Rev 119 3 Chapter One 4 Verses 1 to 8 Christ revealed Chapter One 5 V1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto him to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John ID: 537052
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Slide1
1Slide2
2
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter
(Rev 1:19).Slide3
3
Chapter OneSlide4
4
Verses 1 to 8
(Christ revealed)
Chapter OneSlide5
5
(V1) “
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John
:Slide6
I. Christ, the Giver of the RevelationREVELATION MEANS “A DISCLOSURE OF TRUTHS PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN OR IMPERFECTLY UNDERSTOOD.” (I Cor. 1:7; I Thess. 1:7; Gal. 1:12)A. God’s Part (v. 1) 1. The book is the Revelation of JESUS CHRIST a. About Christ? b. By Christ?
c. Both are appropriate: a disclosure given by Christ.
2. The Father gave the information to the
SON
3. The SON gave the information to an
ANGELIC
being.
4. The
ANGELIC
being gave the information to John
5. God wanted to give to his servants “things which must
shortly
come to pass.” (v. 1)
2 THOTS:
THE EVENTS WILL BEGIN AT ANY MOMENT
THE EVENTS WILL MOVE SWIFTLY ONE THEY BEGINSlide7
7
(V2)
“[John]
…
Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of
Jesus Christ
, and of all things that he
[John]
sawSlide8
B. John’s Part (v. 2) 1. John viewed all that he received as “THE WORD OF GOD” (v. 2)
a
. Included the direct
words (TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST)
b
. Included that which he
saw
.
2
. John was chosen
I. Christ, the Giver of the
RevelationSlide9
9
John was a first-hand witness of all that happened. He had been with Christ, he had witnessed His death and resurrection and had seen Christ alive after He ascended.
We have not seen Christ in the flesh but we do ‘see’ Him through His Word by the Holy Spirit.
We are witnesses by the Spirit and the Word.Slide10
10
(V3) “
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.
.”Slide11
C. Man’s blessing (v. 3) *note to practical piety: devotion and urgency to live like and for Christ. 1. Rev 1:3 is the first of SEVEN blessings found in the book. (14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14) 2. Blessing to the READER, HEARER, and KEEPER. 3. Obedience is
URGENT
because “the time is at hand” (the end is near).
THIS BEATTITUDE EXPRESSES THE PRAGMATIC NATURE OF THE BOOK. THE AWESOME SCENES CREATE A SPIRIT OF DEVOTION AND URGENCY IN THE LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN.
I. Christ, the Giver of the
RevelationSlide12
12
We will be blessed if we read, hear and
heed
(do)
this revelation!
It is our duty to read the Revelation of Jesus Christ and to understand as the Spirit leads.
This is the one Book of the Bible like no other in that Christ said do not add to nor take away from this prophecy
(Rev 22:18-19)
.
We have what we have and need to study this book.Slide13
13
(V4)
“
John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throneSlide14
14
(V5) “
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,Slide15
15
(V6)
“
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.Slide16
II. Christ, the Focus of the FutureA. The Sustainer: (v. 4): eternality of Christ B. The Redeemer: (v.5): Three truths about Christ’s redemptive work 1. Christ is a FAITHFUL WITNESS 2. Christ was FIRST
begotten of the dead (first of a kind)- His resurrection is first because of what it accomplished.
3. He is
KING of KINGS
and
LORD of LORDS
. He is absolute
SOVEREIGN
over all other
AUTHORITIES
.
4. His motive:
LOVE
5. His means:
HIS OWN BLOOD
6. The results:
THE CLEANSING OF OUR SINS
7. His redemption transformed us from
SLAVES
to
KINGS/PRIESTS UNTO GOD
(v. 6)Slide17
17
(V7) “
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
.
.”Slide18
18
(V8) “
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending,
saith
the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Who is the speaker here?Slide19
**Note: 27 times the book of Revelation calls Christ the Lamb. No other title is used more frequently than this one word which emphasizes His redemptive work for mankind. Christ was first called the Lamb by John the Baptist who said “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The teaching of Christ as the Lamb of God finds its completion in the book of Revelation.-Revelation gives several descriptions of the Lamb:1. Rev. 5:6 -the appearance of someone slainRev. 5: 9-10 -worthy of worship3. Rev. 7:14 -saved in the tribulation; will wash their
robes white
in His blood
4. Rev. 12:11 -saints over come the Devil by the
blood of the Lamb
5. Rev. 13:8 -slain from the
foundation
of the
world
In Heaven:
6. Rev. 15:2,3 -song of the Lamb
7. Rev. 19:7 -Lamb’s wedding
8. Rev. 21:27 -Lamb’s book of Life resided.
C. The Coming Judge (v. 7) the redeemer of the righteous is the judge of the ungodly
NOTE: foreshadows
the judgements in the rest of the book. Christ is presented throughout the book
as a judge
. (6:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12)
D. The Eternal God: (v. 8) Christ declares His own deity
19Slide20
20
vs 7 Foreshadows the judgements in the rest of the book
ALL, both good and evil will see Jesus again! Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”
( Phil 2:10)
.Slide21
21
THE TRUTH FOR US IS …
vs. 8 The Eternal God: declares His own
diety
God is the Almighty One that was and is and is to come
(Rev 4:8, 22:13 )
. He is everlasting and never changes. It is His Word that shows us this. If we do not know His Word, then we cannot have faith in Him as Father, Son and Holy Spirit as we should
(Rom 10:17)
.
We can know about Him but not know Him except through His revealed Word.Slide22
22
Verses 9 to 11
(The task of John)
Chapter OneSlide23
23
(V9) “
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.Slide24
24
John’s authorship is confirmed and he was where he was and in the circumstances he was in because he
believed in, suffered with and persevered for
Christ.Slide25
25
Historical setting:
Christ had been back in Heaven with His Father for just a few decades (approximately 60 years).
It is believed that all the apostles had been martyred and John himself had been tortured and imprisoned and forced to live out the rest of his life in isolation on the island of
Patmos
in the Aegean Sea off the coast of
Asia Minor
(Turkey).Slide26
26
The church had grown greatly during those six decades but was still being persecuted. The Gospel had reached Asia Minor (now Turkey) and beyond thanks to Paul and the other apostles. Christ chose the apostle
‘
whom He loved
’
to do
one final thing
to close the Apostolic Era ...
Slide27
27
Patmos
Asia MinorSlide28
28
(V10) “
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,Slide29
III. Christ, the Exalted Lord of His PeopleA. John’s Condition: (vs 9)Only apostle not yet martyred (tradition: boiled in oil)Believed to live longer than the othersBrother believer/companion in tribulationExiled to Patmos because of his faith/obedience. Patmos only 6 x 10 milesHis spiritual condition (v. 10)“in the spirit”: a state of spiritual ecstasy like a tranceThe Lord’s day: could be first day of the week or the “day of the Lord” (day=time of judgement) “heard a great voice, as a trumpet”29Slide30
B. Christ’s CommandmentVoice of Affirmation (v. 8, 11)Voice of Commandment (vs. 9-11)Write and sendCould have been one letter that was circulated to all 7 churchesAll churches were within 125 miles of each other30Slide31
31
John found it normal (Spiritual) to be ‘in the Spirit’ especially on the Lord’s day. This could explain the vivid metaphors and imagery used in the rest of the prophesies.Slide32
32
(V11) “
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto
Ephesus
, and unto
Smyrna
, and unto
Pergamos
, and unto
Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia
, and unto
Laodicea
.
’”Slide33
33
God’s instructions to us are often very clear – write, say, go, do, preach, teach, heal.
-
Why do we sometimes find it difficult to know what God wants us to do?
“Go into all the world and make disciples …”
(Matt 28:19-20)Slide34
34
Verses 12 to 20
(A different view of Jesus)
Chapter OneSlide35
35
The following verses (12-16) provide us a brand new look at our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I would even say that they presented a brand new look for John himself!
Did Daniel see
‘
a certain man
’
in a similar fashion as described in Daniel 10:5-6.
5
Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a
certain man
clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of
Uphaz
:
6
His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in
colour
to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.Slide36
36
(V12)
“
And I turned to see the voice that
spake
with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;Slide37
37
John heard God’s voice and could not help but turn to the source. When we ‘hear’ God’s voice, we must respond.
John 10:27-28 (KJV)
27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.Slide38
38
(V13)
“
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the
paps
with a golden girdle
.”Slide39
39
John’s vision is very detailed, but so far nothing too unordinary – a robe and a sash.
Did he yet know it was Christ – do we recognize Christ when we ‘see’ Him with our spiritual eyes?
What are spiritual eyes?Slide40
40
(V14)
“
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a
flame of fireSlide41
41
This is a
new vision of Christ that even John had not seen before
.
Why is it
important
that we see Christ as we have never seen Him before?Slide42
42
(V15) “
And his feet like unto
fine brass
, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many
watersSlide43
43
What must John have thought? The feet of burnished bronze is quite different from the sandals that Christ probably wore on Earth.
How does the ocean sound typify power?
Slide44
44
(V16) “
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strengthSlide45
45
Our classical but mistaken view of Christ as portrayed in the movies and in pictures must be dramatically revised when we imagine Him in these circumstances.
Slide46
46
What did he look like? Many artists have tried to capture the image of what John saw that day.
Here is but one.Slide47
47
The Christ of John’s vision?
This is far different than the image we have of Christ when He was on earth preaching and teaching and healing.
Slide48
C. Christ’s AppearanceClothed to the foot w/ gold beltGolden girdle: majestyWhite hair: wisdomEyes like fire: fires of testing, fires that burn through pretense (eyes that focused on Peter after his 3rd denial)Feet like burning brass: absolute holiness, right to judgeVoice of rushing waters: powerRight hand 7 stars: hand of protection (stars were messengers: pastors
Out of His mouth 2-edged sword: (Heb. 4:12)
Countenance as the sun: spiritual light of the world (transfiguration)
First and Last: eternal
Has the keys: sign of authority
48Slide49
Extra: Comparison of John’s Description and Daniel’s description of the One like a son of man…Revelation 1:13b-16- Robe reached down to His feet- Chest girded with a golden sash- Head and hair white like wool, snow-
Eyes like flame of fire
- Feet like burnished bronze
- Voice like many waters
- Mouth give words like sword
- Face like sun shining in its strength
Daniel 10:5-6
- Dressed in
linen
- Waist girded with pure gold of
Uphaz
- Face like
lightning
-
Eyes like flaming torches
- Arms and feet like polished bronze
- Words sound like roaring
- Body like beryl
49Slide50
“Eyes like fire”Peter knew those eyes!Luke 22:59-62And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. 60And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. 61And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 62And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
50
How did God appear to Moses in Exodus 3? Slide51
Exodus 34:29-35 (NKJV)29 Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him. 30 So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. 31
Then Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned to him; and Moses talked with them.
32
Afterward all the children of Israel came near, and he gave them as commandments all that the
Lord
had spoken with him on Mount Sinai.
33
And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face.
34
But whenever Moses went in before the
Lord
to speak with Him, he would take the veil off until he came out; and he would come out and speak to the children of Israel whatever he had been commanded.
35
And whenever the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone, then Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with Him.
51Slide52
Matt. 17: 1-4Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”52The Transfiguration of ChristSlide53
Exodus 33: 19-23Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” 20 But He said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” 21 And the Lord said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. 22 So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. 23 Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”
53Slide54
"What is the Shekinah glory?"The word shekinah does not appear in the Bible, but the concept clearly does. The Jewish rabbis coined this extra-biblical expression, a form of a Hebrew word that literally means "he caused to dwell," signifying that it was a divine visitation of the presence or dwelling of JEHOVAH God on this earth.54Ex. 13:20-22
Ex. 33:9
Ex. 14:24-25
Col. 2:7
Jn. 14:9
Isa. 53:2
I Jn. 3:2Slide55
55
(V17) “
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the lastSlide56
56
John saw the glory of Jesus
When
we see Jesus, we too will fall on our faces like ‘dead men’.
Joshua
reacted the same way when he saw the angel of the Lord (Joshua 5:14).Slide57
57
(V18)
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.Slide58
58
(V19) “
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafterSlide59
59
(V20) “
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churchesSlide60
D. Christ’s Comfort (v. 17-20)1. John fell at Christ’s feet.2. The Lord touched him.3. John was as one dead.4. Christ introduced a chronological outline of the revelation5. Seven stars (angels), seven lampstands (churches themselves)60Slide61
61
Conclusion for Chapter 1:
-God reveals Himself and explains about Himself in His word.
-He is always clear on who He is and what He wants us to know about Him. --We look to other books and other people to tell about God when He has shown us everything in the Bible
(2 Tim 3:16-17)
ALL
Scripture is given…
.
-We must be in His word
DAILY
in order to know who God is. All other information is actually second-hand.Slide62
62
Chapter TwoSlide63
Symbolism and the Interpretation of Revelation-written words are to be taken literally-no double meanings-to interpret literally does not rule out the probability of figurative intent.-John was forced to describe unfamiliar things in everyday language.-some things John described literal (i.e. Angels or the New Jerusalem) -some were symbolic (i.e. Red Dragon with seven heads and ten horns—Rev. 13-14)63Slide64
Three rules regarding the use of symbols:Look for a complimentary passage that explains the image as a symbol.Knowledge of history and the culture of the first century helps in discovering symbols.Pay careful attention to what precedes and follows a passage.64Slide65
Identity of the Seven Spirits (1:4)-some see this as reference to the Holy Spirit-facts suggest however that they are literal angels because:1. Plural form of the word spirit.2. Location of the spirits “before the throne”3. Sending of the spirits to all the earth:Scriptures teach that it is the duty of angels to minister to the
church
at large (
Heb
1:14
)Messengers: overseers, Pastors!
65Slide66
66
AS WE PREPARE TO STUDY THE MESSAGE TO THE 7 CHURCHES:
Some of the greatest words of
COMMENDATION
, some of the clearest words of
WARNING
and some of the most uplifting words of
PROMISE
were spoken by Christ to the seven churches in Asia Minor.Slide67
67
These words were written down about the year
AD-95
… just
65
years after Christ’s resurrectionSlide68
68
The messages of Jesus Christ to the seven churches in Asia Minor is as
relevant today
as it was nearly 2000 years ago!Slide69
69
The Letters
to the churches at
Ephesus
,
Smyrna
,
Pergamum
, and
Thyatira
Chapter 2, Verses 1-29Slide70
70
All the letters will be broken down into
six sections
.
1) How Jesus describes
the recipient
of the letter.
2) How Jesus,
the author
, describes Himself.
3) How Jesus
commends
the church.
4) How Jesus
warns and instructs
the church.
5) What Jesus says to
those who overcome
?
6) What words of
exhortation
Jesus shares?Slide71
71
Practically we will make a chart to show these for all seven churches.
Church
Recipient of
Letter
Destination
Description of
Jesus (The Lord)
Commendations
Condemnation
Exhortation
Promise/
Reward for Overcomers
Ephesus
Smyrna
Pergamum
Thyatira
Sardis
Philadelphia
LaodiceaSlide72
72
1. To the Church at
Ephesus
Rev. 2:1-7
The Unloving Church
-”desirable”
APOSTOLIC AGESlide73
73
Ephesus:Slide74
74
Ephesus:
- Was the largest city in the Roman Province of Asia Minor (approx. 300,000 population).
-Capital of the province of Asia
-John’s home church
founded by Paul
- It was a well situated sea port on the Adriatic Sea.
- It was a center of commerce.
- It was the center of worship to the pagan goddess Artemis (Diana according to the Roman name).Slide75
75
Ruins at present day
EphesusSlide76
Revelation 2:1-7Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;2 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:3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
4
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
6
But this thou hast, that thou
hatest
the deeds of the
Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
saith
unto the churches; To him that
overcometh
will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God
76Slide77
77
Letter to the church at
Ephesus:
The recipient:
(v1)
“To the
angel
[overseer] of the church at Ephesus write:”
DESCRIPTION OF JESUS: (v1)
“The
One [Jesus]
who
holds the seven stars [messengers
of the seven churches] in
His
right hand, the
One who
walks among the seven golden lampstands [the seven churches] says this:”
-HE IS WALKING AND HOLDING THE 7 STARSSlide78
78
THE TRUTH FOR US IS …
PRACTICE THE PRESENCE OF GOD--
DAILY
.
“Coram
Deo
”Slide79
79
Letter to the church at
Ephesus:
The commendation
:
(v2, 3, 6)
-WORKS OF PATIENCE
-DISCERNMENT IN TESTING
-REJECTION OF FALSE TEACHERS
-HATING OF THE NICOLATIONSSlide80
The Nicolationes: They lead lives of unrestrained indulgence (early form of humanism)It is believed that Nicolus allowed many men to marry his wife. Thus he promoted polygamy. They were “antinomians” against the Law (God’s law)
80Slide81
81
THE TRUTH FOR US IS …
God knows the deeds of His church. He is not blind. He knows the good works we do – feeding the poor and looking after widows. He knows that we continue daily in His word and pray daily and persevere in our lives. He knows that we won’t tolerate false doctrine and false prophets and apostles in our midst …
or do WE?Slide82
82
Letter to the church at
Ephesus:
CONDEMNATION:
(v4)
“But
I
have this against you, that you have left your first love [love of
Jesus
].”
-HAS LEFT HER FIRST LOVE
“LEFT” = QUIT; FORSAKE
-VITALITY REPLACED BY ROUTINESlide83
EXHORTATIONVs. 5“Therefore remember from where you have fallen [saved from] and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand [your church] out of its place – unless you repent.”-REMEMBER-REPENT-REPEAT
83Slide84
84
THE TRUTH FOR US IS …
We have lost our first love if we do not daily die to self and live for Him
(Luke 9:23-24)
.
We forget from where we came – we were all dead in our sins
(Eph 2:1-3)
. We forget what He has done for us and forget what we now need to do for Him. He will not be mocked we reap whatever we sow
(Gal 6:7)
.”Slide85
85
Letter to the church at
Ephesus:
The
PROMISE
to overcomers:
(v7)
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit
says to the churches. To him who
overcomes,
I will grant
to eat of the tree of life
which is in the Paradise of God
“
-BELIEVER WOULD OVERCOME
-BLESSINGS WOULD COMESlide86
86
THE TRUTH FOR US IS …
If we persevere and don’t give up and daily overcome the flesh through living by His Spirit
(
Rom 8:12
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh
)
then we will inherit the Kingdom of God. We who overcome this world and will enjoy the fruit of the tree of life that is in Heaven.Slide87
87
2. To the church at
Smyrna
Rev. 2:8-11
The Suffering Church’
“bitter”
Post-apostolic AgeSlide88
88
Smyrna:Slide89
89
Smyrna:
-35 miles north of Ephesus
- Had a superb harbour on the Adriatic Sea making it an important commercial center.
- Called itself the “first city of Asia”.
- It built
Temples to Emperor Tiberius
– the city became a centre for cult emperor worship.
- It is known today as IzmirSlide90
90
Ruins at present day
SmyrnaSlide91
91
Letter to the church at
Smyrna:
The recipient:
(v8a)
“And to the
angel
[overseer] of the church at Smyrna write:”
DESCRIPTION OF THE LORD
:
(v8b)
“The
first and the last, who
was dead, and has come to life says this:”
-THE ONE WHO DIED AND LIVED
-THE CHURCH IS UNDER PERSECUTIONSlide92
92
Letter to the church at
Smyrna:
The commendation:
(v9a)
“
I
[Jesus]
know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich)…”
-FOR HER WEALTH IN THE MIDST TRYING CIRCUMSTANCES
-WEALTH=SPIRITUAL-
NOT MATERIALSlide93
93
Letter to the church at
Smyrna:
CONDEMNATION:
NONE: only encouragement / exhortation
(v9b-10)
“
I know the blasphemy of them
which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan
.
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
.”
- THE INSTIGATORS WERE APOSTATE JEWS-WHO IN REALITY WERE INSTRUMENTS OF SATAN!
-NOT TO FEAR
-PROMISE A CROWN FOR FAITHFULNESS
-Ten days = ten principle persecutions (from Nero-Diocletian)
-SATAN WOULD MOVE MEN TO CAST BELIEVERS
INTO PRISONSlide94
Synagogue of Satan:Were of their father the Devil (Jn. 8:44)Evidentially the persecution was from the apostate Jews in the community:Persecution: essence is pressure, crushing confining pressure Physical (killed for their faith-why was Christ described this way?)Loss of necessities (could have been that the merchants boycotted the Christians from purchasing)Cruelty and false accusationsSee II Tim. 3:1294Slide95
95
So …
God knows the trials and tribulations and the poverty of spirit that we are presently going through. He knows our burdens. But he also says that we are not poor at all but are rich in Him
(Phil 4:19 “
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
)
.
Why do we continue to measure our wealth by our possessions!Slide96
96
And …
God knows there are ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’
(Matt 7:15)
amongst our brothers and sisters even in the church. God also knows there are those who call themselves Christians but are really workers of Satan in other sects and cults in our communities. Seek out those who seek to destroy our society by their satanic beliefs, their immoral lifestyles and actions. Bring
LIFE
to them through the Gospel.Slide97
97
Letter to the church at
Smyrna:
The promise to overcomers:
(v11)
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit
says to the churches. He who
overcomes
will not be hurt by the second death.“
-BELIEVER WILL NOT PARTAKE OF THE 2
ND
DEATH
-DOUBLE NEGATIVE FOR EMPHASIS (Greek tense [emphatic]: “no not ever”)Slide98
98
THEREFORE …
If we
persevere
and don’t give up and daily
overcome
our flesh and
live
by His Spirit, His grace, and His power, then we will not be cast into the
Lake of Fire
and will not be affected by God’s
judgement to death
(Rev 20:14-15)
called the second death
(Rev 21:8)
but rather his call to eternal life with Him in the New Jerusalem
(Rev 21:1-21)
.Slide99
99
3. To the church at
Pergamum (
Pergamos
)
Rev. 2:12-17
The Compromising Church
“elevation\marriage”
Legalization of Christianity
(AD 313)Slide100
100
Pergamum (Pergamus):Slide101
101
Pergamum (Pergamum): Pergamus
- 45 miles north of Smyrna
- Had the second largest library of the time (best of the time)
- parchment first used here
- It became the capital of the Roman Province of Asia.
FALSE WORSHIP: (compromising: Satan’s headquarters)
-Temple of August Caesar (Rome's first emperor)(cult-like)
- The worshipped at the site of the pagan temple to
Askelops
– god of medicine and healing.
- Huge statue of Zeus and temples of Athena and many other gods.Slide102
102
Ruins at present day
PergamonSlide103
103
Letter to the church at
Pergamos
:
The recipient:
(v12a)
“And to the
angel
[overseer] of the church at Pergamum write:”
The
Lord:
(v12b)
“The
One,
who
has the sharp two-edged sword
says this:”
-judgment based on the truth
!Slide104
104
Jesus holds all truth through the sword of the Spirit, His word
The church was riddled with compromise—the truth corrects and destroys false teaching
-Eph. 6:17
“
And take the helmet of salvation, and the
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”
-Heb. 4:12
“
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”.Slide105
105
Letter to the church at
Pergamos
:
The commendation:
(v13)
“
I know where you dwell
, where Satan’s throne is; and
you hold fast
My
name
, and
did not deny
My
faith even in the days of Antipas
(he lost his life for the faith),
My
witness,
My
faithful one, who was killed among you
, where Satan dwells.”
-even though Antipas had lost his life for his faith it did not deter the believers, they did not forsake in fear of losing their lives too!
-steadfastness in the midst of Satan’s domination
-Satan’s Seat
–throne, headquarters, or stronghold
-emperor worship: Augustus Caesar
-altar to Zeus (Greek influence-- mythology
-false worship of the god of healing and medicineSlide106
106
So …
God
knows (His omniscience, His sovereignty)
where Satan works – even amongst us. He also knows when we hold fast and come under His loving authority in our lives –
to do His good will
(Rom 12:2) “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.Slide107
107
Letter to the church at
Pergamos
:
The Condemnation:
(v14-15)
“But
I
have a
few things
against you, because
you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching
Balak
to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality.
So you have some who in the same way hold the teachings of the
Nicolatians
.
-Teaching of Balaam
: Balaam was a prophet for hire!
Balak
(king of Moab) paid Balaam to curse Israel, when he could not, he counselled
Balak
to pervert Israel through Baal worship and intermarrying
The Pergamus compromise
some in the church taught that you could follow and participate in false worship and still be considered a faithful saint.Slide108
Remember The Nicolatians: They lead lives of unrestrained indulgence (early form of humanism)It is believed that Nicolus allowed many men to marry his wife. Thus he promoted polygamy. They were “antinomians” against the Law (God’s law)The church at Pergamum had allowed these false teachers to flourish in the church The Ephesian believers did not
108Slide109
109
SO …
God knows that there are amongst us those who would try to put stumbling blocks in front of us –
even in the name of religion.
What are some examples? (legalistic religion)
And if we allow them to continue to operate in our midst He will come with His Word and pierce them. Slide110
On the other hand…There is pressure to compromise and conform to this world’s values and systems but we must REPENT.“Its not the water around the ship that causes it to sink, it’s the water in the ship.”110Slide111
The Millennial Generation’s Acceptable SinJanuary 2014“Every human institution and society has its own list of sins and virtues that contradict the law of God. With the rise of the Millennial generation in evangelical churches, a vice is creeping up into the realms of acceptance, indifference, or at least resignation: fornication (i.e. extramarital sex or unchaste living).”“Similarly, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy discovered 80 percent of unmarried evangelicals between the ages of 18 and 29 had engaged in sex. Using a more stringent definition of “evangelical,” the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) recently reported that 44 percent of millennial evangelicals had sex outside marriage. Of course, just because Christians oppose sexual immorality does not mean they never struggle with it. Nevertheless, in this sort of moral environment, harping on moral sex lives is analogous to starting an abolitionist church in the antebellum South. Thanks to the public liturgy of Hollywood and our own human inclinations, fornication has been normalized and poses a massive obstacle to effective pastoral ministry.”
111Slide112
112
Letter to the church at
Pergamum:
(v16)
Therefore repent; or else
I
am coming to you quickly, and
I
will make war against them with the sword of My
mouth.”
(v17)
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit
says to the churches. To him who overcomes,
I
will give some of
the hidden manna
, and I will give him
a white stone
, and
a new name
written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.”
The Exhortation
:
-call to repent- coupled with a warning of judgement
The Promise
:
-
Hidden manna=sufficiency of Christ
-White Stone: emblem of favorSlide113
113
What is the significance of manna?
-
The first manna
(Psalm 78:24)
sustained
the children of Israel in the wilderness and His new manna –
His word will sustain us today
. His hidden manna that was in the Tabernacle
(Heb. 9:4) is also our
Spiritual manna in Christ “the Bread of Life” (see Jn. 6:51)
.
(strength and fellowship)
What was the significance of the white stone?
The white stone is in reference to being
acquitted
. The new name will be written on it
(Isaiah 62:2)
– written in the Book of Life that only the receiver knows.
(God’s favor)Slide114
114
4. To the church at
Thyatira
The Impure Church
“
un-weary sacrifice
”
Middle ages
(Roman Church)Slide115
115
Thyatira:Slide116
116
Thyatira
: (Destination)
-35 miles southeast of
Pergamos
-home of Lydia (Acts 16:14)
- Was a smaller city but a thriving manufacturing and commercial center – many trades and guilds.
-known for the dyeing industry (Lydia a seller of purple)
- It was steeped in superstition and pagan rituals.
- It accepted many cults and ‘tradesman’ secret societies.
- A woman called Jezebel taught and fooled many Christians to conform to paganism.Slide117
117
Ruins at present day
ThyatiraSlide118
118
Letter to the church at
Thyatira:
The recipient:
(v18a)
“And to the
angel
[overseer] of the church at Thyatira write:”
The
Lord
:
(v18b)
“The
Son of God, who
has
eyes like a flame of fire
, and
His
feet
are like
burnished bronze
says this:”
-the Divine One (Son of God)
-executor of searching judgementSlide119
119
Letter to the church at
Thyatira:
The
commendation:
(v19)
“
I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first.”
I
ncreasing works in 5 areas:
1. Love: generosity and self-sacrifice
2. Service: contributed to the physical and spiritual well-being of others
3. Faith: reliance upon God for strength and guidance
4. Perseverance: patiently endured difficulty and obstacles to their service
5. Abundance: increased efforts for the kingdom of GodSlide120
120
Letter to the church at
Thyatira:
The
Condemnation:
(v20-23)
“
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.
21
And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22
Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds
.”
Slide121
121
(v23)
“And
I
will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that
I
am He who searches the minds and hearts; and
I
will give to each one of you according to your deeds.” Slide122
122
THE CONDEMNATION:
-permitting of false prophetess (Jezebel) who taught apostasy
1. immorality
2. Idolatry
-notice vs. 24 “depths of Satan”
Judgement by
A. complete abandonment to her ways (v. 22)
--
How is this a judgement?
B. Trouble for associates
C. Death for purification of the church!
This first set of warnings are the most stern so far.
We cannot tolerate or put up with false prophets in our midst or those who spread a different or distorted Gospel
(Col 2:8, Gal 1:6-8)
. Slide123
123
Letter to the church at
Thyatira:
The Exhortation:
(v24-25)
“But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching,
who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them
– I place
no other burden
on you. Nevertheless, what you have, hold fast until I come.”
-no additional burden but to keep from immorality and idolatry (
cf
: Acts. 15:28-29)Slide124
124
Application …
We should not be deceived, God cannot be mocked (Gal 6:7).
How is God attempted to be mocked?
What is the difference between mocking, imitating, and counterfeiting?
Who mocks God?
Just because our streets may be dark and our homes private, nothing is out of God’s sight!
We will be held accountable for our deeds, both good and bad (Mat 16:27). What we do in secret now will be revealed by the light (Luke 8:17). Slide125
125
Letter to the church at
Thyatira:
The promise
:
(v26-29)
“He who overcomes, and he who keeps
My
deeds until the end, ‘TO
HIM [Jesus]
SHALL
I [God]
GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS. AND
HE
[Jesus]
SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES’, as
I
have received authority from
My
Father
; and
I
will give him
the morning star
. He who has an ear, let him listen to what the
Spirit
says to the churches.”
The faithful are promised:
-association with Christ in the millennial reign
-”morning star”=Christ call them back to a vital loyalty Slide126
126
Chapter ThreeSlide127
127
The Letters
to the churches at
Sardis
,
Philadelphia
,
and
Laodicea
Chapter 3 Verses 1-22Slide128
128
5. To the church at Sardis
-The Dead Church
“rest or remnant”
The Reformation PeriodSlide129
Reformers:What did they attempt to reform?John WycliffeJohn HussJohn CalvinJohn KnoxMartin LutherWilliam Tyndale129Slide130
130
Sardis:Slide131
131
Sardis
-30 miles south of Thyatira
-Capital of Lydia
- It was well fortified and not easily conquered. (Cyrus, king of
Medo
-Persians, conquered by following a secret path up the cliff)
- It became an important Christian center.
- But it relied on past glories and became complacent and died.Slide132
132
Ruins at present day SardisSlide133
133
Letter to the church at
Sardis:
The recipient:
(v1a)
“To the
angel
[overseer] of the church at Sardis write:”
The
LORD
: (v1b)
“
He who
has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars
says this:”
-One Who is full of Wisdom (seven spirits) and complete control (seven stars)
Why must we accept the Lord as wise?
(consider what God does in Revelation!)
-Authoritative
why must we accept the Lord as authoritative?
(consider what God has to do because of rejection of His Son’s salvation!)Slide134
134
Letter to the church at
Sardis:
The
COMMENDATION
:
(v1c)
“I
know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, …”
(v4)
“But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with
Me
in white, for they are worthy.”
-VERY FEW
IF ANY
? Maybe….
-use of opportunities (see v. 8)
-a little power (few true saints)Slide135
135
Letter to the church at
Sardis:
The
CONDEMNATION
: (v1-2)
-
lifeless profession
(1b)
outwardly seemed alive but inwardly dead
-
incomplete works
: (v.2) “perfect” should be rendered “full” or “complete”
What is it called when the “walk” and the “talk” do not match? “having a form of godliness but deny the power…” (2 Tim. 3:5)Slide136
136
Letter to the church at Sardis:
The
Exhortation and Promise
to overcomers:
(v5-6)
“He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and
I [Jesus]
will not erase his name from the book of life, and
I
will confess his name before
My
Father
and before
His
angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit
says to the churches.”
EXHORTATION
:
-
REMEMBER:
what are ways that we remember to remember?!
-watch for the Lord’s coming and be prepared (v 3)
PROMISE
-White Raiment (purity)
-God’s grace is shown again in v. 4
-acknowledgement publicly before God and angelsSlide137
137
6. To the church at
Philadelphia
Rev. 3:7-13
The Serving Church
“brotherly love”
Missionary EraSlide138
138
Philadelphia:Slide139
139
Philadelphia:
-28 miles southeast of Sardis
- The name means ‘the city of brotherly love”
- It was a city in the province of Lydia (Like Sardis)
- It was the center of the wine industry.
- The church there was considered
a faithful church
.
-location for severe earthquakes (AD 17 nearly complete destruction, emperor Tiberius relieved the city of taxation because of the destruction)
-most of the inhabitants lived outside of the city.Slide140
140
Ruins at present day
PhiladelphiaSlide141
141
Letter to the church at
Philadelphia:
The recipient:
(v7a)
“And to the
angel
[overseer] of the church at Philadelphia write:”
The
LORD
: (v18b)
“
He who
is holy,
who
is true and
who
has the key of David,
who
opens and no one will shut, and
who
shuts and no one will open, says this:”
-Head of the Church
-Holy
-True
-AuthoritativeSlide142
The Source of Opportunity to ServeChrist’s Character (3:7)He is holy: set apart from all iniquity and exalted above creationHe is honest and never liesHe is authoritative “the key of David” *(see Isa. 22:22)**Christ has authority over His people to open and close doors of service4. Christian can never serve God apart from His help and leadership142Slide143
The Source of Opportunity to ServeChrist’s Conduct (3:7)What Christ opens no man can shut, no man can open a door Christ his closed.Look for the Lord at work in opportunities for service the arise unexpectedlyOpportunities for service are not coincidental.Ill. M.A.D. (Making A Difference ministries) Don Sunshine!143Slide144
Making A Difference ministriesDon Sunshine144Slide145
145
Letter to the church at
Philadelphia:
The
COMMENDATION
: (v8-9)
“
I
[Jesus]
know your deeds. Behold
I
have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept
My
word, and have not denied
My
name. Behold,
I
will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie –
I
will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that
I
have loved you.”
-use of opportunities
-a little power (few true saints)
-keeping His Word
-separation and fidelitySlide146
146
Letter to the church at
Philadelphia:
Commendations continued: (v10-11)
“Because you have kept the word of
My
perseverance,
I
also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on Earth.
I
am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”Slide147
147
Letter to the church at
Philadelphia:
There are
no CONDEMNATIONS or
warnings for
the
Church
at Philadelphia!Slide148
148
Letter to the church at Philadelphia:
The promise to overcomers: (v9-11)
“
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
10
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
11
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown
.”Slide149
149
5 Promises
Rev. 3:9-11
1. enemies humiliated
2. church delivered
3. Lord would come quickly
4. believers would be honored
5. Saints to have God’s name
-
EXHORTATION
: Holdfast that no one would rob them of their rewardsSlide150
150
7. To the church at
Laodicea
The Indifferent Church
-name means “judgement
of the people”
MODERN CHURCH AGESlide151
151
Laodicea
– the last church letter:Slide152
152
Laodicea:
-90 miles east of Ephesus
-place of hot springs (98.6 degree temp.= exact human body temp)
- Water carried by aqueducts and barrel pipes was warmed on its long journey. (in a sense this town had “hot” water available
-town for
retired
Roman soldiers
- became a
Pleasure Center
- Was economically prosperous and of high social prestige.
- It was destroyed in an earthquake in 60 AD
but refused aid from Rome (
was prideful
).
- It was known for its black wool garments.
- The church considered itself ‘self-sufficient’
Consider how these characteristics are like today’s “church”Slide153
153
Ruins at present day
LaodiceaSlide154
154
Letter to the church at
Laodicea:
The recipient:
(v14a)
“To the
angel
[overseer] of the church at
Loadicea
write:”
The LORD: (v14b)
“
The Amen
, the
faithful and true Witness
, the
Beginning of the creation of God
, says this:”
-risen Lord presents Himself to the Church as the
AMEN
(confirmation of all He says)
-Faithful and True Witness
-Beginning of Creation of God
-unalterable standardSlide155
THE LORD-risen Lord presents Himself to the Church as the AMEN (confirmation of all He says)-Faithful and True WitnessContrasts to all the false prophets-Beginning of Creation of GodPriority over all creation (Col. 1:17)-unalterable standard
155Slide156
156
Letter to the church at
Laodicea:
The commendation: (v15a)
“
I
know your deeds, ...”
CHRIST FINDS NOTHING TO COMMEND EVEN THOUGH OUTWARDLY THEY APPEAARED STRONG AND PROSPEROUSSlide157
157
Letter to the church at
Laodicea:
The CONDEMNATION
:
(v15b-17)
“that you are neither cold nor hot;
I
wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold,
I
will spit you out of
My
mouth. Because you say ‘ I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, …”Slide158
158
THE
CONDEMNATION
:
(severe) 2 areas
1. Gross Indifference (v. 15-16) “lukewarm”
2. Spiritual poverty and self deception (v. 17) “I am rich and increased with goods” (boasting of self-aggrandizement-and self sufficiency)
They are deceived! They are poor and didn’t realize it!Slide159
159
Letter to the church at
Laodicea:
EXHORTATIION
: (v18-19)
“
I
advise you to buy from
Me
gold refined by fire so that you may become rich and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve (ointment or cream) to anoint your eyes so that you may see.
“Those whom
I [Jesus]
love,
I
reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.”Slide160
EXHORTATIONS:Find in Christ—true riches “gold tried in the fire”Unfeigned purity “white raiment” Spiritual sight:Reference to the geographical area of medicine makingThey had developed a tablet (pill) that was powdered and smeared on the eyes.160Slide161
161
Letter to the church at
Laodicea:
PROMISES: (v. 20)
Behold,
I
stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears
My voice and opens the door,
I
will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with
Me
.”Slide162
162
Letter to the church at
Laodicea:
The promise to overcomers: (v21-22)
“He who overcomes,
I
[Jesus]
will grant him to sit down with Me
on
My
throne, as I also overcame and sat down with
My
Father
on
His
throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit
says to the churches.”Slide163
163
THE PROMISES:
-Christ outside the door of His own church
-extends His offer of grace to anyone who will invite Him into his heart
-He will take whatever the individual offers “sup with him”
-gives the riches that He has to offer “and he with me”
-promise of true exaltation in association with Christ in His rule (v. 21)Slide164
164
THE TRUTH FOR US IS …
These are some of the most powerful words spoken by Christ.
They are the call to us to come to Him regardless of our condition.
We are invited to sit down with Christ on His throne!
It is fitting that this last letter is the most powerful!Slide165
165
Conclusions:
The thirteen rewards for the overcomer:
(1) Authority over nations (2:26)
(2) Name not erased from book of life (3:5)
(3) Inherits the earth (21:7)
(4) New name on a white stone (2:17)
(5) Eat of hidden manna (2:17)
(6) Pillar in temple (3:12)
(7) Sits on Christ’s throne (3:21)
(8) Tree of life (2:7)
(9) Not hurt by second death (2:11)
(10) Morning star (2:28)
(11) White Garments (3:5)
(12) Name of God, city, and Christ written on him (3:12)
(13) Name confessed before the Father and His angels (3:5)
Slide166
166
Concluding remarks
The overcomer is the individual Christian who enjoys special benefits in eternity for refusing to give up his faith in spite of persecution during life on earth.
True believers do not have to persevere to win salvation, nor must they be faithful to keep it.Slide167
167
Concluding remarks
There has been much written about the prophetic Book of Revelation and in particular the letters to the seven churches.
I have tried to look at the factual aspects of the churches and letters and intermingle spiritual truths.
Only the Holy Spirit can enlighten minds to the deeper meaning of the letters.Slide168
168
Concluding remarks
God the father revealed through His son Jesus Christ and through His angels and His bondservant John what He wanted us to know about our churches. All is
not good
to those who do not have ears to listen and hearts to obey. But, to those who overcome and run the race, as Paul put it
(Phil 3:13-14)
, towards the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus, will be rewarded in eternity.Slide169
God is Just: he rewards the doer of good and punishes the evildoer!What attributes of God insure that His judgements are just?Holiness and omniscienceWhat if God did not punish the iniquity?He would be unjust.The record of His coming wrath in the Revelation is record of His justice.Slide170
God is Fair: He is always equitable in His dealings with man.At times His justice may mean: chastening for the believer wrath for the unbelieverReward His faithful childrenRevelation is a record of His justice!Slide171
Introduction:One of the primary arguments for a pretribulation rapture of the church is the structure of the Book of Revelation:Christ sends messages to the church (ch. 2-3)John is called “up” into Heaven (ch.4)God’s wrath is poured out on unbelievers while the saints stand before God’s throne during the tribulation periodRev. 4 begins the 3rd section of the book (see Rev. 1:19)“…things which were, things which are, and
the things to come
…”
The rest of the book is divided into 3
principal
sections:*Ch. 4-5 Prologue (scene in Heaven)Ch. 6-19 Tribulation period
Ch. 20:1-5 Millennium
Ch. 21-22 The Eternal StateSlide172
Chapters 4-5Set the moral tone for the rest of the book!OVERVIEW: The Scene in Heaven:God’s wrath is not capricious or recklessJesus had lovingly gone to earth to die for sinnersNow His Father hands Him a scroll, it is time to judge the world that had rejected His graceThe prospect of a just judgement causes the saints to fall down before God to praise and worship HimThey understand that God is a righteous worthy judge of mankindSlide173
173
Chapters 4-5Slide174
I. THE THRONE:4:1-2 JOHN IS INVITED BY CHRIST (VOICE LIKE A TRUMPET) TO COME “UP” THROUGH A DOOR IN HEAVEN! (“DOOR” IS USED 4X IN REVELATION)3:8 DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY3:20 DOOR OF SALVATION3:20 DOOR OF FELLOWSHIP4:1 DOOR OF INSIGHT—SEEING AS GOD SEES!
THE THRONE’S
OCCUPANT
JOHN GROPES FOR WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE BEAUTY
JASPER
(light) CLEAR AS CRYSTAL (21:11)SARDINE (blood)
BRILLIANT BRIGHT RED
EMERALD RAINBOW (ever)
RICH GREEN COLOR
IS THERE ANYTHING FAMILIAR ABOUT AN EMERALD CITY AND YELLOW BRICK ROAD?
What festive season is represented here?Slide175
I. THE THRONE:B. THE THRONE’S ITSELF (4:5) 3 THINGS PROCEED OUT OF THE THRONE:LIGHTNINGSTHUNDERINGS VOICESWHAT IS SIGNIFICANT ABOUT THESESEE 8:5; 11:19; 16:18
THEY WERE PORTENTS OF COMING JUDGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT
Slide176
The Throne’s Vicinity (v. 5)Two distinct features in the vicinity of God’s throne:7 burning lamps: 7 spirits of God, or angels that God later sent out into the earth (5:6)Sea of glass: (v. 6; 15:2): saints that had overcome the beast were standing on the seaSea was like crystal: translucent or perhaps transparentI. THE THRONE:Slide177
What does this description of beauty suggest about what God desires in places of worshipSlide178
II. The WorshipersThe 24 Elders:Their description:Believers will be allowed to stand in God’s presence when they enter Heaven.Identity of the 24 elders cannot be determined. (see I Chron 24:1-18-David appointed 24 elders to represent the Levites)
Best explanation: they
represent
the “church”:
all saints of the old and new dispensations
*notice the church is in Heaven BEFORE the tribulation
.
They were seated on thrones!
(thrones used 45x in Rev. only 15 in the rest of the NT)Clothed in
white
raiment (see 3:5, 18)
Robes
were washed white in the blood of the Lamb (7:14
)
W
earing
crowns
(5 crowns mentioned in the Bible)
*note: crowns never promised to angels
Victor’s crowns in the Bible:
Incorruptible
crown (I Cor. 9:25)
Rejoicing
crown (I Thess. 2:19)
Righteousness
crown (II Tim. 4:8)
Crown of
life
(James 1:12
Glory
crown (I Pet. 5:4)Slide179
2. Their Worship: Three-fold: 4:10-12fell downCast their crownsOffered verbal praiseVs 12: focus is on Rights of the Creator God!Honor: His positionGlory : His reputationPower: His abilityII. The Worshipers
A. The 24 Elders….continuedSlide180
II. The WorshippersThe Four Beasts:Their Description (4:6) “beasts” = living onesEyes before and behind: ability to gather and maintain informationTheir appearance:Lion: greatest of the wild animals HONORCalf: greatest of the domesticated animals (burden bearer) HUMILITYMan: greatest and most intelligent of all living creatures
HUMANITY
Eagle
: greatest flying animal (bird)
HEAVENLY
Their worship: (4:8) praised God day and night for His holiness, power, and eternality.Slide181
Not in your handouts! But…. Ch. 1-3 Scene on earthCh. 4-5 Scene in HeavenWhen John is called up—the redeemed are there!24 elders (representatives of the saved) [A WORK COMPLETED]Crowns (rewards) – indication of a rapture (that’s when rewards will be presented)4 beasts (representative of the angelic world) ][A WORK TO BE DONE]Ez. 1: saw the same, as cherubim, guardians of the throne of GodNotice their connection to earth (appearance) they will carry out the orders of the wrath of God.
6 wings (Isa. 6:1-3 flying around the throne of God “Holy, holy, holy”)Slide182
Ez. 1Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.2 In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity,3 The word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was there upon him.
4
And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire
infolding
itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the
colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.
5
Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
6
And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.7 And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the
colour
of burnished brass.
8
And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.
9
Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.
10
As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
11
Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies.
12
And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.
13
As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.
14
And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.
15
Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces.
16
The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the
colour
of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.
17
When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went.
18
As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.
19
And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.
20
Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
21
When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
22
And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the
colour
of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.
23
And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies.
24
And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.
25
And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.
26
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
27
And I saw as the
colour
of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
28
As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the
Lord
. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that
spake
.
10
As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.Slide183Slide184
III. The Book (the scroll) Chapter 5The Search: God made a request which none could oblige!It’s cause: (5:1) the “will” of God for rebellious mankind. His instructions about how His world possessions were to be dispensed.Right hand: authoritativeWriting on both sides: completeness7 seals: sections could be opened one at a time (Roman law required that a “will” be sealed 7 x)It’s extensiveness
(5:2) a “
strong
” angel asks continually who could open the book? (no one was found to have the right to open it 5:3)
It’s
immediate results: the search
failed
(5:4)
John weeps
!Slide185
B. The Arrival of Christ 1. Christ's Regal Ancestry (5:5)“lion of the tribe of Judah” (Gen. 49:8-9)“root of David” literally means descendant 2. Christ’s Consummate Victory (5:5)“reference to the work on the cross” 3. Christ’s Glorified Character (5:6)“John, however saw Him as a Lamb, slain” [verb present active: ongoing effects of His death…” 4. Christ’s Rightful
Claim
(5:7)
“He alone had the right to take the scroll”
III. The Book (the scroll) Chapter 5Slide186
C. The Worship of Christ 1. The Worshippers (5:8, 11, 13, 14) –the scene expands…Rom. 8:21 2. The Actions of Worship (5:8, 14) a. They fell down: show of respect b. They played instruments: harps in adoration c. They prayed (vials full of “odours” or prayers of
adoration
.
d. They
sang
(5:9-10) a new song
e. They spoke in
unison
(5:11-12)
“seven-fold acclamation to the Lord 3. The 2 Reasons for Worship: (
Phil 2:8-11
)
a The widespread benefit of Christ’s
redeeming
work (v. 9)
b. Christ’s
willingness
to exalt his people (v. 10)
III. The Book (the scroll) Chapter 5Slide187
4. The message of worship [worth-ship] (2 doxologies) “glorious words” a. By living creatures, the elders, and myriads of angels (7-fold) 1. power: authority to rule 2. riches: wealth of the world 3. wisdom: devotion from all the intelligence and skill of created beings in the universe
4.
strength
: ability to control all physical creation
5.
honor: respect 6. glory
: high reputation
7.
blessing
: verbal praise b. By the entire universe of created beings (5:13) (
4-fold
)
1. power
2. blessing
3. honor
4. glory
III. The Book (the scroll) Chapter 5Slide188Slide189
Chapter 6: Introductory remarksAs the seal judgments begin Christ’s mercy Christ’s wrathWhat happens when Christ’s love is overemphasized over His holiness?Christ hates sin and His wrath is just!Chapters 6-16 (3 series of 7 judgements) though presented sequentially in Revelation they probably overlap (one continuing as another begins) the seal judgements trumpet judgments vial judgements
introduces
introducesSlide190
Chapter 6: Christ’s Justice: The Seal JudgmentsFirst Seal: 6:1-2Wrath of the Lamb begins to be revealedWas this Christ? (see 19:11)No!Crowns are different: (6:2- stephanos
[martyrs crown]; 19:12
diadema
[king’s crown])
Rider is alone: in 19:11 Christ is with a host of believers
Carries a bow: in 19:11 Christ carries a sword
Notice how each is recognized: 6:2 a rider who had been crowned vs. 19:11 Lord of Lords, King of Kings
Christ-like appearance:? Rider is the Anti-Christ.
Peace through strength:
cold war type of peace
The Anti-Christ is an imitator who will seek world domination
The Anti-Christ is portrayed as a pawn in God’s hands to carry out God’s wrath.
Cf
: I Thess. 5:3Slide191
Second Seal (6:3-4)Rider: unnamed on a red horsePeace is removed from the earthOpen war“given a great sword”Red horse suggests bloodshedChapter 6: Christ’s Justice: The Seal JudgmentsSlide192
Chapter 6: Christ’s Justice: The Seal JudgmentsThird Seal: (6:5-6)Rider- unnamed: Black horseFamine Precedes deathCarrying a pair of balances: indicates careful rationing of food“penny” equal to a day’s wages:
8 measures of wheat
24 measures of barley
Under the Tribulation inflation the “penny” will only buy 1/8 of a normal food supply
“see thou hurt not the oil and the wine” : luxury food items will be available but average people will not be able to afford them
This taunts the populace in their impoverished stateSlide193
Fourth Seal: (6:7-8)Horse is a pale or greenish-yellow colorRider: named DEATH (only one of the four that is named)Death claims the physical part of man (the immaterial never dies)Accompanied by Hades (Hell) which claims the immaterial partThis is continued evidence that death does not end it allEffects of this judgement:¼ of Earth’s population is killed (see 9:18: an additional 1/3 are killed)4 ways the population are killed:Sword (war)Hunger (famine that follows war)Death (perhaps by plagues of diseases that come from famine and war)Wild beasts: (apparently will be unrestrained and will roam to kill menSuddenly all of man’s programs for bringing in peace, plenty, and longevity through medicine will be overturned in the short time that it will take to accomplish this judgment (see Matt. 24:4-7)
Chapter 6: Christ’s Justice: The Seal JudgmentsSlide194
Fifth Seal: 6:9-11Depicts action in heaven which presupposes certain happenings on earthFocus is on a group of martyrs in heaven (of course they are heaven because of having been martyred on earth for the name of Christ) “for the word of God and for the testimony which they held” literally “for the witness they were having.Who are they?Not from the Church age: they have been raptured!Those who were saved during the Tribulation and martyred during the first 4 judgmentsIndication is that “they,” will be accused of being the source of the world’s terrible state
Under the altar? –already been sacrificed
White robes: fully redeemed state
They cry for vengeance on those who killed them
Address the Lord as Despot (v. 10)—recognition of His absolute control
The Lord’s answer (v. 11) “wait a little while longer…” [others will be martyred]
What does God’s answer of
wait
, knowing that evil will harm other saints, indicate?
Chapter 6: Christ’s Justice: The Seal JudgmentsSlide195
Sixth Seal: (6:12-17)Universal Havoc on the earth:Six catastrophic events will be involvedA single earthquake (chain of volcanic eruptions & tsunami? Maybe!)The sun will be darkened so that it becomes “as” black as sackclothMoon will be reddened as bloodMeteor showerHeaven will be opened to see God on the throne (THIS IS IMPORTANT!)
EVERY mountain and island will be moved to some extent (no “as” in this sentence)
[
continents will be moved!]
Results:
Terror in the hearts of man (what causes this terror? The physical devastation or the sight of God on the throne?) (v. 15)
“
great day of his wrath
” (v. 17)
NOTE: No turning “to” God (for mercy and repentance) but turning “from” the face of God
Chapter 6: Christ’s Justice: The Seal JudgmentsSlide196
The powerful earthquake that unleashed a devastating tsunami Friday appears to have moved the main island of Japan by 8 feet (2.4 meters) and shifted the Earth on its axis."At this point, we know that one GPS station moved (8 feet), and we have seen a map from GSI (Geospatial Information Authority) in Japan showing the pattern of shift over a large area is consistent with about that much shift of the land mass," said Kenneth Hudnut, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).Reports from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Italy estimated the 8.9-magnitude quake shifted the planet on its axis by nearly 4 inches (10 centimeters).Quake moved Japan coast 8 feet, shifted Earth's axisBy Kevin Voigt, CNNApril 20, 2011 10:16 a.m. EDT
The
quake triggered more than 160 aftershocks in the first 24 hoursSlide197
Characteristics of the Tribulation days They are worldwide eventsNon-exclusive: all—righteous, remnant, sinners, all social classesMen will not only know the end is near---
they will act like it
.
They will not be concerned with regular mundane things, like hoarding or planning for the future
They will seek to dig caves, seek death, not want to live
There have been many predictions of the end of the world, but few ever believed it!
THIS TIME ALL WILL BELIEVE IT AND ACT LIKE IT.Slide198Slide199
The redeemed of the TribulationChapter 7:1-17There is an interruption in the narrative sequence:Chapter 6 closes with description of the 6th seal and the 7th seal is not until chapter 8Chapter 7 is a parenthesis!“for the great day of wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”The scene of judgment is interrupted by a scene of mercy!Slide200
Chapter 7:1-8-Sealing of 144,000 Jews Suspension of Judgment: (7:1-3)Instruments of suspension (v. 1-2): 5 ANGELS (used by God to execute judgment [8:2], and staying judgment [7:1-3)) 67 references to angels in Revelation!4 angels: apparently control the winds (see 14:18-angel of fire; 16:5-angel of the waters)Their mission was to prevent an outbreak of fury of the elements 5th angel comes from the eastHis mission in relation to the 144,000Instructions concerning suspension
(v. 2-3)
Appears to be superior or out ranks the other 4
Orders the 4 to “suspend judgement
for a time”“till
we
have sealed” (v. 3b)
Intent of the suspension:
(v. 3) “the servants of God”144,000 Jews are “sealed” (from each of the 12 tribes)They perform some particular service for God
Sealed:? (the text does not indicate) could be visible (see
Ez
9:4). A SEAL DOES NOT HAVE TO BE VISIBLE TO BE REAL (see Eph. 4:30)
It is known they are owned by God (redeemed)
Secured by God (physical safety on earth while they are accomplishing their service for the Lord)Slide201
3 Problems with the tribes listed in Rev. 7Inclusion of the tribe of Levi?Inclusion of Joseph rather than Ephraim?Omission of Dan? (Lev. 24:11; Judges 18:1-2; 30-31; I Kings 12:28)Is this permanent? No! See Ez. 48:1, 32Slide202
Saving of many Gentiles (7:9-17)Vs. 9 Persons SavedTheir number: “a great crowd” (innumerable)Their nationalities: all nations (may include redeemed Jews)Their nature: wearing white robes and carrying palms (redeemed and rejoicing) see Jn. 12:13 and Neh. 8:17Vs. 10-12 Praise for Salvation (see Luke 15:8-10)Vs. 13-14 Period of Salvation (those who came out of the tribulation)Vs. 15-17 Provisions of Salvation Service (v. 15) “in His Temple” (possible during the millennial temple)
Satisfaction (v. 15-16) –because of the presence and provisions of God
Sufficiency (v. 17) “feed” literally means “to shepherd”
Security (v. 17) His presence provides safety and securitySlide203
Review for Quiz Rev. 6-7What are the contents of the scroll held in the right hand of God?TRIBULATION JUDGEMENTS CARRIED OUT ON THE WORLDWhy is Christ worthy to open the seven seals on the scroll?BECAUSE OF HIS REDEMPTIVE WORKIn the end who will worship Christ for His justice?ALL CREATED BEINGSWhen will the judgement recorded in the seven-sealed scroll be poured out?DURING THE TRIBULATION
How many chapters in Revelation describe the wrath of God against the wicked world
?
14
What event will immediately precede the tribulation period
?RAPTURE
Who will be taken to heaven by the event
?
ALL BELIEVERS
Why are the first judgments called the seal judgments?
CHRIST’S OPENING OF THE SEALS WILL BEGIN THESE JUDGEMENTSSlide204
What characterizes the first four seal judgments?DISRUPTION OF SOCIETYWhat characterizes the fifth sealAPPEARANCE OF MARTYRS?What does opening the sixth seal bring?DISRUPTION OF THE PHYSICAL UNIVERSEWhat are the 4 angels in Rev. 7 seen doing?RESTRAINING THE WINDSWhat is the mission of the 5th angel?ORDER THE RESTRAINT AND COMMAND THE SEALING OF THE 144,000 JEWSWhat indicates that there are ranks of angels?DIRECT ORDERING OF THE 4 ANGELSWho are the 144,000 of Rev. 7?SAVED JEWS WHO PERFORM A SERVICE FOR GOD
What is evidence about the purpose of the 144,000?
THEY ARE SERVANTS OF GOD
What does it mean that “they were sealed?”
GOD’S OWNERSHIP
What was evident about the seal in regards to God’s responsibility over the 144,000?THEY WERE PROTECTEDSlide205
Revelation 8:1-13 The First Four TrumpetsSlide206
Opening of the 7th SealSilence in Heaven: half an hourThe Trumpet Judgements follow the seal judgmentsEight Angels: 8:2-6The Presence Angels v. 2,6
Their relationship (7 angels, last mention of the these 7 spirits)
Their responsibility: sounding of trumpets (something of outstanding importance is about to happen)
The Priest Angel v. 3-5
Prayers are heard, angels are being involved, on the basis of the merit of the
SaviourSlide207
THE FIRST FOUR TRUMPETS (8:7-13)FIRST TRUMPET, V. 7HAIL AND FIRE MINGLED WITH BLOOD1/3 PART OF THE EARTH BURNEDTREES, GRASS, SEA, SHIPS (IS THIS A REFERENCE TO LITERAL OR SYMBOLIC DEVESTATION)TREES: LEADERS OF THE WORLD (?)GRASS: PEOPLE IN GENERAL (?)SYMBOLS ARE OFTEN USED IN THE REVELATION!THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT THESE ARE SYMBOLIC, SO THE BEST WAY IS TO INTERPRET THIS A LITERAL!DEVASTATION OF THE VEGETATION OF THE WORLDSlide208
THE FIRST FOUR TRUMPETS (8:7-13)SECOND TRUMPET (V. 8-9) THE SEA“AS IT WERE A GREAT MOUNTAIN BURNING WITH FIREJohn does not say what the instrument of judgment will be but he clearly reveals the effect of the judgment1/3 part of sea will become bloodDeath to 1/3 of sea lifeShipping 1/3 destroyedTHIRD TRUMPET (V. 10-11) WATER SOURCESFRESH WATER SUPPLY: BITTER = MANY WILL DIEINSTRUMENT OF THIS JUDGEMENT: A GREAT STAR NAMED WORMWOOD
FOURTH TRUMPET (V. 12-13
)
DAY AND NIGHT
AFFECTS THE SUN, MOON STARS AND THE DAY-NIGHT CYCLE
DAY SHORTENED TO A 16 HOUR DAY (LUKE 21:25
)Slide209
What does this mean?Push Button ChristianitySlide210
Chapter 9 the FIRST WOE!FIFTH TRUMPET: DEMONIC LOCUSTS AN ANGEL APPEARS AND ANNOUNCES THAT THE LAST THREE JUDGEMENTS WOULD BE “WOES” (MORE AWFUL THAN THE PREVIOUS)LOCUSTS SENT: the agent who discharged them:A star* has fallen** from Heaven: *star (sometimes a
astronomical entity
, 8:12; or sometimes an
intelligent creature
, 1:20, Job 38:7)
**Greek indicative tense (present past perfect) John did not see it fall he sees that it already fell
[Isa. 14:12-14; Luke 10:18]
Who is this? {see verse 11} probably
Satan-key to the bottomless pit (authority over those there)
literally the shaft of the abyss [the abode of the demons (see Luke 8:31
)
The smoke is so thick that the sun is darkened
His power is restricted (1:18; 20:3) by God
Note
in this chapter “
like
” and “
as
” occur
more often
than any other chapter in the Bible!
Why
?
-
John
has a difficulty describing what he sawSlide211Slide212
LOCUSTS POWER: vs. 3-6Could not harm vegetation (like normal locusts)Could not harm the sealed 144,000Torment the ungodly for 5 monthsMen will wish for death (suicide) but it will not be possibleWhether symbolic (helicopters, etc.) or demons taking the form of locusts they are able to inflict unbearable pain.LOCUSTS APPEARANCE: vs. 7-10John uses familiar terms to describe these unusual creations.He pictures the grotesque features in metaphors and similes.The name of the one who controls these demonic creations is (Hebrew) Abaddon, (Greek) Apollyon – both names mean destroyer (one who is able to destroy body and soul).
Chapter 9:1-11 the FIRST WOE!
FIFTH TRUMPET: DEMONIC LOCUSTS Slide213
8 partsLike Horses prepared for battleHeads were as it were crowns
Faces
as
it were faces of men
Hair
as
the hair of women
Teeth
as
those of lions
Breastplates
as
it were of iron
Sound of wings
as
sound of chariots of horses
Scorpion
like
tails Slide214
Chapter 9:12-21 “the SECOND WOE!”
SIXTH
TRUMPET:
WAR
A voice from an angel (see 8:3) *
the priest Angel
Demonic Influence
(9:13-15)
Release 4 angels that are bound (and continue to
be bound—i.e. “perfect tense”) in the River Euphrates
They were held for this specific time and purpose
Remember the 4
th
seal: ¼ of population was slain (
6:4
)
Now 1/3
In these two judgements alone ½ of the world’s population is gone
Do the math--(
1/4 + 1/3 = 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12
or
58%
Human Army
(9:16-19)
The demons help to amass a huge army of 200,000,000
men and demons!
Use the
weapons of Hell
(fire, smoke, brimstone)
Unrepentant Response
:
(9:20-21)
They do not see God’s hand in the disasters, they miss the point
Their lives are characterized by: murder, demon worship, sorceries (
pharmicio
: drug use), fornication, stealing [vice reigns in the place of
virture
] Slide215
Parenthetic visions: Chapter 10-11:13The Angel and the Little Opened Book3rd Woe and 7th Trumpet begins at 11:14!What happens during this interlude:The sealing of the 144,000Salvation of a great multitudeA number of revelations: by a special ANGELSlide216
I. The Character of The Angel (Revelation 10:1-2)His origin was heavenly (v. 1)He was glorious in appearance (v. 1)Clothed with a cloud (someone from Heaven; c.f. Dan 7:13; I Thess. 4:17)Rainbow on this head (as a crown)Face as the sun in its brillianceFeet as pillars in their stance The Angel held a little book opened in his hand (v. 2)The Angel took a stand with one foot on the sea and the other on land (an image of conquest)Who is this angel? Christ? Michael (one who is like God)?Slide217
II. Cry of the Angel (Rev. 10:3-4)Character: like the roaring of a lion (emphasis of strength)Consequences: (2 things followed)Seven thunders uttered their voicesJohn was restrained from revealing what the thunders said (thunder is usually the harbingers of coming storms (see 8:5)Slide218
III. Confirmation by the Angel (Rev. 10:5-7)Position of oath taking (v. 5)God is described as the eternal One (v. 6)There should be “time” no longer No longer a delayThe mystery of God will be finished with the seventh angel soundingThe mystery of God taking the kingdom of God will now be manifested.Slide219
IV. Command Concerning the Angel (Rev. 10:8-10)Source (v. 8) voice spoke to JohnSubstance (v. 8) take the opened bookObedience (v. 9-10) eat the book, bitter to stomach but sweet to tasteObject: What is the point? The prophet of God must let the Word of God affect Him before he ministers it to others!Understanding the truth of judgement would bring heaviness of heart to the child of God (i.e. the believer would not have to partake of the judgement (sweet) others will be subject to the severity (bitter). There would be a rejoicing of God’s triumph (sweet) there should be distress over the judgements (bitter)Slide220
V. Commission of the Angel (Rev. 10:11)John is commissioned to prophecy againJohn is commissioned to prophecy before manySlide221
The Temple, the two witnesses and the trumpet (Rev. 11:1-19)The Temple: (11:1-2)Two Witnesses (11:3-14)Time (v. 3) (1260 days)Probably during the first half since the Beast ends their witness
Traits (v. 4-6)
Their character (v. 4)
Two olive branches: Zech. 4:3, 14 anointed ones
Two candlesticks: light bearers of the Truth
Their conduct (v. 5-6)
Elijah and Moses
Termination (v. 7-10)
Time (v. 7)
Means (v. 7)
Display (v. 8-9)
Effect (v. 10)
Their Translation (vs. 11-14)Slide222
Trumpet (Rev. 11: 15-19)Announcement (v. 15)Adoration (vs. 16-17)Anger (v. 18)Ark (v. 19)Slide223
The Righteous in the TribulationEven while the Lord is pouring out His wrath, he will save thousands of people from their sins. Many sinners, rather than hardening their hearts against God during this time of judgement, will understand their plight and turn to the Lord. The ministry of the 144,000 Jewish evangelists will help to make this possible. God’s choosing these evangelists and the salvation of multitudes remind us that in wrath He still remembers mercy.Slide224
God is reasonable in His dealings with peopleGod never becomes spitefully cruel to people.He keeps trying to reach people even though they do not deserve help.Believers should have a similar attitude toward those who have rebelled against God for years; they still deserve the concern and prayers of ChristiansThe Righteous in the TribulationSlide225
Who Can Be Saved After the Rapture?II Thess. 2:1-12Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.7
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now
letteth
will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,10
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.Slide226
Some say that unbelievers will be doomed to hell if having rejected the gospel they miss the rapture.Their basis: (probably a valid assumption)Holy Spirit is removed from the world (II Thess. 2:7)However, the verse (in context) should be understood that “the church (universal body of believers), in whom the Spirit dwells, will be raptured before the Antichrist appears.Without the “salt” of the church in the world, evil will run rampant.God will send a strong delusion upon those who “received not” (v. 10) or “believed not” (v. 12) the gospel before the raptureThese unbelievers will swallow the lies of the AntichristWho will suffer the “strong delusion?”Verb tense indicates a conclusive decision to reject the gospel.*therefore….those who had not made a final decision about Christ before the rapture may have an opportunity to do so after the rapture!The fact that multitudes will be saved during the tribulation suggests that some who heard the gospel before the rapture will believe it afterwards.Who Can Be Saved After the Rapture?Slide227
Descriptions of war:1st on Earth: 12:1-62nd in Heaven: 12:7-12
3
rd
on Earth: 12: 13-17Slide228
Christ’s Archenemies (Evil Personalities of the Tribulation)Slide229
Satan has always opposed God and His WorkHe inspired Herod’s attempt to kill Christ as a child.He has stirred up nations against the church.He also tries to discourage believers in their walk with GodEph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Satan’s attacks are more subtle, but no less deadly, than the attacks he will make against the church during the tribulation.Peer pressure and steady temptations from the media are two of the greatest devices.Temptations are not accidental; they are well-planned diabolical events designed to bring about your downfall.Chapters 12 and 13 form a parenthesis in the narrative, focusing on the evil personalities at work during the tribulation.They have been called the unholy trinity: Satan, the Antichrist and the False Prophet.This section does not move the reader forward in the chronology of the book or the tribulation.It summarizes the activities of the evil personalities in the last 3 ½ years of the tribulation.Slide230
I. Dragon: Satan (12:1-16)—see ch. 13:1a. Satan’s Attempt to Kill Christ (vs. 1-6)i. John saw a great sign (wonder) in heaven: a pregnant woman who represents Israel Gen. 37:9-10 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. 10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? The sun stands for Jacob
The moon stands for Rachel
The twelve stars are the 12 tribes (sons of Jacob) (v. 1)
The woman’s travail speaks of her suffering (v 2)
*Israel has experienced a long history of trouble, both before the birth of Christ and ever since. Slide231
ii. John saw a second sign in heaven: a great red dragon which is Satan himself.Satan’s seven heads and ten horns speak of his control over the empire of the Antichrist.John saw the dragon sweep a third of the stars of heaven to the earth with his tail (v. 4)*1/3 of the angels in Heaven fell with Satan when he rebelled against God. 3. Suddenly the dragon stood before the woman, waiting to devour her child (v. 4) * a reference to Herod’s attempt to murder the Christ child. 4. Satan was unsuccessful in his plot (v. 5) *Satan lost his dream of universal supremacy forever when Christ was raised from the dead and ascended to heaven. Christ’s resurrection and ascension assured His future reign during the Millennium and eternity Slide232
b. Satan’s battle with Michael (v. 7-12) John witnessed a great war in heaven between the angels lead by Michael and the Satan’s angels.Satan and his forces were defeated and cast out of heaven (v. 8-9)V. 13 indicates that this event occurred just before the great tribulation (the last 3 ½ years of the tribulation period.NOTE: no record that Satan had been barred from the presence of God until after this defeat (v. 10)The overthrow of Satan meant a great deliverance (“salvation”) for believers, encouragement (“strength”) for their souls, and hop of the millennial and eternal reign of the Lord (12:10)Many have already overcome the Devil by relying on Christ’s redeeming blood and by professing their faith in the face of death (v. 11)Satan’s overthrow brought rejoicing in heaven but dismay to the earth (v. 12) *since Satan realized his end was at hand, he intensified his efforts as never before. Slide233
c. Satan’s persecution of Israel (v. 13-16)During the first half of the tribulation, Israel had relative peace because the nation had made a covenant with Antichrist. Immediately after Satan was cast out of heaven, however, he intensified his effort to destroy Israel (v. 13)The Lord gave the nation supernatural help (v. 14) “two wings of a great eagle”John saw the nation flee to the Lord in the wilderness (v. 6) *exact location cannot be identified, but there the Lord provided Israel with food as He had provided manna during the wilderness wanderings.John saw Satan’s mouth send a flood to destroy Israel (v. 15)God delivered the nation by opening up the earth to swallow the flood (v. 16)Slide234
II. The First Beast: The Antichrist (Ch. 13)A. The EmpireThe revived Roman Empire (17:9; 18) Rome was the only city in the first century known by all to sit on 7 hillsThe seven heads of the beast are successive phases of government, according to Rev. 17:9-12The ten horns with crowns should be understood as ten kings who rule simultaneously and receive their authority from Antichrist (see Dan 7:24 and Rev. 17:12)The kingdom stood in blasphemous opposition to GodThe beast was like a leopard, with bear’s feet and a lion’s mouth (13:2) [see Dan. 7:4-6]The kingdom of the Antichrist had qualities in common with all these empires. Yet Antichrist’s authority and the power of His kingdom were directly attributable to SatanHe rises out of the sea: from among the massesThe beast is a kingdom: ten horns are ten kings (17:2)The ten kings are united: a confederation of nations
Seven heads are seven hills (17:9) 7 hills of Rome or 7 rulers of which he is the last
So, the beast is not only
a
ruler but also
a
kingdom!
He is a man (2
Thess
“he sits in the temple as God”
This is why his heads are covered with names of blasphemy (Roman rulers blasphemed by designating themselves of God. This man will do the same (2 Thess. 2:4)Slide235
The Unholy World DictatorThe Antichrist will be the last emperor of the revived Roman Empire (v. 3)Apparently he rose to power because of a miraculous resurrection. Virtually the whole world worshiped this miracle-worker as a resultThey asked “who is able to make war with him?” v. 4That question would be answered at Christ’s Second AdventFor 3 ½ the Antichrist blasphemed God (v. 5-6) and killed saints (v. 7)Only those whose names were written in the book of life refused to worship him (v. 7-8)The Book of Life is a record of all the redeemed (3:5; 17:8; 20:12; 15; 21:27; 22:19)John beckoned his readers to pay close attention to an important message: divine retribution is certain (v. 9-10)Those imprison or kill the saints will be imprisoned and killed. The saint of God should therefore endure and trust GodII. The First Beast: The Antichrist (Ch. 13)Summary: the Anti Christ:Appearance: like a leopard, bear, and lion (compare Dan. 7 : lion, bear, leopard): Babylonian empire,
Medo
-
Persian Empire, and Grecian empires [strength, brutality and swiftness of all three are represented in this confederation of nations—revived Roman Empire
As great as this empire and man will be he is actually only an agent or tool of Satan, who gives power (he is sold out to the power and corruption of Satan
One of the heads of the beast is “wounded unto death”, dies, and rises again:
Notice the resemblance to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (11:7)
The world will worship the Beast
“all” in verse 3 is qualified by verse 8
Worship means acknowledgement of worth (worth of the Beast is two-fold:
His uniqueness: Who is like unto the beast?
His might: Who is able to make war with him?
His activity involves both religion and politics: blasphemy and war
He is still under the control of God: “it was given” v. 7; limited to 42 months, v. 5
V. 10 is a call of encouragement: the principle of retribution! When God is through with him, he is gone!Slide236
The Second Beast: The False ProphetRelationship to Antichrist (13:11)Similar to the first beast (less pretentious!)Comes out of the earth (possibly Palestine)His conduct:Appeared as a lamb and spoke as a dragon (a messianic figure who serves the DevilRev. 19:20-he is described as a False Prophet, a companion of the first beast.The Antichrist authorized the False Prophet to start a religion whereby the world would worship the Antichrist (13:12)Miraculous Power: Could call down fire from heaven and perform other miracles (13:13-14)He caused the image to come to life (v. 15)Man began to worship the beast, and those who refused were persecuted. HE DOES NOT PROMOTE HIMSELF (V. 12)C. Authority over men
He had authority to kill anyone who was not loyal to the beast, the image was a means of discovering rebels
Control of commerce: everyone in the world had to receive a mark (either the mark of the beast, his name or his number) in his right hand or forehead.
The number was 666
The name was not revealed to JohnSlide237
The Identity of the Antichrist:The antichrist will experience an apparent “resurrection” according to Revelation 13:3. This fact and the fact that he will head a revived Roman empire have caused considerable conjecture about his identity. Is he perhaps Nero or some other monstrous emperor from the past? It is impossible and idle to attempt an identification of the Antichrist. His identity will not be know until “that man of sin be revealed” during the tribulation (II Thess. 2:3).Slide238
Revelation 14:1-5 Various AnnouncementsSituation: v. 1 John sees… He sees the LambZion is the Heavenly Jerusalem144,000 are with the Lamb (7:1-3 they were on the earth) Their witnessing work on earth must now be completeSong: vs. 2-3 John hears… a (voices and music) songSinging and playing at a high volume: “many waters…sound of thunder”Separation: v. 4 (2 things are said about their separation unto God:They are virgins: (2 interpretations) They never marriedThey were completely separated unto the God they served (see 2 Cor. 11:2 and Matt. 25:1) *this is one of the places that the Catholic Church uses to promote celibacy of priests and nuns, etc.
They followed Christ “
whitersoever
he
goeth
” including obedience unto deathSlide239
Salvation (v. 4c)First fruits: token offerings to God, a greater harvest will followThe first converts of a country are called firstfruits of a larger number to be won (Rom 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:15)Christ is the first fruits of the resurrection harvest (1 Cor. 15:20, 23)What group are these 144,000 the first fruits?The harvest of many other Israelites (remember they are Jews not Gentiles) who will turn to the Lord at the end of the tribulation and during the millennium (Isa. 2:3; Zech. 8:22) Sanctification (v. 5) *in some texts the word “lie” replaces the word “guile” and in certain texts the last phrase “before the throne of God” is omitted, nevertheless the verse describes the ultimate sanctification of these people.Revelation 14:1-5 Various AnnouncementsSlide240
Revelation 14:6-7 Everlasting GospelAnnouncement: vs. 6An angel appears with the announcement (literally “an”) everlasting gospel (see Gal. 1:8 God does not use angels today to proclaim the gospel) Inclusiveness: v. 6 God’s final call to all the worldMessage: v. 7 3 fold messageFearGlorifyWorship God reveals Himself as the Creator! If man heeds this message, he will clearly have to refuse the mark of the beast, which will show as clearly as possible a heart change. (*In those days people will not risk their lives at the hands of the beast for a mere outward profession of salvation.) Slide241
Revelation 14: Doom of Babylon (v. 8)Certainty:Repetition of the phrase “is fallen”Babylon’s fall is connected to outpouring of the 7th vial (16:19)Cause:Because of her own fornicationBecause of her infecting other nationsSlide242
Revelation 14: Doom of the Beast Worshippers (vs. 9-13)People: v. 9 Third angel pronounced judgement on all who had received the mark of the beastPunishment: vs. 10-11“he shall drink of the of the wine of the anger of God mixed undiluted in the cup of his wrath.”Agents: fire, brimstone and SulphurIt will be a spectacle before the holy angels and the Lamb whom they rejectedIts extent: forever v. 11Its character: continuous v. 11 “continuous day and night”Patience vs. 12-13A word of encouragementThey are called blessedTheir works in standing for the truth follow with them into heavenSlide243
Harvest of the Earth (14:14-20)Reapers (vs. 14-18)The Lord: crown (stephanos-a victors’ crown not diadem an inherited crown) indicating His coming as Conqueror.Sharp Sickle: judgementAngels: 2 appear to announce and help with the harvestReason (vs. 15, 18)HarvestVineResult (vs. 19-20): see Matt. 13:36: in the harvest there are believers and non believers, however the harvest of the grapes is only judgement of false religion. “trodden without the city”-reference to a judgement on the earth, probably Armageddon (see 19:17-19)Ripe: the apostate religions of the world are withered and ready to be judged, the harvest represent the people of the earth, the vine is the opposite of Christ, the true vine, therefore represents religion.Slide244
Revelation 15:1-8 (the beginning of the end!) Prelude to the Last judgementsPlagues: v. 1Persons: vs. 2-4Identity: v. 2Activity: vs 3-4He is almightyHe is righteous and trueHe is King of nationsHe is holy
He will be worshipped by the nations
Preparation: vs. 5-8 (a new vision opens)
The judgements of God are not vindictive but indicative: explain?
Where there’s smoke there’s fire!Slide245
REVELATION 16Slide246
Chapter 17: Religious BabylonBabylon is both a city and a system.Description of BabylonAgent v. 1Details vs. 1-6 Harlot vs. 1-2Political power v. 3Glory v. 4Counterfeit v. 5aFederation v. 5bPersecutor v. 6Slide247
Chapter 17: Religious Babylon2. Matters which concern Babylon 8-15Beast v. 8Heads v. 9-11Horns vs 12-14Waters v. 15Destruction of Babylon: 16-18Slide248
Chapter 18: Commercial BabylonAnnouncement of the judgment (18:1-3)Babylon is demonic (v. 2) 2. Appeal in View of the Judgment (18:4-8)
Statement (v. 4)
Substantiation (vs. 5-8)
Remembrance (v. 5)
Retribution (v. 6)
Retaliation (v. 7-8)
Anguish Because of the Judgment (18:9-19)
Kings (vs. 9-10)
Merchants (vs. 11d-17a)
Sea Merchants (vs. 17b-19)
Acclaim over the judgement (18:20-24)Slide249
Exposition of the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Walter Scott), p. 373“Joyless, dark, and silent, Babylon stands out as a monument to the utmost vengeance of God. Wickedness had sat enthroned in the midst of that professedly bearing the Name of Christ; but at last, when she had filled to the full her cup of iniquity. God rises in His fierce anger, His indignation burns, and Babylon falls to rise no more. Her destruction is irremediable. The chapter closes with a reiteration of the bloody character of the system.”Slide250
Chapter 19: The Second Coming of ChristJoy in Heaven: 19:1-10Songs of the Saints (1-6)Time Sequence: “after these things” (18:20-call to rejoice—here is the answer)Group involved: “people” literally crowd (see 7:9-12) not the 24 elders or the 4 living ones (see vs. 4)Content: “alleluia” only occurs in this chapter in the Bible (Praise ye the Lord) the content of their praise is a song to the Lord.They praise His judgments (particularly illustrated in the judgment of the harlot Babylon (v. 2) the judgments are forever (v. 3)They praise the Lord for the fact that He reigns (v. 4 the 24 elders and 4 living ones join in) and a voice from Heaven is called for additional praise (probably the voice of the strong angel)Marriage of the Lamb (7-10)Announcement of the marriage (v. 7) in the name of the groomArray of the bride (v. 7b-8) “hath made herself ready” and “to her was granted”
Fine linen: “righteousness of the saints”
The bride’s righteousness is that of Christ.
Accompaniment of the marriage (v. 9)
Awe of John (v. 10)Slide251
Judgment of Earth (vs. 11-21)Advent of ChristHis aim v. 11His appearance v. 12-13His army v. 14His authority v. 15-16Armageddon Conflict vs. 17-21Carnage v. 17-18Conflict v. 19Captives v. 20Conquest v. 21Chapter 19: The Second Coming of ChristSlide252
Revelation 20: The Millennium and the Great White ThroneThe calm after the storm!The Millennium: 1-10Satan: vs 1-3Bound (for a 1000 years), and out of sight until the endPurpose: to deceive the nations no moreLoosed for a little time (season)Angel (authority: has key) binds him (see Jude 6; 2 Peter2:4) Saints: vs. 4-6 (3 groups)Vs. 4 sat on the thrones and shared in judgment: (I Cor. 6:2; 2 Tim. 2:12)Group of martyrs (who apparently were beheaded) “killed with an ax”Those who had refused to worship the beast and receive his mark. *this group will be raised at Christ’s second advent.The rest of the unsaved dead are not raised at this time (v. 5) *they will be raised after the 1000 year reign (see John 5:29)Sinners: vs. 7-10Satan is loosedHe finds multitudes that will follow him
They will attack the camp of God in Jerusalem
They will be put to death quickly by an act of God sending fire down out of heaven to devour them
Then the Devil will be cast into the Lake of fire where the beast and the false prophet have already been for 1000 years.Slide253Slide254Slide255
Great White Throne Judgment: vs. 11-15The SCENE vs. 11 (Matt. 24:35; I Jn 2:15, Ex. 24: 17; II Chron. 7:2; Matt. 17:6)“heaven and earth fled away”: *holiness of God!Time: at the close of the MillenniumJudge: John 5:22The SUBJECTS: the dead small and great (v. 12) (Rom. 1:20; 2:1; 3:19)The Books: Dan. 7:10 (Bible [Rom. 2:2; Jn. 12:48; Jn 3:18], Book of remembrance/sins [Ps. 69:28;, Luke 12:2-3]; Book of Life [Dan. 12:1; Malachi 3:16; Matt. 7:21-23, Luke 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Rev.3:5, 13:8, 17:8, 20:12, 15) The Basis: 12-13 works of these people (rejection of the Savior has placed these people in this position, “names are not written in the Lamb’s book of life”)
Result: Death and Hell are cast into the Lake of Fire (place created for
Satan and his angels, THIS IS THE SECOND DEATH: eternal separation from God
Death: claims the body
Hell: claims the soul
Revelation 20: The Millennium and the Great White ThroneSlide256
Chapter 21: The Eternal StateIntro: the new Jerusalem is the abode of the redeemed of all ages during the millennium and eternityDescent of the city (1-8)“new” heaven and “new” earthOld had passed awayNo more sea—complete change of climate conditions The first characteristic of the new condition is God with men (v. 3)Old experiences will be excluded (vs. 4-5)New things will be experienced (vs 6-7)Complete satisfactionFull inheritanceFull fellowship Certain people are excluded (v. 8)Slide257
The glory of the city is the glory of GodGreat high wall (216 feet high): twelve gates: twelve tribes inscribed, twelve angels, twelve foundations: apostles names12,000 furlongs=1,500 square miles-cubicalWall-jasper (green quartz)City-pure gold (clear as crystal)Foundation precious stones: jasper (green), sapphire (blue), chalcedony (green), emerald (green), sardonyx (brown and white), sardius (red), chrysolyte (yellow), beryl (green), topaz (yellow gold),
chrysoprasus
(apple green), jacinth (blue), amethyst (purple)
Walls: pearls
Street!: pure transparent gold
PLACE OF EXTREME BEAUTY! Slide258
Description of the City (9-27)Glory (v. 11)Construction (v. 12-14)Measurements (v. 15-17)Materials (v. 18-21)Relation to God (v. 22-23)Relation to Nations (v. 24-27)Delights of the City (22: 1-5)Fullness of Life and Blessing (v. 1-2)Fullness of Paradise (v. 3-5)Chapter 21-22:5 The Eternal StateSlide259
Chapter 22: 6-21: EpilogueWords of Comfort (v. 6-17)I “come quickly” (v. 7)God is worthy of worship (v. 8-9)
The book is not sealed (v. 10-11)
Rewards will be given (v. 12-13)
Blessed are the redeemed (v. 14-15)
Gracious is our Lord (v. 16-17)
Words of warning (v. 18-19)
Adding to the book (v. 18)
Subtracting from the book (v. 19)
Closing Benediction (v. 20-21)