiclying,
cheating, breaking of promises, rejecting God and the worship of idols.
The men of 'Babylon' are proud, blasphemous, idolatrous and immoral.
Such characteristics make men mad, not just untrustworthy fools. Zech 5
Babylon rejects and blasphemes the one true God, Creator
and Redeemer.
Babel 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 is a preview of Rev 18 when the whole demonic fragile 'house of cards'
will fall in a single hour.
At Calvary when the darkness was lifted, the graves opened
and the Temple veil was torn in
half - all in an instant. Math 27 50-53
Faithful to his promise, the Lamb of God triumphed over sin and death.
Persecuted Believers will rejoice. They see the devil
defeated.
Unlike the world, they will lose nothing of lasting value.
And the imminent 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 world-values
and the evil Babylon system?
184 2 Co
614-18 Jer 514-8a, 24,25, 44,45, 53-55a
3. 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 danger.
It is also Good News; Why?
The longed-for separation of good and evil is now imminent.
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 warned us, so we do well
to heed it.
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'.
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.
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 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, who determines our eternal destiny. Math 1028 (21-42)
Three Angels with Sickles 1414-20
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. An angel would never 'instruct' Jesus.
Take your sickle and reap ... for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 1415,18
Only at the final harvest are the wheat and tares divided.
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 shows 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
But the fruit was the very bitter grapes of 'bloodshed' and
'distress'. Is 52, 7b
So these bad grapes are thrown into the winepress of God's
wrath.
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 justified.
The Song of the Victorious
151-4
I saw in heaven another great and marvellous sign: 151
What is a sign?
A symbol or event that reveals God's purpose or his
planned directions.
e.g. The burning bush, pillar of
cloud and fire, circumcision, the Cross ...
Each reveal the hand of God; what
he has done, what we must and will do.
The word 'Sign' in this book is only here
and in 121 (woman=Israel)
and 123 (Dragon=Satan)
They reveal Satan’s intense hatred of God and all whom he has created.
This is 'another' sign. Different, from the 7 Seals and 7 Trumpets, but same objective.
i.e. 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 separated from the wicked.
Satan is chained. 202
Given view of heaven rejoicing.
I saw ... seven angels with the seven last plagues
- last, because with them God's wrath is completed. 151
But our gracious God who knows our weakness, and our need of courage,
Reveals how in every age he has enabled the persecuted to win.
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.
And the 3 in the fiery furnace who refused to bow down to Satan or his idols.
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. also Ps 111
They are assured that God’s judgement will be totally just and true.
There are no problem cases for the One who knows our every thought.
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 15
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 32.
What he 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 when all sin 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 155-8 161-21
(7th Trumpet and 3rd Woe)
After this I looked and in heaven the temple, that is, the tabernacle of the Testimony, was opened. Out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues. They were dressed in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests. Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever. 155-7
At this moment the temple of heaven was opened not for entry,
but to allow the 7 angels to complete the task of harvest judgement.
The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues were completed. 158
It should be noted that this is no way negates that Jesus has opened the way
to the Mercy Seat. Math 2751 Zech 131
And 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.
Angels in clean shining linen each given a golden bowl full of the wrath of God.
God is justly angry at the world's arrogance;
it's insults, rebellion and chosen wickedness.
1410,19 151 161,19 Lu 1421 Jn 336 Ro 118 Is 612
This is a severe challenge to today's conceived wisdom.
But few will take any notice of this warning from Almighty God.
These bowls of wrath are totally, globally catastrophic - yet the saints rejoice!
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 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.
These judgements are deserved and real - not fantasy or just figurative.
Like Egyptian plagues in the days of Moses, only more so!
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
His kingdom is plunged into darkness.
Exd 1021 1420 Thick darkness, but Israel had light!
Men gnawed their tongues in accumulating, unrelieved agony.
They again cursed God and refused to repent.
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.
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 gather all nations to Armageddon. Is
291-8
Final battle is in the valley of Jehoshaphat; men try to steal Jerusalem.
They say Israel barrier to 'peace' and oil supply! Zech 121-9 141-5 Joel 32,12
Christians are told to keep awake. Jesus is about to return.
7. Poured into the air. 1617
Out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne saying, "It is done."
'Loud voice' - God does not mumble! Judgement complete
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
Lightning, thunder and earthquake prior to next phase of Tribulation.
Also after 7th Seal 85 and 7th Trumpet 1119
This earthquake was different - it was the greatest ever!
Since cities all over the world collapsed,
this one may have triggered the collapse of Babylon.
Not the city of Babylon, but of 'Babylon the Great'. Rev 17,18
God who sees all things, 'remembers Babylon'. Heb 413 Jer 1410 Hos 72
The only thing he forgets is forgiven sin. Is 4325 Lev 1620-22 Jer 3120,34
Huge hailstones also fall upon men. And again men cursed God.
Many ask, "Why doesn't God stop these disasters? Why does God allow
them?"
These judgements are ordered by God himself.
They are well deserved, even if men think otherwise.
Christians, beware of complacency, careless indifference and compromise.
David asked God why the wicked prospered. God showed him their end. Ps
73
This 'end' may seem a long time coming, but now
it is fulfilled.
Globalization and 'One World Government totally fail.
The Beast has no answers - as well as no truth and not a hint of righteousness.
The Judgement and the imminent coming of Christ will cause
pain, panic and total despair in the world;
but it will be a great joy to all Believers, their eager anticipation 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 2917-24 Zech 1210-132 146-11,21b
This is the purpose of these signs and events.
God will faithfully fulfill his word; however dark the days may seem.
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
Who is this woman? How does God see her? It is very different from man's view.
She sits on many waters = many nations, world-wide. 171b,15 Jer 5113
With her the kings of the earth committed adultery and the inhabitants
of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries. 172
Adultery is essentially unfaithfulness. (See notes on 148)
Following their relentless drive for more and more money, sex and power,
men are all stupefied, drunk, and act very foolishly.
They 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.
She craves for the worship of men.
It seems that she is not a person, like the Beast and his False Prophet;
but rather the fallen nature of men that causes us to desire evil.
We know well that covetousness is wrong, yet still desire what is not ours.
Why does God so hate adultery?
It severs the covenant relationship between husband and wife.
It also separates God and men, the high pinnacle of 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 10 horns and 7 heads. (Explained later 177-14)
The Harlot was dressed in purple and scarlet and was glittering with gold. 174
RC Cardinals wear scarlet and Bishops wear purple.
Her golden cup is filled with abominable things 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 to John.
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.
A note for today - covetousness is as idolatry. Col 35
She was the Mother ... the one who gave birth to all the filth that
God hates.
And she was drunk! - with the blood of so many martyrs.
'Open Doors' reckon this is currently 450/day!
This woman is the city that rules all the kings, Babylon, Babel who hate
God. 1718
These rulers hate true Protestant Christians and they hate
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 believer 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 has ‘sat’ on 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 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)
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. Rev 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
The Fall of Babylon. 181-24
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 Noah.
This proud, enticing Harlot will never raise her tempting head again.
In God's kingdom our one consuming desire
is to love, serve and worship our Saviour and King.
John is then told more about this Harlot of Babylon.
She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit ...
for all nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. 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 compassion.
Weasels, devoid of truth.
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
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
God's verdict on the Harlot is to give her double what she gave to others. 186,7a
She offered luxury, but gave grief - especially to Believers. 1813b,24
Babylon boasts that she will never mourn - she sits as a proud, secure queen. 187b
Like Belshazzar in Babylon in 539 BC Dan 51-4 Ezek 282 Is 477-9
Like Nineveh before 612 BC Zeph 215
Like USA and Europe today. ('Britannia rules the waves')
'Jerusalem builded here on England's green and pleasant land'.
Belshazzar, like many rich men and governments had this arrogant attitude.
He thought he was prosperous and 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
Daniel revealed God's judgement written on the wall - it was:
swift Dan 530
terrifying Dan 56
deserved. Dan 522-24
God's judgement 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 'bits of paper' had gone up in smoke!
They had suddenly lost all their wealth. 1811-19
They lost it 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
Governments run up huge debts based on paper 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 promises for money, but are devoid of any gold standard.
The Harlot will use economic enticement or fierce blackmail on all those reluctant
to follow the Beast. e.g. Join the Euro, ratify the Lisbon Treaty or you will lose your job.
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.
They even tell all heaven and the persecuted saints to rejoice! And rightly. 1820
Believers had lost nothing that they valued, Heb 1116, 35b-40 1314
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 power.
1 Jn 38 1 Kg 1839 Exd 1212 Satan is prince, but never King. Jn 1430
The Rock, uncut by human hands, strikes the statue of Nebuchadnezzar's dream.
All of Babylon is destroyed, not just the feet. 1821 Dan 243-45
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
To seal the destruction of Babylon, a mighty angels 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.
For 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 dream is true. Dan 244,45
It will be fulfilled when God destroys Babylon.
God reveals this final destruction 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.
Multitude in Heaven Shout, Hallelujah! 19 1-10
This is no half-hearted praise, but a mighty, spontaneous roar! 191
Why was the rejoicing so great?
1. God is the author of salvation, deserver of glory and possessor of power.
2. God's Judgment is seen to be true and just
upon the great Prostitute who had corrupted the earth and martyred many.
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 is destroyed and all her wickedness.
'Vengeance is mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. Now he had. Is612b Ro 1219
Without exception, 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' (wedding garments. Math 2212) was given to the saints,
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 First and Second 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 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
Jesus is called:
Faithful and True. 1911
The emphasis here is not so much of God who reveals the truth,
but is 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
He commands, and it 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 not dare command Jesus.
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, blasphemy, 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. The Beast and False Prophet are thrown into the fiery lake. 1919-21
(Satan will join them after the Millennium. 2010)
Their deceived followers, those 'marked' men who worship the Beast, are killed.
Satan hates this book because all his lies and deceit are revealed.
Satan, the Beast and False Prophet are seen totally and eternally defeated.
Jesus makes it very clear that while the 'Lake of fire' may be symbolic,
the unending torment of hell is literal. It is a just judgment.
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 or ...?
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 (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 1920 and that of Satan.
Worldwide righteousness requires a total change in human nature.
It seems arrogant to think that we can achieve this,
when every generation from the very beginning 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.
Many love to hear a false assurance of revival, privilege
and power.
The resurrected martyrs, unmarked by the Beast during the Tribulation,
rule with Christ during the Millennium. Rev 204 59,10 Dan 722
The returned Christ triumphs over world-wide wickedness, not the church.
2. Pre-Millenniumism. View held by Polycarp (2ndC), Wycliffe (15thC),
also Ryle, Spurgeon (19thC)
The 'wheat and tares' grow together until the end of the Tribulation.
Beast gathers nations at Armageddon; and leads them against Israel. Rev 1612-21
Christ returns and defeats the Beast, False Prophet and the 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 able to deceive many. Rev 203,7
He leads the nations against Jerusalem. Zech 12, 14
Defeated by fire in Gog/Magog battle. Rev 20 Joel 3 Ezek 38,39
Satan 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 learn 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 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
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'.
Satan is subtle, arrogant and powerful; but it is always God who is in command.
Here God reveals what Satan's end will be.
And God decides when it will be. Dan 924,27b will be totally fulfilled.
And all the saints cried, 'Amen!' 'Come quickly!'
The King of Kings Triumphs - again! 207-15
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. (Currently £500 Billion/year!)
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 deceives a vast army of nations into waging war against Jerusalem.
This is the Gog/Magog battle. (see notes on Gog War in Appendix)
Since there is no poverty or injustice to enable Satan to deceive,
it must be the natural, chosen rebellion of man
that causes them to sin and turn against the Lord.
The resurrected martyrs who rule with Christ will not be deceived. 204,8
But over whom do they reign?
Christians are raptured at the 2nd Coming, at the end of the Tribulation,
when the Beast is defeated. 1911-21 see 'Rapture' in Appendix)
And the unredeemed who remain - not killed as part of the Beast's army
A fascinating mix of normal humans and the resurrected / raptured!
Many questions remain, 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 1000 years.
Also all those whose names are not written in the book of life are thrown into the lake of fire. Rev 2015
It 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 heaven and the new earth replace the first earth. Is 6517 6622
It is clearly of a different order, with new physical laws. 214
The beautiful Bride, the New Jerusalem, comes down out of heaven from God.
And God dwells with his people for ever. 212,3
The marriage of the Lamb is not described. Rev 196-8 212
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!
Jesus is Prophet, Priest and King for ever.
He is the Root. 2216 The sole origin of life and salvation.
the Offspring of David. Glad to be Jewish and fulfill his promises.
the bright Morning Star.
God reveals to John much about this new and eternal Kingdom.
Though much must remain beyond our comprehension;
what he reveals, fills us with great longing and expectation.
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
The invitation is to whoever is thirsty. 2217 Is 551,7,8
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 227,10,12,20
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. 227
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 them then. And we need to know them even more now.
Let us not neglect or misunderstand these vital and encouraging prophecies.
A final warning - do not add, take away or change any words from this book. 2218,19
In every age many have tried to do each of these.
'Pharisees' add laws; 'Sadducees' ignore them,
and many try to add false hope or church tradition to the Word of God.
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
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.
When God showed Daniel his planned events for the last days,
why was he 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
John is shown the same truth. Rev 611 137 1310b 1412 1813 1824
In the last days Scripture prophesies intense persecution, not revival.
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.
This is not revival and the reign of the Church on earth,
but it is the persecution of the saints. Math 1017-42
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 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 also "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.
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. It cannot refer to any time before 1948 since many nations attacked her 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. But 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
See also notes on Pre and Post Millenniumism. Rev 201-6
Are there any problems comparing the accounts in Rev 20 with Ezekiel 38,39?
Yes. And I do not have satisfactory solutions. 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' may well 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 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. The Lord ismuch more likely to 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 must suggest 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
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 to be delayed, and 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 |
The Times of the Gentiles Lu 2124
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 "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.
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, and then into 10 |
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
(Please read Joshua 1-12)
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.
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 his 1000 year reign on earth. Rev 20
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 suffered the worst that man could do, death, they rose from the grave! Their lives told 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 will call on the mountains to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb. But there is no escape. Rev 612-17
"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