No tags yet.
THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST + ( ‘Understanding’ ) REVELATION + Job 19:25 For I know that my [redeemer] liveth, and that he shall [stand] at the [latter]
[day] upon the earth.
* Apocalyptic Literature to review * {Daniel 7-12; Matthew 24}. This ( is ) a STUDY - and NOT a cursory reading. My intention is to present this most understandably. The detail is such, like all other GOD-Breathed writings, it seem impossible to explain, without detail- ( at least by me..) ! If I miss anything, I apologize. I want you all to Understand it, as much as I want to understand it. There is so much being described…. These days, so many people are confused & perplexed- when it comes to understanding this book. Many Pastors (refuse) to talk about it. As someone once said; “I can explain it TO you, but I can’t understand it FOR you..! We are SUPPOSED to understand it ! (One reason)- the book appears so strange to the uninitiated, is that (most) of us (haven't) developed [enough] familiarity with the Old Testament. The entire Bible is meant for [all] of us. It is (not) Old Testament versus New Testament, Hebrew versus Christian, Jew vs. Greek. No ! GOD is the same in the Old Testament as HE is in the New Testament. The only difference is, is that JESUS gave to us A new Covenant - and that is NOT to say any old covenant’s GOD made are off. To the contrary, they are NOT. HIS Covenant title is: ‘EL-BERITH’, GOD of the Covenant, Judges 9:46. Covenants are promises and GOD keeps HIS promises. The New Covenant (or New Testament) is the promise that GOD makes with humanity that HE will forgive sin and restore fellowship with those whose hearts are turned towards HIM. Psalms 40:7
“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,” JESUS CHRIST is the mediator of the New Covenant, and HIS crucifixion on the cross is the basis of the promise (Luke 22:20). The New Covenant was predicted while the Old Covenant was still in effect —the prophets Moses, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel all allude to the New Covenant. The SINGLE most important thing in our life, more than anything else- is making sure that our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. The book of Revelation includes a very unique command to “keep” the book and finishes with a strong warning about altering the book (Rev. 1:3; 22:18). These unusual warnings tell us that GOD intends for us to study the book in such a way that it affects how we live.
There are ( 7 ) blessings in this book - (1:3)-(14:13)-(16:15)-(19:9)-(20:6)-(22:7)-(22:14). Revelation 1:3 say’s: Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. *Remember - The New Testament is [in] the Old Concealed, the Old Testament is [in] the New Revealed. Prologue ~ ….Let’s dive in now and set the tone…. The book of Acts begins ( basically ) with the birth of the church. (Acts 2:1-4). The book of Acts covers roughly 30 years of time… Whereas, Chapters 2 and 3 of the book Revelation covers the next 2,000 years, following the birth of the church. The church was birthed (50) days [after] JESUS CHRIST Rose from the dead. On Pentecost, or the old Testament feast Of Shavuot. GOD is spirit (John 4:24), existing in a different realm from that of humans, who are flesh. Our understanding and perception of GOD, (therefore), are based on GOD’S revelation to us- through HIS written Word, the Bible.
The FATHER and the SON, and the HOLY SPIRIT. There is also a [[reconciliation]] process that is present, which is Illustrated in this Revelation, as well as throughout the Bible. GOD is reconciling ‘us’ to ‘HIMSELF’. GOD has given us the ministry [of] reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) CHRIST’S death, provided for the removal of the barrier of sin to bring mankind back into a right relationship with GOD. ( Renewed Friendship ) Matthew 5:24; 1 Corinthians 7:11. ( A form of unity ) Colossians 1:20. This Revelation, is the uncovering, a revealing that which is, or that was formally - “hidden”. The Bible (shows) and tells how GOD reveals HIMSELF to mankind through HIS actions, through nature - And supremely through HIS SON. GOD is the SOVEREIGN of the Universe, existing Supremely above all else. “- IMPLICIT ” - 1.implied though not plainly expressed. 2.essentially or very closely connected with; always to be found in.
The Bible reveals GOD as the “FATHER” and JESUS CHRIST as HIS “SON.” The distinction between the two is [implicit] from the very beginning of GOD’S revelation (Genesis 1:1), where the Hebrew word Elohim is used. There has been communication between these two from the beginning, as seen in the example of Genesis 1:26, where the pronouns “Us” and “Our”( refer) to [Elohim.]
The Old Testament focuses on the GOD of Israel, who identifies Himself as “I AM” and “the Lord God- of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob” Exodus 3:14-15, the word ‘(Lord)’ being derived from the Hebrew YHWH. A summary-- The name: YHWH. {Meaning: He Who Causes That Which Is To Be} - {He Who Causes That Which Can't Be, To Fall…} Etymology: From the verb הוה (hawa), which both means to be and to fall. Judges 13:18, And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is [secret]? ( or to say; “seeing it is [incomprehensible]” ) *(I believe) (the angel of the Lord, is none other than, JESUS.) The key scene in this respect seems to be Exodus 3:13-15, where GOD names himself first: אהיה אשר אהיה (I AM WHO I AM), then אהיה (I AM), and finally יהוה (YHWH) and states that this is HIS name forever and a memorial name to all generations.
In John 8:58, CHRIST refers to HIMSELF as “I AM.” This is the [same] GOD who delivered the Israelites out of Egypt and accompanied them in the wilderness - and who was later known in the New Testament as: JESUS CHRIST (1 Corinthians 10:4). Both the Old Testament and New Testament, contain references to more than one personage in the Godhead. *Psalms 110:1, for example, which is quoted in Acts 2:29-36. The New Testament identifies Them as GOD the FATHER and JESUS CHRIST the SON (1 Corinthians 8:6). The SON is also called GOD (Hebrews 1:8-9).
Jesus Christ is called the “Word,” who “was with God” in the beginning and is also identified as “GOD” (John 1:1-2). HE created all things (verses 3, 10), and later became flesh and dwelled with humans (John 1:14). HE is also called “the firstborn among many brethren” - (Romans 8:29). Humans have the wonderful potential and opportunity to enter the family of GOD (Romans 8:14, 19; John 1:12; 1 John 3:1-2).
The relationship between the WORD and the FATHER is more clearly defined in the New Testament, when “the Word was made flesh” (John 1:14, KJV; Philippians 2:5-11), revealed the FATHER to HIS disciples (Matthew 11:25-27), was sacrificed for the forgiveness of our sins and has now once again been exalted by the FATHER (John 17:5). The verb היה (haya), or its older version הוה (hawa), means to be busy acting out the behavior that defines that which acts. Very curiously, the verb הוה (hawa), which is identical to the older version of the verb that means "to act definingly," appears to mean to fall. This may be an inconvenient coincidence, but much more likely reflects the deep insight that the development of defining behavior inevitably requires the falling away of certain rejected behaviors. Noun הוה (hawwa) means either a bad kind of desire or lust, or ruin or destruction. Nouns היה (hayya) and הוה (howa) describe destruction, calamity or ruin. HE truly is--- “Incomprehensible” !!! *Elohim is the (plural) form of the Hebrew word for GOD, ELOAH. The church is seen as being inextricably linked with Israel of the Old Testament. An important piece of evidence for the New Testament use of: Ecclesia [ἐκκλησία] meaning [Church] against an Old Testament background is the range of uses of ἐκκλησία in Revelation, which are also directly linked to Old Testament allusions and not to Greco-Roman civil assembly uses. Out of eighteen uses of ἐκκλησία in the book, at least eleven are directly linked in the same verse to clear Old Testament allusions. Here (now) are those 11 verses:
1. Revelation 1:20, the “lampstands” of Zechariah 4:2, 11 2. Revelation 2:1, as in Revelation 1:12, based again on Zechariah 4:2, 11 (and, more generally, Exodus 25 and 37). 3. Revelation 2:7, based on Genesis 2:8–9 and 3:2–3, 22, 24 (LXX). 4. In Revelation 2:12, It is a clear allusion to Isaiah 49:2, where GOD makes the servant’s “mouth like a sharp sword.” 5. Revelation 2:17, the one “who overcomes” among “the churches [ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις]” will be given “the hidden manna,” Isaiah’s prophecy that end-time Israel would be given a “new name,” indicating a new married status of Israel with her GOD (Isa. 62:2; 65:15). An eschatological significance... 6. Revelation 2:18, the “church [ἐκκλησία] in Thyatira” is directly associated with the “Son of GOD, comes from the messianic reference to GOD’S Son in Psalm 2, which anticipates the full quotation from Psalm 2:8–9 at the end of the letter to this church (Rev. 2:26–27). The reference to the Son’s fiery eyes and feet like bronze comes from Daniel 10:6, which describes an angel. (Another portrayal of CHRIST). 7. Revelation 2:26–27, CHRIST promises the one “who overcomes” a share in the messianic kingdom prophesied in Psalm 2:8–9, the authority of which HE HIMSELF has already received: “to him I will give authority over the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces.” The reference to the “morning star” at the end of Revelation 2:28 is also another Old Testament allusion, this time to Numbers 24:17 where the future end-time ruler of Israel is called a rising “star”. 8. Revelation 3:7, The church addressed by CHRIST- “who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens.” This is a quotation from Isaiah 22:22, which is a description of Eliakim, who was in charge of the Israelite king’s court. Now CHRIST is a greater Eliakim in HIS address to the church. 9. Revelation 3:12 is saturated with the Old Testament, more than many other passages in Revelation. “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will not go out from it anymore” is a clear allusion generally to the Old Testament temple; (a.) “and I will write on him . . . the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem” is a clear reference to the Old Testament city of Jerusalem; and (b.) “My new name,” as we saw in Revelation 2:17, is a specific allusion to Isaiah 62:2; 65:15, Isaiah’s prophecy that end-time Israel would be given a “new name” as an indication of a new eschatological relationship with her God. The first two allusions refer to Old Testament realities that are eschatologically escalated to apply to Christians, so that they are identified with these heightened realities. The “new name” from Isaiah is a prophecy first fulfilled by Christ (note “My new name”) and then identified with Christians, who thus also are part of its fulfillment. Then immediately in Revelation 3:13 those in “the churches [ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις]” are exhorted to “hear” and identify with the realities described in verse 12, as well as to pay heed to the earlier parts of the letter. 10. Revelation 3:14 is an allusion to Isaiah 65:16, where YAHWEH is twice called “the God of Amen.” Here, CHRIST addresses the “church” (ἐκκλησία) just as YAHWEH addressed Israel in Isaiah 65:16. 11. Revelation 22:16 we read: “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” JESUS “testifies” through HIS angel to the “churches” (ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις). A repeated allusion to the messianic prophecy of Numbers 24:17, which has already been made at Revelation 2:18. -{ Part I }- An Introduction to: REVELATION- When the book of Revelation is viewed chronologically, there are 4 parts in the structure of the book of Revelation with the fourth part being the largest consisting of 5 chronological sections in which the events occur in sequential order.
Part 1: John’s calling to prophesy about the end times (Rev. 1). John gave truths about JESUS’ majesty that formed the way he prophesied about the end times. These truths are also to equip us.
Part 2: JESUS’ 7 letters to the churches (Rev. 2-3) – The instructions JESUS gave to these churches about overcoming sin also give insight into what the end-time church must overcome.
Part 3: JESUS takes the scroll (Rev. 4-5) – Contains the earth’s title deed and HIS plan to cleanse it. JESUS takes a 7-sealed scroll from the Father. The scroll represents the title deed of the earth and the battle plan to judge, cleanse, and prepare the nations for JESUS’ rule over all the earth, while bringing the Church to a mature Bride who partners [with] HIM in the plan, (Rev 6-22).
Part 4: JESUS’ plan (Rev. 6-22) - -Includes Great Tribulation judgments against the Antichrist. JESUS reveals HIS main storyline of love to cleanse the earth of evil. HIS plan is seen in 5 chronological sections describing the main storyline of the 21 judgment events- (7 seals, 7 trumpets, and 7 bowls) that are released on the Antichrist’s empire in sequential order. The book (Revelation) opens with practical, ethical and spiritual advice to seven churches. It then contains [much] vivid symbolism to represent ideas and qualities, as GOD encourages the faithfulness of Christians and (warns) of the destruction of evil and unfaithfulness. ================================================== As the 1st century ( A.D.) came to an end John, Son of Zebedee, was an old man. He was also the only one of the Apostles still alive. In exile on Patmos, an island off the coast of Ephesus, John received the visions found in this book. The first audience was composed of seven churches in Asia That were probably founded during Paul’s missionary journeys. Rome’s policy of mandatory emperor worship led to the first Empire-wide persecution near the end of Domitian Caesar’s reign. This would explain John’s exile- and the mention of recent Martyrdom, dating this book- approx 90A.D. =Some things to review before studying Revelation= --Moses and the Pharaoh, {Exodus 6-14}. --THE KINSMAN REDEEMER -- {Deuteronomy 19:11,12; 25:5-10; Ruth 1-4}. The laws of Moses, תֹּורַת מֹשֶׁה Torat Moshe, also called the Mosaic Law - carried a [provision] for a young widow(s) with no family. The drama of Revelation begins with a search for an eligible Kinsman. It ends with that KINSMAN (marrying) HIS bride - JESUS uniting with HIS church. (adoption of the church into the Family of GOD) ! "Apokalypsis" ~ The lifting of the veil between heaven and earth and the revelation of GOD and HIS plan for the world. The first words of this book [identify] it as an APOCALYPSE. The word (revelation) means: to reveal something that has been Previously hidden. =PRACTICAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED In REVELATION= +How should we feel when the world is in turmoil?+ Revelation provides us with a ‘surprising answer’: We should be happy [BLESSED] ! (7)Times Revelation pronounces blessings for OUR benefit- 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14. +“What response should the church have when a worldly Government demands worship”?+ The Zealots, a sect of Judaism in the 1st. Century, taught that violent Revolution was necessary against an occupying pagan force. - However - The book of Revelation commands patience and faith, even when the freedom and lives of GOD’S people are threatened, 13:7-10. +”What is the point of human history”?+ In the beginning of human history, humankind tried to be like GOD And rebelled against HIM. As a result, we were cursed - losing access to the eternal life in GOD’S presence that HE intended us to have. At the end of human history, GOD’S work will be complete in JESUS. The curse will be removed, and we will again have full access to GOD, And to the tree of Life, 22:1-5. =Some key points to remember through REVELATION= The book of Revelation is [not] in chronological order. The seals are the long story, the trumpets are the short story, and the vials are the real short story. They are three vantage points of the end time. 1-2-3. You can view them in [comparison] with the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. We know this is true because the 6th and 7th seal, the 7th trumpet, and the 7th vial all record the same event-- -the second coming of JESUS CHRIST. Also (if) the kingdoms of [this] world become the kingdoms of GOD and HIS Christ in Revelation 11:15, (it would not make sense), for the Antichrist to begin his rule in Revelation 13. Understand? The Antichrist, and all it entails comes first ! Then comes, The Second Coming. 1.PRESENCE ( 1:1 - 11:19 ) JESUS Remains in the midst of HIS church, (3:20). 2.PERSECUTION (12:1 - 18:24 ) satan uses human leaders to Harass believers, (12:12). 3.PURPOSE ( 19:1 - 22:21 ) In the end, GOD will restore order In HIS world, ( 21:3 ). *The Book of Revelation consists of 404 verses which contain over 800 allusions to the Old Testament alone! Revelation is applicable to (ALL) congregations, But was [SPECIFICALLY] addressed to seven churches that John Ministered to in his final years,1:4-7. The term: “SEVEN SPIRITS” is a symbolic reference to The HOLY SPIRIT, with the number 7 implying Completeness. +Despite persecution, grace and peace could be theirs+ Through JESUS, “the Prince of the kings of the earth.” Psalm 89:27, Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a ‘type’ of CHRIST, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the HOLY GHOST without measure. Furthermore, JESUS was the [first] to be brought back to LIFE, (never to die again.) These are vital truths for the persecuted church to keep in mind when facing the threats of the Roman Government, then, and- - (even now.) +The promise of JESUS’ Return in these verses, Comes from the Old Testament messianic Passages Very familiar to the original audience, (Daniel 7:13; Zechariah 12:10).
=Joshua as a Model?=
It is interesting to notice the parallels in design between the Book of Joshua in the Old Testament and the Book of Revelation. Joshua's name is in Hebrew; in Greek, it could be rendered- [IESOUS] Ιησούς - (or) "Jesus" in English. Joshua's mission is to dispossess the [usurpers] from the Land on behalf of GOD’S people; in Revelation- JESUS' mission is to dispossess the Planet Earth of the [usurpers]. *(Usurper): a person who takes a position of power or importance illegally or by [force].
In the initial attack on the Amorite capital of Jericho, (every) (rule) of the Torah was violated: *the Levites were exempt from military duties, yet they [lead] the procession. *They were to do (no work) on Sabbath Day, yet here, they march around Jericho once a day for six days, and then seven times on the [seventh] day! *They are to keep silent until the final trumpet blast, etc. **It is interesting that the Seven Trumpets in Revelation are introduced after a strange [silence.]
The opposing kings align themselves under a leader who calls (himself) Adoni-Zedek ("The Lord of Righteousness"), who is ultimately defeated with signs in the sun and the moon at the battle of Beth Horon. The defeated kings hide in caves, etc. Familiar? Revelation 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
It seems that in Revelation we have the final "Joshua," [ JESUS CHRIST ]-- dispossessing the Planet Earth of its [usurpers] on behalf of GOD’S people in a parallel manner. (GOD uses patterns throughout the entire Bible) So why should this be ANY different !? JESUS [ IS ] - The KING of KINGS (and) The LORD of LORDS ! ! ! He is King of heaven—(Daniel 4:37).
He is King of the Jews—(Matthew 2:2).
He is King of Israel—(John 1:49).
He is King eternal—(1 Timothy 1:17).
He is King of glory—(Psalm 24:7).
He is King of the nations—(Revelation 15:3).
He is King of kings—(Revelation 19:16). ===================================== << Let’s get started >> Here WE go…… DOOM and GLOOM…! That’s what many people think of when this book is mentioned. Many Christians shy away from studying this because they think it Is too irreverent, or too complex to spend any time examining it. Understanding Prophecy gives followers of CHRIST ‘hope’ In an uncertain and chaotic world. These 7-letters affect ( us ) GREATLY. Each letter in one way or another - Is addressed to you and I. Knowing this, We ( all ) need to understand them, and to understand OUR PERSONAL DEFICIENCIES, so that we may (correct) these deficiencies while there is still time to do so. We all know deep down, exactly what we are lacking, as it pertains to our relationship with JESUS CHRIST - and we [all] need to attend to them. As stated earlier, the book of Acts covers roughly 30 years. GOD never leaves HIMSELF without a witness In the Scriptures. With that in mind, and knowing Acts Covers 30 years, wouldn’t it then be strange that GOD Would leave us with no comment about the remaining 19 centuries? In the 1st chapter, John sees the ascended and glorified JESUS CHRIST in heaven. In chapters 2-3, JESUS dictates seven letters to John for the church bodies In seven churches, in seven cities. Ergo, John [is] that witness between Acts & Revelation. Those letters represent periods that the church has gone Through, the past two millennia - They [also] represent the things that go on with all of ‘us’ The churches, ( ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις ‘us’ ) again ! The seven churches were laid out in the order from Pergamos in which they would be delivered, on foot. Which, incidentally - lays out the exact order in which JESUS dictates them to John. Rev. 1:7, Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. This is of course, speaking of The Second Coming of CHRIST. It is ( not ) the Harpazo - rapture. That is a seperate, and distinct event. The Church has a distinct role in prophecy, and will not be present on the earth when what is Being spoken of in ( 1:7 ) takes place. [We] Christians, return [with] HIM. Those that are witnessing HIS Return, that are upon the earth, are those who rejected MESSIAH, The non-Christians, the non-believers. Judgement is coming upon the earth. It is for this very reason that those who see HIM coming - Mourn and Wail. Revelation 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
Hosea 10:8
“The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us.” When the sixth seal was opened, there was a great earthquake. The foundations of churches and states would be terribly shaken. Such bold figurative descriptions of great changes abound in the prophecies of Scripture; for these events are emblems, and declare the end of the world and the day of judgment. Dread and terror would seize on all sorts of men. They would be glad to be no more seen. Though Christ be a Lamb, he can be angry, and the wrath of The LAMB is exceedingly dreadful; for [if] the REDEEMER HIMSELF, who appeases the wrath of GOD, be our enemy, where shall we find a friend to plead (for us)? As men have their day of opportunity, and their seasons of grace, so GOD has HIS day of righteous wrath. It seems that the overthrow of the paganism of is meant here . The idolaters are described as hiding themselves in their dens and secret caves, and vainly seeking to escape ruin. In such a day, when the signs of the times show those who believe in GOD’S word, that the KING of KINGS is approaching, Christians are [called] to a (decided course), and to a bold confession of CHRIST and HIS truth before their fellowmen, [Whatever] they may have to [endure] - our REDEEMER Liveth, wherefore believers liveth- eternally, rather than the (shame) and (contempt) of the deniers and non-believers, which is eternally everlasting. Revelation 1 - John the apostle sees the glorified CHRIST JESUS is standing among seven golden lampstands. In HIS hand, Jesus holds seven stars Revelation 1:13, 16. In verse 20 Jesus explains, “The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.” The meaning of the lampstands is plain. a lampstand is intended to give light. The people of GOD, both as individuals and as congregations, are to be bearers of light. JESUS told HIS followers that they were the “light of the world” Matthew 5:14.This then, is: The Church. CHRIST’S followers. The( word) (angel) here, represented as the ones addressed In each letter; To the [angel] of -- Is: ‘ angelos’. Generally meant as ‘messengers’ from GOD. They are likely [envoys] of John’s - delivering these letter to the churches. It is (less) likely they would be actual angels. (Why would John, write letters to angels?) This is probably the best interpretation, that the seven angels are the human leaders —the bishops, elders, or pastors—in the churches. JESUS used the apostle John to write messages addressed to seven notable church leaders, and these leaders would then share the messages with the rest of the church. As you study through each letter, You will notice that, JESUS offers admonitions that (should) be taken seriously. Each church has a personal application. Each church has a different perception of themselves, Versus what The LORD HIMSELF has. Our job is to keep trusting HIM and following HIM. ============================================ =Our Report Cards=
Rev. 2:1-7; “Ephesus”-- -Remember devotion, not just doctrine- (Doing things by the book)
*The Good: Church Discipline, Faithful, Good Works, Hatred of Evil, Patience, Sound Doctrine.
*The Bad: Backsliding, Loss of Love.
*The Promises to Those that Persevere: Food from the Tree of life.
*Relation to Today’s Church: Sound but lacking Spirit. Key Passage: Revelation 2:2–3 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
Rev. 2:8-11; “Smyrna”-- -Endure persecution- (Disguised as the poor church) *The Good: Treasures in Heaven, Strong in Spirit.
*The Bad: Lacking Admonishment to the members.
*The Promise to Those that Persevere: A crown of life.
*Relation to Today’s Church: The persecuted church throughout the world. Key Passage: Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev. 2:12-17; “Pergamos”-- -Purify ambassadors- (Living in the midst of evil) *The Good: Unwavering even when surrounded by evil.
*The Bad: No resistance to corrupt doctrines.
*The Promises to Those that Persevere: A new name, Food and Other blessings.
*Relation to Today’s Church: Churches that endorse and promote political agendas or secular practices that are against what the Bible teaches as truth. Key Passage: Revelation 2:13–14 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. Rev. 2:18-29; “Thyatira”-- Reject pagan practices- (Evil, false teachers ) *The Good: Great in love, Servant-hearted, Much faith and Patience.
*The Bad: Very little or no discipline, No resistance to corrupt leadership.
*The Promise to Those that Persevere: Jurisdiction to rule the nations.
*Relation to Today’s Church: Evolution of Cults. Key Passage: Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Rev. 3:1-6 “Sardis”-- Keep watchful and diligent- (The vanishing church ) *The Good: No Applause for the church at large but some for the very few who remain pure.
*The Bad: Too much formality, Spiritually dead, Very inactive.
*The Promises to Those that Persevere: Recognition in Heaven, Eternal Life.
*Relation to Today’s Church: Strict and Formal. Key Passage: Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Rev. 3:7-13 “Philadelphia”-- -Engage in missionary outreach- (Small and devoted- Missionary church) *The Good: Good testimony, True to God’s Word
*The Bad: None
*The Promise to Those that Persevere: Backbone of the Spiritual Church though they are few
*Relation to Today’s Church: Sincere Spiritual church (the model of the true church); Brave and bold to share CHRIST. Key Passage: Revelation 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Rev. 3:14-22; “Laodicea”-- -Reject compromise- (Neither hot nor cold - ‘fence sitters’ )
*The Good: None.
*The Bad: Spiritually arrogant, Spiritually blind, Spiritually underdeveloped, Spiritually depressed.
*The Promise to Those that Persevere: Fellowship with Jesus on His throne;
*Relation to Today’s Church: Popular, All about the show, Secular, Worldly. Key Passage: Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 3:19 -
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Notice- (Smyrna and Philadelphia have no criticism). =(7) specific parts= As you study each letter, we should recognize That each letter has specific parts. 1.Addressee. 2.Title(s) for JESUS 3.Condemnation or good news 4.Criticism or bad news 5.Exhortation and admonishment 6.”He that hath an ear” 7.Promise to the overcomer As you study these letters- Remember that they were written 2-millennia ago. YET~ These letters represent us ALL, PERSONALLY. ============================ I want to draw Your attention to something… After studying the 7 letters, we know that They pertain in some way to us ALL - Knowing this now, Reflect on this next part. . . Are you prepared to meet JESUS CHRIST? I hope your ready, or [are] preparing earnestly- Because you (will) meet HIM, ready or not. There is an 800 year old Cathedral in Lubeck, Germany - with an inscription written on it. It is ‘eye-opening’ if nothing else and, ((I think that it makes a valid point..))
It is inscribed as follows -- THUS Speaketh CHRIST our LORD to us: Ye call Me Master and obey Me not. Ye call Me Light and see Me not.
Ye call Me (the) Way and follow Me not. Ye call Me Life and choose Me not. Ye call Me Wise and Follow Me not.
Ye call Me Fair and Love Me not. Ye call Me Rich and ask Me not. Ye call Me Eternal and seek Me not. Ye call Me Noble and serve Me not.
Ye call Me Gracious and trust Me not.
Ye call Me Might and honor Me not. Ye call me Just and fear me not. If I condemn you, blame Me not. The church is warned about sin and exhorted to holiness. Revelation's primary theological contribution is to eschatology, i.e., the doctrine of last things. There are many other rich theological themes, that find expression in Revelation. -The final political setup of the world;
-The last battle of human history;
-The career and ultimate defeat of Antichrist;
-CHRIST’S 1000 year earthly kingdom;
-The glories of heaven and the eternal state; and
-The final state of the wicked and the righteous. -!- "Reveille" -!- --Wake up -- Awaken-- =Revelation 4:1 "After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter." The “trumpet” signifies an [authoritative] voice. This will be the trumpet of ‘assembly’ - (the silver trumpet of redemption). (In Matthew 24:31), "four" means the entire world, as in: the 4 corners. It is noted slightly different in Mark. Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. This "sound of a Trumpet" could be a literal trumpet blowing, or it could be the voice of our LORD sounding like a trumpet. This is the last chronological mention of silver in the Bible. From the point of Redemption onward - gold is mentioned in heaven. Metal in the Bible (all) has specific significance. Iron is ‘bondage’ - Brass is ‘judgement’ - Silver is Redemption - Gold is Kings and Kingdoms. (See, Numbers 1:1-10) Silver" means assembly, or to, or to be- assembled. It also has a redemptive value. the metal silver is closely associated with the subject of redemption. { An Assembly of Redemption } - {Gathering and atoning} JESUS’S blood [IS] an Assembly of Redemption ! You’ll find silver being used the (same way) throughout the Bible- Redemptively. In: Gen. 45:21; Ex. 30:12-16; Num. 18:15-16; Gen. 24:53; Ex. 26:19; Ex. 26:21; Ex. 26:25; Ex. 26:32; Just as the boards of the tabernacle were founded upon sockets of silver, the church of the LORD JESUS CHRIST is founded upon the redemptive work of JESUS CHRIST: Rom. 3:24; Rom. 8:23; 1 Cor. 1:30; Gal. 3:13; Gal 4:5; Eph 1:7; Eph. 1:14; Eph. 4:30; Titus 2:14; Heb. 9:12; Heb. 9:15; 1 Pet. 1:18; Rev. 5:9. Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." The trumpets that were blown in the Old Testament were of ( silver. ) The gospel declared by the witnesses prepared of JESUS CHRIST are to testify of the redemption of GOD’S people through the redemptive blood of Christ. This [gathering together] of HIS elect is what is commonly referred to as the ‘rapture’ of the church. HIS church has no denomination. It is "all" who truly believe in the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
1 Corinthians "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
JESUS has been speaking in the previous chapter directly. Now we hear from John about the things he saw. This is after JESUS finishes HIS messages to the seven churches.
We will see the number "seven" throughout Revelation. Seven means "spiritually complete". The voice that John heard was like a trumpet. This is a powerful voice; it gives a true sound. This voice is talking to [us], as well as [John].
The voice said, "come up hither" to John, but is always saying to us, "come up hither". Get your mind off the things of this world and look heavenward. The call of JESUS has always been "come". In John 1:39, JESUS says the same, “Come, and see..” In this specific sentence, HE tells John "come up hither"--- then adds why.
JESUS, the voice, says, "I will show thee things which must be hereafter." John will be shown a look into the (future). John could have had a (vision) of this, or he could have been [transported] into heaven for a moment in time to see all of this. We do know that viewing something from the earth- -makes us see just the here and now... However, from a heavenly point of view- we can see yesterday and tomorrow.
Notice that these things of the hereafter must be. {Why must they be?} Because GOD has ordered it from the beginning of the world and GOD never changes. We must change to fit HIS plan, not the other way around. Chapter 4 Verses 2-5: “In the spirit”: John sees GOD the FATHER sitting on HIS “throne” in “heaven”, compare (verse 8). The gems and the “rainbow” show the glory of GOD (compare Ezek. 1:22-28). The 24 “elders” probably represent the raptured church in heaven. Their “seats” or thrones show a reward of authority in the millennial kingdom (compare 20:4), and their “crowns” (Greek stephanos), are crowns of reward from the judgment seat of CHRIST (compare Rom. 14:10; 1 Cor. 3:12-15; 2 Cor. 5:10). The “white raiment” shows their righteousness, which has now been judged and purified. The number “four and twenty”, represents the church- as priests before GOD. David divided the Levitical priesthood into 24 sections (1 Chron. 24:7-19). Believers are seen here as a kingdom of priests- -(compare 1:6). The “seven lamps” or “seven spirits” again symbolize the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD (compare 1:4). ================================ ================================
=Revelation 4:2 "And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne."
John was already in the Spirit we know from a previous lesson, but this means a deeper experience in the Spirit. (A double dose of the Spirit, you might say.)
“Throne”: Not so much a piece of furniture, but a symbol of sovereign rule and authority (7:15; 11:19; 16:17-18; compare Isa. 6:1). It is the focus (of chapter 4), occurring 13 times, 11 times referring to GOD’S throne.
John was changed or transported, instantly. The word ("one") does literally mean "one" but, I believe it means the unity of the trinity.
(1) GOD the FATHER;
(2) GOD the Son or GOD the Word;
(3) GOD the HOLY SPIRIT.
The word ["sat"] is indicative that the work is [complete]. =Revelation 5:2 "And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?" =Revelation 5:3 "And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon." The question is, "Who has the right to judge the world?" That is to reveal what is hidden in the scroll and to execute what is written. No man, literally "no one" could be found among mankind or angels who had the authority to remove the "seals", and read the scroll.
=Revelation 5:4 "And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon."
John began to cry because it seemed that there was no one to open this book. In fact, these unworthy men were even kept from looking at the book.
Verses 5-7: CHRIST is presented both as a “Lion” (Ruler), from the “tribe of Judah” (compare Gen. 49:10), and as a “Lamb” (Redeemer; compare Isa. 53:7; John 1:29). The “Root of David” shows a messianic connection with the Davidic covenant (compare 2 Sam. 7:16; Isa. 11:1), and CHRIST’S right to the throne of Israel. The vision of CHRIST here brings together the twofold aspect of HIS first and second comings, HIS work as Savior and as Sovereign. CHRIST has the right to judge, possess, and rule the earth because of HIS submission to the death of the Cross, Phil. 2:8-11. =Revelation 5:5 "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." (( JESUS )) !! =Revelation 5:6 "And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth." =In the “midst” of the Elders= Where would the Lamb, JESUS, be but in the midst? HE was in the midst of the church. Here we see HIM as the perfect Lamb sacrifice. Everything that HE is surrounded by is significant to HIS church. JESUS is the central figure in all of this. "A lamb, looking as if it had been slain." The scars from its slaughter are still clearly visible, but it is standing, it is alive. “HE” is Alive ! The "seven horns" indicate that all power belongs to HIM indicating that the Lamb is not weak. A horn, as Scripture indicates is [power] (see Zech. 1:18). When CHRIST came the first time, as a Lamb, though HE displayed certain powers, HE did not manifest all HIS power. When HE comes the next time, as a Lion, at HIS Glorious Appearing, it will be in the manifestation of HIS Omnipotence, HIS all consuming power.
Matthew 28:18 "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." This statement is printed in [red] which means JESUS HIMSELF spoke these words. This was spoken after HIS resurrection. The "seven eyes" -- means that HE possesses all wisdom and understanding. "Seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of GOD sent out into all the earth." These eyes speak of the judgment of our LORD, including the seven characteristics of the HOLY SPIRIT that rests on HIM without measure. Isaiah 11:2; John 3:34. The Seven Spirits of GOD. The seven Spirits do not mean seven different Spirits, but the seven characteristics of the One HOLY SPIRIT.
These characteristics are not limited to HIS role in heaven, HIS role during the Tribulation, or HIS role during the Church Age, but are an eternal part of the HOLY SPIRIT . Therefore, when we are filled with the HOLY SPIRIT, in addition to the fruit of the Spirit found in Gal. 5:22, we should expect to manifest these characteristics:
1. The Spirit of the Lord;
2. The Spirit of wisdom;
3. The Spirit of understanding;
4. The Spirit of counsel;
5. The Spirit of power;
6. The Spirit of knowledge;
7. The Spirit of the fear of the Lord.
The "seven spirits of GOD", just means that all the Spirits of GOD dwell in HIM. HE has all the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in HIM. “ ALL “ !!! ======================================== =Revelation 5:8 "And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints." “Harps”: accompanied the songs of GOD’S people 1 Chron. 25:6; Psalm 33:2, and they accompany prophecy, 1 Sam. 10:5. “Vials full of odors”: Symbolize the people’s prayers rising to HIM. “Prayers of the saints”: Specifically, these prayers represent all that the redeemed have ever prayed concerning ultimate and final redemption.
=Revelation 5:10 "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." Christians will reign with Jesus 1000 years on the earth as subordinates to JESUS. Just as there were priests with a high priest over them, our ruling will be under HIS rule. “ We shall reign on the earth.” Together the Christians, who were saved before the Tribulation, along with the saints saved out of the Tribulation will "rule and reign" during CHRIST’S one thousand-year kingdom. =Revelation 5:11 "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;"
“Ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands”: The number is to express an amount beyond calculation. The Greek expression can also be translated “innumerable” or “many thousands” Luke 12:1; Heb. 12:22.
This number is [not] a literal number- It just means a number too large to count. There is a very large company of ministering spirits, angels. The voice had to be ‘loud’ to be such a multitude! =Revelation 5:12 "Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing."
“Power … blessing”: This doxology records 7 qualities intrinsic to GOD and to the Lamb that demand our praise. his huge gathering was all saying the same thing. It was total adoration and recognition of JESUS of who and what HE was, and is. {Doxology: a liturgical formula of praise to GOD.} =Revelation 5:13 "And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."
JESUS created [everything] and [everyone]. This means that trees, animals, fish, fowl, and [all] living beings, animals and people, [all] cried out blessings to GOD ! ====================================== =AN UNREPENTANT WORLD= Tribulation - Verses 6:1 - 19:21: This lengthy section details the judgments and events of the time of tribulation. It is the beginning of CHRIST’S judgment of unbelievers on the earth during the Tribulation period- denoting a period of trial, trouble and testing that will soon come to all mankind before the arrival of CHRIST to rule the world. From its beginning with the opening of the first seal (verses 1-2), through the 7 seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments to the return of CHRIST It outlines GOD’S plan to destroy the ungodly (19:11-21). =Revelation 6:1 "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see." "Come and see" We are invited to look into the heavenly stage and see things [never] told upon the earth until now. We will see in the [opening] of this (first seal), the triumph of CHRIST and HIS church. Another aspect of an Old Testament Redeemer was to be An avenger of blood. Deuteronomy 19:6. If, for instance- a woman is widowed due to ‘foul play’ Before marrying his redeemed bride, the redeemer would Bring the murderer to justice so he could no longer cause harm.
In the case of humankind - the work of the devil and his Cohorts, have to be taken care of. This (WILL BE) Accomplished by THE REDEEMER. OUR KINSMAN REDEEMER, JESUS CHRIST !
-This part begins what is called- "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse". The four horsemen present the picture of man's inhumanity to man. They seem to be a divine prediction of the affairs of humankind that will cause much human suffering. This is not new, for those in control of the affairs of this world have a history of causing their fellow human beings much suffering, with false hopes of peace followed by wars, famines, and death.
One of the worst horrors of the Tribulation is the many plagues that will strike the world's people, particularly those who reject the SAVIOR and refuse to have their name written in the Lamb's Book of Life. The judgments begin with the ( 7 ) seals. =Revelation 6:2 "And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer."
The First Seal: Initiates the worldwide conquest by the false messiah, ((the Antichrist)) (compare Matt. 24:5). This horseman is [not] the same as the one described (in Rev. 19:11)- which is CHRIST at HIS second coming. *Again, the 1st horseman on the white horse, IS NOT JESUS CHRIST ! Many, many, people confuse this. Antichrist comes first - JESUS CHRIST comes AFTER this rider.
"A White Horse": The first of the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse is white. The rider has a bow but [no] arrows, indicating that although he is militarily strong, in the beginning he does his conquering by diplomacy. -( A bloodless coup.. )- Since he wears a crown, we know he is successful in his efforts. And who is the rider on the white horse? There can be no doubt that it is the “spirit” of the Antichrist, who through [deceit] and clever maneuvering will bring (a false peace to the world.) But that peace will not last.
[The animal] represents an unparalleled time of world peace, ( his white color ); a false peace that is to be short-lived... =Revelation 6:3 "And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see." This [red] horse means war. This war could be twofold in nature. There is a constant attack of the devil and his demons on Christians, This red horse (in my opinion), indicates a large-scale war. =Revelation 6:4 "And there went out another horse [that was] red: and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword."
Its blood-red appearance speaks of the holocaust of war (compare Matt. 24:7). GOD will grant this horse and its rider the power to create worldwide war. But as horrible as this judgment is, it will be (only) the "birth pangs", the beginning pains of GOD’S wrath, (Matt. 24:8; Mark 13:7-8; Luke 21:9). This seal represents a great conflict likely, World War III. When Daniel's "three kings" oppose the Antichrist, he will respond in deadly fashion, swiftly crushing his enemies and bringing death to earth on a massive scale [never] before known. We read in (Zechariah) about these four horses, and we can easily see what it is because the Bible tells us.
Zechariah 6:1 "And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains [were] mountains of brass."
"Brass" means judgment. This this is a [universal] message.
Zechariah 6:2-3 "In the first chariot [were] red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;" "And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grizzled and bay horses."
To understand the entire message, you need to (read chapters 1 and 6 of Zechariah).
Zechariah 6:4 "Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What [are] these, my lord?"
When Zechariah asked the angel what this meant, Here is the answer he got...
Zechariah 6:5 "And the angel answered and said unto me, these [are] the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth."
We see again the spirit of war in this red horse. =Revelation 6:5 "And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand."
The Third Seal: "A black horse": Black signifies famine (compare Lam. 5:8-10). Worldwide war will destroy the food supply which spawns global hunger; "Pair of balances": The common measuring device, two small trays hung from each end of a balance beam, indicates that the scarcity of food will lead to rationing, rioting and food lines. =Revelation 6:6 "And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine".
"A measure of wheat": The approximate amount necessary to (barely) sustain [one] person for [one] day.
"For a penny": One day's normal wage. One day's work will provide enough food for only [one] person. This inflation will result in its worst possible conclusion. When inflation is coupled with famine, we see a situation more horrible than we care to imagine. Famine & Disease will be walk hand in hand. *I cannot stress enough, that this famine may not be physical (only)- but spiritual, as well. During this time, it stands to reason that many churches will teach false doctrines. (yes, moreso then now..) The third horseman of the Apocalypse, who rides out (early) in the Tribulation- will take a heavy toll in deaths and sickness. The black horse is an obvious symbol of famine and disease, which often follow war.
This could be a message of hard times for (all) of mankind. "black" symbolizes:
1. Woe
2. Mourning
3. Terrible times
4. Famine, physical or spiritual
5. Death Five – Death
In the scriptures, the number five is often associated with the subject of death. For instance, in the fifth chapter of Genesis (sometimes known as the obituary column of the bible) in the fifth verse after Adam's name was mentioned five times we are told that he died. All but five individuals in chapter five have their names mentioned exactly five times followed by the statement "and he died." Enoch was mentioned six times but he was translated that he should not see death. The lives of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth extended beyond the flood and their deaths are not recorded until later in the scriptures. In addition, in 2nd Samuel several individuals were pierced under the fifth rib and subsequently died. Furthermore, in the book of Revelation, John recorded that when the fifth seal was loosed he saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of GOD and the testimony they held.
There are five deaths mentioned in the scriptures: death of the body; second or eternal death; death in trespasses and sins; death to fellowship; and dead to sin. The one who has the power of death, Satan, has his name, Satan mentioned fifty five times in the scriptures. The desires of Satan are set forth for us as five "I wills" in Isaiah, chapter 14.
The pride of the flesh that is dead in trespasses and sins is illustrated in the five "I's" of the Pharisee. The excuses of the flesh nature is set forth in the five "I's" of Adam.
Next, there is a five-part covenant, sometimes called the covenant of redemption or covenant of grace, which shows forth GOD’S remedy for death thru the death of his Son.
JESUS, whom GOD made to be sin for us, suffered five puncture wounds through his body as he suffered and died for the elect.
The persecutions of those dead in trespasses and sins against the gospel ministry are manifest against Paul as five times he received forty stripes save one for preaching the gospel.
=Revelation 6:7 "And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see."
"Come and see": This is a phrase often used by the Jews, to stir up attention to what is about to be said.
=Revelation 6:8 "And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the (beasts) of the earth."
The Fourth Seal; "A Pale Horse" Or green, the Greek word from which the English word "chlorophyll' comes, describes the pale, ashen-green, pallor characteristic of the decomposition of a corpse. GOD grants this horseman the authority to bring death to MUCH of the world's population.
"Hell": Or hades, the abode of the dead, which is identified as a common and fitting partner for death. John [says] the rider who sat on this horse "was Death, and Hell followed with him. =Revelation 6:9 "And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:" "Fifth seal": This seal describes the force of the saint's prayers for GOD’S vengeance. When the fifth seal is broken, John sees "under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held." Christians martyred for their faith compare 7:9, 13-15; 17:6; Matt. 24:9-14; see also Mark 13:9-13; Luke 21:12-19. Shortly after the beginning of the Tribulation- there will be a great "soul harvest" in which many millions will come to faith in CHRIST, many as a result of the preaching of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses described (in Rev. chapter 7). Understand that GOD is very much so in control of earthly events that even the number of believing martyrs has been fixed by divine decree. =Revelation 6:10 "And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" These souls were waiting for the Judge of all the earth to interrupt the evil of the devil and his persecution of the saints who remained there. Their cry was the same, in a sense, as the Christians who say, come quickly LORD JESUS.
This is not a reprimand of the LORD, but just a pleading for it to all be over. These souls are not looking for vengeance, but are crying out for the LORD to end all of it and set up HIS kingdom. Who better can sympathize with our generation of martyrs than the martyrs of the past? =Revelation 6:11 "And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled."
These are the ones who were martyred during the tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. White robes are issued to [all] believers in the LORD JESUS. Revelation 7:1 "And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree." *The four winds is a figurative expression, indicating all the earth's winds, those from south, east, north and west. These 4 angels will turn off, for a brief interlude, the essential engine of our earth's atmosphere. The wrath is held back until those who must be sealed are sealed. =Revelation 7:2 "And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea," GOD has always had a remnant of physical Israel.
GOD told Elijah that there were 7000 -who had not bowed the knee to Baal. This is repeated again in Romans 11:4. This angel comes from the east. This is the same location from which the light comes. This angel has authority over these four angels. ( It may be The Archangel, it may be CHRIST ) - the Bible is unclear. =Revelation 7:3 "Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." ============================================= GOD’S People will Be Preserved… Nothing was to be injured until the angel should designate the true servants of GOD. In future (near) days, when the seal of the Antichrist signifies death or life, (Satan) will have marked his followers, but GOD’S witnesses will be sealed as well, with the name of the FATHER "in their foreheads". =Revelation 7:4 "And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed a hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel."
This is a missionary corps of [redeemed] Jews who are instrumental in the salvation of many Jews and Gentiles during the Tribulation (verses 9-17). They will be the firstfruits of a new redeemed Israel (Zech. 12:10). Finally, Israel (will be) the witness nation she refused to be in the Old Testament. "All the tribes of the children of Israel": By sovereign election, GOD will seal 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes, promising HIS protection while they accomplish their mission. *Some scholars argue that the 144,000 evangelists aren't necessarily Jews? But a reading of Rev. 7:4-8, (tells us they are wrong) ! These verses go on to identify (WHERE) the "tribes" that each of the 12,000 comes from.
=Revelation 7:5-8 "Of the tribe of Judah [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad [were] sealed twelve thousand." "Of the tribe of Asher [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Naphtali [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasseh [were] sealed twelve thousand." "Of the tribe of Simeon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar [were] sealed twelve thousand." "Of the tribe of Zebulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand".
Most Jews alive today (do not know) which tribe they come from... - But GOD does! From this list of 12 names both Dan and Ephraim are omitted. Dan was omitted because of the evil in his life. On the other hand, Levi, Joseph, and Manasseh help to make up the twelve. Levi was not listed- because he received no land. He was of (the priestly tribe) which inherited no land. { GOD chooses whom HE will } Revelation 7:9 "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;"
While the tribulation period will be a time of judgment, it will [also] be a time of unprecedented redemption.
"And palms": In ancient times, these were associated with celebrations, including the Feast of Booths, or Tabernacles. -These are obviously the believers in JESUS CHRIST -who have been washed (clean) in the blood of the LAMB -and raptured into heaven [prior] to the Tribulation. “SALVATION “ ! (deliverance from sin and its consequences..) =7:10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. Salvation is the theme of their worship - recognizing that it comes [solely] from HIM. Our salvation is a free gift through Grace. JESUS deserves all the credit. HE purchased our salvation with HIS precious blood. We did NOTHING on our own..We cannot take credit for our salvation. --TRIBULATION SAINTS-- =7:13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? This elder is certainly representative of the church. He already knows who these are. He asks this question to teach those who do not understand who these are. Christians will know tribulation, but will be saved from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 1:10 "And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come."
*I believe this rapture, or catching away of the Church- occurs before these seven years* =7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. These people (didn't go) with the raptured church, since they were not yet saved. During this 7 year period, they will be saved, martyred and enter heaven. "Washed their robes" (compare 19:8). Salvation's cleansing is in view. see Titus 2:11-14.
"Blood of the Lamb": This refers to the atoning sacrifice of Christ. see 1:5; 5:9; Rom. 3:24-25; 5:9. =7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
“HIS temple” - A heavenly throne.. During the Millennium, there will also be a temple on earth, a special holy place where GOD dwells in a partially restored, but still fallen, universe. see Ezekiel chapters 40-48. "Shall dwell among them": GOD’S presence will become their canopy of shelter to [protect] them from all the terrors of a fallen world- and the indescribable horrors they will experience on the earth during the time of tribulation. =Revelation 7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. Isaiah 49:10 - "They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them."
(Both of these remind us of the 23rd Psalm. JESUS is the Shepherd. HE sees to the needs of HIS flock.
JESUS is the Light, and there will be no need for the sun or the moon. There will be a presence of Light. =Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes" The tears are not just wiped away, they are wiped completely away so that nothing is left but joy and abundant life in Christ 21:3-4. *Immediately (after) the great tribulation, it will become BLACK. No sun. No moon. No starshine - NOTHING. THEN -- The world [will] see the Return of The SON of MAN- JESUS CHRIST, And the earth, that is- it’s human-kind inhabitants, Demons, fallen angels, the devil, [Will] mourn and wail. Why? Because they are an unrepentant world About to be JUDGED. It WILL be BLACK, everywhere. Not ( just ) an absence of light -- but, BLACK. As in,Sin & NO LIGHT, NO PRESENCE of GOD. Until HE becomes Visible. The entire ‘earth’-- WILL SEE HIM RETURNING. No CNN, no Fox-news, No Satellite coverage needed. HE WILL BE THEE ONLY LIGHT PRESENTED. The world, “ WILL” See HIM Coming ! Even the DEAD, will see HIM coming, Period.
================================================== =Revelation 8:1 ~ "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour." “The Seventh Seal”: This seal includes not only an earthquake, but the 7 trumpet judgments - 7 vial judgments - (( in rapid succession ))- At the 1st. Seal being broken, there was Thunder… -- NOW …………….. There [is] SILENCE. “SILENCE IN HEAVEN”: The silence of awe - and anticipation at the grim reality of the judgments, GOD is about to unleash.
The revelation by, and of, JESUS CHRIST - to the angelic hosts concerning, what is about to fall on the earth….. =Revelation 8:2 "And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets." The seven trumpets are the “contents” of the seventh seal judgments. When the first angel sounds his trumpet, the world experiences “hail and fire mixed with blood” - (Revelation 8:7). This judgment is similar to the seventh plague in Egypt, Exodus 9:23–24.
The “first” causes the destruction of most of the vegetation on the earth. (compare Exodus 9:13-25). The First Trumpet: Hail, Fire and Blood. Ice and fire rain from the sky, burning up a third of all the earth's trees and all of its grass. "Blood" arrives with the hail and fire, as the prophet (Joel) had predicted:
Joel 2:30 "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke". And this is only the first trumpet! See, Exodus 9:24 - except - That time, it pertains to Egypt. This time- it is Earth-wide. The most important thing to remember is, that this wrath of GOD, falls on the UNBELIEVERS. “Seven trumpets”: The trumpets are of greater intensity than the seals, but not as destructive as the final vial or bowl judgments will be. (compare 16:1-21). They occur during the final 3-1/2 years, but the time of each is indefinite, [except] the effects of the fifth trumpet judgment, which will last 5 months, Rev.9:10. The first (4) announce the divine destruction of earth’s ecology (verses 6-12), while the final 3 involve demonic devastation of earth’s inhabitants, 9:1-21; 11:15. These "angels" are ready and prepared to carry out GOD’S orders. These "seven trumpets" are to sound the alarm. Trumpets are loud and send out a clear note. There will be no question of the message. The trumpet throughout the Bible is used for two specific purposes:
1: To assemble the people for worship;
2: To assemble the people for war. At any rate, this is to alarm and prepare.
This should encourage the Christians. It means judgment to the apostate and worldly. The Wrath of GOD is here - And about to get VERY REAL… In the first period of the Tribulation, the earth has known the wrath of the Antichrist; now it will begin to feel the wrath of GOD ALMIGHTY. =Revelation 8:3 "And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne."
“Golden censer”: A golden pan, suspended on a rope or chain, that was used to transport fiery coals from the brazen altar to the altar of incense, in order to ignite the incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people (5:8; Exodus 27:3; Luke 1:8-9). This occurred twice daily at the time of the morning and evening sacrifices. The answer to these prayers is the Seven Trumpets and Seven Golden Vials. =Revelation 8:4 "And the smoke of the incense, [which came] with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand."
The Bible speaks of this as a sweet smelling savor, Ezra 6:10. The "angel" was the [messenger] who carried the prayers. “That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.”
=Revelation 8:5"And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast [it] into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake." “Thunderings … lightnings”: The thunderclaps, lightnings, and earthquake are the result of the fire from the altar, indicating that the action in heaven initiates a responsive action on earth. As the prayers for the saints for vengeance are taken from the altar, there are frightening sounds, flashes of light, and an earthquake on the earth, introducing the fact that the seven angels- are about to sound their trumpets.
Fire from the altar of burnt offering means that GOD accepted the prayers of the saints. This "fire taken from the altar and cast to the earth"- - is the fury of GOD. Our GOD is a consuming fire. GOD is angry, and HE has decided it is time to punish those on the earth who have rejected JESUS CHRIST as their SAVIOR. Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: *If we turn our backs on the voice of the HOLY SPIRIT- we begin to silence HIS convictions and eventually we cannot hear HIS convicting power. This effectively blocks the working of GOD in our lives because we have reached a point where we are unable to respond to the promptings of the HOLY SPIRIT. (The rejection of MESSIAH, is [one] such Blasphemy.
Just as GOD finally destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah when they would not repent, there is a time when the fire of GOD will descend upon this earth in punishment. Are the Trumpet Judgments Literal Judgments? Found in Exodus 7-11, (5) of the plagues of Egypt are repeated in the book of Revelation. The trumpet judgments introduce physical judgment on the earth. The only exceptions are those trumpets that introduce events beyond human understanding, and even they affect human beings physically. ===================================== =Revelation 8:6 "And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound." Evidently in succession, The way is now prepared for the sounding of the trumpets. The prayers of the Saints have been offered- The censer of coals has been cast to the earth The fearful commotions and changes about to take place will be indicative of that. The last seal is opened; heaven stands in suspense to know what is to be disclosed… =Revelation 8:7 "The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up." The “first” trumpet brings literal fire and hail. To make matters even worse, John adds that "blood" arrives with the hail and fire, as the prophet Joel had predicted:
Joel 2:30 "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke". (Also, compare Exodus 9:13-25). ((And this is only the first trumpet!)) *Volcanoes?? Is it possible that this is an ecological disaster without parallel to this point in the history of mankind? If so, its results will be incalculable. *Some religions, or people, even Clergy will tell you, that GOD never gets angry. These ‘people’ truly need to study the Bible. This is RIGHTEOUS ANGER. This is PUNISHMENT from GOD. The devil is not doing this. It is done on orders from GOD. Another place where this strange phenomenon of fire and hail mixed together falling is in Exodus.
Exodus 9:24 "So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation."
Both were punishments from GOD. The difference is, that this one in Exodus was localized. The one in Revelation is wide spread. One thing very important to remember is that the wrath of God falls on THOSE of UNBELIEF.
Ezekiel 38:22 And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that [are] with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone." The GOD of the Old Testament ~ Is the GOD of the New Testament, HE changes, not. 1 Corinthians 12:6- And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. =Revelation 8:8 "And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;"
*Affecting evaporative properties of the atmosphere?? Effecting satan and his demon/angel cronies as well. Who is the prince of the power and the air? This judgement affects [them] too. “As it were a great mountain”: Probably a huge meteor or asteroid surrounded by gases that will ignite as it enters earth’s atmosphere. Its impact will create a tidal wave, destroying one-third of the world’s ships.
“Sea became blood”: This (may) refer to an event known as red tides, caused by billions of dead micro-organisms poisoning the water, in (this case) the result of the meteor’s collision. [ Or ] it may be actual blood, a clear act of eschatological judgment. The Second Trumpet: A Mountain of Fire. As in Sodom and Gomorrah Gen. chapter 19. John sees something like “a great mountain burning with fire". The world's people are affected by diseases related to insufficient and contaminated water. Think of the plagues that will be spread when the water supply turns bitter, then to blood in the "great and terrible Day of the LORD. *According to Hal Lindsey (The author of the book "The Late Great Planet Earth"), he thinks this will be a nuclear holocaust. He states that in a nuclear detonation, humidity in the air is instantly compressed into water and driven straight up into the freezing temperatures of the upper stratosphere. It then is instantly frozen and falls back to earth as giant chunks of ice. This he states would account for the fire, blood and ice, and that with enough of the various third world countries who now have nuclear capabilities- It makes this certainly a possibility. =Revelation 8:9 "And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed." Verses 10-11: The “third” trumpet makes a “third” of all freshwater “bitter”, resulting in widespread death. “Wormwood (Greek apsinthos, literally “undrinkable”), was a bitter herb (compare Deut. 29:18; Prov. 5:4), that would make the water of the earth unfit for human consumption.
=Revelation 8:10 "And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;" Why would such a weapon be fired into the ocean?
The Third Trumpet: A Star Called- ‘Wormwood’. This (could be) that when the third angel blows his trumpet, another meteorite crashes to earth, "burning like a torch." It does not fall on the sea but on a third of the earth's rivers and springs, turning them "bitter" and poisonous. As a result of this plague, "many men" die.
"Now this will be the plague with which the LORD will strike all the peoples who have gone to war against Jerusalem; their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, and their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongue will rot in their mouth" (Zech. 14:12). Zechariah 14:12
“And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.”
*Another nuclear explosion? Perhaps the most terrifying revelation is that mankind and his own inventions-- cause much of the global holocaust? =Revelation 8:11 "And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter."
“Wormwood”: A bitter, poisonous substance, derived from a root, that causes drunkenness and eventually death- (Deut. 29:18; Prov. 5:4; Jer. 9:15; Lam. 3:15). =Revelation 8:12 "And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise."
“The “fourth” trumpet takes away a “third” of the light from the heavens during both “day” and “night”. The light arriving from the “sun, stars”, and “moon” is reduced, leading to fear, lack of crop production, and a much lower quality of life. (compare Matt. 24:29; Luke 21:25).
“A third part of the sun … smitten”: GOD [will] supernaturally reduce the intensity of the celestial bodies by one-third. The loss of solar heat will cause a radical drop in temperature, producing severe changes in meteorological, botanical and biological cycles (Luke 21:25; compare Exodus 10:21-23). The Fourth Trumpet: Darkness Descends. All life on this earth depends on the sun:
If it were to explode, the earth would incinerate; if it were to go cold, the earth would freeze solid. Neither of those extremes is in view with the 4th trumpet judgment, but in some way GOD does reduce by a third the amount of radiant energy reaching earth from the sun and all other celestial bodies. John writes, "A third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened; a third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night."
Joel 2:10 The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:
Joel 3:15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. Luke 21:25-26 "There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;" "men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken". ===================================================== -{A woe represents a terrible calamity}- The word “woe” in the Greek is “ouai” (or) ‘Oh’ expressed in the English. “Woe” is more than just an expression of a feeling. Woe is a judgment as we read in the Book of Revelation (chapters 8. 9, 11, and 12). It means “alas” or almost like “oh no!” When the word woe is used, it is signifying impending doom, condemnation and/or the wrath of GOD. So it is never used to [only] emphasize something in the sentence in which it is used. The context is [always] paramount when this word is used. The Hebrew word for woe is “howy” and essentially means the very same thing as it does when used in the New Testament. JESUS used the word woe (more) than anyone else in the Bible. =Revelation 8:13 "And I beheld, and heard an [angel] flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!"
The last three trumpets will be especially severe -- as announced by the threefold repetition of Woe, woe, woe. They will be directed toward the inhibitors of the earth, that is, the (unbelievers) still alive on earth. *Both the oldest and the majority of Greek manuscripts read ["eagle"] instead of angel in the first part of the verse. “Woe, woe, woe”: One for each remaining trumpet blast. Although the first 4 trumpets are unimaginable, they will be nothing like the three to come (9:1-21; 11:15ff).
((Thank GOD Christians-Believers, will be spared the Wrath.))
((from the "woes", which are about to come…))
If you have trouble believing GOD could ever make a hell, remember it was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Those who go to hell, are in essence choosing to spend eternity with satan In ‘’the lake of fire’’ - rather than with CHRIST.
=Revelation 9:1 "And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit." Unlike the other stars that will have fallen- (6:13; 8:8), this one will be an angelic being, compare verse 2, probably (satan) himself (verse 4; 12:7; see Isaiah 14:12-14; Luke 10:18).
We know that JESUS CHRIST holds the key to the bottomless pit. HE took the key away from satan when HE (JESUS), went there, preached, and brought the captivity out with Him (Eph. 4:8).
“Bottomless pit”: Literally “pit of the abyss”. Mentioned (seven times) in Revelation, it [always] refers to the prison where [some] of the demonic hordes are incarcerated, the place of severest torment and isolation- (verses 1-2, 11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1, 3; see 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6-7).
The Fifth Trumpet: The expulsion of Satan from heaven. The identification of satan in this passage is not hard to make. Isaiah foresaw this development in [exactly] the same manner described by John.
Isaiah 14:12 "How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, you who have weakened the nations! *Many people mistakenly believe that throughout human history, satan has already been banished from heaven, or that he reigns in some kind of kingdom in hell. That is NOT true. satan has always retained access to the Throne of GOD, where he serves as the principle accuser of the saints of GOD.
(Job 1:6) "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them" …
Satan's entry into GOD’S presence, (changes here.) Now, he is kicked out of heaven, and he is furious. Note also that he carries with him the key to the bottomless pit (Rev. 9:1). He didn't have it before; it was given him by the ONE who holds the keys to heaven, hell and death. ((( JESUS CHRIST ))) =Revelation 9:2 "And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit."
Here again we see great volcanoes erupting. Many natural disasters. *From the spiritual standpoint, this could be a time when men's minds are darkened with false doctrines and evil thoughts. Just as satan had to (have permission) of GOD to afflict Job, satan brings these terrible things on the earth and his people, (by permission) of GOD. The physical smoke that comes up surely will obscure the sun and diminish the light. In the spiritual, it will diminish the Light, as well. When satan opens the abyss, here come the demons in force to deceive and destroy. They have such a vicious nature that GOD had to bind them to keep the human race from being annihilated before the appointed time, but now the restrains are off.
"And out of the smoke came forth locusts upon the earth; and power was given them, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And they were told that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of GOD on their foreheads.
*Understand, these are NOT literal (insect) locusts.. They are demons!
=Revelation 9:3 "And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power."
(AGAIN)- These are not normal locusts. However, they are specially prepared ones who, like locusts, will bring swarming desolation (Joel 2:2, 4). “Like” appears several times in John’s description; he finds it difficult to describe what he sees in a way the reader can understand. ( Understandably, so. ) --But the next judgment is even worse.--
Please notice, these have to be demons as they had [no] power in and of themselves. (It was given unto them.) They do not harm the vegetation, as ordinary locusts would, but only “men” who (do not) belong to GOD. They are “not” [allowed] to “kill” [anyone] at this point. They only “torment unbelievers for (“five months”). The pain will be like that of a “scorpion”. The “torment” will be so great that (people) will “desire to die”. But part of the judgment will be that men (cannot die) to escape it. =Revelation 9:4 "And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads."
This is an attack on the person, which makes us take another look at it spiritually. They have orders not to hurt the vegetation or the 144,000 who have been sealed in their forehead. The devil, or his demons, cannot really hurt [anyone] covered by the blood of JESUS.
=Revelation 9:5 "And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment [was] as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man." Remember the 144,000, where the four angels held back the winds until they had been sealed (in chapter 7:1)?
Not only were the 144,000 sealed but also those who turned to CHRIST during the Tribulation. Those are the Tribulation Saints and they too were sealed by GOD just as all true Christians of today have GOD’S seal on them. =Revelation 9:6 "And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them."
“Seek death, and shall not find it”: The tormented will find no relief. Even their unimaginable attempts to end their misery in suicide will be unsuccessful. This was the first of the three Woes! Revelation 9:7 "And the shapes of the locusts [were] like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads [were] as it were crowns like gold, and their faces [were] as the faces of men." Horses show their warlike character. Their crowns depict them as conquerors. Human faces show intelligence. Revelation 9:8 "And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as [the teeth] of lions." Their feminine hair perhaps makes them seductive and attractive. The teeth of lions show them to be destructive and hurtful. Revelation 9:9 "And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings [was] as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle." Breastplates of iron make them indestructible. Wings symbolize swiftness. Revelation 9:10 "And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power [was] to hurt men five months." The stings in their tails give them the power to hurt. Fortunately for mankind - their period of torment is limited to five months. Revelation 9:11 "And they had a king over them, [which is] the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue [is] Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath [his] name Apollyon." The appearance of these locusts is both frightening and repulsive (verses 7-10), and they (do not) act in an unorganized way. In fact, John says, "They had an king over them, the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon" (verse 11). Both names mean "Destroyer".
Lucifer was one of the angels close to GOD in heaven. He was a very beautiful angel before his fall. a third of the angels followed Lucifer and became in effect, demons.
Angels, as we have said before, Are messengers / ministering spirits. These fallen angels (demons), are ministering pain and suffering. Their mission is to destroy. Their leader, Lucifer, is the epitome of evil. As if this is not been terrible enough- That which we have been hearing about-- -- there are two more woes to follow… =Revelation 9:13 "And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God," “Horns of the golden altar”: GOD’S design for the golden altar of incense included small protrusions (horns), on each corner, Exodus 30:2. =Revelation 9:14 "Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates." These are fallen angels, another segment of satan’s force whom GOD had bound, but will free to accomplish HIS judgment. They are “loosed for the purpose of killing a “third” of the population of the world. Euphrates: One of the 4 rivers that flowed through the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:14). Starting with Bab-el, this region has spawned many of the world’s pagan religions. The Sixth Trumpet: The Four Angels Released. At the blowing of the 6th trumpet, the second woe is released: the release of "the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates". =Revelation 9:15 "And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men." =Revelation 9:16 "And the number of the army of the horsemen [were] two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them." *Verses 16-19: John “heard” the “number” of the “horsemen” that was 200,000,000? literally, “two myriads of myriads”. A myriad is technically noted as: 10,000. However ~ More generally, a myriad may be an indefinitely large number. *Some have suggested that the 200 million- - will come from the Chinese, who can currently field an army of that size. However, it is very [doubtful] this could be [entirely] a human army due to the inability to equip, feed, transport, not to mention the (water) it would take to support a contingent this size. Taking this into consideration, it would strongly suggest this will be a (supernatural) possibly in addition to a human force, especially as the four angels (demons), [are] commanding this force. *Much of this judgement is upon [them] from GOD- and (not) solely against mankind, (only). The 200 million horsemen who come on the scene will obviously be supernatural, creatures that are so frightening to look upon, that they actually frighten some people to death. Luke 21:26
“Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”
...And their sting "is in their mouth and their tails", and with them they kill one third of the world's population of those who reject CHRIST and commit themselves to Antichrist. Revelation 9:17 "And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses [were] as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone." Revelation 9:18 "By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths." Revelation 9:19 "For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails [were] like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt."
================================
By this point in the Tribulation period, most surviving [unbelievers] will have permanently made up their minds concerning CHRIST. They will refuse to repent, even under this terrible judgment. Their religious activities will involve “worship” of “idols” and demons (“devils”), and “sorceries” or witchcraft, with the use of magic potions- (Greek pharmakeia, from which English “pharmacy” derives). Idolatry is in fact, the worship of demons (compare 1 Cor. 10:20). Three of the four sins in verse 21 are specifically prohibited in the Ten Commandments ( Exodus 20:3-17). (For “sorceries” compare 18:23; 21:8; 22:15; and Galatians 5:20).
=Revelation 9:20 "And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:" (( They are STILL unrepentant )). Idolatry is a major downfall of mankind. GOD hates it. --What’s the 1st Commandment??-- Anything or anyone who does not elevate JESUS CHRIST to Deity is in error and worshipping the devil. JESUS said HIMSELF that; "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad" Matthew 12:30. We are either on the side of JESUS or the devil. There is no middle ground. We are (not) to worship GOD’S creations. Nor his created beings; i.e., The devil, angels, each other, idols, etc. We are to worship The CREATOR- And to also recognize HIM as such.
=Revelation 9:21 "Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts." Idolatry, mysticism, spiritism, satanism and [all] forms of false religion have become the norm as demons lead people into more wicked and vicious behaviors. Under the influence of the massive demon forces that has been unleashed upon the world, false religion, murder, sexual perversion and crime will become unparalleled in human history. (( you think it’s bad now…)) ? ============================================= + INTERLUDE +
Verses 10:1 – 11:14: These verses serve as an interlude between the sixth trumpet and seventh trumpet (11:15). Revelation 10:1 "And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:" Being "clothed in a cloud", shows the royalty of this being. At no other time does CHRIST appear as an angel or created being [after] HIS resurrection. This angel is most likely Michael, Gabriel, or an angel similar to them who swears an oath by JESUS CHRIST, indicating something [significant] is about to happen. A "rainbow ... upon his head" reminds us of the covenant GOD made with man. “Feet as pillars of fire”: indicate the firm resolve with which he will execute his orders in the Day of the LORD. =Revelation 10:2 "And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and [his] left [foot] on the earth," A sweet and bitter reality -------- “The Little book”: The 7 sealed scroll that is the title deed to the earth which has been (fully opened) by CHRIST- and all the final judgments made visible. The prophetic Word, which is what the "Little Book" is, contains the "sweet" message of GOD’S truth and wonderful plan for mankind including the coming of CHRIST- the Millennium Kingdom, and Heaven, but it also contains the Judgment of GOD on sinners who do not repent and come to HIM, and their ultimate consignment to the lake of fire. *The Bible, (THE WORD) is alive! HALLELUJAH ! ! ! When we eat the Bible, ( ‘study’ it ) ( ‘live by it’ ) it gives us the strength to live victorious lives before HIM. JESUS is in dominion over everything. HE is our source of power. Studying the Bible is more important to our life than our daily bread. Praise GOD ! The Bible is of [no] private interpretation. GOD the HOLY SPIRIT will teach (each of us) what the Bible is saying to us, [IF] we are willing to receive it. The planting of the feet on the sea and the earth (dry land), shows CHRIST’S authority over the earth in its entirety, and the appropriation of HIS promised inheritance as MESSIAH. Revelation 10:3 "And cried with a loud voice, as [when] a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices." --- “The Seven Thunders” --- Are these seven thunders to signify those judgments of GOD which should be executed in the world upon the sounding of the seventh trumpet? The Jews were accustomed to calling ‘thunder’ “the seven voices of GOD “, regarding it as the voice of the LORD. *Consider Psalm 29:1-11* 1 (A Psalm of David.) Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
3 The voice of the LORD [is] upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD [is] upon many waters.
4 The voice of the LORD [is] powerful; the voice of the LORD [is] full of majesty.
5 The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.
7 The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.
8 The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of [his] glory.
10 The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.
11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. John did not record the words the thunders spoke.. He was told not to. =Revelation 10:4 "And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not". This is the [only] proclamation in the entire book of Revelation that is sealed up. Both Daniel and John were instructed to seal up much of what they saw, reserving the interpretation for the generation to whom it would be obvious… (( We will have to wait and see..! )) =Revelation 10:5 "And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven," The angel is taking an oath. The announcement of the angel is that there will be no more delay in the establishment of the millennial kingdom of CHRIST. =Revelation 10:6 "And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:" “Time no longer” This literally means: "delay no longer" and indicates that the time of the end is rapidly approaching. From the sounding of the seventh angel's trumpet, the world will move relentlessly toward the fulfillment of all the prophecies of the Bible, culminating in the coming of CHRIST to the earth. The prayers of the saints will be answered (Rev. 6:9-11; Matt. 6:10). Revelation 10:7 "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets." “The mystery”: μυστήριον, ‘Mysterion’. Strong's G3466- hidden thing, secret, Mystery of GOD the secret counsels which govern GOD in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly. =Revelation 10:8 "And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go [and] take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth." This is the (third) reference to the location of the angel who stands on the sea and earth (verses 2, 5 and 8). [ An emphasis of authority ] (?) =Revelation 10:9 "And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take [it], and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey." Is [is] "sweet" because at last the kingdoms promises are about to be fulfilled. It is bitter because it can [only] be accomplished through more judgment and tribulation. *John’s reaction is demonstration of what every believer’s proper response to GOD’S judgment Should be. Sweet anticipation of GOD’S glory and our victory, and the bitterness of seeing GOD’S wrath - poured out full strength on those who [reject] HIS SON- JESUS CHRIST. =Revelation 10:10 "And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ =Revelation 10:11 "And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings." =“Prophesy again” = A call for John to warn men about the bitter judgment in the seventh trumpet and the 7 vials. This verse is a [key]- to the [chronology] of the Book of Revelation. Now John must prophesy through the period a second time, concentrating this time on the major personages and movements of the Tribulation, (satan, the beasts, the harlot system). This (duplicated prophecy) begins in chapter 12 and culminates in the vial (bowl), judgments, the destruction of the beast. (chapters 16 to 19). =Revelation 11:1 "And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein." This angel is telling John to take a measurement of the temple and the people. This statement about the "temple … and them that worship therein." (The body of CHRIST ). =Revelation 11:2 "But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ **I won’t go so far as to differentiate between, Gentile and Goyim, in a, ‘modern interpretation. Suffice it to say, the use of gentile (here) is: Word: eqnoj
Pronounce: eth'-nos
Strongs Number: G1484
a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan):-- Gentile, heathen, nation, people. A swarm... A multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus -
foreign nations [not] worshipping the true GOD, pagans. { Unrepentant } +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
{{ “Court which is without” }} The court of the Gentiles, separated from the inner court in the Herodian temple by a low wall. (Gentiles) were forbidden to enter the inner court on penalty of death. The outer court for the Gentiles ( ‘not goyim’ ) means just this, the believer who is a Christian in (name only), not in deed. This outer court is not the place for believers to be. The terrible thing in all of this is that among the outer court (the unsaved), are (many nominal) Christians, who are believing that they will be saved. The faithless portion of the church that we read about in,
2 Tim. 3:5- (that) "has a form of godliness but denies the power". “The holy city shall they tread under foot”: Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome all oppressed Jerusalem in ancient times (compare 2 Kings 25:8-10; Psalm 79:1; Isa. 63:18; Lam. 1:10). These verses refer to the future devastation destruction and oppression of Jerusalem by the forces of the Antichrist.
“Forty and two months”: The three and a half (year) period covers (the second half) of the Tribulation and coincides with the visibly evil career of the Antichrist verse 3; 12:6; 13:5. During this same time, the Jews will be sheltered by GOD in the wilderness (12:6, 14). The ‘Jews’ (not) the church. (The church has been removed.) =Revelation 11:3 "And I will give [power] unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days, clothed in sackcloth." These two witnesses of Revelation 11 will have awesome power and impact, together with the 144,000 witnesses, in producing the enormous soul harvest. They will provide the millions of Jews in the Holy Land a theological and spiritual bridge to the Christian gospel. =Revelation 11:4 "These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth." This imagery is drawn from Zech. chapters 3 and 4. They display incredible supernatural powers, defying the Antichrist and his underlings to stop them. No doubt they will be seen daily in every corner of the earth as they warn mankind of GOD’S coming judgment. They are protected from harm for three and a half years. ( Nobody can stop them..) ! ! THIS IS DIRECTED AT THE JEWS ! ! ! ! THIS IS DIRECTED AT THE JEWS ! !
Their message will be twofold:
(1) JESUS is the Lamb of GOD, (MESSIAH);
(2) JESUS is the King (Ruler). Therefore…. Israel must repent ! =Revelation 11:5 "And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed."
NOTHING - Will or CAN STOP THEM. Anyone who attempts to stop them from preaching is instantly destroyed. Even Antichrist's satanic powers are no match for these two fearless and GOD empowered preachers of truth. =Revelation 11:6 "These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will". =Revelation 11:7 "And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." =Revelation 11:8 "And their dead bodies [shall lie] in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified." “Bodies shall lie in the street”: Refusing to bury one’s enemies was a way to dishonor and show contempt for them (compare Acts 14:19). The Old Testament expressly forbids this practice (Deut. 21:22-23). =Revelation 11:9 "And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and a half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves." “Three days and a half”: The entire world will watch, and glorify the Antichrist as the bodies of the dead prophets Lie dead.. =Revelation 11:10 "And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth". Wild with joy over the death of their tormentors - ( this is a holiday? ) Imagine the fear that grips them, when they realize what a great error they have made? GOD will not be mocked. =Revelation 11:12 "And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them." Luke 16:31 "And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." After the three and a half days, a breath of life from GOD entered them and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they went up to heaven in a cloud. The world will hear the voice of GOD resurrecting them. A cloud will receive them out of sight in the face of their enemies. No wonder that "terror struck those who saw them." =Revelation 11:13 "And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven."
“Earthquake”: GOD punctuates the ascension of HIS prophets with a earth shattering earthquake.
“The remnant”: This refers to the Jews still living, who will not yet have come to faith in CHRIST. “Gave glory to the God of heaven”: Zechariah 12:10- And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Revelation 11:14 "The second woe is past; [and], behold, the third woe cometh quickly." The sixth trumpet- Israel’s repentance will shortly usher in the millennial kingdom (Acts 3:19-21; Rom. 11:25-26). But first will come the final, climatic judgments. =Revelation 11:15 "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever". The seventh trumpet results in the establishment of the millennial kingdom of CHRIST. The seven vials or bowls, are (most likely) contained in the judgment of the seventh trumpet. Bowl judgments destroy evil infrastructures in society. The seduction of Babylon’s evil religion will permeate and infiltrate all the structures of society, requiring that Babylon be totally destroyed. They will occur in a very brief period of time at the end of the Great Tribulation. The second coming of CHRIST -- --while a great blessing for believers, (will be) GOD’S (most severe) judgment of the earth. ( The Wrath of The LAMB. ) “The kingdoms of this world” will be completely overthrown by the coming kingdom of CHRIST (19:11-21; Daniel 2:34-35, 44), who will reign for ever and ever Daniel 7:13-14, 27. Psalm 110:1-7 describes the awesome might of CHRIST’S return, showing that it is one of [war and vengeance] with great wrath. HE is coming with power to set things straight.
The effect of these cosmic signs from GOD is to produce [terror] in earth's populace, triggering humanity's strong drive to (attempt) in vain, to preserve itself. Despite mountains moving, men and women of every origin, status, and creed -- from king to slave -- flee for the caves under the mountains in a vain attempt to hide themselves from The WRATH OF THE LAMB. Revelation 6:15. This is reminiscent of Isaiah 2:19, a prophecy of the Day of The LORD: "They shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, from the terror of the LORD and the glory of HIS majesty, when HE arises to shake the earth mightily." *Does that sound like ANYONE or ANYBODY is excited To see JESUS CHRIST RETURNING TO EARTH?? NOT HARDLY ! There is no one, at that time on earth- Eager to see CHRIST RETURNING. Why? Because HE is returning to an “unrepentant world”. The same point is echoed in Hosea 10:8. Richard T. Ritenbaugh states it very well… “Initially, it seems incongruous to pair "wrath" with "of the Lamb," but it makes perfect sense on two levels. First, "Lamb" is only one title of this complex Individual, Jesus Christ, who is not a cute, cuddly, little lamb. As the Johnny Cash song, "A Boy Named Sue," relates, a person's name cannot describe his entire personality, and one may rue the day he made the assumption it could! The same Jesus Christ who took little children in His arms and blessed them also made a whip of cords and angrily drove the moneychangers from God's Temple.” Point made. GOD (DOES) Get Angry. GOD [is] Angry. CHRIST returns to crush the kingdom of darkness. (Demon, human, and [fallen] angelic ). HE’S not here to shake hands, and pat anyone on the back. the imagery of the lamb contains both the Suffering Servant and the Exalted Lord and Judge of all (John 5:22).
=Revelation 11:16 "And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,"
GOD promised, what is now accomplished. =Revelation 11:17 "Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned." which art, and wast and art to come”: (( Past, present, future )) The coming of the kingdom is no longer future, it will be immediate. The establishing of His kingdom brings final victory to the Christian. The thanks really goes to JESUS here; the believers have not established the kingdom, ((JESUS did.)) It was [not] done through [our] power and might, but by HIS LORDSHIP- HIS Supreme Authority- HIS DIVINITY, HIS ALMIGHTY-OMNIPOTENCE. You see can from this, HE is ALL of it. HIS power is beyond reproach. HIS reign is forever and ever. HE has no beginning, and HE has no end. HE alone is worthy of our praise. =Revelation 11:18 "And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth." “Nations were angry”: No longer terrified... They will be filled with defiant rage. Their hostility will shortly manifest itself in a foolish attempt to fight against CHRIST, a doomed, futile effort that is the apex of human rebellion against GOD.
“Thy wrath”: The 24 elders speak of GOD’S future wrath 20:11-15, as if it were already present, signifying its certainty. That GOD will one day pour out HIS wrath on rebellious men is a major theme in Scripture. -Isaiah. 24:17-23; 26:20-21: 30:27-33: -Ezekiel. 38:16; -2 Thess. 1:5-10. The nations, (worldly people), who have NOT accepted the Gift of SALVATION - who once had a ‘hay-day’ persecuting the believers, That were angry and very unfavorable to those with faith. The very ones, whom they ( the world) persecuted, Will now rule over them. =Revelation 11:19 "And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail." We see here the dwelling of GOD in all its Awesomeness! “Lightnings, thunderings … earthquake … great hail”: What was anticipated (in 4:5 and 8:5), will become a terrifying reality. These events occur as part of the seventh vial (16:17-21), and are the climax of the seventh trumpet. Since from heaven is the source of vengeance, judgment also comes out of GOD’S Holy of Holies. HIS ‘true’ Ark of The Covenant. HIS SEAT ! =Revelation 12:1 "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:"
“Wonder”: A symbol pointing to something else. This is the first of (7) signs in the last half of the Great Revelation. Not an actual woman, but a symbolic representation of Israel, pictured in the Old Testament as the (wife) of GOD Isaiah 54:5-6; Jeremiah 3:6-8; 31:32; Ezekiel 16:32; Hosea 2:16. Three other symbolic women (also) appear in Revelation:
(1) Jezebel, who represents paganism (2:20);
(2) The scarlet woman (17:3-6), symbolizing the apostate church;
(3) The wife of the Lamb (19:7), symbolizing the true church.
The woman represents Israel, and her child is CHRIST; the MESSIAH 12:5; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 66:7.8; Micah 5:2; Romans 9:4-5. Being clothed with the sun speaks of the glory, dignity, and exalted status of Israel, the people of promise- who will be saved and given a kingdom. The picture of the moon under her feet (possibly) describes GOD’S covenant relationship with Israel, since new moons were associated with worship. (The Sabbath). The moon under her feet alludes to GOD’S promise of dominion, and the crown of twelve stars’ pictures royalty and relates to the 12 tribes of Israel. {Go to (Genesis 37:9-11), and read} about the dream Joseph had about the sun, moon and 11 stars which were bowing down to Joseph- (who was the 12th). Revelation 12:2 "And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered." There is pain involved in birth. This Scripture is [spiritually] speaking of the birth of JESUS and of Christianity. =Revelation 12:3 "And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads." The “dragon” is identified as Satan. His “red” color shows his murderous character (John 8:44). His “seven heads” and “seven crowns” depict the completeness and universality of his power and influence (Psalm 74:14). His “ten horns” show Satan’s connection with the fourth beast of Daniel 7:7, 24, and with the Beast from the sea in chapter 13:1-10 of Revelation. The “third part of the stars of heaven” are probably the fallen angels who followed Satan in his original rebellion against GOD (Isaiah. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:12-16; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). At the time of the birth of CHRIST, Satan was ready to kill Him. Matt. 2:13-18. "Ten horns" which symbolize world power. “Seven heads … ten horns … seven crowns”: Figurative language depicting Satan’s domination of 7 past worldly kingdoms and 10 future kingdoms Daniel. 7:7, 20, 24. This world power, through these earthly kingdoms, comes from Satan himself. The seven crowned heads means universal rule, and the ten horns mean world power to the utmost. Five emperors had come and gone by the Apostle John's time; one ruled during his time; and the seventh represents the Antichrist (to come.) =Revelation 12:4 "And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born." The third part of the stars of heaven”: Satan’s original rebellion resulted in one-third of the angelic host joining his insurrection and becoming demonic entities… When John tells us that the devils' tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to earth, he is describing the original demonic uprising against God. Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Satan (somehow) managed to convince a third of all GOD’S angels to join him in his rebellion; these beings we now call "demons" and/or "fallen angels." They serve Satan and play an important role in the judgments of the Tribulation. Satan used Herod to try to kill JESUS the moment HE was born. That was not GOD’S plan ! So JESUS was protected until the time of the cross. This also indicates here the birth of the church, which the devil has tried to devour every way he could. The “man child” is (of course) CHRIST, destined to “rule all nations” as the MESSIAH,
19:15; Psalm 2:7-9. =Revelation 12:5 "And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and [to] his throne." “A man child”: JESUS CHRIST in HIS [incarnation]- was of Jewish descent (Matt. 1:1; 2 Tim. 2:8). *{Incarnation: a deity, spirit, who is embodied in the flesh} The Unbreakable nature of JESUS CHRIST could be described as this “Rod of iron”: describes JESUS’ coronation as king over the nations of the world, 11:15; 19:15; Psalm 2:6-9.
This “Rod”, is one that cannot be broken and speaks of the resoluteness of CHRIST’S Rule. HE will swiftly and immediately judge [all] sin and put down [any] rebellion. ‘ There will no second uprising…’ =Revelation 12:6 "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days." “Wilderness”: GOD will protect Israel from satan by hiding (her) in the wilderness, perhaps in the region of: Moab, Ammon and Edom, east of Palestine. Interestingly, those countries will be specifically spared from the Antichrist’s attack against the Holy Land ( Dan. 11:41). “A thousand two hundred and threescore days”: At the midpoint of the Tribulation, the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel, puts a stop to temple worship, sets up the abomination of desolation Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24:15, and devastates Jerusalem (11:2). At that time, many Jews flee for their lives Matt. 24:16. GOD will preserve them during the last 1260 days (42 months; 3-1/2 years), constituting the Great Tribulation. *”The world government”, and even part of the church world, is teaching more and more to [elevate] ourselves to the point of making us ‘’little’’ god’s. Secular humanism (and) the New Age Movement (both) attempt to elevate mankind to Godhood. These are two VERY dangerous things to do. This is the one of the very reasons satan was tossed out. The vision of “war in heaven” anticipates Satan’s exclusion and expulsion from “heaven” and his restriction to the “earth” (during) the (last half) during the Great Tribulation. =Revelation 12:7 "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels," =Revelation 12:8 "And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven." Here we see the defeat of satan to such an extent that he is not allowed in heaven any more, no longer able to accuse the believers...
His defeat on the earth is complete as well. His fate was sealed when JESUS was crucified on the cross and was Resurrected. *This was undoubtedly satan’s biggest- “OH NO “ moment, ever ! When he finally put 2 and 2 together And realized, that he had JUST sealed his fate. (my personal interjection.) =Revelation 12:8 "And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven." The vision of war in heaven anticipates satan's exclusion from "heaven" and his restriction to the earth during the last half of the Great Tribulation, so that Satan must thereafter confine his activities to the earthly sphere. Michael the archangel is the leader of GOD’S holy angels, Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9. =Revelation 12:9 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." Here we see that he deceiveth (is continually deceiving), the whole world. That old serpent … cast out into the earth”: Satan and his demons were cast out of heaven at the time of their original rebellion, but still have access to it. (compare Job 1:6; 2:1). “Devil, and Satan” (compare 20:2). “Devil” comes from a Greek verb meaning “to slander” or “to falsely accuse”. He is a malignant liar (John 8:44, 1 John 3:8). Satan, means: “adversary”, or “enemy”, and appears especially in Job and the gospels. “Deceiveth the whole world”: As he has throughout human history, Satan will deceive people during the Tribulation- ( 13:14; 20:3; John 8:44).
His accusations against believers (verse 10), are unsuccessful because of CHRIST our Advocate, (1 John 2:1). The evil one is given four designations:
(1) Dragon - his monstrous character as the enemy of GOD;
(2) Serpent - connects him with the clever deception of Eve (in Genesis 3);
(3) Devil - means "slanderer" (verse 10);
(4) Satan - means "Adversary" (1 Pet. 5:8).
He also deceiveth the whole world (20:8).
The devil is the very one who brings in the "feel good" religion(s). Beware, he is a destroyer. His sole intent is, And always has been, to eradicate ALL of us. Not (some), but ALL. Twice, actually. He wants us dead, (physically) and Spiritually. =Revelation 12:10 "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." Satan will no longer accuse believers before the throne of GOD because he will no longer have access to heaven.
He (the devil), is tossed out at that point, once and for all time. His day is over, (in heaven). The Great Tribulation will be a time of terrible trouble on earth (Jer. 30:7; Dan 9:27; 12:1; Zeph. 1:15; Matt 24:15-22). It will be Satan's final attempt to [prevent] the return and the reign of CHRIST. He has only a short time to try to prevent the establishment of CHRIST’S kingdom, so his wrath intensifies of his persecution of Israel. =Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
“Blood of the Lamb”: No accusation can stand against those whose sins have been forgiven, because of CHRIST’S sacrificial death, (see Rom. 8:33-39).
Victory is Theirs! Thank GOD that HIS Word does not leave the story of the Tribulation saints with their earthly demise, but loudly proclaims their ultimate victory through the blood of the Lamb. The "they" here, are the Christians. When Jesus shed HIS blood on Calvary and became the perfect Lamb sacrifice once for all time, Satan was defeated.
You can see here the word of our testimony [is] when we open our mouths and declare that we believe JESUS CHRIST [is] LORD, and also believe HE rose from the grave; we [will] be saved ! We must proclaim this, even if we know it will mean our life. We are not to regard life here on this earth as very valuable. The life that is important is in heaven- (( Eternal Life )) ! This world is not the Christian's home. We are just passing through. We read in Romans:
Romans 10:8-10 "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;" "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
=Revelation 12:12 "Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."
“He hath but a short time”:
Knowing that his time is limited, Satan will intensify his efforts against GOD and mankind, and (specifically) target Israel, (verses 13, 17). The devil, even now, is in an all-out push to destroy the church as it used to be fifty years ago... He realizes his time is running out, and he is working on the believers, trying to convert them to his way. His scheme is to tell us not to be a radical Christian. He is trying to ‘trick’ us, not to take GOD seriously.
And, (Watering down) JESUS CHRIST is one of his favorite tools to destroy the church- (And boy, is it working well for him.)
=Revelation 12:13 "And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man [child]." The ultimate progress and extension of the church was certain. But Satan was permitted still to wage warfare against the church, represented here by his wrath against the woman. Satan’s persecution of Israel is apparently an attempt to exterminate GOD’S chosen people, thereby [preventing] the fulfillment of GOD’S promises to Abraham and David in the messianic kingdom. But GOD protects Israel.
The “wings of a great eagle” represent swift escape from persecution. The “wilderness” symbolizes the Gentile nations of the world (Matt. 24:16-20, 31), where believers will help to hide Jews from the Antichrist’s persecution. According to (Zechariah 13:7-9), however, two-thirds of the Israelites will die first. The “time, and times, and half a time” equals three and a half times, referring to the last three and a half years of the Tribulation period. Daniel 7:25; 12:7, the time of “great tribulation” (Matt. 24:21). =Revelation 12:14 "And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent."
“Wings of a great eagle”: Not actual birds’ wings, but a graphic depiction of GOD’S providential protection of Israel ( Exodus 19:4). Wings often speak of protection- (Deuteronomy. 32:9-12; Psalm 91:4; Isa. 40:31). The eagle in many instances in the Bible is symbolic of GOD. I believe, it means that GOD will protect us in the midst of the problems. *This I believe is what the (sealing of the believers), is all about. (Differentiating HIS people, from satan’s.) Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint." =Revelation 12:15 "And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood."
And the serpent; the devil, the old serpent, mentioned (in Revelation 12:9), being able no longer to execute his malice as a dragon, by the civil power of the heathen emperors, tearing Christians in pieces, but discerning the church secured by the special providence of GOD, went to work another way… “Cast out of his mouth water as a flood”: Corrupting the judgments of several persons, who, out of the abundance of error in their hearts, preached [corrupt] doctrine.
Water is symbolic of the Word of GOD. This is strange, because this water comes from the serpent's mouth. I believe this is a [flood] of (false doctrine) coming from Satan himself. Some of the [new] [translations] of the Bible are [very] dangerous as well. If Satan can't destroy us outside the church, then the final assault would be inside the church with false doctrine that is (so close to truth)- that we would not even notice the difference, (unless) we were grounded and rooted in the truth. =Revelation 12:16 "And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth." *As if the earth interposed in some marvelous way to aid the rescue. The sense is, that, in that state of obscurity and solitude, a divine interposition was manifested. “Cast out of his mouth”: A great army will come against Israel like a flood (verse 15; compare Jeremiah. 46:8; 47:2), only to be swallowed up. =Revelation 12:17 "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
“The remnant of her seed”: Satan will turn his frustrated rage against every follower of the Lamb he can find, Jew or Gentile.
This really angers Satan. He cannot get to JESUS, so he is venting his anger on the followers of JESUS. --Revelation chapter 13 begins with a beast, (the Antichrist), raising up out of the “sea”, which represents the nations of the world. Not ONLY that- He ( IS ) the ‘representative’ of the nations of the world. The beast is the Antichrist or the false messiah. He will be the final world ruler, also known as the little horn in the book of Daniel; *To say the end times will be chaotic, is an understatement. A time of confusion and uncertainty will cause the people to desperately look for a strong leader that could bring hope and security in a time of fear and apprehension. ( false hope -- false security ) A false peace.. People will desperately seek a strong, charismatic, authoritative leader who can pull the world back from the very brink of disaster.
…...Speaking of false Idols…... ‘Those people’ [will] get their wish as a powerful, charismatic leader spouting peace and unity comes on the scene. But he will turn out to be much more than they bargained for. He will be a dictator whose (cruelty) will be more than any other the world has ever known. =Revelation 13:1 "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy." The “sea” here represents (the Gentile nations of the world), from which this “beast” comes. -The Beast is the Antichrist, the false messiah (Matt. 24:5, 24; 1 John 2:18). -He is the final Gentile world ruler, also known as the “little horn” (Daniel. 7:8, 20-21, 24-25), -the willful king (Daniel. 11:36), -the coming prince (Daniel. 9:26), -and the man of sin (2 Thess. 2:3). In Revelation, he is (both) a person and an empire. (Indistinguishably, no difference.) The description of the Beast connects it closely (both) to the “dragon” (Satan, 12:3), and to the fourth beast of Daniel chapter 7, (the Roman Empire; Dan. 7:7, 23). (( The Byzantine empire..)) Eastern leg of Rome. His resemblances to a - “leopard”, a “bear”, and a “lion” refer to the first three beasts in the vision of Daniel chapter 7 (representing the empires of Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece). This Beast includes the people and cultures of three previous empires, and is an (outgrowth) of the Roman Empire itself. The “power” and “authority” of the Beast come from Satan himself. _____________________________ Satan has his own [false] “trinity”: 1.Satan acts as the Father, 2.the Antichrist as the Son, and 3.the False Prophet (as the Spirit) who attempts to bring glory to the Antichrist. ______________________________ There is (also) another way to parse this Un-holy trinity… We will see it here in Rev. 13:1,
(Explained by Daniel in Daniel chapter 7.) =Revelation 13:1 "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy." John sees this beast coming up "out of the sea." This beast is a Gentile leader (of a) Gentile system. In Daniel Chapter 7, the prophet records a dream that he had in which he saw the rise and fall of (four) gentile world empires. Each was characterized as a beast- coming from the sea of [nations]. So, the ‘beast’ from the sea is the political part of the Antichrist's system. Satan is a counterfeiter. A liar. A ‘poser’. 2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
So (he) has an "unholy trinity" 1.that consists of himself (Satan), 2.the Antichrist (the political, religious beast), and 3.the false prophet, (the religious, political beast), He speaks “blasphemy” against GOD. These "heads" show dominion. As said before, the "ten" has to do with world government and "horns" show power. We know then that this has something to do with world government and rulers of that. "Crowns" show dominion. This "blasphemy" denies the true GOD. =Revelation 13:2 "And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as [the feet] of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority." His resemblance to a leopard, a bear, and a lion refer to the first three beasts in the vision of Daniel 7 representing the empires of Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. -“Leopard”: A metaphor for ancient Greece. Dan. 7:6 ( ‘Military swiftness’ a reference to Alexander the Great) -“Bear”: A metaphor for the ancient Medo-Persian Empire. (Strength and ferocious stability) Dan. 7:5 -“Lion”: A metaphor for the ancient Babylonian Empire (All consuming power) Dan. 7:4 *Many believe- and it does appear as such, That the sixth beast is Rome. They were, and then they weren't as they were no longer a force, but will be prominent again during the end times. =Revelation 13:3 "And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast." The Antichrist will be everything ‘’the world’’ thinks it wants.. Charisma, ‘looks’ - brilliance, etc… When he is wounded in the head and appears to die and does not The world will marvel after him. =Revelation 13:4 "And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who [is] like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?"
“Who is able to make war with him”: This confirms the absolute power that Satan will have over the world at this time. =Revelation 13:5 "And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months." “Was given”: GOD will establish the limits within which Antichrist will be allowed to speak and operate. GOD [is] and always has been, in control. This is the beginning of the Great Tribulation which Daniel spoke about in when the sacrifice and the oblation ceases. This is called the “Abomination of Desolation” (see Matthew 24:15). “Forty and two months”: The final 3-1/2 years, 1260 days, of the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer. 30:7), and Daniel’s 70th week (Daniel. 9:24-27), This last half is mark’s the Abomination of Desolation. Matthew 24:15 “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)” =Revelation 13:6 "And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven." “His name”: This identifies GOD and summarizes all HIS attributes (Exodus 3:13-14). “His tabernacle”: This is symbolic of heaven (compare Heb. 9:23-24). During the first 3-1/2 years of the Tribulation the Antichrist will be merely a man endowed with demonic power. But during the last 3-1/2 years, he will actually be Satan himself, clothed with the Antichrist's body as the antichrist is the second person to be indwelled by Satan. (Judas being the first) - when he betrayed JESUS. ~Remember ~ Satan is (not) divine. He does (not) have the power to create, that is, to make something out of nothing. (( Only GOD can do that )) GOD ‘spoke’ the [universe] into existence. GOD literally speaks, substance. The real physical matter of which a person or thing consists and which has a tangible, solid presence. The word universe is defined as all matter and energy and everything else that exists, including galaxies, stars, planets, asteroids, life and black holes. { Uni } - ‘one’ + verse… combined into one. Uni is having or consisting of ‘one’. { verse } - speak in, or compose; versify. Spoken word - past participle of speak. To show or manifest. On the other hand, satan ( is ) a ‘created’ being. He himself cannot create. He himself can do NOTHING Aside from what GOD (allows) him to do. That is an important distinction to understand.
*The wrath begins (after) the rapture / Harpazo of the church. “Harpazo” ( means ) ‘Catching Away’ **(Many) people say that the word "rapture" is not found in the Bible. Those ‘people’ are ( NOT ) ‘Studying’ to back this claim up. Πρόφθασε ( prófthase )
The word [harpazo] means ‘caught up’ (which is how it IS rendered in English-kjv). It’s [actually] in the KJV version - (13) Times !
The KJV translates Strong's G726 in the following manner: catch up (4x), take by force (3x), catch away (2x), pluck (2x), catch (1x), pull (1x).
In the latin Vulgate, it is rendered: “raptio” - Which is where the English word ‘rapture’ comes from. An ENGLISH ONLY mindset, when it comes To UNDERSTANDING and STUDYING the Word of GOD- Is a ‘’crippled mind-set’’..** We live in an age where these arguments of ‘non-sense’ can be ‘quickly’ put to rest, by simply investigating the (abundance) of available information. I.E., An Exhaustive Concordance, or any number of software appliances That make investigative Biblical study-- “easy” ! (( continuing ))--- =Revelation 13:8 "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." “From the foundation of the world”: According to GOD’S eternal, electing purpose before creation, the death of CHRIST seals the redemption of the elect forever. Antichrist can never take away the salvation of the elect. The eternal registry of the elect will [never] be altered, nor will (the saved) - the true believers - in the Antichrist’s day, worship him. -(Not gonna happen ! )- The unbelievers of the world-(will be deceived) into believing that the Beast is a god (2 Thess. 2:4, 11). {Only those whose names are written in the book of life} (will refuse) to worship the Beast. The Beast will persecute the saints of GOD, and exercise power, [throughout] all the world. The Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world in the sense that CHRIST’S redemptive death and Resurrection for mankind was ( ALWAYS ) part of GOD’S plan from [eternity past]. *The book of life of the Lamb contains the names of [all] those who have called on the Lamb of GOD for salvation. =Revelation 13:10 "He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."
This is just another way of saying, whatever you sow, you will reap. Those who teach false doctrine, causes his neighbor to go into captivity and so will those who teach it. Perseverance... hupomonē
steadfastness, constancy, endurance The characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings.
1) patiently, and steadfastly
2) a patient, steadfast waiting for
3) a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance In Matthew, JESUS taught Peter that they that take the sword shall perish with the sword when he cut off Malchus' ear. (i.e. don't return evil for evil). End time believers are to (depend on GOD) and not to take matters into their own hands. This scripture is for the believers (alive) at that time during the Antichrist's persecution.
GOD [will] punish those who do evil. The Beast and his followers (will be) overthrown and judged. Genuine saving faith (will endure) all the persecution of the Beast because (they) are GOD’S saints. =Revelation 13:11 "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon." "He spoke like a dragon" suggest that he will derive power of speech from the devil (who is the dragon). This False Prophet will deceive human beings by [acting] like a lamb;
but, he will speak the words of [Satan]. “Out of the earth”: Another reference to the abyss that lies below the earth. The false prophet will be sent forth and controlled by a powerful demon from below. The earth imagery, in contrast to the mysterious sea (in verse 1), may imply that the false prophet is more subtle and more (winsome), than that of Antichrist. “Two horns like a lamb”: This lamb imagery may also imply that the false prophet will be also a false CHRIST - masquerading as the [true] Lamb. This "beast" was pretending to be JESUS, but when he opens his mouth, you know he is evil. This is a deceitful character. ( A LIAR & BLASPHEMER ) Revelation 13:12 "And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed." He wields influence to establish a (false world religion) headed by Antichrist and to entice (and force) people to accept this system. “Whose deadly wound was healed” This likely refers to the carefully [crafted] (deception) of a false resurrection, To inspire allegiance from the world. Revelation 13:13 "And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,"
“Great wonders”: The same phrase is used of JESUS’ miracles (John 2:11, 23; 6:2), which indicates the false prophet performs signs that counterfeit / mimic Christ’s. Satan, who has done supernatural works in the past (Exodus 7:11; 2 Tim. 3:8), must use his strategy of false-fake miracles to convince, ( deceive ) the world that Antichrist is more powerful than GOD’S true witnesses (chapter 11), [including] JESUS CHRIST, THE TRUE - MESSIAH. The False Prophet will deceive unbelievers of the earth by means of wonders and miracles, accomplished through satanic power. He will produce the miracles of Elijah- as a false Elijah as he will lead people to worship a false messiah. =Revelation 13:14 "And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by [the means of] those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live." “Make an image”: This refers to replication of Antichrist that is related to the throne he will erect during the abomination of desolation, halfway into the Tribulation period. This will happen in the (third) Jerusalem temple. =Revelation 13:15 "And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."
“Speak”: The false prophet will give the image of Antichrist- the appearance of life, and the image will (seem) to utter words, contrary to what is normally true of idols ( Psalm 135:15-16; Hab. 2:19). Idols have NO POWER WHATSOEVER. ( GOD, will allow this exception ) for the purpose of fulfilling This prophecy. How long it will manifest life we are not told. What characteristics it will have we are not told. Possibly the only characteristic it will manifest is that it can "speak" (verse 15). This speech will be caused by the False Prophet, who in turn will get his authority from the Antichrist and the dragon, Satan himself - Who in turn is given this Authority from, GOD. He will issue an order - (that all who do not worship him) will be killed. (Rev. 20:4), tells us that many will be slain by the guillotine. =Revelation 13:16 "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:" This is ( literally ) the Mark of the Beast. The custom of the Hebrews, when they took a slave for life, was to mark them by driving an awl through their ear (Exodus 21:6). Accepting the mark of the Beast means you are sold into slavery to Satan.
It really will not matter how wealthy you are; you will still have to have the mark before you can purchase. Remember, though, if you receive this mark in your [head or right hand], (you will seal your doom) with GOD. *(This is one of the unforgivables..) Our security is not in this world or it's system. We belong to GOD. Our security is in JESUS CHRIST Our LORD. **DO NOT TAKE THIS MARK** We will explore this more when we get to Chapter 14. But- This CANNOT be Overstated -- ( You ) agree to this mark, GOD is (forever) - (eternally) finished with you. =Revelation 13:17 "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." Without this mark, a person will be unable to engage in routine commerce. Anyone who accepts this mark during the Tribulation has already made his choice, and that choice will permanently [disqualify] its wearer from heaven. Remember, (IF) you get the mark you MUST swear An allegiance to the Antichrist as god.
It isn't merely economic, it is a worship system. Accepting the mark is tantamount to a rejection of JESUS CHRIST. -{This is a permanent, irreversible rejection of GOD}- You CANNOT accept it, ( only ) for the purpose of buying and or selling - yet refuse The ANTICHRIST. It doesn’t work that way. You can’t accept it to save your family. No. Agreeing to the Mark of the beast is a forever barrier Between GOD and you. It is a 100% certain verdict To the lake of fire for ALL ETERNITY. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Some worry that they will accept the mark accidentally, such as the case with national ID cards. This is not so. To accept the mark of the beast, you MUST knowingly agree to renounce GOD and to accept this mark. Without the mark, no one will be able to buy or sell and will fear they and/or their family will die. --But to accept the mark means certain eternal death-- =Revelation 13:18 "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number [is] Six hundred threescore [and] six."
“His number is six hundred threescore and six”: This is the essential number of a [man]. 'Carbon', which is what we are essentially Made of: is Element (6) on the Periodic Table of Elements.
It consists of… 6 Neutrons, 6 Protons, 6 Electrons. The 3-fold repetition of the number is intended to reiterate and underscore man’s identity. When Antichrist is finally revealed, there will be some way to identify him with this basic number of a man, (or) his name may have the numerical equivalent of 666. *Could this be ( possibly) the combining of mankind- with that of artificial intelligence?? “Transhumanism” ?? There are many views on what the 666 stands for but nowhere is it given in the bible as to what it means exactly. =Revelation 14:1 "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him a hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads." “The “Lamb” (of course) is CHRIST. Mount Zion is in Jerusalem. David took it from the Jebusites, Joshua 15:63 ; 2 Sam. 5:7. He built on it a citadel and a palace, and it became "the city of David" 1 Kings 8:1. “144,000…” Most assuredly, a debate will arise out of this.. Who are they, ( exactly ) ? The image of sealing comes from Ezekiel 9 where the seal on the forehead marks out two groups of people: idolaters and non-idolaters. It would seem that the sealing of the 144,000 makes a similar distinction based on who worships GOD - The 144,000 are called the servants of our GOD (Rev. 7:4). There is no reason to make the 144,000 any more restricted than that. If you are a servant of the living GOD, Redeemed from the 12 tribes- you are one of the 144,000 mentioned here. It most certainly is NOT, the total number of redeemed people, ever. ( And MOST assuredly ) - they are NOT, an anointed Class of saints who became ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses’ before 1935… *If that were the case, then who are the ones in Rev. 7:9, Which (states) that they are an innumerable number [large] ? Many, many good Bible scholars bump heads over this question. =Revelation 14:2 "And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps" "As the voice of many waters": Very loud, and uttered by a great multitude of people, signified by waters in this book (Rev. 17:15). The same with those that praise the LORD for the destruction of antichrist, and for the marriage of the Lamb, (Rev. 19:1). "And I heard the voice of harpers, harping with their harps": That is, singing the praises of GOD, =Revelation 14:3 "And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth."
“New song”: The song of redemption, which is being sung by all the redeemed saints in one gigantic choir.
They will sing a new song which no one can learn save the 144,000. These two rewards suggest that they will enjoy a special relationship with GOD the SON and GOD the FATHER from the time of their death after a life of faithful, holy service until they come back with CHRIST to the earth. The 144,000 will learn this song and join in thanks for their redemption from the earth. The earthly, or worldly, who have rejected the LORD, will not be able to sing this song. It is a song of the redeemed. “These are they which were not defiled with women”: With the whore of Rome, and her harlots, she is the mother of; while the kings and inhabitants of the earth were drunk with the wine of their fornication, or committed idolatry with them, which is spiritual fornication, and is here meant by being defiled with them, these were free from such pollutions, or idolatrous practices:
“For they are virgins: For their beauty and comeliness in CHRIST, chastity, sincerity of their love, un-corruptness in doctrine and worship, and for the uprightness of conversation Matthew Chapter 25
1.Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. “These were redeemed from among men”: "By JESUS"-- And in consequence of this they were called, and delivered from this present evil world, and the men of it, and from a vain, wicked, and idolatrous conversation with it. “Being the firstfruits unto GOD, and to the Lamb”: In allusion to the firstfruits under the law, which represented and sanctified the lump, and showed that harvest was coming. So these persons are called the firstfruits to GOD, and to the Lamb, being called by grace, and consecrated to their worship and service. { “Firstfruits” } -- Romans 16:5
“Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.” For the designation ‘firstfruits’ we must compare the description of the ‘household of Stephanas’ (1 Corinthians 16:15)- ‘the firstfruits of Achaia’ (ἀπαρχή τῆς Ἀχαίας)-and note the suggestion that ministry in the Church was connected at first with seniority of faith. Nothing could be more natural than that the work of superintending the local Christian communities should be entrusted to those among the first converts who were found capable of undertaking it. The term ‘firstfruits’ had a special religious significance- that of dedication to GOD - and this idea must have been present when the original nucleus of a church was so called. Verse 4 states, "being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb", perhaps indicating that in addition to being in a privileged position before the resurrection, they will always be in a special position of service for CHRIST after the resurrection. *((Possibly those saints who rose at CHRIST’S Crucifixion? )) Matthew Chapter 27
51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. =Revelation 14:5 "And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God." “No guile”: The speak God’s truth accurately and precisely, with no exaggeration or understatement, (compare Zeph. 3:13). =Revelation 14:6 "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people," Verse 6 introduces the first of [five] angels who convey a special message concerning the middle of the end time, that is, in the Great Tribulation period. It is astounding that an angel is commissioned to go forth preaching the everlasting gospel, for the preaching of the gospel has [not] been committed to angels but to human beings. “Another angel”: This angel will warn the people to fear GOD instead of Antichrist, and to give glory to GOD instead of Antichrist, and he will instruct them how to do it.
Otherwise, he would be proclaiming a message of doom instead of good news. The Greek word translated "gospel" - (euangelion), literally means "good news."
“Midst of heaven”: mesouranéma: the zenith, mid-heaven..
Original Word: μεσουράνημα, ατος, τό From a Greek term denoting the point in the noonday sky where the sun reaches its zenith. This is the highest and brightest point, where all can see and hear. STRONGS NT 3321: μεσουράνημα
μεσουράνημα, μεσουρανηματος, τό (from μεσουρανέω; the sun is said μεσουράνειν to be in mid-heaven, when it has reached the meridian), mid-heaven, the highest point in the heavens, which the sun occupies at noon. Where what is done can be seen and heard by all: Revelation 8:13. “The everlasting gospel”: The angel is preaching the good news concerning eternal life and entrance into the kingdom of GOD, Matthew 24:14; 1 Cor. 15:1-10. *Is this a different gospel from that preached today? On the basis of the Word of GOD, NO ! Absolutely not! This is the same gospel we preach, the same message that was "once for all entrusted to the saints" (Jude 3). =Revelation 14:7 "Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
“Fear GOD”: Not Satan, nor Antichrist. This is the [theme] of Scripture, calling people to give honor, glory, worship, and reverence to GOD (only) (compare Prov. 23:17; 1 Peter 2:17; “Hour of his judgment is come”: The last moment arrives to repent and believe [before] GOD’S wrath is poured out. (full strength) This is the book’s first use of the word judgment, a term that has the same meaning as wrath, ( 6:17; 12:12).
{“Him that made heaven, and earth”}: Creation is the great proof of GOD. Rev. 4:11; 10:6; John 1:9; Acts 14:15-17; 17:23-28. This message that is brought will be (final) in its nature. It will be good news (gospel), but it will also be a last warning. This is a final warning to turn [from] the world to the CREATOR of it all. ~ "THE LORD IS COMING"~ This message will be worldwide. Remember, an angel is a ministering spirit. These will be evangelists, evangelizing.. One more time -- this is the (final warning) that Divine Judgement is about to Fall. *+*JESUS [is] CREATOR GOD*+*
------->(JESUS)<-------
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. “Hour of his judgment is come”: The last moment arrives to repent and believe (before) GOD’S wrath is poured out. This is the book’s first use of the word judgment, a term that has the same meaning as wrath. “Him that made heaven, and earth”: Creation is the great proof of GOD, which preachers will appeal to as the ground for all people to believe in HIM and worship HIM. The extent of this gospel should be noted, for it will be preached "to those who live on the earth, to every nation, tribe, language and people". Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
Again, Revelation is not written in consecutive order. I do believe there will be a voice going throughout the land proclaiming the second coming of CHRIST, just as there was a voice (John the Baptist), proclaiming HIS first arrival as CHRIST. The people will be warned. They will be without excuse. GOD will have a herald going forth proclaiming truth. Everyone will have their [opportunity] to accept JESUS as LORD.
=Revelation 14:8 "And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
The Second Angel. The Fall of Religious Babylon. -{ IDOLATRY }- This is the world system that opposed the church and the Christians. This evil world system did all in her power to stop Christianity. This power and the one causing small and great to receive the mark could be one and the same.. At any rate, it has fallen here. "Babylon" is symbolic of the world and its evil system. Babylon refers to the entire worldwide political, economic, and religious kingdom of Antichrist. The original city of Babylon- (present day Iraq) was the birthplace of idolatry where the residents built the Tower of Babel, a monument to rebelliousness and false religion. Such idolatry was subsequently spread when GOD confounded man’s language and scattered them around the world ( Gen. 11:1-9). Idolatry was brought by those who were scattered. “IDOLATRY” is putting ANYTHING [before] GOD. Idolatry connotes the worship of something or someone (other than) GOD as if it were GOD. The most prevalent form of idolatry in Biblical times (and even now) - is the worship of images that were or are, thought to embody the various pagan deities Or [ANYTHING] you put above or before, or in place of, GOD ALMIGHTY. *Note again here, that just before this world system folds, the gospel will be preached unto all nations, as we read in Matthew:
Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
Here, GOD has said this is enough, and the World and its evil followers fall. This fornication is spiritual adultery, not physical.
“Wine of the wrath of her fornication”: This pictures Babylon causing the world to become intoxicated with her pleasures and enter an orgy of rebellion, hatred, and idolatry toward GOD. Fornication (here) is spiritual prostitution to Antichrist’s false system, which will fall for such iniquity. The word fornication comes from [three] separate words in the Bible. Two from the Hebrew and one from the Greek. These words all share similar connotations. Each (can mean) literal fornication between two unmarried persons in a marriage contract; (however,) it can also signify adultery, whoredom, or an act of unfaithfulness on the part of YAHWEH’S people. The Complete Word Study Old Testament- suggests three possible meanings for the Hebrew word: {“Zanah.”} The first being fornication (pre-marital, illicit sex), the second being adultery (marital, illicit sex), and the third being [idolatry]- (worship of a person or thing [besides] YAHWEH). The second word denoting fornication in the English is found only once in the Hebrew, in Ezekiel 16:29. The word fornication in this passage is from the Hebrew, No. 8457, taznuth, and simply means a type of idolatry. The third word signifying fornication is found in the Greek and is first used in Matthew 5:32. This word derives from the Greek word, No. 4202, ‘porneia’ and is defined in the Strong’s as follows, “from 4203; harlotry (incl. Adultery and incest); fig. Idolatry: – fornication.” To pinpoint this word without examining the passage in question is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Fornication in either the Hebrew or Greek can have and denote a wide range of definitions. It can mean (literal) fornication, adultery, harlotry, incest, pedophilia, bestiality, or any other sexual restriction that YAHWEH has placed for mankind to observe. =Revelation 14:9 "And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark in his forehead, or in his hand," =Revelation 14:10 "The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:"
“Cup of his indignation”: (Anyone) loyal to the Antichrist and his kingdom [will] suffer the outpouring of GOD’S collective wrath, done with the (full force) (full strength) of HIS divine anger and unmitigated vengeance ( Psalm 75:8; Isa. 51:17; Jer. 25:15-16). Divine wrath is [not] an impulsive outburst of anger aimed capriciously at people that GOD does not like. It [ is ] the settled, steady, merciless, graceless, and compassionless response of a righteous GOD against sin. “Fire and brimstone”: These are two elements that are often associated in Scripture with the torment of divine punishment (Gen. 19:24-25; Isaiah. 34:8-10). Here the reference is to hell, (the lake of fire) - (compare 19:20; 20:10; 21:8). Brimstone is a purified fiery sulfur. The "fire and brimstone" here is the very same as that which destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Just as the angels saw Sodom burn, they are a witness to this as well. The Lamb (JESUS), is the Judge who speaks judgment. It not only will be in HIS presence, but HE will order this punishment as well as over-see it. =Revelation 14:11 "And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name."
This "smoke" that comes up rises from the bottomless pit. You see this "torment" is [not] just for a short time and is over. This is FOREVER, just as heaven is forever for the believers. "Ascendeth" means continually ascends.
“Torment ascendeth up for ever and ever”: A reference to the eternality of hell (compare Matt. 3:12; 13:41-42; 25:41; Mark 9:48). Torment is the ceaseless infliction of unbearable pain (compare Luke 16:23-24), here prescribed for all who are loyal to satan’s leader.
Those who receive the mark of the beast have sealed their doom. =Revelation 14:12 "Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Patience here is perseverance or endurance. The assurance of the judgment of GOD’S enemies, is a basis for the perseverance of the Great Tribulation believers to continue following CHRIST. The perseverance of genuine believers in the faith and commandments of GOD is assumed, literal and guaranteed. ...HERE COMES THE JUDGE… “The time is come” to finish the judgment of the “earth”. The second coming of CHRIST includes [more] judgment. To “reap” and harvest “the earth” is to (judge and punish) its people. (compare Jer. 51:33; Hosea 6:11; Matt. 13:30, 40-42). =Revelation 14:14 "And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud [one] sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle." The imagery of the LORD on a cloud (is from Daniel 7:13-14), and emphasizes magnificent majesty (1:7; Matt. 24:30; 26:64; Acts 1:9-11). “Golden crown”: The victor’s crown, a laurel wreath, worn by those who celebrated victory in war or athletic competition. CHRIST now wears this particular crown, in this case made of gold, as a triumphant Conqueror coming out of heaven to prevail over HIS enemies. Sickle”: A harvesting tool with a razor-sharp, curved steel or iron blade and a wooden handle, commonly used to cut grain. It represents (swift) and (devastating) Judgment. =Revelation 14:15 "And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe." “Harvest of the earth”; The grain, in this case the ungodly people of the world, is ready to be gathered up and judged. Again, this is a time of great agony for the inhabitants Of the earth… ( Mourn and Wail ) =Revelation 14:16 "And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped."
The crown signifies HIM as the ruler of the earth, and the sickle symbolizes judgment , as an instrument of the harvest. The time has come to finish the judgment of the earth. The second coming of CHRIST includes more judgment.
To reap and harvest the earth is to judge and punish its people. And so the earth was reaped.
The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God's wrath. They were trampled in the winepress outside the city, and blood flows out of the press, rising as high as (the horses' bridles) for a distance of 1,600 furlongs or (200 miles). The amount of “blood” that results from the winepress emphasizes the severity of the judgment. “A thousand and six hundred furlongs” are 200 miles, ((the full length of Palestine)). The height of the “horse bridles” may be about four feet. The winepress may be an anticipation of the vial or bowl judgments (of chapter 16). =Revelation 14:17 "And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle."
“Temple”. This refers to the (heavenly) dwelling place of GOD, (not) the Tribulation temple in Jerusalem. =Revelation 14:18 "And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe."
“Another angel … which had power over fire”: This angel is associated with fire on the altar, which represents the prayers of the saints (6:9-11; 8:3-5). Fire refers to the constantly burning fire on the brass altar of the Jerusalem temple. Twice daily the priest would burn incense with that fire and offer the burning incense in the Holy Place as a symbol of the people’s prayers ( 5:8; 6:9; 8:3). This angel is coming from the (heavenly) altar to ensure that [ all ]the prayers of all the saints for judgment and the coming of the kingdom are answered. He calls for judgment to start. Again, the sickle depicts judgment. The clusters of the vine of the earth represent the unbelievers of the earth, those who have followed and worshipped the Beast. The time for GOD’S judgment of the earth is now! The great winepress of the wrath of GOD pictures the violence and intensity of GOD’S coming judgment on the earth. Perhaps the reference is to the coming Battle of Armageddon. =Revelation 14:19 "And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast [it] into the great winepress of the wrath of God."
“Winepress”: This vivid imagery signifies a horrendous slaughter or bloodbath (Isaiah. 63:2-3; Lam. 1:15; Joel 3:13). Here it refers to the slaughter of all the enemies of GOD who are still alive, facing the destruction at Armageddon, the final battle against GOD’S enemies, staged on the Plain of Esdraelon. The bloody imagery comes from the fresh juice of stomped grapes splattering and running down a trough from the upper vat - to the lower vat of a stone winepress. =Revelation 14:20 "And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand [and] six hundred furlongs"
“Without the city”: GOD will determine that this bloodbath will occur outside Jerusalem, as if GOD wants to protect the city from the carnage all around. (Zechariah 14:1-5), makes clear that Jerusalem (will) be attacked, but will (not) be destroyed in the end, but spared for the glory of the kingdom. “Even unto the horse bridles”: The severity of the slaughter is indicated in the imagery of the blood of those killed in the Battle of Armageddon splattering as high (about 4 feet), of the bridles of the horses involved. Equally likely, if the battle occurs near the central valley of Israel, the tremendous volume and flow of blood could easily form troughs 4 feet deep in some places. This event clearly is described (in 19:11-21).
(Ezekiel 39:8-16), may be describing the cleanup.
“A thousand and six hundred furlongs”: The approximate distance from Armageddon in the north of Palestine to Edom in the south. The great battle will rage across that entire area and even slightly beyond.
There is only (one valley) in Israel- that fits the mile description. It is the Jordan Valley, which extends from just north of the Sea of Galilee to Eilat at the Red Sea.
This just shows the terribleness of the punishment of the still living unsaved. This could be by a tremendous war or just like Sodom and Gomorrah, as it was directly from GOD.. At any rate, it is devastating and terrible. ======================================= Revelation chapter 15 begins preparation for The (vial) judgement. The wrath of GOD began with the seven seals (in chapter 6), and will be finished with the last seven vials. Chapter 15 is an introduction to these last seven and final plagues on mankind. Now in Chapters 15 and 16 - we see the final outpouring of GOD’S wrath - before CHRIST’S return. That wrath is expressed by the effects of the seventh trumpet which was in chapter (11:15), which is very short and begins the introduction to those last seven judgments. The wrath of the devil is bad, but to fall into the hands of Almighty GOD, And to have HIS WRATH fall on unbelievers is the very worst possible thing that could happen. =Revelation 15:2 "And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God." ...John’s vision of a sea of crystalline glass... Daniel’s vision of four beasts- Ezekiel’s vision of wheels with eyes- When the prophets described visions of the spiritual world, they were forced to use metaphorical language, and that (can be) confusing. Finite human language cannot fully describe infinite things... The human mind is too limited to conceive of the realities of the spiritual realm. It seems that what John saw was impossible to describe – Twice in the book of Revelation, John mentions a “sea of glass” near the throne of GOD. John does not elaborate much about what this sea of glass actually is. Ezekiel 1:26 describes a similar visual. Is this ( possibly ) a prelude of the incarnation of MESSIAH, but in HIS character as Savior and as Judge? A "sea" sometimes symbolizes great numbers of people. This could be the meaning here? =Rev. 4:6 "And before the throne [there was] a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, [were] four beasts full of eyes before and behind."
John was seeing the same crystal platform, but now it was mixed with the fire of GOD’S judgment.
“Victory over the beast”: All the saints from every nation, (including Israel), ultimately triumph over Satan’s Antichrist and his system because of their faith in JESUS CHRIST. The victory over the beast has been won through faith in CHRIST and refusal to submit to the Antichrist. These are the Tribulation Martyrs who are rejoicing over the victory they have won. The harps indicate they are rejoicing and singing praise to GOD. These believers are rejoicing because their prayers for GOD’S vengeance on their persecutors are about to be answered. =Revelation 15:3 "And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints." “Song of Moses”: Sung by the people of Israel immediately after their passage through the Red Sea and their deliverance from the Egyptian armies (Exodus 15:1-21; Compare Deut. 32:1-43). This was a song of victory and deliverance that the redeemed who overcome Antichrist and his system will readily identify with.
This "they" are the believers in CHRIST. GOD used Moses to redeem His people from bondage in Egypt. Moses had lead the people out of the land of Egypt to the Promised Land, (prefiguring now) JESUS is leading the Saints to that Promised Land (we) call heaven. JESUS CHRIST made this work of Redemption Possible ! HIS works are "marvelous". It is beyond our imagination- to see a beautiful snow-capped mountain, a vast star filled sky, a valley with streams, waterfalls and flowers, birds chirping and realize that the ONE who created all of that, also loved us enough that HE climbed on the cross on Calgary and suffered for us. HE has (every right) to be our KING. Remember in all of this, HE is not (just) a loving GOD, but a "just and true" GOD as well. “Great and marvelous are thy works”: This statement from the song of the Lamb extols GOD’S powerful works in Creation as HE providentially upholds the universe ( Psalms 139:14). “Almighty”: GOD is Omnipotent (Amos 4:13). “King of saints”: GOD is sovereign over the redeemed of every nation (Jeremiah. 10:7). =Revelation 15:4 "Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest." GOD’S holy and perfect character, inevitably demands that HE (can) judge. Nahum 1:3, 6. After GOD’S righteous judgment is complete, HE will set up CHRIST’S millennial kingdom on earth and the elect from every nation will come and worship HIM ( Psalm 66:4; Isaiah. 66:23; Phil. 2:9-11). Proverbs 9:10 -- "The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy [is] understanding."
*We are [not] to fear the world [or] its people. We are "to fear" GOD. Meaning: to (Revere, have Reverence) for GOD. "All nations shall come and worship", is speaking of the time when JESUS will sit on a throne in Jerusalem and rule the world. There will be a yearly pilgrimage by everyone to worship. We see JESUS is the [only] Holy ONE.
Philippians 2:10-11 says; "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God, the Father."
After GOD’S righteous acts of judgment has been made manifested or revealed, the time of Isaiah will come:
Isaiah 26:33 "And it shall come to pass, [that] - from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD." The “seven angels” prepare to administer the last seven Great Tribulation judgments of CHRIST: the “seven vials”. ( verses 5-8 ) *The vials are actually shallow bowls - The word used - (Greek phiale), φιάλη -- is used for pouring ( ‘libations’ ). {libations being ‘drinks’- i.e., ‘alcohol’. GOD’S wrath being poured out Full-strength, onto an unrepentant world. 5:8; 1 Chron. 28:17; Jer. 52:18; Zech. 9:15, 14:20. The bowls are “full of the wrath of GOD” (compare 2 Thess. 1:7-9). GOD has the right to judge, because HE is the Eternal ONE, the Almighty. The “temple” represents the Presence of GOD HIMSELF. The “smoke” is like the incense that filled the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle. [ Until ] the “seven plagues” are finished, no one is “able to enter into the temple”. +The time for intercession is past; GOD’S judgment will now be completed. =Revelation 15:5 "And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:" “The temple of the tabernacle of the testimony”: This refers to the location of the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies where GOD dwells. Thee Ark of the Covenant. This "tabernacle" is the original tabernacle in heaven that the one on the earth was patterned by. Moses was given instruction by GOD how to build the earthly one. The tabernacle was opened by JESUS, as the temple curtain which was in front of the Holy of Holies, was torn from the top to the bottom, when JESUS died on the cross.
In an earlier vision given John, GOD’S throne room was opened so the faithful could see in. We see here that it "was opened" (past tense). Now the heavenly tabernacle, which the earthly tabernacle (was a copy), was opened to reveal the most [severe] earthly judgment ever on the unrepentant. This chapter in the book of Revelation- sets the stage for the last seven vial judgments that cover the last (three and one-half) years of the Great Tribulation which are described (in Revelation chapter 16). ________________________________ =Revelation 15:6 "And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles." “Seven plagues”: The final, most severe judgments from GOD, described in chapter 16.
Seven golden vials full of the wrath of GOD. These are the "plagues" that will strike the earth in the last three and one-half years to punish those who have chosen to serve the Antichrist, doing his bidding to persecute the saints for their faith in CHRIST.
So many people--- in this current, new wave of believers think that (all) punishment comes from the devil and no bad thing comes from GOD. They could not be more wrong... They better take another look at this Scripture right here. These "angels" are operating under GOD’S orders. They have just come "out of the temple" (which shows their origination). …..Where they are coming ‘from’. They are clothed in white- (which shows they are good angels and not demons). The gold of their breasts / chests, show that they have been (in the presence) of GOD. “Linen … golden girdles”: The fabric represents holiness and purity (19:14). These are belts or girdles, running from the shoulder to the waist, that each of the 7 angels wear over his garments. The sashes demonstrate riches, royalty, and untarnished glory. =Revelation 15:7 "And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever." “Seven golden vials”: These are (shallow) saucers, familiar items often associated with various functions of the temple worship (1 Kings 7:50; 2 Kings 12:13; 25:15), such as wine (Amos 6:6), and blood sacrifice (Exodus 27:3). Their flat shallowness pictures (how) the divine judgments will be emptied [instantly] rather that slowly poured, drowning those who refused to drink the cup of salvation.
Here again, we see these "vials" are from GOD, because they are (gold). These "sevens" just show the [completeness] of it all.
And yet again, we see the eternity of GOD in the forever and ever. They are ready to pour the wrath out on the inhabitants of the earth. GOD has the power to put an end to sin - so that it can (never exist again) in HIS holy presence. *One of the (very reasons) mankind has been put through all That (we) collectively endured, is to demonstrate the awfulness of sin. From the very first Instance of disobeying GOD in Eden, up until right now- Mankind still wallows in his own misery, brought on By his own empty-headedness, and then has the audacity to Try and claim god-like status, all the while failing miserably As he questions why GOD allows suffering. I mean….Come on ! Eventually we finally ‘do’ Recognize HIM as the only way--- (Finally) ! But it takes him shaking us up, right up to the point of (almost) certain annihilation. ( god-like? Us?) ( Pride and envy are awful things…) =Revelation 15:8 "And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled." As soon as the angels in verse 6 come out of the Temple, great smoke from the glory of the presence of GOD and HIS power and wrath fills the Temple so that neither angels nor human beings can go back into worship until "the seven plagues of the seven angels are completed." “Filled with smoke” compare Exodus 19:16-18; 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:10-11; Isaiah. 6:4.
We know that in the tabernacle in the wilderness, (no one) could go inside. GOD is a consuming fire as we read in Hebrews 12:29 "For our GOD is a consuming fire."
During this time, no created being will have access to the presence of GOD on His throne until the end of the Tribulation, for HE will not be dealing with people in mercy, as is HIS usual custom. During the latter three and one half years of the Great Tribulation, HE will deal with human beings in judgment.
This glory cloud will remain in the heavenly temple until the earth is completely purged, cleansed and prepared for the KING of KINGS and HIS Kingdom that is coming. This "smoke" is from the Majesty of GOD. GOD sees JESUS' shed blood, (instead) of us, when we enter (after we are a believer); and that shed blood is what keeps [us] from being burned up in GOD The FATHER’S presence.
GOD’S anger is kindled at those on the earth who have (caused) such sorrow to the church and the true believers, and HIS fury has come in HIS face. These plagues, as we said before, are from GOD. What a terrible thing it [is] to fall into the hands of the Living GOD and be judged by HIM- - (guilty and deserving) of HIS WRATH. { FRIGHTENING }
=Revelation 16:1 "And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth." These bowls constitute what the Lord Jesus referred to as the "great distress" (Matt. 24:21), or the last 42 months of the Great Tribulation period.
Four of these seven judgments occurred (literally) in Egypt among the ten plagues and have never been accepted by credible Bible teachers as anything but (literal.) In addition, part of the 6th judgment; that of drying up the Euphrates River and producing frogs, was also (literally fulfilled) during the history of Israel. Frogs were generated as one of the plagues of Egypt, and both the Red Sea and Jordan River were rolled back so that GOD’S people could walk forth on dry ground.
Therefore, [nothing new] will be transpiring when GOD dries up the Euphrates River in order that the kings of the East may march over on dry ground.
*(If) the plagues of Egypt were (literal), (and they certainly were), Why then, should we not expect these awful judgments likewise to be [literal]? * The people who ‘say’ they that the Revelation of JESUS CHRIST, And (ALL) it contains therein, Is NOT LITERAL ~ Appear to wallowing in, or hiding behind, Some sins, that they simply DO NOT want Revealed about themselves. Either that, or they are talking From a stand-point of complete idiocy Or utter denial. This ‘REVEALING’ is as REAL as it gets. (I had to get that out..)* =Revelation 16:2 "And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and [upon] them which worshipped his image."
~The First Vial Judgment~ When men choose to worship Antichrist (rather than) CHRIST and demonstrate their allegiance by accepting [the mark of the beast], GOD responds by sending upon them a plague of {{ "a noisome and grievous sore”. }} John makes it clear that these awful sores afflict only those who worship the Antichrist and who have accepted the mark of the Beast; no Tribulation saint suffers from them. “Noisome” means: having an extremely offensive smell. objectionable, off-putting, uninviting, obnoxious, abominable, disgusting, offensive, repulsive, repellent.. “Grievous” means: very severe or serious. grave, dreadful, terrible, awful; painful, appalling, atrocious, gross, dire. { point taken. } The first “vial” produces a “Noisome and Grievous” ( “sore” ) on ‘ALL’ the followers of the “beast”, wherever they are. Whoever they are. How many will receive this plague? ALL. All means “ALL” who take The Mark of The Beast. This parallels the boils of the sixth plague on Egypt Exodus 9:9-11; [compare] Deut. 28:27; Job 2:7-13.
The Septuagint (LXX), uses the same Greek word to describe the boils that plagued the Egyptians (Exodus 9:9-11), and afflicted Job (Job 2:7). In the New Testament, it describes the open sores that covered the beggar Lazarus (Luke 16:21). All over the world, people will be afflicted with incurable, open, oozing sores.
“Mark of the beast”: Only the worshipers of Antichrist will be afflicted. Further confirmation that the three judgments; the seals, the trumpets, and the vials are sequential, (not concurrent) (as some bible teachers suggest), This is clarified in the time of (this) judgment. Some teach it all happens at once, ((OR)) has already happened. Wrong and No. Antichrist (will not be set up) as the object of worship [until] the middle of the Tribulation period. (( The Abomination of Desolation )). This judgment falls on the human race - -(because of) their worship of Antichrist, which can only occur (after) the middle of the Tribulation. The Abomination of Desolation is this False Messiah Who proclaims to be GOD. He will do this in The 3rd. Temple. The very temple that they are ‘chomping at the bit’ to build in Jerusalem - (and will).
The recipients are the beast worshipers. The selection from among the peoples on the earth those who (willingly) accept the mark of the beast And the worshiping his image- will be selected for those awful sores.
Some might say ; "what a cruel thing for GOD to do". ‘Huh’ ?? It’s not cruel. GOD is long-suffering And has been (more) than gracious to all of us. HE simply has a limit, and we are pushing HIM to that climax. Sin is committed the moment it is conceived in the heart, even before it is actually committed. Each of these plagues (and punishments) From the past have happened not only in punishment, but to get mankind to repent. *Whenever I read; “and they repented not…” I can’t help but to Shout Out (Loud) -- “WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU”?? Notice here -- that the reason this fell on them, was because they worshipped a (false god.) The beast. His Image. He is not GOD. This is the apex of IDOLATRY….. Idolatry...Which, Incidentally, is mentioned 40+ times In the Bible. (40) represents ‘Trial and Judgement’ =Revelation 16:3 "And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead [man]: and every living soul died in the sea." “Second … vial … every living soul died in the sea”: The water in the world’s oceans will become thick, dark, and coagulated, (lifeless) devoid of life, like the blood of a corpse. The death and decay of billions of sea creatures will only add to the misery of this judgment. We have already seen that GOD will cause a third part of the sea to turn to blood during the 2nd trumpet, but this ( second bowl )includes the entire sea. Imagine when all living creatures in the seas die... Think of the unbearable stench and the potential for disease.
“The “blood of a dead man” is coagulated and rotting. With all of the sea’s Blanketed with rotting lifeless blood, no [evaporation] for rain will be possible. Many large cities (today) have so much pollution, and the water is bad. But - Nothing compared to this. This judgment (may well) interfere with commercial shipping and send whole populations Into riotous confusion as people grope for an adequate supply of water, not to mention destroying what is left of the fish industry.
These vials, trumpets, and evil things happening are like the problems that came with the ten plagues on Egypt. In all cases, GOD brought them on to cause repentance. But, just as Pharaoh repented not, these worshippers of the beast repent not. =Revelation 16:4 "And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood." The third “vial” turns all fresh “water” to “blood”, so that no pure water for drinking is left on earth. GOD will destroy the only remaining sources of water, the rivers and fountains or springs of the deep, by letting them turn to blood. Fresh water, already in short supply because of the prolonged drought (11:6), will now suffer the fate of the oceans. The beast worshippers will have no clean water To wash their Noisome and Grievous sores.. What is significant is that it will become corrupt blood, which will breed disease and pestilence. One of the basic needs of humankind is water. =Revelation 16:5 "And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus." This is not the people saying that GOD is righteous. This is the angel saying GOD is righteous. (At no time do the people repent.) The angel here is saying that this judgment that GOD has brought is [ justified.] =Revelation 16:6 "For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy." “Given them blood to drink”: The thick, rotting, lifeless blood-like substance which the fresh waters have become is [all] that is available to drink. “They are worthy”: The angel exonerates GOD from any charge that HIS judgments are too harsh. GOD’S judgment is fair and proper. It seems that blood in their water supply is in punishment for the blood of the saints and prophets. Throughout the ages, the world and its evil system has been [opposed] to GOD and HIS people. (They deserve this punishment.) =Revelation 16:7 "And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous [are] thy judgments."
“Altar”: The personified altar echoes the words of the angel, reinforcing the truth that GOD is just in all judgment 19:1-2; Genesis. 18:25; Psalm 51:4; Rom. 3:4. =Revelation 16:8 "And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire."
The Fourth Vial Judgment. “Scorch men with fire”: Their mouths already parched from lack of water, those who are unrepentant suffer even more intense thirst when GOD causes the sun to "scorch them with fire”.
The sun that normally provides light, warmth, and energy will become a deadly killer. With no fresh water to drink, earth’s inhabitants will face extreme heat. =Revelation 16:9 "And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory."
"Scorched with great heat". But even this does not drive the rebels to their knees in repentance. Instead, they blaspheme the name of GOD "who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory."
This terrible plague is vented at the beast and its followers. The worst thing they could possibly do was to curse GOD, and that is just what they did. They did not repent; their hearts had been hardened. They either were not aware of GOD’S power or just did not want to give HIM the glory. =Revelation 16:10 "And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain," The fifth “vial” produces “darkness” on the “seat” and “kingdom” of the “beast”. The Fifth Vial Judgment. Darkness: seat of the beast”: This refers to either Antichrist’s actual throne, or his capital city, but extends to all his dominion. “Darkness”: Worldwide darkness is elsewhere associated with the judgment of GOD (Isaiah. 60:2; Joel 2:2; Mark 13:24-25).
Notice also that tremendous darkness envelops the beast's kingdom. This same phenomenon occurred in Egypt during the plagues; the whole land was consumed in darkness (so oppressive) that Moses said; you could actually feel it. they gnawed their tongues from their pain. Here is remorse and suffering. They are “unto themselves” (as the Book of Wisdom describes the Egyptians) “more grievous than the darkness” (Wisdom Of Solomon 17:21); but there is no softening or humbling of themselves, no turning to GOD. They still love what GOD hates, and hate what HE loves, for they blasphemed GOD - and repented not of their works. Such is the wretched state of the world-power in the day when retributive evil overtakes it - darkness, pain, and inability to repent. Is it not a picture of the ultimate state of all sin? This judgment, a repetition of the 9th plague of Egypt, is to be understood literally:
Amos 5:18 "Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord! Why do you long for the day of the Lord? That day will be darkness, not light"
Nahum 1:6 "Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him".
Nahum 1:8 "but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into darkness".
Zephaniah 1:15 "That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness".
The answer to all of this is to cry out to GOD for forgiveness. GOD is good and kind. This beast they are worshipping is (the ‘created’), not the CREATOR. Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. =Revelation 16:11 "And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds." “Blasphemed the God of heaven” - A sign of their continued loyalty to Antichrist and their anger at GOD for the cumulative miseries brought about by the first 5 vials. The heart of man seem’s so desperately wicked, that the most severe miseries never will bring any to repent, without the special grace of GOD. We seemingly cannot even repent logically- Without HIS help. Hell itself is filled with blasphemies; and those are who are ignorant of the history of human nature, of the Bible - and of their own hearts, who do not know or realize that the more men suffer, and the more plainly they see the hand of GOD in their sufferings, the more furiously they often rage against him. =Revelation 16:12 "And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared." The Sixth Vial Judgment. The 6th bowl judgment comes in 2 parts… (1) The drying up of the Euphrates River, which will be a preparation for the "battle on the great day of God Almighty;" and
(2) The tremendous demon forces that will bring the rebellious armies of the world to the Valley of Megiddo for the purpose of opposing the LORD. Euphrates”: Called “the great river” (five) times in Scripture (9:14; Gen. 15:18; Deut. 1:7; Joshua 1:4). (5) Again, being associated with death. With its flow already reduced by the prolonged drought and intensified heat, GOD supernaturally will dry it up to make way for the eastern confederacy to reach Palestine (Isaiah 11:15). the "kings from the east" will march a sizable army across to battle On the plain of Megiddo with the KING of kINGS. = Revelation 16:13 "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs [come] out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet." “Three unclean spirits”: A common New Testament designation for demons Matthew 12:43; Mark 1:23; Luke 8:29. These are especially vile, powerful and deceitful. βάτραχος, ου, ὁ batrachos: a frog. pneuma akatharton (πνεῦμα ἀκάθαρτον; plural pneumata akatharta (πνεύματα ἀκάθαρτα)), which in its single occurrence in the Septuagint translates Hebrew ruaḥtum'ah (רוח טומאה).
The Greek term appears 21 times in the New Testament in the context of demonic possession. They are demons who support the activities of Satan, the beast and the false prophet. By (some) means of miracles, they will convince the eastern "kings" and all the armies and kings of the earth and of the whole world to gather in Palestine to fight against the second coming of CHRIST (Rev. 19:19). This is Satan's final attempt to prevent CHRIST’S return. =Revelation 16:14 "For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, [which] go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." “Miracles”: These are supernatural wonders (designed) to deceive. Their impact will be so great that the unclean spirits are able to induce the earthly kings And their followers, to make the journey to Palestine in spite of their sores, the intense heat, drought, and darkness. Kings of … the whole world”: all the world begins to gather in Palestine for the final, climactic battle. (Psalm 2:2-3; Joel 3:2-4; Zech. 14:1-3).
“The battle of that great day of God Almighty”: The Bible says that at the end, t he devil will have power enough to call down fire from heaven. His miracles will be so convincing that people will believe a lie. This is deception to the utmost. These evil spirits are so deceiving, that they convince these armies to come against Israel. They willingly come to the battle of Armageddon, believing they will win. This battle is actually the forces of evil coming against GOD HIMSELF. Revelation 16:15 "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." The gathering of the world kings with the beast against the Lamb is the signal for CHRIST’S Second Coming; Our LORD stresses the need for constant readiness for HIS return (compare 1 John 2:28). The imagery pictures a soldier ready for battle, or a homeowner watchful for the arrival of a thief (see 3:3; 1 Thess. 5:2, 4; 2 Peter 3:10).
I come as a thief; that is, I come suddenly and unexpectedly: lest he walk naked, and they see his shame; for if he doth not, he will be found one of those that are not clothed with my righteousness, and his hypocrisy will appear to all men. ((HE is returning to a LARGELY unrepentant world)) Revelation 16:16 "And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon." Armageddon is the place where this great battle is to be fought is in Israel. The blood will run up to the horses bridle in this valley of Megiddo during this battle. This valley is called by the name Jezreel also. There have already been (twenty) battles fought at this very spot, but never a battle of this magnitude. This battle will be the twenty-first (3 x 7). Three means GOD. Seven means spiritually complete. Shortly after this battle, JESUS will set up HIS Kingdom. Armageddon, from the Hebrew “Har Megiddo” (the Hill of Megiddo). The hill country of Megiddo and the adjacent valley of Esdraelon have been the site of many important battles (Judges 5:15; 2 Kings 9:27; 23:29). =Revelation 16:17 "And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done." “Seventh … vial … It is done”: This bowl will complete GOD’S wrath *except for final judgment on the rebellion at the end of the Millennium; 20:7-10), It will usher in the worst calamity in the history of the world. The voice from the temple in heaven is undoubtedly - that of GOD HIMSELF. “It is done” is best translated, “it has been and will remain done” ( John 19:30).
In Genesis, when GOD made the earth in six days, then HE said "it is finished". When JESUS hung on the cross six hours, HE said "it is finished". I believe that is just what this "It is done" means here. I believe this is at the close of the six-1000 year days of work for the earth, just before the 1000 year Sabbath of rest. GOD would be the ONE to decide, and I believe this is HIM speaking here. =Revelation 16:18 "And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, [and] so great."
GOD will punctuate the completion of HIS wrath with a most devastating earthquake, the most powerful in earth’s history ( verses 19-21). *There is an old American Indian oral story, That say’s (2) times CREATOR ( GOD ) Will shake everything. The first time with one hand- (The deluge) The second time, with both hands - when HE returns.
This final judgment of GOD will appear in the form of the world's greatest earthquake, one that "has never occurred like it - since man has been on earth." As prophesied in Haggai;
Haggai 2:6-7 "For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;" "And I will shake all nations and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts." =Revelation 16:19 "And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath." And the great city was divided into three parts - The city of Babylon; or the mighty power that was represented by Babylon. The division mentioned here in three parts was manifestly with reference to its destruction - either that one part was smitten and the others remained for a time, or that one form of destruction came on one part, and another on the others. *Was divided into three parts; the pagan part, the evangelical part, and the anti-christian part, the three parties that made up the armies that fought in Armageddon: or else this is added as the effect of the great earthquake. Zech. 14:3-5 "Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. And you will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah."
Jerusalem is being prepared for the central role it plays during the millennial kingdom. =Revelation 16:20 "And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found." “Every island fled … mountains were not found”: This powerful earthquake will radically alter all the earth’s topography, preparing it for the coming millennial kingdom. 6:12-14; Isaiah 40:4-5; Jeremiah 4:23-27.
In addition, every island will vanish and the mountains will not be found. This seems to indicate a complete renovation of the earth, which may be a fulfillment of 2 Peter, which predicts that the entire earth will be destroyed:
2 Peter 3:10 "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." *The day of the LORD of course, is speaking of the 2nd. Coming. Revelation 16:21 "And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, [every stone] about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great." “Every stone … the weight of a talent”: The huge size of the hailstones will be unparalleled. Such massive chunks of ice (a talent weighs approximately 100 pounds), This crushing force will cause unimaginable devastation and death. It is difficult for us to conceive of hailstones that large or the devastating effect they will have on structures, topography, and the people they strike. I can’t hardly imagine. *My wife one time - Dropped an old tube-style t.v. on her big toe, And it basically split it wide open. That was about 75lbs. Falling from about 3 feet. Can you imagine this [hail] falling from the upper atmosphere? It will be moving much Faster than that t.v. was ! *Do they then repent? Sadly, no. No they don’t. Instead they choose To continue to Blaspheme GOD. Instead of repenting and asking for GOD’S help, they curse HIM. You see, in all of these plagues, GOD wants them to repent and turn to HIM. ====================================== *Revelation chapter 17 goes back and fills in some of what has already happened during the Tribulation. Chapter 16 is when the Great Tribulation is finished. Now chapter 17 covers the specifics of when Babylon the Harlot or the Religious Babylon is Destroyed. This city ( Babylon) begun by Nimrod, ( likely a Nephilim ) who was a rebel before the Lord, authored some of the greatest evils ever to fall on humankind. Two of these evils will be destroyed during the Tribulation period. Revelation 17 is the destruction of the religious Babylon that takes place about the center of the seven years [after] the Antichrist declares himself to be God and no longer needs the One World Religion.
In chapter 18 we will read about the destruction of (the commercial, political Babylon) when it takes place at the end of the Great Tribulation. *I’m going to ‘HAMMER’ for a moment, What is totally relatable to OUR present Condition, and how it IS effecting us, And ‘affecting us - today. ‘Presently’ -- (and) -- the very near future.
In ancient days satan seemed to make Babylon the capital of this evil operation. From this headquarters began, false religion, humanity's attempt for self-government in defiance of GOD’S will and city dwellings for commercial purposes, not to mention social purposes (abortion) (homosexuality) - This recent ‘trans’ movement all (contrary) to GOD’S command to "be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth" (Genesis. 1:28).
These great evils, which have damned the souls of millions by (substituting counterfeit solutions) to natural human problems that would ordinarily lead a person [to] GOD, but instead are leading people (away) from GOD-- -will all be destroyed at the end of the Tribulation period. Chapter 17 describes the coming judgment of GOD on the religious system that has [enslaved] the human race in superstitious darkness for centuries. (In Revelation 17:18 we will read) About the woman being the great city… Many have taken this to mean that the woman represents the capital city of Antichrist's kingdom, [but] this cannot be, for Antichrist himself rules over the kings of the earth.
If then, the woman is not the Antichrist, what other possible explanation can we have for such unanimous world dominance? The only answer is the one system before which all kings, dictators, and nations have been forced to bow down throughout history, that is, the Babylonian religion of idolatry. One cannot go (anywhere) in the world without being confronted with some semblance of the idolatry. No system in the world's history has enslaved more people than this awful religion. It should not take us by surprise that this (prostitute woman), the ‘religious system’, is referred to as a city. This just goes to show, how ‘religious Babylon’ and ‘governmental Babylon’ are so [intertwined] they are presented together. (( No separation of church and state here..)) However, they are destroyed at different times. The prostitute (religious Babylon), is destroyed by the "beast and the kings of the earth," who "hate the prostitute" and kill her. =Revelation 17:1 "And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:" “Many waters” are representative of the people And nations of the earth. Her harlotry and “fornication” can refer either to physical immorality or (more likely), [ spiritual adultery. ] Idolatry and religious apostasy. Compare Isaiah. 1:21; 23:16-17; Jeremiah. 2:20-37; 13:27; Ezekiel. 16:15-43; Hosea 2:5; Nahum 3:4. The “kings” and “inhabitants of the earth” have opened their arms to her influence. (accepted her..) The “beast” is the first Beast of chapter 13, the Antichrist and his empire. Her sitting upon the Beast represents the intimate association between the Antichrist and the harlot (an association of: support, influence, or control). <_______________________________> **We need to understand, how this ‘Harlot’ is (already) crept in unawares….** This "whore" here is not a literal woman. In Hosea, his wife (who [was] a harlet), was speaking of Israel. Here, this "whore" is speaking of the idolatrous church. This statement: "sitteth upon many waters", speaks of large groups of people. This is (not the true church.) This is the apostate church. GOD calls it the harlot church; the church that is not faithful to GOD, the church that is ‘worldly’. This church, while claiming to be Christian, finds many reasons to conform [to] the beast and the evil world system. This will be the (one world religion) which will appear [after] the church (Christians), have been raptured. This ‘one world church’ is ALREADY recruiting members from all walks of life. This, without question, is the part of the church that has compromised with the world and is - (no longer a chaste virgin) in the sight of GOD. I truly believe that a large portion of the church falls into this category today. ‘Worldliness’ has crept into our churches. The sad thing is that if she would repent, GOD would take her back, but she will (not) repent. The Bride of Christ is called a city, and that is the portion of the church - which has [not] compromised. The other (opposite), side of that is the harlot. It is also called a ‘city’ but is evil because of compromise. This is (not only) the apostate church in Rome, but the apostate in many ‘other’ churches, as well. Again, the reference to the ‘waters’ let us know that this apostate church is [throughout] the masses of people. =Revelation 17:2 "With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication." Kings of the [earth] - … have committed fornication”: The harlot will ally herself with the world’s political leaders. Fornication here does not refer to sexual sin, but to idolatry. All the world rulers will be absorbed into the empire of satan’s false christ, And false religion. *We already see the preparations being made, Step by step, with the introduction of: “Multi-religious sects.” “Religious syncretism” - exhibits the blending of two or more religious belief systems into a new system, or the incorporation into a religious tradition of beliefs from unrelated traditions. It is contrasted by the idea of (‘multiple religious belonging’) -- Multiple religious belonging refers to the idea that individuals can belong to more than one religious tradition. Which gives into honoring traditions above And beyond that which GOD has mandated. JESUS had much to say about religious traditions That are put (before) or in place of GOD. “Traditionalism” is the practice of adhering to tradition as authoritative, (before), GOD. Traditionalism can further be defined as the belief that moral and religious truth comes from (divine revelation) that is passed down by ‘tradition’, rather than attained by human reasoning. A big enemy of ‘faith’ we need to be aware of is: (human reasoning.) We are already seeing these effects. “Exclusivism” is the practice of being exclusive; mentality characterized by the [disregard] for opinions and ideas (other than one's own), or the practice of organizing entities into groups by excluding those entities which possess certain traits.. “Cherry Picking “ Syncretism, which blends a little of this and a little of that (basically) -- Is, in and of itself, a fatal compromise. When you stand for nothing - you fall for everything. And when you fall for everything - You welcome this global mindset, which is certain death. This picking this and excluding that, and combining These things, is paving the way for this globalist-way of worship. <_____________________________________> “Wine of her fornication”: The harlot’s influence will extend beyond the world’s rulers to the rest of mankind. The imagery does not describe [actual] wine and sexual sin, but pictures the world’s people being swept up into the intoxication and sin of - - a false system of religion. We see here, that this universal apostasy- (unfaithfulness to GOD), does not affect just one class of people. This unfaithfulness is from the very rich and powerful (kings), to the very poor. =Revelation 17:3 "So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns."
“Scarlet colored beast”: The Antichrist ( 13:14, 14:9; 16:10), who for a time will support and use the false religious system to affect world unify. Then he will assume political control - -( verse 16). Scarlet is the color of luxury, splendor and royalty.
“Full of names of blasphemy”: Because of his self-deification ( 13:1; Daniel. 7:25; 11:36; 2 Thess. 2:4).
“Having seven heads and ten horns”: This pictures the extent of Antichrist’s political alliances. Since this woman sits upon this beast, it means that her power comes from this evil beast (in Revelation 18:2), as It supports her. This woman, it appears, has decided to trust the powers of this world over GOD’S power.
Seven denotes spiritually complete, ten denotes world government, and horns denote power. Much of this stems from and started and originated in the original Babylon of ancient Nimrod! Yes, it stems from roots whose beginning was shortly this side of the Flood! --This woman….. A mother figure is a central object of worship in several religions for example, images of the Virgin and Child call to mind Egyptian representations of Isis nursing her son Horus. This is [not] (just) a product of Catholicism, but rather a bi-product of ‘Babylon’, a more notable introduction from Egypt- Through goddess worship, namely: Isis - and her (nursing) Horus. Embellishments to Mary, Mother of JESUS In legend seem to have taken form in the fifth century in Syria. Isis was initially an obscure goddess who lacked her own dedicated temples, but she grew in importance as the dynastic age progressed, until she became one of the most important deities of ancient Egypt. Her cult subsequently spread throughout the Roman Empire, and Isis was worshipped from England to Afghanistan. She is still revered by pagans today. As mourner, she was a principal deity in rites connected with the dead; supposed magical healer, and supposed cures of the sick which brought the deceased to life; and as mother, she was (to be) a role model for all women.
Isis had strong links with Egyptian kingship, and she was most often represented as a beautiful woman wearing a sheath dress and either the hieroglyphic sign of the throne or a solar disk and cow’s horns on her head. Occasionally she was represented as a scorpion, a bird, a sow, or a cow. There are no references to Isis before the 5th dynasty, but she is mentioned many times in the Pyramid Texts. Nimrod, grandson of Ham, son of Noah, was the ‘real’ (founder) of the Babylonish system that has gripped the world ever since— the system of organized competition— of man-ruled governments and empires, based upon the competitive and profit-making economic system. Nimrod built the Tower of Babel, the original Babylon, ancient Nineveh, many other cities. He organized the world's first kingdom. The name Nimrod, in Hebrew, is derived from "Marad," meaning "he rebelled." All of this ties together from Babylonian roots - (including) what we know of and see today as “ISIS” in the middle east.. Not just militarily.. The ‘news’ shows us it’s filtered and tailored version Of ‘ISIS’ as some: rag-tag bunch of insurgents. But it goes far beyond that. The group known as ISIS, now called the ‘Islamic State’, was taking root in Syria and Iraq long before it began its campaign of terror and brutality.
Before Islamic State seized a string of cities along the Tigris River, before its members killed thousands of people and drove hundreds of thousands more from their homes, and before the organization started claiming responsibility for the brutal murders of journalists and other captives, a quiet civil war was fueling anger from radicalized Sunni Muslims against the Iraqi government. ALL OF THIS STEMS FROM -- Nimrod, Babylon, and of course - satan. To drive this point home, before (anyone) concludes That ( I’m ) picking on, or in favor of one thing- over another understand, much of the world’s idolatry can be traced back to historical Babylon (compare Gen. 11:1-9), including the mother-child cult of Semiramis-Tammuz ( Jeremiah. 44:16-19; Ezek. 8:9, 14), which entered other cultures as Ashtaroth-Baal, Aphrodite-Eros, Venus-Cupid, and even Madonna-Child. As the fountainhead of idolatry, Babylon the harlot is the: MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATION OF THE EARTH. The harlot has killed many of GOD’S “saints” and Christian “martyrs” throughout the ages, and will do so again during the Tribulation period. =Revelation 17:4 "And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:"
“Purple and scarlet”: The colors of royalty, nobility, and wealth. The woman is portrayed as a prostitute who has plied her trade successfully and become extremely wealthy.
“Decked” Prostitutes often dress in fine clothes and precious jewels to allure their victims ( Prov. 7:10). [The religious harlot Babylon] is no different, adorning herself to lure the nations into her grasp.
“A golden cup”: Still another evidence of the harlot’s great wealth ( Jeremiah. 51:7); but the (pure) gold is defiled by the (filthiness) of her immorality. Just as a prostitute might first get her victim drunk, so the harlot system lures deceives the nations into committing spiritual fornication with her.
This "fornication" here spoken of, I truly believe is spiritual adultery or compromise with the world. GOD will tolerate most anything [except] the worship of someone else or something else. I truly believe this has to do with the watering down of who JESUS (is.) John 10:30 - “I and the Father are One” Ancient Babylon is a (type) or (pre-figure) of this future Babylon. The harlot will do what literal Babylon did in the past:
(1) Oppress GOD’S people, and
(2) Propagate a false religious system. Semiramis (also known as Ishtar and [Isis] ), who was both Nimrod's wife and mother, and was worshiped as the "mother of god" and a "fertility goddess" because she had to be extremely fertile to give birth to all the pagan i ncarnate gods that represented Nimrod.
Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. "Purple" indicates that this was in the church, because purple means ‘godliness’. But, this was a (false) godliness. The Catholic Church is many times decorated this way, but I believe this includes (all) apostate church’s, Protestant and Catholic. They hold "a golden cup in their hand, filled with abominable things and the filthiness of their adulteries." These abominable things and adulteries are the idolatry and worship of gods [other] than JESUS CHRIST. Revelation 17:5 "And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."
“Forehead”: It was customary for Roman prostitutes to wear a headband with their name on it Jeremiah. 3:3, parading their ‘wares’ for all to see. The harlot’s forehead is emblazoned with a 3-fold title description, of the world’s final false religious system.
“Mystery”: A New Testament mystery is truth once hidden, but in the New Testament revealed, Matt. 13:11; Ephesians. 3:4-5. Spiritual Babylon’s true identity is yet to be revealed. Thus, the precise details of how it will be manifested in the world are not [yet] known.
“BABYLON THE GREAT”: This Babylon (may be) distinct from the historical, geographical city of Babylon (Iraq) (which still existed in John’s day)- (or it may not) be distinct. Much of ancient Babylon fell into disrepair and Efforts have been made towards rebuilding it. The ancient city of Babylon began shortly after the Flood, as a direct act of rebellion against God. The city of Babylon has sunk beneath the sands of time during the past seventeen hundred years, but never has it been subject to catastrophic destruction. However, Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51, and Revelation chapters 17 and 18, both deal with the destruction of Babylon, and in order to be the city those prophecies require, it must be rebuilt on a grand scale like in the days of Nebuchadnezzar.
The prophecy of Mystery Babylon, found in Revelation 17:3-5, must be referring to a future Babylon! A mystery is something secret or hidden— something previously not revealed in scripture. There are five prophecies concerning the destruction of Babylon that are yet to be fulfilled, confirming the identity of Mystery Babylon as a future Babylon:
1. The destruction will “…utterly destroy her” (Jer. 50:26). This has not yet been fulfilled because the Persians took ancient Babylon in a relatively peaceful conquest. Babylon was not "utterly destroyed."
2. “…it will never again be inhabited” (Jer. 50:39). This has not yet been fulfilled because history records the city has never been without some degree of habitation.
3. “...Nor will the Arab pitch his tent there...” (Isaiah 13:20). This has not yet been fulfilled because Arab villages have been documented at Babylon.
4. “And they will not take from you even a stone for a corner Nor a stone for foundations, But you will be desolate forever,” (Jeremiah 51:26). This has not yet been fulfilled because history records Babylon’s ancient stones have been reused for centuries.
5. “The oracle concerning Babylon… nations gathered together… the farthest horizons …for the day of the Lord is near…” (Isaiah 13). Isaiah 13 clearly tells that Babylon will be destroyed in “the day of the Lord”.
Not one of these prophecies have ever been fulfilled. Therefore, Mystery Babylon is a future Babylon that must be rebuilt. “And he said to me, “To build a house for it in the land of Shinar; when it is ready, the basket will be set there on its base.” (Zechariah 5:11)
It is (likely) going to reemerge in the land of Shinar -- known today as Iraq (Zechariah 5:11; Isaiah 13). To build … house in … Shinar—Babylonia (Ge 10:10), the capital of the GOD-opposed ‘world kingdoms’, and so representing in general the seat of irreligion. As the "building of houses" in Babylon (Jer 29:5, 28) by the Jews themselves expressed their long exile there, so the building of an house for "wickedness" there implies its permanent stay.
set … upon her own base —fixed there as in its proper place. "Wickedness" being cast out of Judah, shall forever dwell with the anti-christian apostates (of whom Babylon is the type), who shall reap the fruit of it, which they [deserve].
MOTHER OF HARLOTS”: ( All ) false religion stems ultimately from Babel, or Babylon, Genesis. chapter 11. =Revelation "17:6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration."
The blood of the saints … martyrs of JESUS”: John’s point is that the harlot is a murderer. False religion has killed millions of believers over the centuries, and the final false system will be far more deadly than any that have preceded it. The faithless part of the church is guilty of the blood of the saints. The watered-down church. It’s tragic that -- -with the Bible as their guide, how could these people get so far away from GOD and still occupy a pew? In other words - how do they ‘claim’ to follow CHRIST, Without actually ‘following’ CHRIST? The answer is quite simple... They never read or study their Bible themselves. They never seek out what GOD is saying. And then take this “lack of knowledge”, And advance all kinds of false information upon others Who are equally yoked with other un-educated folks.. Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. It certainly rings true today… Our current state of affairs inside and outside Of the church reveals the truth of it. “I wondered with great admiration”: Not at the sight of the beast, which he had seen before, but at the sight of the woman, as she rode upon the beast; he wondered that one of her sex, generally timorous and fearful, should ride on such a monstrous creature; he was amazed at her dress, and grand appearance, it was astonishing to John that one bearing the name of a Christian church should rise to such grandeur; and he wondered at the name upon her forehead, what the whole of that inscription should mean; but, above all, at her drunkenness with the blood of the saints; at her inhumanity and cruelty, being as savage as the beast she rode on; and also at GOD’S forbearance of her, that HE, who is a pure and holy Being, a loving HIS saints, an avenger of HIS elect, should suffer such a brutish, barbarous, and blood thirsty creature, to live upon earth; see: Habakkuk 1:13 - and - Isaiah 63:1-3. =Revelation 17:7 "And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns." “Mystery”: Babylon is a false system of religion, (that is already known), but that the beast will fully support the harlot and together exert vast influence over the whole earth.
The Vision of the Beast - Five details describing the beast are given:
Blasphemous names (verse 3);
Had seven heads (verse 3);
And ten horns (verse 3);
The prostitute rides it (verse 7);
The beast was, and is not, and will come up out of the bottomless pit (Abyss), and go to his destruction (verse 11). *There is that number 5 again…
Five, is representative of death* The careful Bible student will immediately recognize this beast even before examining the angel's interpretation. In the first place, it is similar to the beast (of Rev. 13), and doubtless, represents what all beasts used symbolically represent: either a king or a kingdom that opposes GOD’S will. (A thematic re-occurrence throughout the Bible). Revelation 17:8 "The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is." “The beast”: Both a king and kingdom are referred to by this term.
“Was, and is not; and shall ascend” A reference to the Antichrist’s false resurrection 13:3-4; 12-14. “Out of the bottomless pit”: After his “resurrection”, the Antichrist will become possessed by a great demon from the abyss. “Book of life”: The roll-call of the elect, written in eternity past by GOD. Only the elect will escape the Antichrist’s deception Matt. 24:24. “From the foundation of the world” Titus 1:2; “long ages ago” A frequent phrase, Matt. 13:35; 25:34; Luke 11:50; John 17:24; Eph. 1:4; Heb. 4:3; 9:26; 1 Peter 1:20, referring to GOD’S pre-creation plan.
"Whose names were not written in the book of life". The false religious system of the end times will be very convincing and popular among the unsaved, but those who have committed themselves to CHRIST will understand that (anything idolatrous) is [not] of GOD. =Revelation 17:9 "And here [is] the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth."
“Seven mountains”: The Greek words often used of hills - λόφοι βιβλική - lófoi vivlikí ; The common Hebrew word for "hill" is gibh`ah = Gibeah (Judges 19:12); compare Geba, gebha` (1 Samuel 13:3); Gibeon, gib`on (Joshua 9:3), from root gabha`, "to be high"; compare Arabic qubbeh, "dome"; Latin caput; kephale.
Matt. 5:1; 15:29; John 6:15; 8:1. Many commentators interpret this expression to mean Rome, which sits on 7 hills. It is true that the final worldwide system of false religion includes, but is not necessarily limited to Rome; but specifically, the 7 mountains in context likely symbolize the 7 kingdoms and their kings of verse 10. *It is interesting to note that the Catholic church and the National Council of Churches united in the early 1950’s to make the church one physically. GOD [does] want us to be one, but not (physically). HE wants us to be (one) in the [Spirit]. There are people in ( all ) churches that will be saved as individuals. We must remove ourselves from the apostate church if possible.
This National Council of churches- has come out with a Bible that waters JESUS down to the point that it indicates that Jesus is not GOD. This is very dangerous, (not to mention BLASPHEMOUS). They would have us believe that JESUS was (just a man) walking down here on earth. (My Bible)- says He was Immanuel; “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
(I believe that because it IS True.)
It says (in 2 John 1:7) "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an Antichrist." You see by all this, that JESUS was in [fact] GOD the WORD, who came and inhabited the body of a man, so that it could be possible for HIS body to die on the cross for our sins. Anyone or anything that [denies] JESUS as GOD manifest in the flesh, is not of GOD. ((GOD, [is] Spirit. The HOLY SPIRIT, is Spirit. JESUS CHRIST [IS] the (physical) representation Of GOD, manifested in the flesh. We needed a Kinsman Of Adam, ( of the flesh ) to physically redeem us - And that is [precisely] what CHRIST did. --”Time will soon tell”-- The identification of the seven heads as Rome, (seems to show) that the Beast will initially have his major base of operation in Rome. It is (thought by many) studying the end times - that after the Harlot has been killed, the beast will move his headquarters to the actual city of Babylon during the last 3 ½ years. =Revelation 17:10 "And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, [and] the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space." “Seven kings”: Representatives of the 7 great world empires - 1.Egypt, 2.Assyria, 3.Babylon, 4.Medo-Persia, 5.Greece, 6.Rome, and 7.that of the Antichrist. (Daniel’s image in Dan. 2:37-45). “Five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come”: When John wrote this, the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Media-Persian and Greek empires had gone out of existence; Rome still existed, ( in 2 legs...The western and the Eastern ) The western leg fell.. The eastern - which extended into: Mesopotamia, Assyria, & even Persia. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Revived Roman Empire with a prominent Eastern Leg in union with the European Western Leg. That is- one could expect to see the Middle East— in a prominent role—joined (together) with Europe as the Eastern and Western “legs” of the End Time Revived Roman Empire. The (Europe-only) Revived Roman Empire fits (neither) the Biblical prophecies or the historical record. An incorrect understanding of the Revived Roman Empire distorts our understanding of the signs of the End Time. *Case in point: ‘Chris-lam’ The blasphemous [blending] or unification of Christianity with Islam. The Antichrist’s empire had not yet come. When it does, it will be brief (12:12; 13:5), and (he) will end in perdition. The seven (king)doms or empires throughout history that have ruled over Israel and much of the known world are:
(1) Egypt;
(2) Assyria;
(3) Babylon;
(4) Medo-Persia;
(5) Greece;
(6) Rome - The Roman Empire existing at the time of John which ceased to exist;
(7) And then the seventh, the revived Rome which has not yet come; (eastern?)*
(8) Then the eighth and [final] will be the Antichrist (kingdom.) *This revived Roman Empire is represented in the book of Daniel by the (10 toes) in the image of (Daniel 2:41-44), and by the 10 horns on the fourth beast of Daniel (Dan. 7:7, 20, 24), and in Revelation by the 10 horns on the first Beast (13:1; 17:3, 12, 13). It will exist as a major power (only) a short while, since it will then give its authority to the Beast (11-13). =Revelation 17:11 "And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition."
“The beast”: The final world kingdom ruled by the Antichrist, is “the eighth” king or kingdom. He “is of the seven” -- -in that he is the (culmination) of [all] the previous, pagan, idolatrous empires. (?) But he will go “into perdition”, the lake of fire (compare verse 8; 19:20). “Was, and is not … an eighth”: The Antichrist’s kingdom is said to be (both) the seventh and eighth kingdoms because of his supposed demise and resurrection. He is the seventh king before and the eighth king after his “resurrection” --- (remember, he supposedly dies, yet survives..) He destroys the harlot’s religious empire and demands exclusive worship of himself (verse 16). Put another way, the beast that John saw is the Antichrist, the satanic ruler of the (last and most powerful) empire in human history, who will serve as satan's instrument to attack Israel, persecute believers and - conquer the world for satan and to utterly oppose CHRIST. **Scripture portraits him as- -an intellectual genius (Dan. 7:8); -an outstanding orator (Dan. 7:20); -a military leader without parallel in human history (Dan. 7:23); -a shrewd calculating and manipulating politician (Dan 8:25, 11:21); -and the ultimate religious charlatan (2 Thess. 2:4). The angel briefly reviews the detailed description of him given in Rev. 13:1-10. Revelation 17:12 "And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast." “Ten kings” - Theses kings are sub-rulers under the Antichrist, whose empire will apparently be divided into 10 administrative districts.
Here we see that ten separate countries make up this (1) evil group. [collective]. Reading (in Daniel 2:45), the ten toes of the fourth beast (Roman Empire), were made of iron and (miry clay) making a brittle substance, That does not ‘bind’ or ‘bond’ well together. This is speaking of the 10 kingdoms or kings which will emanate from the Roman Empire and be in existence at the (time of) CHRIST’S return. Their worldwide power will be in association with the beast. “Which have received no kingdom as yet”: Thus, the kings [cannot] be identified with any historical figures.
At this point in his career, the Beast will have total control of the world, for he will command ten "kings" who rule the nations of the earth: “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for (one hour) as kings with the beast”.
Revelation 17:13 "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast." This seems to fit Daniels terminology From Daniel 11:44 - “But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.”
Minister and Author Matthew Henry Surmised it like this-- “The remainder of this prophecy is very difficult, and commentators differ much respecting it. From Antiochus the account seems to pass to antichrist. Reference seems to be made to the Roman empire, in its pagan, early Christian, and papal states. The end of the Lord's anger against his people approaches, as well as the end of his patience towards his enemies. If we would escape the ruin of the infidel, the idolater, the superstitious and cruel persecutor, as well as that of the profane, let us make the oracles of God our standard of truth and of duty, the foundation of our hope, and the light of our paths through this dark world, to the glorious inheritance above”. It’s Important to understand that, Kings and Kingdoms, good and evil, have to do [exactly] what GOD wants. Sometimes they are not even (aware) of why they are doing it. God puts the idea into their head, while all the time, they think it is their clever idea. Daniel 2:21
“And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:” * ‘GOD’ (IS) In Control. * (( ALWAYS )) =Revelation 17:14 "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.” { Amen ! } “Make war”: A referenced to the battle of Armageddon (16:14-16), where the Lamb will destroy the kings (19:17-21). Lord of lords, and King of kings”: A title for GOD- 19:16; 1 Tim. 6:15; Deut. 10:17; Psalm 136:3, that emphasizes HIS sovereignty over [all] other rulers to whom HE has delegated authority.
“These shall make war with the Lamb”. This will occur when these kings kill HIS faithful followers and come out to fight (against) CHRIST in the “Battle of Armageddon”. Those who join with Christ to overcome them are called "chosen, and faithful," titles used in other Scriptures to describe (true believers) (1 Pet. 2:9). * As it has been said so many times before, (we) Christians are in a battle. Our leader is (JESUS CHRIST). We are fighting a (very real enemy). The devil and his demons [are] our enemies. This war we are in is a (war of the spirit). We [must] come against the devil in hand to hand combat every day. Our weapon is the two-edged sword - The Word of GOD, (Bible).
WE ~ Are Soldiers. This war is fought by an army of believers - who always have their weapon (Bible), at their side. Besides having it at their side, they have its contents inside of them (their food is the Word of GOD). When we are in hot combat, the sword comes from our mouth. We are willing to lay down their lives for the cause of JESUS.
The flag we Christians fly is the banner of righteousness. +It is red because of the blood of our leader, +it is white because of the righteousness of believers, +and it is blue for our heavenly calling. This is a voluntary army. This battle is in the final hours before the return of the LORD. This army will be made up of boys, girls, men and women. GOD has called a vast army, as HE did in Gideon's day.
This group will be completely loyal to GOD. They will be willing to give up homes, family, friends, wealth, and position in their community to work for- and fight for, GOD. Loyal to JESUS even to the death. We have a peculiar uniform described (in Ephesians chapter 6, this is the Christian’s armor). This uniform will be provided to us by our LORD (JESUS). Loins girded about with truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the preparation of the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit which is the WORD of GOD. ! HALLELUJAH !
This battle ( IS ) fought with much prayer (on our knees). You see this victory is the LORD’S. We must fight the good fight. Give it everything you have. The war is peaking now. GOD [needs] good Christians who will (not compromise)- - for any reason. The battle is hard, but the rewards are beyond comprehension; a home in heaven (forever) with JESUS and the opportunity to hear HIM say, "Well done thy good and faithful servant". ((Well done, indeed ! )) =Revelation 17:15 "And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." Here ( again ) the waters are identified as “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues”, indicating the worldwide influence and authority of the harlot. (In verse 18), she is identified as “that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth”, referring probably to a worldwide, idolatrous pagan system. *Those who are followers of the evil system will be from all nations. There will be multitudes, lost.. =Revelation 17:16 "And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire."
After using the false religious system to unify the world kingdoms and gain control of all, the Antichrist, (with the help of his 10 sub-rulers,) will turn against the system, plunder and destroy it, and seize all power and worship for himself. {They will be carrying out GOD’S will} (verse 17; compare Genesis. 50:20). Genesis 50:20 “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” The Antichrist will permit the one world (apostate), church to govern his actions during the first three and one half years of the Tribulation ( the false peace ) -- while he is gathering more and more power. But in the middle of the Tribulation, when he feels he can become an autocratic ruler, he and the ten kings, will throw off the prostitute because, in reality, while being dominated by her, they "hate the whore"
None of the world's political leaders have enjoyed subjugation to religious leaders, but have (continued) in a role of servitude, only for expediency. When it is no longer necessary, the ten kings will "bring her to ruin and leave her naked" -meaning they will confiscate her temples, her gold, and her costly apparel. In so doing, they will [unwittingly] be the instruments of GOD in destroying this awful Babylonian system once and for all: "For GOD has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose."
The reason we know this killing of the harlot of "mystery Babylon" is done in the middle of the Tribulation is twofold:
(1) "The deadly wound" of Antichrist is healed by the indwelling of Satan himself, simulating the resurrection of Christ, in the middle of the Tribulation.
(2) From then on the world does [not] worship mystery Babylon, but the image of the beast. The False Prophet will do away with all religion except the worship of Antichrist Satan, which he [will] enforce. That begins at the beginning of the Great Tribulation, that's described (in Rev. chapter 13). This is the time when people will have to take the mark of the beast and swear their loyalty to the beast or face death. (No middle ground, either)-- You (either) accept JESUS CHRIST - or accept the beast.. This clears the way for Antichrist to fulfill the lifetime dream of Satan to get people to worship him. She is destroyed in the [middle] of the Tribulation. Then Babylon the governmental system will be destroyed at the [end] of the Great Tribulation, when [commercial] Babylon is destroyed (Rev. 18). =Revelation 17:17 "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled." You see, ‘ALL’ are subject to GOD whether they are following the beast or GOD. Even the devil has to do exactly what GOD tells him to do. Some of this has happened to fulfill GOD’S word. The devil is not only subject to GOD, but he is subject to (us), as well, through the Mighty name of JESUS. We may dismiss the devil, just as JESUS did. The only difference was that JESUS used HIS own power, and we have no power of our own. We do it in the name of JESUS. It is JESUS' power.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. =Revelation 18:1 "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory." This angel is distinctive, with such "great authority" that he lights the earth with his glory.
“Earth was lightened with his glory”: The fifth vial (16:10), will have plunged the world into darkness. Against that backdrop, the sudden, blazing appearance of this angel (not the same as in 17:1, 7, 15), will certainly rivet the world’s attention on him and his message of judgment on Babylon (compare to 14:8).
*In the last lesson we saw that the beast, and his system, and the great whore were revealed. In chapter 18, we will see the judgment that comes from GOD poured out on them. This "angel" (in verse 1), was sent from heaven. This "power" spoken of here is power that GOD has endowed on this angel for the execution of this punishment. This "angel" is in close association with the Light. We see here that this powerful Light of JESUS, even though second hand through the angel, still lightens the earth. =Revelation 18:2 "And he cried mightily with a strong voice, s aying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." There is a similar description of this very same thing in Isaiah:
Isaiah 21:9 "And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, [with] a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground." *Rest assured, when Babylon falls, it will fall hard. So hard in fact, it will NEVER rise again. Ever.
*We see the fall of the great apostate church. We also see the fall of these ten evil nations. GOD is not mocked. God wins the war. God has given up on (them) completely. Now judgement comes. Babylon is a very wicked group, but they are (not) the world. They are the church gone bad. For a while the world and the apostate church (were) walking hand in hand. The evil ten nations, at last, have turned against this apostate church. This is the church that has committed spiritual adultery. Physical Babylon is in Iraq. Mesopotamia - In modern days, it is roughly corresponding to most of Iraq, Kuwait, the eastern parts of Syria, Southeastern Turkey, and regions along the Turkish–Syrian and Iran–Iraq borders. ( The fertile crescent ) In its fullest sense, Mesopotamia extended from the Persian Gulf to mount Taurus; but the name usually denotes only the tract above Babylonia, now called Dearbekr and celebrated for its exuberant fertility; while the part below, now Iraq-Arabi, is sterile and without water. Mesopotamia was including the territories of the Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Macedonian, and Roman empires successively, and belongs now to that of the Turks.
This region is associated with the earliest history of the human race both before and after the flood. Eden was not far off; Ararat was near to it on the north, and the land of Shinar on the south. The traveler here reaches what is truly "the Old World," and is surrounded by objects compared with which the antiquities of Greece and Rome are modern novelties. This was the home of the patriarchs who proceeded Abraham-Terah, Heber, Peleg, etc. Here Abraham and Sarah were born, and the wives of Isaac, and Jacob, and most of the sons of Jacob, the heads of the twelve tribes. The Strong Voice… This "...strong voice... came from GOD. This apostate church GOD, doesn't even claim any more. The real Christians ( believers ) are already in heaven. Now we see even this watered-down church fall, and that leaves the way open for [every] unclean spirit that exists. (Demon control). =Revelation 18:3 "For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies." “Wine of the wrath of her fornication”: Religious Babylon (chapter 17), lures the nations into spiritual drunkenness and fornication with false gods (17:2, 4); commercial Babylon (chapter 18), Has seduced the unbelieving world into a ‘materialistic stupor’, so that the people of the world will become drunk with passion because of their relationship with Babylon.
“Kings … merchants”: Political rulers and corporate leaders alike are swept up in this worldwide system of commerce (14:8; 17:2). ((They can have each other..)) *Believers must be separate from the harlot system, or else [they] (may be found) to share in “her sins” and thereby “receive” (part) of her judgment. “GOD hath remembered her iniquities”: The day of judgment for sin has arrived. =Revelation 18:4 "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." “Come out of her, my people”: GOD will call HIS own -- to separate themselves from this evil system.
(I say, why wait?) (separate Now ! ) The judgment of GOD on that society living in sinful, arrogant self-indulgence [can] be avoided. (Isaiah. 48:20; Jeremiah. 50:8; 51:6-9, 45). In both cases, the message is to abandon the system. Read (2 Cor. 6:14-17) below, for a good example of this:
(14) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
(15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
(16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
(17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,
*True believers, who are still in this type of church, are (very) foolish. GOD through this "voice from heaven" is saying, "Come out of her my people". GOD leaves no doubt what a person should do if they are caught in these apostate churches.
You see, even though you are not committing sin, as such- You are committing sin by association. The Bible tells us (over and over) [not] to be unequally yoked with those of unbelief. If you do not remove yourself, you are guilty of her sin. If your church preaches that JESUS was not born of a virgin, or the Red Sea did not part, that Jonah was not actually swallowed by a whale, or if your church recognizes homosexuals and lesbians as equals, and does not condemn it as sin, (you had better get out.) No one or nothing should be put ahead of GOD. There is [no] mediator between man and Almighty GOD except JESUS CHRIST.
1 Timothy 2:5 "For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;"
We should [not] bow down to graven images of (anyone or anything). We read in Exodus 20:4, one of the Commandments of GOD.
Exodus 20:4 "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:"
((Be careful how you worship.)) Be careful about the things of GOD. Know who JESUS is and why you worship HIM. Be thoroughly convinced in your heart. Do not listen to someone telling you what the Bible says. Read and study it for yourself. GOD will reveal to you what it is saying, [if] you are earnestly trying to learn. {{Even check out what I am saying.}} DO NOT be easily swayed by anyone ! Be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. =Revelation 18:5 "For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." “GOD hath remembered…” It’s not like HE forgot - HE hasn’t. What GOD does not remember, is the iniquities of His people (Jer. 31:34), But HE does remember to protect them (Malachi. 3:16 – 4:2). As for the unrepentant, Babylon, the fallen angel(s)- there will be no such forgiveness, only judgment. Babylon's sins, ALL unrepentant sins, will pile up like a new Tower of Babel, but unlike the ancient tower, her sins (will) reach as high as heaven. *It is always good to remember that all of Revelation was addressed to everyone. To the Jew - and to the church. To the Jew - and to the Greek. God gives us warnings and gives us time to repent. Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” =Revelation 18:6 "Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double." “Double”: Has the sense of “full”, or “overflowing”. The punishment will fit the crime (compare Jer. 16:18).
“Cup”: The cup of wickedness from which so many have drunk (14:8; 17:2, 4, 6), will call for the cup of wrath- (14:10; 16:19).
“reward her” as she rewarded you “- - simply means GOD will recompense or repay Babylon according to all her works. All of those who are involved and are guilty will suffer double judgment as the cup is filled twice for her for what she has done to the Saints. ( She will reap what she sowed. ) =Revelation 18:7 "How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow."
“And am no widow”: A proud, but empty, boast of self-sufficiency, also made by historical Babylon (Isaiah. 47:8; compare 1 Cor. 10:12).
This is describing 3 sins she is guilty of.
(1) "She has glorified herself" meaning she was proud;
(2) "She lived Deliciously" meaning she pursued self-gratification; and
(3) "I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow" meaning she was not only (proud but boastful.)
That proud boast, echoes that of ancient Babylon who said "I will be a queen forever" and I will not sit as a widow, nor know loss of children. Now read that boast (in Isaiah 47):
Isaiah 47:7-8 "And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: [so] that thou didst not lay these [things] to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it." "Therefore hear now this, [thou that art] given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I [am], and none else beside me; I shall not sit [as] a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children." =Revelation 18:8 "Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her."
(Daniel 5:30), records that Babylon of old fell in one day. *Utter chaos falls on the earth at the end of the Tribulation period. The “merchants” will find nothing to buy or sell. “In one hour”: The destruction (will) come suddenly and quickly (verse 17). The world’s pagan economic system will collapse. “They cast dust on their heads” as a sign of mourning and sorrow (verse 19; compare Job 2:12; Lam. 2:10; Ezek. 27:30). “GOD hath avenged you on her”: GOD at last judges the Babylonian system for its treatment of God’s people, particularly those who are martyred during the Tribulation (compare 6:9-11). =Revelation 18:9 "And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning," (( And again, Babylon is pictured as a harlot whose death causes her lovers to weep and lament over her.)) Revelation 18:10 "Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come." *I really believe this is both an evil system (and) many evil cities as well, being destroyed. =Revelation 18:11 "And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:"
These mourners are the merchants of the earth who will weep and mourn over Babylon because no one will be able to buy their goods anymore.
*Whatever economy there had been, will end-- and so will (any) semblance of normalcy on this devastated planet that was already in serious trouble brought on by the divine judgments of GOD. This continues in more detail in the next 2 verses.. =Revelation 18:12 "The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,"
“Purple”: This refers to garments laboriously dyed with purple dye extracted from shellfish. Lydia (Acts 16:14), was a seller of such expensive garments. A distinctive mark of the ‘Caesars’ was their purple robes.
“Thyine wood”:
*Mentioned only in Revelation 18:12 among the articles which would cease to be purchased when Babylon fell. {Tetraclinis articulata} - The name is derived from the Greek word thuon or thuein "fragrant wood," Meaning- “to sacrifice”, and it was so called because it was burnt in (sacrifices), on account of its fragrance. Just like the cedars of Lebanon, it is disappearing from the forests of Palestine. ( Interesting…)
“Marble”: Marble, imported from Africa, Egypt, and Greece, was widely used in Roman buildings.
It appears that these are classed in several types:
(1) Personal items of jewelry;
(2) Articles used for furniture;
(3) Nice smelling and tasting things;
(4) Food;
(5) Animals;
(6) Souls of men. This "souls of men", is one of the more interesting. In the days of the old Roman Empire, they sold people as you would animals. Perhaps that is what is meant there. They thought no more about selling a person- than they did a pair of shoes.
It appears that, all of this that trade has just about ceased, period. Probably, all the plagues and wars have just about stopped everything. =Revelation 18:13 "And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men". Commerce, (as we know it) has ceased. *Slaves, and souls of men”: It is a possibility that-the slave trade, supposedly banned by the civilized nations of the world, will reappear in Antichrist’s debauched commercial system. =Revelation 18:14 "And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all."
The merchandise that was available before, are now gone and will never ever be available again. The commercial system is completely shut down and that reality is about to be made manifest...
It will be a time when it will be next to impossible to find enough food to feed yourself, let alone your family.
This is probably the time- when a loaf of bread would cost a whole day's wages. There will be no money (at all) left for niceties.
Even if you have a tremendous amount of money, It ( won’t ) matter. There will be great shortages of real items necessary to live on not to mention the things the rich consume will be entirely unavailable.
Do you know JESUS CHRIST? You’d better… =Revelation 18:15 "The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing," When this horrible punishment comes, it will put the fear of GOD in those looking on. These merchants weep because their materialistic Passions and their lust can no longer be fulfilled. The weeping that begins here, will last for eternity in hell. -( and on to the Lake of Fire )- =Revelation 18:16 "And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!" We must realize this "Babylon" is a city ((and)) also the apostate church. These plagues jump back and forth from the city to the church The "fine linen" has to do with the church world. All of this describes the finery in these big churches. "purple, and scarlet" are Godly colors. =Revelation 18:17 "For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off," “For in one hour” Sudden Destruction, Swiftly !
“Shipmaster”: Ship captains will mourn the loss of Babylon and the lucrative transport business that went with it. Revelation 18:18 "And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What [city is] like unto this great city!"
The people cry and are amazed as they see this destruction taking place before their eyes. =Revelation 18:19 "And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate." Casting dust on their heads is a typical ancient expression of grief. These last few scriptures state ‘sailors’, but could mean [any] system of transportation and delivery systems of today such as planes, trains, trucks etc. All of these services would be immediately shut down if the commercial system was destroyed including banking and computers.
Even a ‘lukewarm church’ will certainly become aware of what other believers thought the Bible teaches, about the wrath of GOD. When they realize they have (missed) the rapture of the Church, there would be grief beyond comprehension. This was a sudden destruction that (no one could deny) is a punishment from GOD ALMIGHTY. =Revelation 18:20 "Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her." “God hath avenged you on her”: The angel will exhort the tribulation martyrs (6:9-11), to rejoice, not over the deaths of those doomed to eternal hell, but, because GOD’S righteousness and justice will have prevailed.
GOD has taken vengeance on the ones who killed his prophets and apostles and even his Blessed Son. Finally, all of those martyred by these have been avenged.
The long-awaited moment of vindication, retribution and vengeance for which the martyred tribulation believers had prayed for (in Rev. 6:9-10), and for which all the redeemed have hoped, that time has arrived. =Revelation 18:21 "And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast [it] into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all." The “stone” cast “into the sea’ depicts the “violence” and permanence of the destruction. “The sea” (here) - in this reference, is (likely) The sinful people -and- the sinful System. The Babylonian system that began in (Genesis chapter 10), and has continued uninterrupted in one form or another to the present day- has suddenly “sank”, (been destroyed)- never to return. =Revelation 18:22 "And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft [he be], shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;" *Literally everything grinds to a halt everywhere. ( Pun intended ) - Babylon will be so completely and so thoroughly destroyed, that it will never rise again as predicted by the Old Testament prophets. =Revelation 18:23 "And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived." “The great men of the earth” Are these the ones spoken of in Rev. 6:15? They are from all parts of the earth. James, Isaiah and Amos condemned the rich for their self-aggrandizement and maltreatment of the poor. All the nations were deceived by her sorcery. "witchcraft, magic, enchantment; act or instance of sorcery; supernatural state of affairs; (seemingly) magical works," ( “were” ) deceived...key point. GOD puts a swift and decisive end to that. Babylon's hold on the world will not be entirely due to her military and economic power, but also to her occult influence. =Revelation 18:24 "And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth."
A final reason given for Babylon's judgment, (as if another is needed)- is her murderous slaughter of GOD’S people. =Revelation 19:1 "And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God:" “After these things”: This is a time key. After the destruction of Babylon at the end of the “Great Tribulation, just before the kingdom is established. This section bridges the Tribulation and the millennial kingdom. +Now the scene totally changes to heaven. We hear the voices of the redeemed. This "great voice" here is of the number of people speaking. These words of praise here are focused on the LORD JESUS CHRIST. The redeemed are the ones who are praising. “Alleluia”: or more properly HALLELUJAH, praise ye Jehovah. (the Greek form of the Hebrew, hallelujah) *The marriage of the Lamb and the marriage* supper of the Lamb "in heaven" (19:6-9), (are) [evidence] of the Church being in heaven - (prior to) the return of CHRIST to earth. CHRIST is (the Bridegroom) at the marriage and HIS Church is (the Bride). The word "church" (Greek ekklesia), appears nineteen times (in Revelation 1-3), and does not appear again until (Revelation 22:16), [emphasizing] the absence of the Church (from) the earth during the judgments of: (Rev. chapters 4-18). I heard a great voice of much people in heaven": The people are (the same) with the 144,000 seen with the Lamb on Mount Zion (Revelation 14:1), and with those on the sea of glass, who had got the victory over the beast (Revelation 15:2), and are none other than GOD’S covenant people, who are given to CHRIST, and made willing to be HIS in the day of HIS power. And though they are but a seed, a remnant, a small company, when compared with the world and carnal professors; yet are a large body [of] themselves. Especially they will be now, (when the nation of the Jews shall be born at once,) and the fullness of the Gentiles will be brought in. And their voice on this occasion and the downfall of Rome, is said to be "great" partly because of their number. =Revelation 19:2 "For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand." “Judgments”: We long for the day that true judgement from GOD Will avenge all who have suffered and been wronged. Godly people love righteousness and hate sin, for righteousness honors GOD and sin [mocks] HIM. = Revelation 19:3 "And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever." It appears that those who were redeemed were looking on from heaven and approving of the destruction of Babel, because the MESSIAH was bringing justice and righteousness to the world. “Smoke rose”: This is saying that this judgment is permanent- and is like the language that GOD used (Genesis 19:28). This is just a statement telling us [it] (Babylon) will never be built again. This destruction of the last, most powerful empire in history, marks the end of man's day. The rebellion that had begun in the Garden of Eden is finally ended. Never again will there be more false religions, worldly philosophy, injustice or unrighteousness. =Revelation 19:4 "And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia." *the word ‘beasts’ here, is more rightly Rendered as: ‘Living Creatures’. Beast (here) is an unfortunate translation. KJV translators (here) used the word: ‘zoon’ Which (also) means ‘living being’ but unfortunately Can be used as: ‘brute beast’ in a variant context. (chayyah; zoon): "Living creature" (chayyah) is the designation of each of the composite figures in Ezekiel's visions. Ezekiel 1:5, 13; Ezekiel 3:13; Ezekiel 10:15, 17, 20 and, the Revised Version (British and American), of the similar beings in the visions of the Apocalypse, Which, again, are more rightly in context, to be rendered As: chayah zoon (or) “living creatures”. Nephesh, "living creature" Which means: (literally, "a breathing thing"). chayah -- to live + zoon -- a living creature. =Revelation 19:5 "And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great." “A voice out of the throne”: The speaker isn't identified but is probably an angel and refers to GOD as our GOD. His instructions are to praise GOD ! =Revelation 19:5 "And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great." The speaker isn't identified, but is probably an angel and refers to GOD, ‘our’ GOD. His instructions are to praise GOD.
The redeemed in heaven are called GOD’S "Bond Servants", and this [is] the group being addressed here. In some Bibles the word bondservant is the translation of the Greek word doulos, which means “one who is subservient to, Or at the disposal of.. The Hebrew word for “bondservant,” - ‘ebed, had a similar connotation. However, the Mosaic Law allowed an indentured servant to become a bondservant voluntarily. FREEWILL…... Modern ‘philosophy’ and dictatorial teaching- Leaves modern man with the assumption that We are under bondage to GOD, when we could instead- Be ‘god-like’. NOTHING could be more backwards. We accept GOD by way of FREEWILL. Accepting HIS free Gift of Grace. ‘Freely’-
FREEWILL. ‘NOT’ because we are forced. Satan forces, by way of ‘you’ accepting his Terms and outcome, as some better alternative to some regimented service to him. His goal is to KILL you. (twice). GOD’S goal is to redeem YOU. Big, big, difference. GOD has a eternal plan for us. Satan, does not. “He” -- has a PREDICTED OUTCOME. He sealed his fate, long ago. His Freewill choice, is an eternity in the lake of fire. (His) choice... NOT MINE. =Revelation 19:6 "And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." So vast is this group that they are without number. These are the faithful. When this great multitude begin to praise God, the volume would be so great as to sound like "mighty thunderings". =Revelation 19:7 "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." The heavenly praise continues, this time for a call for gladness ! “Marriage of the Lamb”: Hebrew weddings consisted of 3 phrases:
(1) Betrothal (often when the couple were children);
(2) Presentation (the festivities, often lasting several days, that preceded the ceremony);
(3) The ceremony (the exchanging of vows). The church was betrothed to CHRIST by HIS sovereign choice in eternity past Ephesians. 1:4; Hebrews. 13:20, and will be presented to HIM at the Rapture (John 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:13-18). The marriage of the Lamb: The wife or bride of Christ is the church- Matthew. 22:2-14; John 3:29; 2 Corinthians. 11:2; Ephesians. 5:25-32. And the marriage is the eternal union of the church, with CHRIST following the Rapture. 1 Thessalonians. 4:17. The fine linen, clean and white, represents the righteousness of the church, which has now been judged and purified at the judgment seat of Christ. 1 Cor. 3:12-15: 2 Cor. 5:10. =Revelation 19:8 "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." The fine linen the bride is clothed in represents the righteous acts of the saints. These robes have been made white by the blood of the Lamb. This "righteousness" was not ours (until) we received the LORD JESUS into our lives and took on His righteousness. Our own righteousness had been as filthy rags, but JESUS replaced the filth with HIS righteousness. =Revelation 19:9 "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God." And he saith unto me - (the angel) saith unto me, Write These are the true sayings of GOD - Confirming all by a solemn declaration. The importance of what is here said; the desirableness of having it fixed in the mind, amidst the trials of life and the scenes of persecution through which the church was to pass, makes this solemn declaration proper. These are the true sayings of GOD; that is, these are the undoubted truths of GOD, and therefore to be called into question by (none.) Revelation 19:10 "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." And I fell at his feet to worship him - At the feet of the angel. John was entirely overcome with the majesty of the heavenly messenger. and with the amazing truths that he had disclosed to him, and in the overflowing of his feelings he fell upon the earth in the posture of adoration. And he said unto me, See thou do it not - That is, in rendering the homage which you propose to me, you would in fact render it to a creature. This may be regarded as an admonition to be careful in our worship; not to allow our feelings to overcome us; and not to render that homage to a creature which is due to GOD alone. =Revelation 19:11 "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war." ! THIS ! ( IS ) CHRIST !!! The One who ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11), and had been seated at the Father’s right hand (Hebrews. 8:1; 10:12; 1 Peter 3:22). Many paid little regard to CHRIST - when he came meek and lowly, riding upon an ass: but what will they say or think, when he comes forth upon his ‘white horse’, with the sharp sword of his mouth? The white horse, on which CHRIST is represented as riding, was intended to denote HIS justice and holiness, and also that victory and triumph should mark his progress. And HE that sat on him was called Faithful — In performing all HIS promises; and True — In executing all HIS threatenings; and in righteousness — With the utmost justice and equity; HE doth judge and make war — Often the sentence and execution go together. HIS eyes were as a flame of fire — Gloriously bright and piercing. HE is described in such characters as are appropriated to HIM in this book, and in the ancient prophets; and on HIS head were many crowns — In token of his numerous conquests, and the many countries now become the kingdoms of our GOD and of HIS CHRIST. And he had a name written upon them that no man knew but himself… =Revelation 19:12 " His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. ...Different from that mentioned above; KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS — To show that he really possessed a true and just dominion over (all) the princes and kingdoms of the earth. There was a secret name on the stone, underneath the breastplate of the High Priest worn into the Holy of Holies. This was the unspeakable name of GOD. This name here is similar to that name. It is a name that no one knew except our Lord. In (Rev. 3:12), we studied about this name the LORD will put on ( us. ) This "fire" here speaks of purity and judgment. The crowns indicate total sovereignty and authority. =Revelation 19:13 "And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God." “A vesture dipped in blood”: Christ’s blood-spattered garments symbolize the great battles He has already fought against sin, Satan, and death, and has been stained with the blood of His enemies. *This is not representative of the blood JESUS shed on the cross, but is a picture of judgment, not redemption. This is the blood of HIS slaughtered enemies. This is not HIS first battle, but HIS last. HE has fought for HIS people throughout redemptive history and HIS "war clothes" bear those stains. The blood represents the judgment of CHRIST’S enemies, (14:14-20; Isaiah 63:1-6). “The Word”: Only John uses this title for the LORD. As the Word of GOD, JESUS is the image of the invisible GOD (Colossians. 1:15); the express image of HIS person (Hebrews. 1:3); and the final, full revelation from GOD (Hebrews. 1:1-2). The word of GOD took on the form of flesh and dwelt among us. In the book of John, the first chapter, we read [about] the Word of GOD.
John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
John 1:14 "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,
(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
We also see here, that (this Word) (JESUS), [was], [is], and always [will be] GOD the Word. =Revelation 19:14 "And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean." “Armies … in heaven”: Composed of the church (verse 8), tribulation saints (7:13), Old Testament believers (Jude 14; compare Dan. 12:1-2), and even angels (Matt. 25:31). They return not to help JESUS in the battle- but to reign with HIM after HE defeats HIS enemies (20:4; 1 Cor. 6:2; 2 Tim. 2:12; compare Psalm 149:5-9).
They will share in CHRIST’S victory and glory (Roman 8:18-19). (Some)- would limit these to angels, By the apparel which they wear— the fine linen- (byssus); mentioned 40 times In Scripture, is a- (a fine textile fiber and fabric of flax.) “which is the righteousness of saints” (see Revelation 19:8) is conclusive against this limited view. The saints who have fought the good fight here, and who loved not their lives unto the death, will share the triumph of their KING. (Comp. also Revelation 17:14.) The horses upon which they are seated are white. The raiment they wear is white, pure. (Comp. Revelation 19:8, and Revelation 3:4; Revelation 7:14.) The hue of triumph is here, but it is the triumph of righteousness. (Comp. also Ezekiel 38:4.) =Revelation 19:15 "And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God." The sharp sword is the same that we have read of before (Revelation 1:16); there it was called the two-edged sword. The omission of the epithet in this passage, which describes the Word of GOD as the conqueror and the judge, is not without significance. The sword is now wielded for but one work—the word that CHRIST spoke will judge men at the last day (John 12:48). The power of this word found an illustration in the falling back of the hostile band which came to take HIM in the day of HIS humiliation (John 18:5); yet more gloriously will the power of HIS word be felt (comp. Isaiah 11:4; Jeremiah 23:29; 2Thessalonians 2:8) when HE will slay the wicked with the word of HIS mouth. The passage in Psalm 2:9must be borne in mind. CHRIST comes as King; HIS is a rule in righteousness; those who oppose this kingdom of righteousness find the shepherd’s staff as a rod of iron; the stone rejected falls upon the builders, and grinds them to powder. It is thus that the winepress of GOD’S wrath is set up, and the righteous King appears as one who treads it out. “Winepress”: A vivid symbol of judgment (compare Isaiah. 63:3; Joel 3:13). =Revelation 19:16 "And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."
The King rides at the head of HIS host. On HIS robe, where it spreads out from the waist, HIS title is inscribed; it proclaims HIM to be the [one] who is the true supreme KING of all. Inscriptions on the outer garments were sometimes used by distinguished personages. The title anticipates the final victory; HIS power is Irresistible, HIS KINGSHIP is Universal. =Revelation 19:17 "And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;"
“And I saw an angel standing in the sun” And therefore (conspicuous) to all; “he cried with a loud voice to all the fowls of heaven” To intimate the slaughter and desolation which were soon to come upon the enemies of the church; saying, “Come, gather yourselves together to the supper of the great God” To the great feast which HIS vengeance will soon provide; a strongly figurative expression, taken from Ezekiel 39:17, denoting the vastness of the ensuing slaughter. =Revelation 19:18 "That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all [men, both] free and bond, both small and great."
“That ye may eat the flesh of kings” - Of the kings under the control of the beast and the false prophet, Revelation 16:14; Revelation 17:12-14. “And the flesh of captains” - Of those subordinate to kings in command. The Greek word is χιλιάρχων chiliarchōn - "chiliarchs" - denoting captains of a thousand, or, as we should say, commanders of a regiment. “And the flesh of mighty men” - The word here means "strong," and the reference is to the robust soldiery - rank and file in the army.
“And the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them” -Cavalry - for most armies are composed in part of horsemen.
“And the flesh of all men, both free and bond - both small and great”. It is not uncommon that freemen and slaves are mingled in the same army. This was the case in the American Revolution, and is common in the East.
=Revelation 19:19 "And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army."
“And l saw the beast”,.... Not the devil, for after this he is taken and bound for a thousand years, and then loosed, and laid hold on again, and cast into the lake of fire; not that this war will be by his instigation, and under his influence, Revelation 16:14 14”For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
“And the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together” - There is allusion here to the same assembling of hostile forces which is described in: Revelation 16:13-14, for the great decisive battle that is to determine the destiny of the world - the question whether the MESSIAH- or antichrist shall reign. There can be no doubt that the writer in these passages designed to refer to the same events - the still future scenes that are to occur when the Roman, the pagan, and the Muhammedan powers shall be aroused to make common cause against the true religion, and shall stake all on the issue of the great conflict. “And their armies gathered together”; at Armageddon, or in the valley of Jehoshaphat, Revelation 16:16. =Revelation 19:20 "And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them t hat had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone." And the beast was taken - That is, was taken alive, to be thrown into the lake of fire. The hosts were slain Revelation 19:21, but the leaders were made prisoners of war. The general idea is, that these armies were overcome, and that the MESSIAH was victorious; but there is a propriety in the representation here that the leaders - the authors of the war should be taken captive, and reserved for severer punishment than death on the battlefield would be - for they had stirred up their hosts, and summoned these armies to make rebellion against the MESSIAH. The beast here, as all along, refers to the papal power; and the idea is that of its complete and utter overthrow, as if the leader of an army were taken captive and tormented in burning flames, and all his followers were cut down on the field of battle.
And with him the false prophet - As they had been practically associated together, there was a propriety that they should share the same fate. In regard to the false prophet, and the nature of this alliance, see the notes on Revelation 16:13.
That wrought miracles before him - That is, the false prophet had been united with the beast in deceiving the nations of the earth. See the notes on Revelation 16:14.
With which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast - notes on Revelation 13:16-18. By these arts they had been deceived - that is, they had been led into the alliance, and had been sustained in their opposition to the truth. The whole representation is that of an alliance to prevent the spread of the true religion, as if (the papacy and Mohammedanism were combined,) and the one was (sustained) by the ‘pretended miracles’ of the other. There would be a practical array against the reign of the Son of GOD, as if these great powers should act in concert, and as if the special claims which each set up in behalf of its own divine origin became a claim which went to support the whole combined organization.
These both were cast alive into a lake of fire - The beast and the false prophet. That is, the overthrow will be as signal, and the destruction as complete, as if the leaders of the combined hosts should be taken alive, and thrown into a pit or lake that burns with an intense heat. Burning with brimstone - Sulphur - the usual expression to denote intense heat, and especially as referring to the punishment of the wicked. =Revelation 19:21 "And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh." “And the remnant” - The remainder of the assembled hosts - the army at large, in contradistinction from the leaders. “Were slain with the sword” - Cut down with the sword; [not] rescued for protracted torment. A proper distinction is thus made between the deceived multitudes and the leaders who had deceived them. “Of him that sat upon the horse” - The Messiah, Revelation 19:11. “Which sword proceeded out of his mouth” - That is, they were cut down by a word. They fell before him as he spake, as if they were slain by the sword. Perhaps this indicates that the effect that is to be produced when these great powers shall be destroyed is a moral effect; that is, that they will be subdued by [the word] of the Son of GOD. “And all the fowls were filled with their flesh” - An effect was produced as if the fowls of heaven should feed upon the carcasses of the slain. This bloody day (when it comes) will be a day of great slaughter, for the dead bodies will be enough to sup and fill all the fowls of heaven. ================================= THE BINDING OF SATAN. =Revelation 20:1 "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand." Here is a vision, showing by a figure the restraints laid on satan himself. CHRIST, with Almighty power, will keep the devil from deceiving mankind as HE has hitherto done. HE never wants ‘power and instruments’ to break the power of satan. CHRIST shuts by ‘HIS power’, and seals by ‘HIS authority’. The church shall have a time of peace and prosperity, but all her trials are [not] yet over. “And I saw an angel come down from heaven” He (John) does not say whether this angel had appeared to him before, but the impression is rather that it was a different one. The whole character of the composition of the book leads us to suppose that different angels were employed to make these communications to John, and that, in fact, in the progress of things disclosed in the book, he had contact with a considerable number of the heavenly inhabitants. “Having the key of the bottomless pit” The fact that he has the key of that underworld is designed to denote here, that he has been given [authority] and can fasten it on satan, so that it shall become his prison. “And a great chain in his hand” - With which to bind the dragon. It is called ‘great’ because of the strength of him that was to be bound. “And he laid hold on the dragon” Who, after the destruction of the beast and of the false prophet, (to whom he had delegated his power,) still remained; “that old serpent” — That ancient enemy of the human race, who, in the form of a subtle serpent, deceived the first parents of mankind, and brought sin and death into the world, with an incalculable train of evils attendant on them; “who is the Devil” — διάβολος, σατανάς, περίδρομος - devil, satan, [ peridot ]- peridot stones were used for carved talismans. *Peridot was also known to ancient Hebrews and is listed as one of the stones used by Aaron. Ezekiel 28:13, mentions ‘topaz’. Peridot was (also) referred to as: ‘chrysolite’ which referred to some colors Of: topaz. In Hebrew it is, ‘pitdah’ (Strong's #H6357) The [second] stone GOD created to decorate [Lucifer]. The malicious and false accuser of GOD’S saints, as the word (διαβολος), (devil) so rendered, signifies; “and Satan” — The grand adversary both of GOD and man; and bound him a thousand years. =Revelation 20:2 "And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years," “And he laid hold on the dragon” . . . Here is a vision, showing by a figure, the restraints laid on Satan himself. And he laid hold on - Seized him by violence - - ἐκράτησεν ekratēsen. The word denotes "the employment of strength" or "force"; and it implies that he had power superior to that of the dragon. Compare Matthew 14:3; Matthew 18:28; Matthew 21:46; Matthew 22:6; Matthew 26:4. *There can be no question who is meant by ‘the dragon’ here, and the old serpent, for the Holy Ghost interpreteth it, the devil, the enemy of mankind.
‘And bound him’: by binding also is meant the restraint of the devil in the exercise of his natural power, or the power GOD had before [allowed] him to exercise for the trial of his saints’ faith and patience. The devil is restrained in the restraint of his instruments. =Revelation 20:3 "And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season." “The bottomless pit”: All 7 times that this appears in Revelation, it refers to the place where fallen angels and evil spirits are kept captive, waiting to be sent to the lake of fire, the final place, prepared for them (Matt. 25:41). “And shut him up” - Closed the massive doors of the dark prison-house upon him. Compare Job 10:21-22. +Job 10:21-22+ “Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death;” A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness. “And set a seal upon him” - Or, rather, "upon it" - ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ epanō autou. The seal was placed upon the "door" or "gate" of the prison, not because this would fasten the gate or door of itself, and make it secure, for this was secured by the key, but because it prevented intrusion, or any secret opening of it without its being known. ((Absolute security )) “And after that he must be loosed a little season” - Satan will be released so GOD can make a (permanent end of sin) before establishing the new heaven and earth. All who survive the Tribulation and enter the kingdom will be believers. However, despite that and the personal presence and rule of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, many of their descendants will refuse to believe in HIM. Satan will then gather those unbelievers for one final, futile rebellion against GOD. It will be quickly and decisively crushed, followed by the Great White Throne Judgment and the establishment of the eternal state. “Till the thousand years shall be fulfilled”; (or ended,) “and after that he must be loosed a little season”; A small space of time, in comparison of the thousand years; how long it will be exactly, cannot be said; and this "must" be, not because he cannot be held any longer, or through (any weakness) in CHRIST; but [because] (of the decree of GOD), who has so appointed it, for the glorifying of HIMSELF, in the salvation of his people, and in the final destruction of the devil, and the Gog and Magog army. ============================ THE MILLENNIAL REIGN. =Revelation 20:4 "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." Here is an account of the reign of the saints, for the same space of time as satan is bound. Those who suffer with CHRIST, shall reign with him in his spiritual and heavenly kingdom, in conformity to HIM in HIS wisdom, righteousness, and holiness: this is called the first resurrection, with which none but those who serve CHRIST, and suffer for him, shall be favoured. The happiness of these servants of GOD is declared. None can be blessed but those that are holy; and all that are holy shall be blessed. We know something thing of what the first death is, and it is very awful; but we know not what this second death is. It must be much more dreadful; it is the death of the soul, eternal separation from GOD. May we never know what it is: those who have been made partakers of a spiritual resurrection, are saved from the power of the second death. We may expect that a thousand years will follow the destruction of the anti-christian, idolatrous, persecuting powers, during which pure Christianity, in doctrine, worship, and holiness, will be made known over all the earth. By the all-powerful working of the HOLY SPIRIT, fallen man will be new-created; and faith and holiness will as certainly prevail, as unbelief and unholiness now do. =Revelation 20:5 "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection." *The rapture of the church is the first resurrection. Those dead who did (not) accept the LORD as their SAVIOR, (have not risen from the grave yet). (This 1000 years is just for the resurrected Christians.)
“The rest of the dead”: The bodies of unbelievers of all ages will not be resurrected until the Great White Throne Judgment (verses 12-13). The first resurrection is a resurrection to life (John 5:28-29). Whereas the second resurrection- -is a resurrection to death. The second death is eternal punishment in the lake of fire (see verse 14). =Revelation 20:6 "Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."
“Blessed”: Those who die in the Lord (14:13), are blessed with the privilege of entering HIS kingdom. *We Christians are the blessed. You can easily see that the wicked dead have [no] part in this resurrection. We believers in CHRIST - (the redeemed), are not subject to (eternal) death because we have life (which JESUS breathed into us), when we were born again. We will never die. This second death mentioned here, (is for the lost.) THE LOOSING OF SATAN- AND HIS FINAL OVERTHROW. = Revelation 20:7 "And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison," The binding of satan implied restraint put upon his power and freedom of action; the ‘loosing’ means the removing of these restraints. The reign of CHRIST with HIS saints has been a witness to the power of (our Master) over the wicked one. This witness has been an opportunity also to the world. It was the earthly approximation to the ideal picture. It testified how completely; “all power in heaven and in earth was given to CHRIST,” and how there lay, therefore, within the reach of men- the power of HIM who would tread down their true enemies, and turn HIS hand against their adversaries (Psalm 81:13-14). All those who initially went into the kingdom were without doubt redeemed sinners who had turned to CHRIST in faith. The bad news is that they still will possess a sinful human nature. That sin nature is passed on to their children, grandchildren, etc.
Thus [each] generation born in the millennium will have [need] for salvation. Many will come to salvation but, amazingly despite the most moral society the world will ever know, a great number will love their sin and reject HIM.
When satan is loosed, he provides the leadership needed to bring the latent sin and rebellion to the surface of those unrepentant sinners. This act of rebellion, will start immediately when he is released. *There is something (important) we need to Understand here -- The Millennial Kingdom, will be populated by three “categories” or “types” of people: 1) Christians raptured into the air at the close of the Church Age who then return to earth with CHRIST during HIS Second Coming to fight the Battle of Armageddon. (Phil. 3:21). 2) Believers (both Jew and Gentile) who died before the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) and believers who will die during the Tribulation. (Ezek. 37:12–14; Rev. 20:4–6). This category includes believers such as: Abraham and Sarah, Moses and Miriam, Joshua, Ruth, Samuel, David, Esther, Daniel, and those murdered during the Tribulation for their refusal to worship the Beast, (Rev. 13:15).
3) “Natural” or mortal believers who survive the Tribulation - and are judged “righteous” (Matt. 25:31–46).
31When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
45Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
This category will include both Jews and Gentiles. The term “natural” is used to provide a distinction between these people, who are mortals, and the people who are (now) no longer “natural” but immortal, namely, those in categories “1” and “2”. These “natural” people will experience the same life cycle of all mortals. They will grow, mature, marry, procreate, age, and die. (Isaiah. 65:20–25) -
20There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.
21And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
22They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.
24And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
25The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.
=Revelation 20:8 "And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea." While this world lasts, satan's power in it will [not] be wholly destroyed, though it may be limited and lessened. No sooner is Satan let loose, than he again begins deceiving the nations, and stirring them up to make war with the saints and servants of GOD. It would be well if the servants and ministers of CHRIST were as active and persevering in doing good, as his enemies in doing mischief. GOD will fight this last and decisive battle for HIS people, that the victory may be complete, and the glory be to HIMSELF. *This "battle" is very similar to the battle we read about in chapter 19 of Revelation. The only thing that makes this appear to be a different battle is that the one in chapter 19 happens in the valley of Megiddo. and this battle seems to be around the city of Jerusalem.
“Gog and Magog”: The name given to the army of rebels and its leader at the end of the Millennium. They were names of ancient enemies of the Lord. Magog was the grandson of Noah (Gen. 10:2), and founder of a kingdom located north of the Black and Caspian Seas. Gog is apparently the leader of a rebel army known collectively as Magog. The battle depicted (in verses 8-9), is like the one in Ezek. chapters 38 and 39); it is best to see this one as taking place at the end of the Millennium, not the Tribulation.
The use of Gog and Magog here and (in Ezekiel 38 and 39), has confused some readers. A thorough reading of the two passages will reveal that the events are not the same. The one thing these events have in common is that both national entities (Gog and Magog), are driven by the spirit of rebellion against GOD. In these two cases, GOD uses the same names because of the deceptively satanic spirit that motivates them both. Ezek. 38:2 "Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,"
“Meshech and Tubal”: Two peoples were recognized in ancient Assyrian monuments: one called Mushki (Mushku) and the other Tubali (Tabal). Both were in Asia Minor, the area of Magog, modern day Turkey. Summing up, a chief prince, who is the enemy of GOD’S people, will lead a coalition of nations against Jerusalem. The details of the enemy force and its destruction are given by Ezekiel in the rest of chapters 38 and 39.
Ezekiel 38:3 "And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:"
In Ezekiel 38 and 39 we read detailed information about a battle very similar to this. I believe "Gog and Magog" are modern Russia. When you read this in Ezekiel, you will see Iran (Persia), Libya, Ethiopia and Turkey. All of these are already having problems with Israel.
Look at these two scriptures:
Ezekiel 39:12 "And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land."
Ezekiel 39:9 "And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years:"
The number of these rebels will be like the sand of the seashore which is a figure of speech used in the bible to define a vast and uncountable multitude.
Consider how when Joseph sent for his father and family that a total of 70 people came to Egypt. A little over 400 years later there were millions who GOD lead out of Egypt. There will be a lot more people left than 70, that will go into the millennium and there will be- 250% more time for procreation. There will probably be many billions of people at that time so Satan could have a huge gathering that will join together for that final battle. {"the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea." } =Revelation 20:9 "And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them."
Again, like in the battle of Armageddon [before] the millennium started, (this battle) too will in all reality be an execution. As the rebel forces moved in to attack, they are (swiftly) and (totally) [exterminated]. They will be physically killed- and their souls will go into the realm of punishment awaiting final sentencing - to the eternal Lake of Fire that will shortly take place. “And fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them”: thus Ezekiel prophesied of the issue of the Gog and Magog by him mentioned, Ezekiel 38:18-22: Ezekiel 38:22, And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. The meaning is, that GOD would destroy them with a quick and terrible destruction, such as is that destruction of persons and places which is by fire. =Revelation 20:10 "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever." *The beast and false prophet have been waiting for Satan in the lake of fire and brimstone for the last one thousand years... Now their deceiver joins them.
“Tormented day and night”. Continuous, (unrelieved torment) will be the final state of Satan, fallen angels, and unredeemed men.
There will [not] be a moment's peace for them [all] the rest of eternity. =Revelation 20:11 "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them." “Great white throne”: This is a judgment throne, elevated, pure, and holy. GOD sits on it as judge, in the person of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Throughout the book GOD is called “Him that sitteth upon the throne” (Revelation 4:3; Revelation 5:1); but we must (not) understand this as [excluding] the Son of GOD, who sits with HIS FATHER on HIS throne (Revelation 3:21), and who, as Son of Man, declared that [HE] would sit upon the throne of HIS glory and divide “all the nations” as a shepherd divideth the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:31-32); compare also- Revelation 6:16; Revelation 11:15-18). After the events just foretold, (the end will speedily come); and there is no mention of any thing else, before the appearing of CHRIST to judge the world. This will be the great day: the Judge, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, will then put on majesty and terror. The persons to be judged are the dead, small and great; young and old, low and high, poor and rich. None are so mean, but they have some talents to account for; and none so great, as to avoid having to account for them. Not only those alive at the coming of CHRIST, but all the dead. There is a book of remembrance both for good and bad: and the book of the sinner's conscience, though formerly secret, will then be opened, And everyone judged, accordingly. (Every Idle word); Matthew 12:36, (also) (Ecclesiastes 12:14), which promises, "God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil". = =Revelation 20:12 "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." Every man will recollect all his past actions, though he had long forgotten many of them. Another book shall be opened, the book of the Scriptures, the rule of life; it represents the Lord's knowledge of his people, and his declaring their repentance, faith, and good works; showing the blessings of the new covenant. By their works men shall be justified or condemned; he will try their principles by their practices. Those justified and acquitted by the gospel, shall be justified and acquitted by the Judge, and shall enter into eternal life, having nothing more to fear from death, or hell, or wicked men; for these are all destroyed together. Let it be (our) great concern - to see whether our Bibles justify or condemn us now; for CHRIST (will) judge the (secrets of all men) according to the gospel. --Who shall dwell with devouring flames?-- =Revelation 20:13 "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works." *Remember that (the Christian dead)- -have already won their victory. Those were judged by JESUS at the Bema Seat. Now is this final fearful scene, where these include all unbelievers who have ever lived. This is the resurrection of judgment and they stand before CHRIST now at the White Throne Judgment. =Revelation 20:13 "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works." So that none might be exempt from being brought to judgment, the resurrection extended even to the waters; the sea — The lakes and rivers; gave up the dead which were in them, and, ο θανατος και ο αδης, death and hades - Or, the state of separate souls, delivered up the dead which were in them - Death gave up all the bodies of men, and hades their souls, to be united to their bodies. And death and hades were cast into the lake of fire - That is, they were abolished forever. Such is the awful end of the whole human race: (the natural man..) -1 Corinthians 2:14, they are plunged into that flaming and eternal ruin signified by the lake of fire, or are received into those abodes of glory, which are described in the next two chapters under the figures of a new heaven and a new earth. =Revelation 20:14 "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." *The “second death” - is eternal punishment in the lake of fire, To be experienced by the unsaved. Once this final judgment occurs, there is no further need for either death or hell, (Hades; 1:18; 6:8, Isaiah 25:8; 1 Cor. 15:26-55). An eternal (forever) separation is now made between those who have eternal ‘life’ and those who have eternal "death" (Daniel. 12:2; John 5:29). =Revelation 20:15 "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." -THE SECOND DEATH- This final (‘hell’) is described as: { “the lake of fire”. } It may already exist, but presently is not occupied until the beast and the false prophet is cast into it. They don't arrive there until the end of Tribulation.
*Those who die in their sins in this world will die a second death in eternity. They will be sentenced to the lake of fire forever at the great White Throne Judgment. The reality it represents will be even more horrifying and painful. The bible also defines hell as a place of total darkness, which not only separates the unbelievers from the light, but from each other as well. All the sinners of all the ages, (both) demons and men, including Satan, the beast and false prophet, are in the lake of fire forever. The whole universe has been destroyed, and GOD creates a new universe to be the eternal dwelling place of the redeemed. What is written in these last two verses should drive each of us to continue to spread the gospel (as long as there is breath in your body.) I cannot bear to think of anyone I know, going to this terrible place of torment, Simply because they would rather entertain The lies of this world, instead of recognizing, And living for, GOD. Eternal life in abundance with GOD -- (or) eternal damnation and torment, in darkness And the lake of fire… If you can’t figure that one out, then I just don’t know… =Revelation 21:1 "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea." (Compare Isaiah 24:-19-21.) “The first heaven and the first earth” are replaced by the New Heaven and the New Earth, As predicted by Isaiah (compare Isaiah. 65:17; 66:22). “A new heaven and a new earth”: The entire universe as we now know it- -will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10-13), and be replaced by a new creation that will last forever. This is a Old Testament reality (Psalm 105:25-26; Isa. 65:17; 66:22), as well as a New Testament reality (Luke 21:33; Heb. 1:10-12 ). This area has been the domain of satan (see Eph. 2:2), and must be purified before the heaven of GOD can come down to the new earth. This new earth will be a perfect environment similar to that of the Garden of Eden. A unique distinction of this new earth will be that the vast oceans of water that now cover three fourths of the world's surface will not be included, leaving much more habitable land for the population of the redeemed. ((‘Eden like’ atmospheric conditions? )) Yes ! This "new heaven and new earth" are actually a heavenly pattern of what the Garden of Eden was on earth. We will see the Tree of Life restored with water that flows from the throne of GOD. It didn't rain in the Garden of Eden. Plants were watered from beneath the earth. The water in the Garden of Eden flowed out in four rivers (symbolic of enough for the whole world). This river that flows from the throne of GOD is the same water that JESUS told the woman at the well, if she drank it, she would never thirst again. =Revelation 21:2 "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." Both images - the “city” and the “bride” are familiar to the Bible student. The sacred city appears linked to GOD by a sacred bond. Psalm 45:13-14; Isaiah 61:10; Isaiah 62:4-5; Galatians 4:26; Ephesians 5:25-27. The ‘city-bride’ is now adorned for her Husband. We know what her ornaments are, now that HE is about to present her to HIMSELF a glorious Church: the meekness and gentleness of Christ, and her loving obedience to HIM (1Peter 3:4), are her jewels. She is seen, (not rising from earth or sea), like the foes of righteousness (Revelation 13:1; Revelation 13:11), but coming down from heaven. The ‘world’ will (never evolve) a golden age or ideal state. The new Jerusalem must descend from GOD. The true pattern, is the pattern in the mount of GOD, (Acts 7:44). =Revelation 21:3 "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God." *The word rendered; (‘dwelt’ - dwell ); (Strong’s concordance,) (Greek)- σκηνόω, ( skénoó ) here, in these three passages, is a peculiar one. It is [only] found in the New Testament-in the Gospel, ‘John’ 1:14; and in the Book of Revelation. It means: properly, to pitch or live in a tent, (yet) it [is] "denoting much more than the mere general notion of dwelling" -- For the Christian, (4637) (skēnóō); is dwelling in [intimate communion] [with] the resurrected CHRIST – even as HE who HIMSELF (lived) in (unbroken communion) with the FATHER, during the days of HIS flesh, (John 1:14). { See 4638 (skēnōma). } Just like GOD walked with Adam in the garden of Eden, JESUS will be in heaven with us, continually. Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”. =Revelation 21:4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." “And God shall wipe away all tears” . . . In it’s true and tender form, ALL TEARS - The first, or former, things are passed away: death shall not be any longer; neither shall mourning, nor crying, nor pain, be any longer. Isaiah 25:8 “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.” Just as the disciples knew security when JESUS was there to take care of all their needs, We too, will know perfect peace and joy in heaven. JESUS [is] the KING of peace. =Revelation 21:5 "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." HE takes the old things and transforms them into new. Here we see that JESUS commanded John to write, because all the things he has been shown are true. JESUS ( is ) the TRUTH. The new heaven and the new earth (will not be) - separate from each other; the earth of the saints, their glorified, bodies, will be heavenly. The old world, with all its troubles and tumults, will have passed away. =Revelation 21:6 "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." And he said unto me, It is done.—Or, rather, They (the things promised) have come to pass. HE spake, and it was done. The assurance is made trebly sure. { ‘trebly’ -three times as much. } “I am making all things new.” “These words are true.” “They are fulfilled.” “twice it is said in this book ‘It is done.’ First at the completion of the wrath of GOD in Revelation 16:17, and here again at the making of all things new.” ‘Alpha and Omega’: -The Aleph and the tau -The A and the Z -The beginning and the End. -I AM that I AM - אני זה אני The definite article must be placed before Alpha and Omega. ( That is to say ); “I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” HE is the Alpha and Omega, whose words are faithful and true, and HE is the beginning and the end, who is [before] all things and by whom all things consist, (Colossians 1:17; John 1:1). HE finishes as well as begins. HE who begins the good work will perform it (Philippians 1:6; Colossians 1:20); All grace flows from HIM; and all love flows back to HIM. HE who is Love, who is the cause and end of all, who first makes us, and lastly makes us rest in HIM. All the unsatisfied yearnings of the heart, may find satisfaction in HIM. “Him that is athirst”: Heaven belongs to those who, knowing their souls are parched by sin, have earnestly sought the satisfaction of salvation and eternal life (compare Psalm 42:1-2; Isa. 55:1-2; John 7:37-38).
A citizen of heaven is described as one who "thirsts", signifying those who recognize their desperate spiritual need, "hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matt. 5:6).
“Water of life” (compare 7:17; 22:1, 17). The lasting spiritual water of which JESUS spoke. (John 4:13-14; 7:37-38; Isaiah. 55:1-2). =Revelation 21:7 "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."
“He that overcometh” (compare 1 John 5:4-5). Anyone who exercises saving faith in JESUS CHRIST.
An ‘overcomer’ is one who exercises saving faith in the LORD JESUS CHRIST. A person who in faith drinks the water of salvation freely offered by GOD. Each of the seven letters to the churches (in Rev. chapters 2 and 3), end in the promise of he that overcomes will inherit these things. Just as a bride is an equal inheritor of all that is her husband's, so the Church, the Bride of CHRIST, will inherit all that is HIS. HE even promises that HE will be our GOD and we shall be HIS son. These terms of endearment are experiences- we as Christians, shall enjoy forever. = Revelation 21:8 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." *The list that is given here, points to those classes of character which (cannot) find a place in the Holy City. “But the fearful” - Having stated, in general terms, who they were that (would be) admitted into that blessed world, ( in contrast ) - -he now states explicitly who (would not). The "fearful" denote those who had no firmness, to boldly to maintain their professed principles, or who were afraid to avow themselves as the friends of GOD in a wicked world. They stand in [contrast] with those (who) "overcome," Revelation 21:7. “And unbelieving” - Those who have not true faith; (avowed infidels); (infidels at heart); and all who have (not) the sincere faith of the gospel. Mark 16:16. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” =Revelation 21:9 "And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife." Now the angel was to show John the Lamb's bride, (the Lamb's wife.) New Jerusalem is likened to a bride because the redeemed are forever united to GOD and the Lamb. As an angel had previously shown John, Babylon the harlot, an angel is now appropriately employed to show him in contrast new Jerusalem, the Bride (Rev 17:1-5). The angel so employed is the one that had the last seven plagues, to show that the ultimate blessedness of the Church is one end of the divine judgments on her foes. =Revelation 21:10 "And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God," The angel carried away the seer to a mountain great and high, and showed him (not “that great city,” but) -- the holy city, New Jerusalem descending out of the heaven from (having its origin from) GOD.
=Revelation 21:11 "Having the glory of God: and her light [was] like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;" “The glory of GOD”: is the glorious presence of GOD, the true Shechinah, ( שכינה ) -- The light of the city is described: And her light (or, brightness): it is the light which she gives. The same word is used as that employed in the LXX., in reference to Genesis 1:17. Raqiya` hammering; to beat, stamp, [H7554] beat out, spread out, stretch. Genesis 1:17, for the heavenly bodies is like a stone most precious, as it were a jasper stone [crystallising].* * (make or become definite and clear.) "light" - φωστὴρ phōstēr - occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, (except) in Philippians 2:15. It means, properly, a light, a lightgiver, Φωτοδότης, giver of light. =Revelation 21:12 "And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:" And had a wall great and high - And had twelve gates - Three on each side. The number of the gates correspond to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and to the number of the apostles. The idea seems to be that there would be ample opportunity of access and egress.
And at the gates twelve angels - Stationed there as guards to the New Jerusalem. Their business seems to be to watch the gates that [nothing] improper should enter; that the great enemy (should not) make an insidious approach to this city as he did to the earthly paradise. Which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel - So in the city which Ezekiel saw in vision, which John seems also to have had in his eye. See Ezekiel 48:31. The inscription in Ezekiel denoted that that was the residence of the people of GOD; and the same idea is denoted here. The New Jerusalem is the eternal residence of the children of GOD, and this is indicated at every gate. =Revelation 21:13 "On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates." This is reminiscent of the way the twelve tribes camped around the tabernacle (in numbers chapter 2), and the allotment of tribal lands around the millennial temple (Ezek. 48). =Revelation 21:14 "And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." The foundation of Christianity was established by JESUS through the twelve apostles. You can easily see, this is (not only a city) - but stands for the Christians as well.
These stones commemorate GOD’S covenant relationship with the church of which the apostles are the foundation of.
The layout of New Jerusalem's gates picture GOD’S favor on all HIS redeemed people- -from both the old and new covenant. =Revelation 21:15 "And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof." This is like (Ezek. 40:3), and the measuring of the millennial temple. Also, the measuring of the Tribulation temple described (in chapter 11:1). This action (indicates) that the capital of heaven belongs to GOD. (compare 11:1; Ezek. 40:3). =Revelation 21:16 "And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal."
“Twelve thousand furlongs”: This would be about two million square miles of ground space, offering plenty of room for all the glorified saints to live. A ‘furlong’ is approximately 1/8 mile or, (660 feet). 12,000 furlongs, translates to 1,500 miles. It is shaped like a square at the base. This means New Jerusalem is larger than India with nearly 2 million square miles. These measurements are meant to be literal since they are described as man's measurements, (Rev. 21:17).
Even more astounding than the size at the base, is the height that is also at least 1,400 miles Rev. 21:16. This goes well beyond Earth's atmosphere and into space. If a building in the city is this high- and has a generous 12 feet per story, the building would be over 600,000 stories! Holy Wow !
A cube-shaped city would make sense - in the sense that, the Most Holy place in Solomon's temple (1 Kings 6:20) was shaped like a cube. However, scripture does not provide a (definitive) answer as to whether the city is cube, or pyramid-shaped. -((Either way, it’s BIG ! ))- =Revelation 21:17 "And he measured the wall thereof, a hundred [and] forty [and] four cubits, [according to] the measure of a man, that is, of the angel."
A cubic is 18 inches or 1-1/2 feet. Times 144, the wall was 216 feet across. Just as in Babylon, the walls were wide enough for chariot races. This is even wider.
To emphasize, the city's dimensions are literal and not mystical, John tells us that the measurements are given according to human measurements. Revelation 21:18 "And the building of the wall of it was [of] jasper: and the city [was] pure gold, like unto clear glass." “It was of jasper”: Jasper is known to have been a favorite gem in the ancient world; its name can be traced back in: Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, Assyrian, Greek and Latin. Probably the jasper of the ancients included stones which would now be considered (chalcedony), and the emerald-like jasper may have been akin to modern-day chrysoprase. Jasper symbolizes the glory of GOD; HIS splendor, brightness, magnificence and beauty. It symbolizes the blood atonement we have through the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST and the passing over of GOD’S judgment. It also represents royalty, prosperity, prestige, and valiance. Just as jasper was known for its highly polished finish, in the same way we should be known for our high moral standards and the character brought forth in us by obedience to GOD. In no way does this imply we are sinless, just hopefully meek enough to recognize our weaknesses and willing enough to take the actions necessary to overcome them. “Pure gold, like unto clear glass”: GOD’S gold is clear!? Unlike earth’s gold, this gold will be transparent so the overpowering radiance of GOD’S glory can refract and glisten through the entire city.
Imagine HIS Magnificence Shining through the city..? =Revelation 21:19 "And the foundations of the wall of the city [were] garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation [was] jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;" =Revelation 21:20 "The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst". These brightly colored stones will refract the shining brilliance of GOD’S glory into a spectrum of beautiful colors that will flash from New Jerusalem- -throughout the re-created universe. *There is an entire Bible study that could be done, Just on these stones and their meanings.* =Revelation 21:21 "And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass."
“Was of one pearl”: Each of the gates of the city is a single pearl. Given the height of the wall, how big are these gates? ( How ‘BIG’ are these pearls!? ) Even as earthly pearls are formed in response to the wounding of oyster flesh, so these gigantic, supernatural pearls will remind saints throughout eternity of the magnitude of CHRIST’S suffering and its eternal benefit. In addition, the street of the city will be "pure gold, like unto clear glass," indicating that believers will literally walk on golden streets. The holy city of GOD will be so magnificent that believers will literally walk on precious metals that today are used for costly adornments. *There is a joke that goes something like this--- A man was about to die, and he had a dream that he Could bring one thing to heaven with him when he died. He had amassed some gold, so he decided that he would bring the gold with him. When he showed up at the ‘pearly gates’ the man had a Suitcase with him, filled with gold. The angel at the gate opened the suitcase To check it’s contents. Upon opening it, the angel frowned, Looked at the man and said -- “Why did you bring pavement with you”? “Leave that here -- and go inside” ! =Revelation 21:22 "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it." The whole city being, properly speaking, a temple; the Lord GOD surrounding, filling, and sanctifying the whole, and being more intimately present in every part of it, and with every individual, saint or angel, than had ever been known on earth. “And the city had no need of the sun” — To give light to its inhabitants; “for the glory of GOD”- Infinitely brighter than the shining of the sun; “did lighten it” - The illustrious manifestation of HIS presence rendered every other light unnecessary. It seems the whole city appeared to John like a luminous object, sending out rays on every side, which he knew to be the consequence of GOD’S dwelling there in a peculiar sense. Verses 22-23: There is “no temple” in the city, since both the Father and the Son will be present in their fullest manifestations. Its “light” will be provided by the Shekinah “glory of GOD” and of CHRIST (compare Exodus 3:3-4; 24:15-17; 33:14-16; Luke 2:9; 9:29; Heb. 1:3). =Revelation 21:23 "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof."
No more day and night but there will be one eternal day. The Glory of GOD will illuminate New Jerusalem and its lamp will be the Lamb JESUS, who is the Light, and does away with darkness. The Shechinah is again alluded to. Light is the emblem of knowledge and holiness. GOD is light, and in HIM is no darkness at all- (1John 1:5). CHRIST the Lamb, came as the Light of the World. Now in the heavenly Jerusalem is the light seen as a lamp that burneth. The imagery is drawn from Isaiah. “The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee; but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory” (Isaiah 60:19). No more will there be needed subsidiary or intermediate luminaries. HE who makes the righteous to shine like stars, and causes HIS churches to shine like lights in the world, will be HIMSELF the (Light and Sun) of HIS people: they shall see HIM as HE is. It is again to be noticed that the emblem of the Lamb is used to describe our Lord in this verse, and in the last, as it was (also) in Revelation 21:14. The memory of CHRIST’S work on earth is [never] obliterated: still in the intense splendor and joy of that city of light-- the remembrance of HIM who was led as a lamb to the slaughter gives depth and fullness to its joy. =Revelation 21:24 "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it." “And the nations of them which are saved” - This imagery is doubtless derived from that in Isaiah, particularly Isaiah 60:3-9. Shall walk in the light of it - Shall enjoy its splendor, and be continually in its light. And the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it - All that they consider as constituting their glory, treasures, crowns, scepters, robes. The idea is, that all these will be devoted to GOD in the future days of the church in its glory, and will be, as it were, brought and laid down at the feet of the SAVIOR in heaven. The language is derived, doubtless, from the description in Isaiah 60:3-14. =Revelation 21:25“ And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.” =Revelation 21:26 "And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it."
All who enter heaven will surrender their earthly prestige and glory when they enter. All who enter heaven "will cast their crowns before the throne" of GOD" (Chapter 4:10). =Revelation 21:27 "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." This Scripture means that this is a holy city (a place of true worship). There will be no evil of any kind in it. The residents are the redeemed, those washed in the blood of the lamb. Those who have been made righteous in CHRIST.
We are confronted (again) with the significance of having our names written in the Lamb's book of life assuring us that CHRIST- knows each believer personally, by name. ++ Revelation Chapter 22 ++ =Revelation 22:1 "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." The ever fresh and fructifying influence of the Holy Spirit; see Ezekiel 47:1-12, where also the trees are mentioned which bear fruit every month, that is, perpetually. Proceeding out of the throne of GOD and of the Lamb — All things that the FATHER hath, saith the Son of GOD, ( are mine ); even the throne of his glory. In the midst of the street of it — Here is the paradise of GOD, mentioned, Revelation 2:7; and on either side of the river was the tree of life — As this river ran through the chief street in the midst of the city, so there were planted on each side of it beautiful trees, not only to serve for ornament and refreshment, but which, like the tree of life in paradise, should make the inhabitants immortal; which bare twelve manner of fruits— Which produced a great variety of pleasant fruits, and in such plenty, that ripe fruit was yielded every month — So that all might freely partake of them at all seasons. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations — That is, for the preserving, not the restoring, of spiritual health; for no sickness or infirmity, of mind or body, is, or can be there: beneath the salutary shade of these trees, no disease can ever invade any individual of the nations of the saved, but perpetual health shall exist and flourish in them all. REFLECTING THE GLORY OF GOD... This river is unlike any on earth because no hydrological cycle exists. Water of life symbolizes the (continual flow) of eternal life from GOD’S throne to heaven’s inhabitants. As JESUS told the Samaritan woman at the well- if she drank of the water [ HE ] gave her, she would never thirst again (John 4:14). This is the "water" HE was talking about here. This "water" possessed life giving powers. The Source is the Father and the Lamb. This "water" springs up into everlasting life. When the soldier pierced Jesus' side, (water) and blood gushed forth (John 19:34). This is the water of life. =Revelation 22:2 "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations." The tree of life, as well as the river of life, is to be found in the new and better Eden (Genesis 2:9; Genesis 3:22). The vision of Ezekiel is exactly parallel to the present: “On the border of the river there was wood very much, on both sides: every kind of tree; its leaf withers not, and its fruit ceases not; all months does it ripen; its fruit serves for food, and its leaf for healing” (Ezekiel 47:7-12). “Were for the healing” - We are not to suppose that there will be sickness, and a healing process in heaven, for that idea is expressly excluded in (Revelation 21:4); but the meaning is, that the life and health of that blessed world will have been imparted by partaking of that tree. =Revelation 22:3 "And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:" “there shall be no more curse”: As there is in this present world, and has ever been since the fall of man; but only pure life and blessing, every effect of The sore displeasure of GOD for sin being now totally removed; but the throne of GOD and of the Lamb shall be in it, That is, the glorious presence and reign of GOD and the Lamb; and HIS servants - The most honourable title in the universe; shall serve him — The noblest of employment. The effects of the post-Edenic curse will be totally gone forever. =Revelation 22:4 "And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads." “And they shall see his face”: The blessed inhabitants shall enjoy, the much talked of beatific vision, (blissfully happy) a privilege not granted even to Moses. They shall have the nearest access to, and the most free course, to interact with HIM. “And his name shall be on their foreheads”: Each of them shall be openly acknowledged as GOD’S own property, and HIS glorious nature shall most visibly shine forth in them. =Revelation 22:5 "And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever." There shall be no night. Twice is it said (Revelation 21:25) that [all] darkness shall cease; the darkness in which the saints and sorrowing walked shall be dispelled, when GOD gives them light. No artificial light is needed, since HE who is Light is their light. Those who were children of light now dwell in the light of GOD’S countenance; and they reign who were made kings and priests to GOD (Revelation 1:6). With this utterance the visions of the Apocalypse close… = Revelation 22:6 "And he said unto me, These sayings [are] faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done." “His servants”: The members of the 7 churches of Asia Minor who received this letter (1:11), and then all believers who have read, or will read it since.
“The things which must shortly be done: This involves the entire revelation which John has just related. *The angel's words reinforce an important truth: Everything John saw in Revelation will come to pass. John's words are (not mystical) and the Apocalypse is (not) a record of his ‘bizarre dreams’ - or the result of an overactive imagination. Further, it is not an ‘allegory’ (a form of translation), from which readers can find hidden meanings of their- -(own concoction). It is an accurate description of events and persons, that are ( yet ) to come… =Revelation 22:7 "Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book." The words of CHRIST Himself follow - (perhaps quoted by the angel), to confirm the declaration of the last verse. These confirming words are an embodiment of the spirit of the whole Apocalypse. And behold I am coming quickly! The Apocalypse is the revelation of the coming One; it reveals the dealings of HIM who came, who comes, and is to come. =Revelation 22:8 "And I John saw these things, and heard [them]. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things." “Heard and seen”: John confirms the veracity of the revelation with his (own) eyewitness testimony, the basis of any reliable witness. =Revelation 22:9 "Then saith he unto me, See [thou do it] not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God." “See thou do it not”: (( Do what? Do not fall down, as in worshipping him. )) This rebuke is similar to that given in Revelation 19. It is a wide affirmation of the truth that all— whether angels, or prophets, or simple faithful followers of Christ, are united in a grand bond of common devotion and common service to the same Lord. { We are to worship GOD ) ! The bible forbids the worship of (anyone) else including: angels, saints, the Virgin Mary or any other created being. { WORSHIP, GOD } ! =Revelation 22:10 "And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand." The angel, in contrast to the injunctions given to Daniel (Daniel 12:9-13), (to seal up the sayings)- bids to John “Seal not the words of the prophecy”: the reason is added, “for the time is near.” “Such is ever the difference between the prophecy of the old, and the prophecy of the new dispensation. One belonged to a preliminary and (prefatory) state; (serving as an introduction) to the prophecy, the other to a completive and final condition. =Revelation 22:11 "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still”: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: *it may be the keeping of this book (open), (studied, read, and accessible)- and the publication of it, will displease wicked and filthy men; but let them be displeased, For the truths of GOD must not be concealed.
“And he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still”: This is confirming that the servants of GOD in their faith, patience, and holiness, and all the fruits of righteousness- Shall remain as such. When CHRIST returns, the deliberate choice of (each person) - will have fixed his eternal fate. In other words, that which you choose, shall remain. Do you choose eternal life? Or do you choose eternal damnation? It really boils down to just that. Who will you decide to serve? !! I choose Light and Life eternal - I choose CHRIST !! =Revelation 22:12 "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." And behold, I — ( JESUS CHRIST ); come quickly — To judge the world. And my reward — Both of grace and vengeance; is with me. The reward which I shall assign, both to the righteous and the wicked, shall be conferred at my coming; to give to every man according as his work. His spirit and conduct, his whole inward and outward behavior, shall be, ( rewarded ). Righteously. Having the knowledge that JESUS could return (at any moment) shouldn't lead Christians to a life of idle waiting for HIS coming. Instead it should produce diligent, obedient, worshipful service to GOD, and urgent proclamation of the gospel to unbelievers. =Revelation 22:13 "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." The repetition of these glorious titles is [not] a mere idle repetition, or designed to give a rhetorical fullness to the peroration of the book: ‘Peroration’ (points to ) the concluding part of a speech, typically intended to inspire enthusiasm in the audience. Rather, it is closely allied with the preceding thought. The warning has been given that men by continuing in sin (Revelation 22:11) are inviting (against themselves)- the law by which act ripens to habit, and habit makes character, and character forms destiny. HE [ IS ] The Final Say -- the Final Verdict. HE (IS) the First Fruit of the First fruits.. The pre-existent ONE. HE defines Everything.
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. =Revelation 22:14 "Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. " *They that do HIS commandments [are] believers.
John 14:15: “If ye love me, keep my commandments”. James 1:22 " But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." ‘Doers’ do as the SHEPHERD leads them to do. They are baptized in HIS name- Follow HIS Words- Do HIS Commandments- If we have honestly chosen to Do AS GOD SAYS- If we are truly following GOD and have made JESUS the LORD of our lives, the (desire of our hearts) (will be) to do HIS Commandments. The Jews were the natural branches of the tree. We Christians, (when we are born again), are grafted into the Tree of Life, who is JESUS CHRIST our LORD. If this is what is chosen by ( you ) to do through your own ‘Freewill’ you have earned the right to the tree of life And the right to enter the city. =Revelation 22:15 "For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." For without are dogs - The wicked, the depraved, the vile: for of such characters the dogs, an unclean animal among the Jews, was regarded as a symbol, Deuteronomy 23:18 - Philippians 3:2. The word "without" means that they would [not be] admitted into the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21:8, Revelation 21:27.
And sorcerers, ... - All these characters are specified in Revelation 21:8, as excluded from heaven. The only change is, that those who "love and make a lie" are added to the list; that is, those who delight in lies, or what is false. =Revelation 22:16 "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star." *This is the first time that the words "I Jesus", appear in the bible. It establishes that this final invitation in Scripture is not a human invitation, but a divine call issued personally to sinners by the LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF. I Jesus have sent mine angel — It was not thought sufficient to represent the angel as speaking in the person of CHRIST, but CHRIST HIMSELF (also is here) [introduced] speaking in HIS own person, and confirming the divine authority of this book, and attesting it to be properly ( HIS ) revelation. “I”, as GOD, [am the root] — [And source]; and, (as man), [the offspring of David] — And his family; and the bright and morning star - Who wear a glory, exceeding that of the most brilliant and celestial luminary, and who put an end to the night of ignorance, sin, and sorrow, and usher in an eternal day of light, purity, and joy ! { HALLELUJAH } ! =Revelation 22:17 "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." The cry of all creation is for its true LORD; the cry of the Spirit in prophecies and in the hearts of GOD’S people is for the coming LORD - the bride waiting for the bridegroom cries “Come.” ! Let us apply to the LORD JESUS, in repentance and faith, to be pardoned and renewed; taken into GOD’S favor, and stamped with HIS image here, and put in possession of eternal life hereafter, so that (we) shall not apply in vain; and whosoever are invited; let him partake of the water of life. = Revelation 22:18 "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:" =Revelation 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
A severe warning to the detractors from this prophecy. This is one of the most awesome challenges in the Word of GOD against tampering with Holy Writing. Far too many today glibly ridicule, detract from, and cast disparaging remarks on Holy Scripture. This is their day of opportunity, but their judgment will come upon them swiftly in GOD’S good time. It is a fearful thing to disbelieve GOD, and it is unbelief that causes someone to detract from HIS Holy Word. The LORD'S warning here-- is addressed to those who engage in (deliberate falsification) or (misinterpretation of Scripture)- those who Paul denounces as ‘peddlers’ of the Word of GOD (2 Cor. 2:17). =Revelation 22:20 "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." The final promise of CHRIST in the Bible is that HIS return is imminent. Here, is encouragement to the church in all her afflictions, and the warning of all her opposers and persecutors; “Surely I come quickly” -- To judge and punish all HIS enemies, and the enemies of HIS cause and people; and to establish HIS church in a state of perfect and everlasting happiness. =Revelation 22:21 "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen."
Without the "grace of our LORD JESUS" (none of us) would be saved. While we were yet in sin, JESUS died for us. Salvation is a free gift of GOD. The testimony of JESUS is the spirit of prophecy. Without HIM it would have not been written; without HIM it cannot be understood; without HIM it cannot be obeyed. This grace of CHRIST our LORD, for mind and heart and life, We should ( ALL ) pray, that it may rest with those who read this Commentary, that they may be led into deeper knowledge of HIM who is our life.
“Maranatha” - “the LORD is coming” Indeed HE is ! GOD Bless All.