Decoding Revelation

Special thanks to fellow brother Bill Kerby for his work, which is used to decode

The Revelation is a prophecy of the End Times, covering a period of about 3,000 years. This period started when Revelation was written (Revelation was written sometime during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian (81-96 CE)), and ends with the introduction of the New Heaven and New Earth (following the Millennial Age). In Revelation, the writer, John, occasionally goes back through history to connect past events with present or future events.

Since Revelation reveals the events that occur during the End Times, it is important to understand that the purposes of God, for various groups of people, will be revealed in it pages. The prophetic pronouncements of God for His Church, His nation Israel, the Gentile nations, and the angelic creation, will be fulfilled here. To remember this will reduce the confusion that abounds in the understanding of these prophecies. Revelation could be termed “the Roundup of the Ages.”

There are many reasons why people do not study Revelation. Many consider it too difficult for the ordinary person to understand and therefore shun it. Others do not search its pages because their leaders tell them that it is a closed book. Some leaders even had it removed from the accepted scriptures. Among them were Gregory of Constantinople (375 A.D.) and Cyril, bishop of Jerusalem, (340 A.D.). Had they read to the end of Revelation, the warning in the last chapter might have prevented this. “. . . If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part Out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18,19).

We do not wish, therefore, to add to nor take away from the Revelation. We only want to understand it more clearly and to pass our understanding of its truths. The Holy Spirit of God knows its meaning fully, and we ask that we may be truly led by Him in the writing of these pages.

The name “Revelation” shows that this book is an unveiling or revealing of truth. The Revelation, therefore is a revelation of Bible prophecy. “Blessed is He that keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book” (Rev. 22:7). In chapter 22:10 we read, “Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”

Before anyone can understand the teachings of this book, he must receive God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit. “ ... The testimony of Yeshua is the Spirit of prophecy” (Rev. 19:10). The natural man cannot understand the things of the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 2:14).

[We use the name "Jesus" on this page for familiarity only... Let it be quite clear that the actual name of the Messiah, from which the Revelation was given to John, was originally Yeshua - his real Hebrew name, or Jeshua in English. For more on how this common translational 'error' occurred, please click HERE]

When John wrote Revelation he was a prisoner on the Isle of Patmos. He was imprisoned for his testimony for Jesus Christ, or as His Name was in Hebrew 'Yeshua HaMashiach' (Jesus the Messiah) and his faithfulness to the Word of God. John, an old man at this time, was the last of the apostles. The other apostles had laid down their lives for the Master and had been called home. Only John remained—now a prisoner— with an ever-present longing to be with his Lord.

There was no one John loved so well. He relished precious memories of the past. The words of the Master still lingered with him and revived him. Truly he had touched the Almighty and the Almighty had touched him. Nothing could change that. Banishment to prison and lonely places only quickened his memory of the One who had suffered so much for his redemption.

The prophecies in Revelation are important to us. They bring us knowledge and understanding which was not available to the prophets of the Old Testament or the apostles of the New. Daniel, the prophet, desired to know the meaning of what he wrote but was told that its truths were sealed until the end time (Daniel 12:9). Even the inquiring disciples of Jesus were told, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons that the Father has put in His own power.” However, when the prophecies of Revelation were given to John, he was told, “Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand” (Rev. 22:10).

Although the apostle Paul received many revelations from the Lord (including the translation of Church to Heaven at the close of the present age), it was not for him to see the pages of Revelation. Only John, of the twelve apostles, was privileged to see these truths.

Before looking at Revelation, we will consider the introduction to the book. The scriptures are the most important so they will be recorded verse by verse throughout...

Rev 1:1 A Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to Him to declare to His servants things which must shortly come to pass. And He signified it by sending His angel to His servant John,

1.) The subject of the book—the Revelation of Yeshua/Jesus Christ.
2.) The origin of the book—God.
3.) The purpose for its writing—to show unto God’s servants the things that must shortly come to pass.

The channels of communication—from God [Father] to Yeshua [Son], to the angel, to John, to the Churches.

Rev 1:2 who bore record of the Word of God and of the testimony of Jesus Christ and of all the things that he saw.

This verse informs us that John (the writer) is the same John “who bore record of the Word of God and of all things that he saw.” Our thoughts go quickly to the gospel of John where we read, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made ... and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us....

This is indeed John’s record of the Word of God. His gospel also contains a record of the things he had seen while he walked and talked with Yeshua/Jesus. John’s epistles (1 John 1:1) speak of the Word he had seen and his hands had handled. There can be little doubt that John of the gospel was the prisoner on Patmos and the writer of the Revelation.

Rev 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads and hears the Words of this prophecy, and the ones keeping the things written in it, for the time is near.

Blessed are the reader, the hearer, and the keeper of the things written. How many have read the book of Revelation? How many have heard what it says? To hear is to understand. And, how many have kept its truths? Truth is only kept when it is passed on to others. Many today do not concern themselves with this prophetic teaching and are missing rich blessing because of this.

Many church people have listened to the lie of Satan and believe that the book is closed. Some are taught that its interpretation is private so they do not search it for themselves. The apostle Peter has a word for them, “No prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20). Prophesy comes from God, and it has a meaning assigned by Him only. Our Lord also said when speaking of the Holy Spirit, “He shall guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). Do not miss your blessing by not personally searching in this book of Revelation.

This verse introduces us to the urgency of the message, “The time is at hand.” Its fulfilment had begun even as John was writing.

Rev 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia. Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is coming; and from the seven spirits which are before His throne;

Rev 1:5 even from Jesus Christ the faithful Witness, the First-born from the dead and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,

Verse 4 begins John’s personal greetings to the seven churches in Asia to whom he is commanded to write. He extends to them two very precious ingredients needed in every life—God’s grace and peace. John then tells us of the source of these attributes: the Eternal One, the Spirit, and the Son.

In verse 5 he continues with a beautiful description of our Saviour, Jesus Christ:

Rev 1:6 and made us kings and priests to God and His Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Having revealed Yeshua, John shows us the exalted position that is ours because of redemption. We are kings and priests unto God. As such we will reign with Christ and may offer up spiritual sacrifices. To the One who has made this possible, John ascribes glory and dominion. With him we surely say, “Amen.”

Rev 1:7 Behold, He comes with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, and those who pierced Him will see Him, and all the kindreds of the earth will wail because of Him. Even so, Amen.

This is a reference to the second coming of Christ to the earth with His saints as recorded in Rev. chapter 19.

Rev 1:8 I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

This introduction of the Lord Jesus to Himself is quite revealing. Alpha and Omega, being the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, is an indication that Jesus is the First and the Last. This is the phrase that YAHWEH Elohim uses in describing Himself in Isaiah 44:6, “I am the first and I am the last and beside me there is no Elohim” (God, plural). This is an indicator that Christ Jesus (Yeshua) was YAHWEH Elohim come in the flesh. As the beginning and the ending, places Christ as the Creator and Sustainer of all. The latter portion of the sentence emphasises that which has been noted, as the significance of the name YAHWEH is, “He that always was, that always is and ever is to come.

*YAHWEH is the Hebrew name of the LORD God... "Yeshua" means: "Yahweh's salvation" or "Lord who is salvation"

Rev 1:9 I, John, who also am your brother and companion in the affliction, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the island that is called Patmos, for the Word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

John introduces himself as “brother”, thus showing the wonderful family relationship of those who are in Christ. As “companion in tribulation, and the kingdom and patience” shows a fellowship amongst God’s people; sharing each others trials and triumphs.

Rev 1:10 I came to be in the Spirit in the Lord's day and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

The Patmos prison is where John’s body was but he lived and moved in the spiritual realm. Banishment to this isle of difficulty with its isolation, persecution, and loneliness, could not keep him from living in the Spirit.

It is precious to know that no matter where we are physically or socially, we can be in the Spirit. Weariness in labour, the office of inhospitality, the kitchen of drudgery, or keeping vigil in the night, can be places of blessing if we are dwelling in the Spirit. It is a realm that only the Spirit-filled one can experience.

“On the Lord’s day” shows that all days were not esteemed alike to John. This was a special day that he called the Lord’s day.

There are scriptures in the Old Testament that prophesied of this special day. Israel’s feast of unleavened bread, which spoke of union with Jesus Christ in redemption, was to be on the first day of the week (Lev. 23:7). Israel’s feast of firstfruits, which represents Christ in resurrection, was to be on the first day of the week, “on the next day after the Sabbath” (Lev. 23:11). And Israel’s feast of the wave loaves, which illustrates Pentecost, was also celebrated on the first day of the week (Lev. 23:16).

Thus, the first day of the week is generally recognized by the Church as the Lord’s day. It is the first day of the new creation, a rest day, as the work of salvation has been completed by the Lord Jesus when He rose from the dead. It is a “type” of that eternal rest in Christ’s finished work.

Rev 1:11 saying, I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. Also, What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.

This voice which John heard was like a trumpet talking, a voice of command, a voice of action. It was not a still, small voice to lull him to rest amid the turmoil of his prison home, but a voice that awakened him to new privileges and responsibilities.

John is commanded to write what he sees in a book and to send it to the seven churches in Asia. “What you see write in a book” shows that, at this point in time, all was in the future. Later, in verse 19, we read, “Write the things which you have seen,” indicating that some events had transpired before this point. This is very important to notice and it will help us to unlock the treasures of this book. As we will see, Revelation 1:12—18 is the first of three parts of the Revelation.

John had often heard this voice. In previous days he had heard it call him, “Follow me.” It was obedience to that call that led John to the Patmos prison.

When that voice spoke he had seen rough waters stilled, the sick made whole, demons flee, and dead men raised. Hope must have thrilled his soul as he turned to see the One who spoke. As he turned he saw seven golden candlesticks, which, he learned later, represented seven churches.

Rev 1:13 And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands. And in the midst of the seven lampstands I saw One like the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and tied around the breast with a golden band.

John’s eyes, which temporarily observed the candlesticks, quickly focused on the One who appeared in the midst of them. He appeared in long flowing garments, which could speak of the righteousness of this Holy One. As gold represents deity, the golden girdle suggests the divine character of the One who “was made flesh and dwelt among us.” What He had laid aside to become man, He had taken up again. This is the One who John beheld on the Mount of Transfiguration, whose garments were white and glistening.

Rev 1:14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And His eyes were like a flame of fire.

The white hair reminds us, first of all, that this One is the Ancient of Days, the Eternal One. We are also reminded of His great sorrow as He tasted death for every man.

Those eyes, kindled like a flame, remind us of the purity and love of this One whose eyes were too pure to see evil. He also is the One who said, “I will guide thee with my eye.” In the Old Testament the Psalmist said, “Thy commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.”

Rev 1:15 And His feet were like burnished brass having been fired in a furnace. And His voice was like the sound of many waters.

The fine brass, purified with intense heat, shows the purity and holy walk of this One who inhabits eternity and who is without guile. “His voice like the sound of many waters” signifies His authority and power. His word is final.

Rev 1:16 And He had seven stars in His right hand, and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. And His face was like the sun shining in its strength.

The seven stars represent the messengers of the churches. “In his hand” denotes ownership, possession, and security. The sun represents the glory of God. The sword represents the Word of God which will bless or curse depending on our obedience to it.

Rev 1:17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying to me, Do not fear, I am the First and the Last,

One look at this Holy One and John lay prostrate at His feet, slain, as it were, by His glory. Even though John knew this One, he was fearful. Did he wonder if the same loving heart beat beneath that golden girdle of this lofty One as it had in the days of His humility? He soon found that he had no cause to fear. Jesus put His right hand upon him speaking loving words, “Fear not, I am the first and the last.”

Rev 1:18 and the Living One, and I became dead, and behold, I am alive for ever and ever, Amen. And I have the keys of hell and of death.

I am Jesus, the eternal one. John would understand this by these words of the Saviour. How these words must have thrilled his heart! He was the one who, in days gone by, leaned upon the Saviour and had walked with Him. I am so glad that Jesus is the One “with whom we have to do” on that glorious day. He will always be there, for He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. I am glad He holds the keys. They could be trusted to no other.

Rev 1:19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be after this,

Before proceeding with our study of Revelation we should pause to find the Key that will open this treasure-house of truth. Many, who have tried to search without the Key, have spoiled its treasure.

It is very significant that the Key to this book is not at the beginning where all may find it. It is revealed only after the Lord Himself has been revealed. It will be visible to those who enter through Christ.

The Key to Revelation is found in chapter 1:19. Write:

The things which you have seen

The things which are

The things which shall he hereafter

With this Key we see that the book of Revelation is in three parts: things past, things present, things future.

Rev 1:20 the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand and the seven golden lampstands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

How simply the first two parts of the book of Revelation are disclosed in verse 20. The first part of the book, “the things which John saw,” is the vision of the Son of Man which is found between verses 12 and 18. We will write about this later.

The second part is revealed by the latter part of verse 20, “ The seven stars are the messengers of the seven churches. And the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches”. The churches are, therefore, the subject of the second portion of Revelation (chapters 2 and 3). This section prophetically presents the program of the present Church Age.

Having discovered the first two parts of the Revelation, we now search for the third. Since it must follow the second part of the book, we must look beyond chapter 3. Sure enough, in the first verse of chapter 4 we read of the “things which shall be hereafter”, the third part of Revelation.

Rev 2:1 To the angel of the church of Ephesus write: He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, says these things.

The meaning of the word Ephesus is “desirable”. In its early days, the church at Ephesus had much to make it so. Another meaning is “full purposed,” which is a good qualification for any church. However, when this letter was written to the church at Ephesus, all was not as desirable as it should be.

The Lord is presented to this church as the One holding the seven stars in His right hand; they represent the messengers of the churches. “Holding the seven stars” shows possession and security. The Church was His and was happy to be under His control and authority.

We notice the Lord walking in the midst of the golden candlesticks. This shows fellowship, liberty, and activity. Mark 16:20 puts it well, “They went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word with signs following.” They were active, and so was He—definitely a good sign.

Rev 2:2 I know your works and your labor and your patience, and how you cannot bear those who are evil. And you tried those pretending to be apostles, and are not, and have found them liars.

Rev 2:3 And you have borne, and have patience, and for My name's sake you have labored and have not fainted.

The church at Ephesus was an active, patient, and holy church; a church that He could highly commend, yet it left its first love. How could this be? How did He find out? Their works declared it. The works they were now doing were not the works they once did because their love had cooled.

The attitude of some might be, “Oh, is that all!” but the hearts of others would be filled with sorrow, for this was a personal affront to Him who died to save them. Their works continued; they laboured much, were patient, and refused to tolerate evil in their midst. All this was done for Him; surely He could overlook a little fault. Was not the important thing to get on with the job? No!

Rev 2:5 Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and will remove your lampstand out of its place unless you repent.

A fallen church? Repentance? Why, this must be serious then. Listen to the words of the apostle Paul, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or as a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing” (1 Cor. 13:1-2). We may have so much, yet without love, have nothing. Christ must always be the object of our love.

His words are clear; love grown cold requires repentance, then renewed action. It does no good to sit back and talk of the good old days. Do the “first works,” the works prompted by love, “Or else I will come unto you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of his place.” This statement shows the seriousness of the situation. They must repent or their light will go out. Is lack of repentance the reason why so many lights—that once shone brightly—have been removed?

Rev 2:6 But you have this, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Since early church days, we are unable to find a sect called the Nicolaitans; yet they are in every age. The word is self-explanatory. “Nico” means ruler; “laitans,” the laity or common people. Nicolaitans were those in the church who acted as rulers. The Lord did not like their deeds. As we will see in verse 15, their deeds soon became doctrines. This is where the man-made priesthood was introduced into the church, which deprived the individual of the exercise of the gifts. Spiritual gifts are to be received through the Holy Spirit and operated in conjunction with Him. In 3 John 9 we see one of these rulers in action, Diotrephes “who loves to have the pre-eminence.”

From these types of leaders sprang the great system of evil that led the church into the Dark Ages, and held it there so long. They have been known by the names of Pope, Priest, Cardinal, Archbishop, Most Reverend, Right Reverend, and Reverend. All are too prevalent today, and decrease in the Church of Jesus Christ that godly exercise of spiritual gifts in the Spirit that is the heritage of the body of Christ. This system, even today, obscures the light from multitudes.

Rev 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

In this verse the Church is admonished to hear what the Spirit is saying. The Church is not responsible for men’s words, but only for the words of the Spirit.

The overcomer is promised that he will partake of the Tree of Life in the midst of the Paradise of God. But who is the overcomer? In Revelation, the seven churches represent all who profess faith in Jesus Christ and who say “Lord.” There are many in these churches who have never been born of water and of the Spirit and are not, therefore, possessors of salvation. The word declares, “Whosoever is born of God overcomes the world.. .. Who is he who overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus/Yeshua is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:4—5).

The overcomer is one who has received the Holy Spirit. “Ye have overcome them because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Also, the overcomer is a blood-washed Christian. “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” The overcomer is the true child of God who is not only a hearer of the Word, but a doer. The overcomer produces fruit. “The sower went forth to sow good seed.” It fell on four types of ground, but only one produced fruit. This is the overcomer to whom the Tree of Life is given and eternal life is assured. “I will give,” God says. The overcomer is the one who receives. The Tree of Life was forbidden for Adam and Eve but is a gift to the overcomer.

Smyrna is the church under persecution and represents that period of history ending approximately 316 A.D. It does, however, extend to all the persecuted saints of all ages.

The name “Smyrna” means “myrrh” and the fragrance of myrrh is released through crushing. The crushing of these early saints of God released a fragrance that reached heaven and also continues upon earth until this day. There is no reproof for this church, only comfort; for a persecuted church is a church close to God.

Rev 2:8 And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The First and the Last, who became dead and lived, says these things:

These saints, who were being persecuted and killed for the cause of Christ, are directed to Him—who died and lives again. We are reminded of the words of the Lord, “Because I live, you shall live also.” No one has suffered more than He and none deserved it less, for He was the Perfect One. He did only those things that were good. How fitting that the suffering of these saints should bring His suffering into view.

In death and martyrdom all seems to end. Life’s purposes and desires become thwarted and, naturally speaking, the future holds no certainty. Great consolation is found in Him who is the first and the last, who died and who is alive again—for death is not the end. He is, and He is eternal. In death, they walk the path He walked. In suffering, they are one, and in that new life they go on together.

Rev 2:9 I know your works and tribulation and poverty (but you are rich), and I know the blasphemy of those saying themselves to be Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

Perhaps in suffering there are times when people wonder if God knows—or has He forgotten? Here they are assured that His knowledge of them is more complete than theirs. They were well aware of their trials and poverty but it is sometimes possible, in trouble, to forget our riches in Christ Jesus. While their eyes saw suffering, He saw the richness of their inheritance, which is incorruptible and cannot be defiled and which is reserved in heaven. They are poor but rich.

Works are not only the accomplishments of faith in victory, but also the accomplishments of faith in suffering. Faith has both victims and victors. In Hebrews 11, we have many victims and victors of faith. Through faith, some subdued kingdoms. Others, through faith, were slain with the sword. Through faith, some witnessed their dead brought to life and still others were tortured. Suffering, and even death, was the result of their works of faith. Now death and suffering had become a part of those works.

It appears that the Jewish synagogue persecuted the early Christians, causing much suffering. He calls them the synagogue of Satan, which shows that they were no longer the people of God. They, like many today, were continuing in tradition, not knowing that God was no longer a part of their worship.

Rev 2:10 Do not at all fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the Devil will cast some of you into prison, so that you may be tried. And you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.

The church in Smyrna is given a prophecy of suffering, and even death. All true prophecy is not pleasant. Too often Christians, like Israel of old, want only prophecies of good things. This church is told that attacks from Satan would continue for ten days. This seems to speak of ten periods of persecution, which are definite historical facts.

The enemy’s attacks are often incessant as he delivers blow after blow, not allowing recovery. He tries, through unending assaults, to wear us down and wear us out.

The church at Smyrna, however, had nothing to fear. Had they not been forewarned they might have questioned. “All they that shall live Godly shall suffer persecution.” We also have been forewarned.

They are told that the trial they would endure, would be a trial of their faithfulness. Pure gold will always stand the fire and come out bright and shining. So would they. Peter was told, “Satan has desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith fail not.” Peter came out refined. Job also was given over to Satan with slight reserve. He came out of the trial blessed and cleansed. So could they.

They are promised a crown of life if they would be “faithful unto death.” This is one of many rewards offered God’s people.

Rev 2:11 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.

Again, as in each letter, the admonition is given to the Church to hear what the Spirit is saying. What man says may not be important but what the Spirit says is always important. He who truly hears will understand and obey.

The overcomer is assured that he will not be hurt by the second death, which is the lake of fire.

THE CHURCH AT PERGAMOS

The name “Pergamos” is very significant and means “much marriage”.
This appears to have reference to the union of the Church and the world.

God’s people, as the bride of Christ, are always to be a separated people. “Come out from among them and be ye separate” says the Lord. The Bible assures us that those who flirt with the world are adulterers and adulteresses because they are unfaithful to their lover. This “much marriage” soon blossomed into a union of church and state; the state being the highest expression of the world.

The Church had remained strong under persecution. Satan, now, would try another ploy to weaken what he could not destroy.

In 316 A.D. the great persecution (mentioned earlier) ended as Constantine, the Roman Emperor, became the leader of the church at Rome. The union of church and state was effective in weakening and corrupting the Church. The Dark Ages that followed was the result of its extinguished light and watered down message.

The effect of this union continues today. God continues to call His people out of this system of Babylonianism to Himself (Rev. 18:4).

Rev 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write: He who has the sharp sword with two edges says these things.

Rev 2:13 I know your works, and where you live, even where Satan's seat is . And you hold fast My name and have not denied My faith, even in those days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.

The works of the church at Pergamos were still being manifested. At this point they were holding fast to His name and had not denied the faith. Their effectiveness would soon diminish, however, if they continued in the world.

Satan is the prince of this world. If they continued in his realm their Christian character would be in danger. In a union of church and world, the world does not become like the Church but rather the Church takes on the character of the world. Not only do those who walk with the world endanger themselves, they also affect the future of others by influencing them to do the same. This is particularly true if the ones in the world appear successful.

Recently, we have seen the conversion of several people in show business and other worldly pursuits. Some leave the world; others continue thinking they will be a good influence for the unsaved. The opposite usually occurs. Furthermore, a popular Christian continuing in the world does much harm by drawing other separated Christians into the world with him. Remember, Jesus and many martyrs laid down their lives in the world where Satan rules.

Scripture says, “Whoever will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” I am sure when Lot was approached to become a ruler of Sodom, that he was confident he could help turn wicked Sodom from its evil ways. Because of his union, however, Lot lost his wife to Sodom’s desires, his daughter to Sodom’s ways, his testimony in the community, and was forced to flee with nothing.

If the Church is going to point the world to Christ, it must remain on the outside and exhibit true pilgrim character. The world will never be won through compromise.

Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the teachings of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit fornication.

The doctrine of Balaam is recorded in Numbers 22:5 and 23:8. Balak (king of the Moabites) asked Balaam, a wayward prophet of God, to curse the people of God. Each time Balaam prophesied, the children of Israel received more blessing. You cannot curse what God has blessed. Balaam then taught Balak that, even though God’s people could not be cursed, they could be corrupted by drawing them into the world through worldly practices and union with the world.

The doctrine of Balaam was effective. In Pergamos the devil used this tactic of Balaam against the unequally-yoked church and corrupted what he could not destroy.

Rev 2:15 So you also have those who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

The deeds of the Nicolaitans in the church at Ephesus (verse 13), had become doctrines in the church at Pergamos. Evil deeds can easily become a way of life if they go unjudged and are not put away. The rule of certain ones over the laymen soon became established as a doctrine. We see evidence of this today in churches where they have established offices of Pope and Priest, Cardinal and Archbishop, Bishop, Right Reverend, Most Reverend, Reverend, and so forth. This system is not of God and has effectively divided the body of Christ today. Christ is the Head of the body, the Church, and all in the Church are members of this body.

Truly effective ministry for the Church—ministry advocated by the scriptures—is body ministry. “Every one of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has an interpretation, has a revelation” (1 Cor. 14:26).

Rev 2:16 Repent! But if not I will come to you quickly, and will fight with them by the sword of My mouth.

Repentance was the only pathway of escape. Evil deeds, evil doctrines, evil men; all must repent or suffer the consequences. He comes against the evildoers with His offensive weapon, the sword.

Rev 2:17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give to him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except he who receives it .

The Spirit is given to those who obey Him. The “hearing one” is to be attuned to the voice of God’s Spirit and not to the spirit of man, no matter how highly man may have exalted himself. The hidden manna, the Word of God, is given to the overcomer and not to those in ecclesiastical heights who have rejected the word of the Spirit. The average Christian, walking close to the Lord today, has more knowledge of God’s truth than the apostate leaders of our day.

The bread of heaven is offered to sustain the overcomer. The white stone, signifying God’s approval, is also given to him. What is the approval of man if we have the approval of God?

THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA

The prophetic history of the Church—the history of a people called out of the world—continues to decline in the Thyatiran Church Age. The church, which was persecuted in Smyma for its separated position, is accepted in Pergamos because of its association with the world. The product of this association is corrupt living. This is followed in the Thyatiran Church Age by false teachings. These two—corrupt living and corrupt doctrine—brought the Church and the world into that long period of time known as the Dark Ages.

The name Thyatira—meaning “odour of affliction”—may refer to the prayers which reached heaven from those who refused to follow the corrupt, established state church. For those who desired to follow God and His word, those were days of hatred and inquisition. Bibles were banned and burned in the name of the established church.

Rev 2:18 And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, He who has His eyes like a flame of fire and His feet like burnished metal, says these things:

To the church in Thyatira, Jesus is introduced as the Son of God whose eyes are as a flame of fire and whose feet are as fine brass. These describes the attributes needed in the Thyatiran Age.

The teachings of the established church had taken the place of the true teachings of the Son of God. The eyes, spoken of as a “flame of fire,” show that this church was in need of illumination. It was also in need of the purity referred to by the “feet like burnished brass.”

During the centuries many errors have replaced the true teachings of the Son of God. Some of these being: the headship of the Church replacing the headship of Christ, the man-made priesthood usurping the priesthood of all believers, mediation through others who have died rather than through Jesus—the only mediator between God and man, faith in the sacrifice of the mass rather than faith in the one sacrifice of Christ upon the cross, which brings salvation to the one who believes, and infant sprinkling, which replaces the necessity of the new birth into Jesus Christ.

Rev 2:19 I know your works and love and service and faith and your patience, and your works; and the last to be more than the first.

This verse mentions works twice, first and last. There appears to be two kinds of works, the first works and the latter works. In Thyatira, there were a larger number of latter works. Latter works are often a cover-up for devotion. When the Son of God is rejected as the only Saviour, then works in the flesh take His place. Often feverish efforts are made, through performance, to gain acceptance and salvation; but salvation is not of works.

Rev 2:20 But I have a few things against you because you allow that woman Jezebel to teach, she saying herself to be a prophetess, and to cause My servants to go astray, and to commit fornication, and to eat idol-sacrifices.

Jezebel (the wife of Ahab, a King of Israel), who was herself an idolater, led the people of God astray. She had seduced the servants of God, causing them to commit fornication and worship idols. Spiritual fornication is that act of unfaithfulness whereby the Christian turns to other loves. They may be the world, the flesh, or idols. Idols are those things that capture the heart and dethrone Jesus Christ.

Here history repeats itself. It appears that the woman Jezebel is a system of evil that leads the Church of Christ astray. She is a part of that professing body, who by the introduction of evil teachings and worldly fellowship, has deceived the people. There appears little doubt that this woman Jezebel is the forerunner of the Mother of Harlots of Revelation 17 who is the representation of religious rancidness. We will write about this later.

In the New Testament, Jesus spoke of a woman who would introduce leaven into “three measures of meal until the whole was leavened” (Matt. 13:33). In the Old Testament, meal was the food of the priests of God. Meal was also offered as a sweet savour offering to God. Leaven represents evil. In this connection, Jezebel, in the Revelation, would represent the one who introduces false teaching and false worship into the Church, thereby corrupting it.

Let us address the issue of women and their place in the church. The apostle Paul, writing to Timothy said, “The woman is not to teach nor to usurp authority over the man but to be in silence” (1 Tim. 2:12). Also, when writing to all churches, through a letter to the church at Corinth, he says, “Let your women keep silence in the churches for it is not permitted unto them to speak.” He writes, “This is the commandment of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:34,37). It was the breaking of these commandments of the Lord that introduced the leaven of Jezebel. The flagrant rejection of these same truths today will introduce the wickedness of the Mother of Harlots.

We must add the following. Certain leaders in the churches of today, who are unwilling to accept at face value the above commandments, have searched the scriptures to find a way to dispose of them. A favourite scripture is often being quoted, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:27,28). While it is certain that all have the same standing in Christ, it is equally certain that all do not have the same ministry in the churches. The scriptures order the ministries of all.

Rev 2:21 And I gave her time that she might repent of her fornication, and she did not repent.

She was given time to repent, but she wasted that time upon herself, her desires, and her loves.

Rev 2:22 Behold, I am throwing her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great affliction, unless they repent of their deeds.

This prophecy is about the future of this evil seducer and those she seduces. Great Tribulation is the fate of all who share her bed; repentance is the only hope.

Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death. And all the churches will know that I am He who searches the reins and hearts, and I will give to every one of you according to your works.

The daughters of Jezebel—those who follow here false ways— will suffer untimely deaths. This probably refers to the Great Tribulation period in which all false profession will be destroyed (Rev. 17:16). In that day when rewards are given for works—good or bad, the thoughts and intents of the people’s hearts will be made known.

Rev 2:24 But to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak, I will put on you no other burden.

Those, who, through the dark Thyatiran Age, are not deceived by Satan’s doctrines, are given words of comfort. They are asked to hold fast to the truth—which they have—until He comes. In those days, with Bibles banned and burned, many will have little chance to learn the truth. Their knowledge may be very limited, but they know the Christ. God has His faithful servants, even in days of darkness, who do not go along with the evil doctrines.

The promise of His coming is held out to them. This seems to show that the error of that age would continue until Jesus comes.

Rev 2:26 And he who overcomes and keeps My works to the end, to him I will give power over the nations.

Rev 2:27 And he will rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of a potter they will be broken to pieces, even as I received from My Father.

This verse shows that the overcomer will reign with our Lord, who will rule all nations with a rod of iron. His works are works of power and will be necessary when He rules the nations.

Perhaps many had little authority in the Thyatira church but here they will be powerful and will defeat the enemies of God. The authority that He received from the Father will be theirs also.

Jesus Christ is the morning star, that harbinger of dawn that appears before the darkest hour. This verse shows that He will be coming for the overcomers to take them to the place of many mansions, before the world’s dark hour. Also, they will return with Him when he comes to reign.

The Spirit is always speaking to the Church. Let us hear His words.

THE CHURCH AT SARDIS

The meaning of the word “Sardis” is “escaped” or “red ones.” Both names could be applicable to what we know as the Protestant Age.

Protesters had risen up in the Thyatira church denouncing corruption and evil. They eventually escaped from established religion and began anew. Christ, again, was given His place as Saviour and Lord and the scriptures once more became their guide book. Light began to dispel darkness and new hope dawned in the Church.

Rev 3:1 And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars says these things. I know your works, that you have a name that you live, and are dead.

Jesus Christ is revealed to the church as the One having the seven spirits and the seven stars. They represent the Holy Spirit and the leaders of the churches. The great need of this church was the Holy Spirit and His guidance.

Failure to receive the Spirit, with the gifts He brings, weakened the testimony of the Sardis Church Age. When the scriptures are interpreted with human understanding, division in the Church increases. Denominationalism is the product of Sardis.

The early Bible church reveals the true plan of God for the Church Age which includes: believing the Gospel, repentance, water baptism, and receiving of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit brought understanding, love, and gifts to benefit the program of the Church. He was sometimes nominally received, but seldom personally received, so deadness continued.

Though the Protestants had a name that they lived, they were mainly dead. The program of God was usually accomplished in the flesh. Theological seminaries and Bible schools replaced the Spirit as teacher in the lives of God’s people. Mission hospitals replaced divine healing gifts, which should have been prominent in Spirit-filled people. Instead of the power of God casting out demons, many demons controlled those decked in clerical garb and people were deceived.

The works of this church declared its deadness. They are the works of the flesh in contrast to the works of the Spirit; often good social programs, but not God-directed. They had a “form of godliness, but denied the power thereof.” “From such turn away!” are the words of the Spirit.

Rev 3:2 Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. For I have not found your works being fulfilled before God.

Their works may have been many, but they were imperfect works. They were the works of a dying church.

They are called to watch and strengthen the things remaining. This could only be done through the Word and the Spirit, so this appears to be a call for the Spirit to quicken them. Many churches are dying, and have died, by rejecting the Spirit. “The letter (word) kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

Imperfect works are a reflection of imperfect faith. He had searched and had not found their works perfect. Faith is made known only by works. Faith cannot be seen, but our works will declare it.

Rev 3:3 Remember then how you have received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.

They are asked to remember how they had received and heard. They had escaped from a false system and had put their faith in Christ for justification. If they had heeded the word they heard and searched for further truth, they would have found it. But, for many, having escaped was sufficient, not realizing that by not travelling on, they were in danger of being captured again or of dying on the way.

Rev 3:4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments. And they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.

In Sardis, just a few names? How could that possibly be? The great escape, the great reformation, the great protest—after all this, just a few names! In Sardis, we expect great multitudes of victorious, liberated people, but not so. Though they had escaped from Thyatira, traditions and errors still bound them. They had not been liberated by the Word and by the Spirit; they were still dead.

There were a few in Sardis who were worthy. Their clean garments speak of the righteousness of Christ received by faith. Their walk would continue with Him when He comes.

Rev 3:5 The one who overcomes, this one will be clothed in white clothing. And I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

Looking beyond the confrontations of this life, the overcomer is seen clothed in white raiment~ unsullied and undefiled. His name is eternally engraved in the honour roll of life. Due to nonconformity with tradition, his name was perhaps removed from earthly church rolls. More importantly, it was engraved in the Book of Life. What does it matter if we are defrocked by man if we are clothed by God?

Oh Lord, let me confess your Name
It is so great!
And for that day you speak my name
Lord, let me wait.

The Spirit speaks,
Attuned my ear must be.
If I would hear the things
The Spirit says to me.
The Spirit speaks,
Let man’s traditions die.
The Spirit speaks to me.
And will not lie.

Jesus said, “You make the word of God of no effect by your traditions. This people draw near me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.” So were the majority in Sardis!

THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA

The meaning of the word “Philadelphia” is “brotherly love.” We can expect fidelity and action here, for faith works by love. The Lord will be loved and the Holy Spirit will be received and obeyed. His word will be accepted, the Gospel preached, and His works practised. Love is outgoing; it does not produce freeloaders.

Brotherly love breaks down denominational barriers, removes fences, and makes hospitality meaningful. “Love suffers long and is kind, envies not, vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, behaves well, seeks for others, thinks no evil, bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things. Love never fails.”

This is that church period where the Word and the Spirit are received and Christ is glorified with praise. Signs and miracles of healing mark this period and true works are performed again. It continues until the Lord takes His bride home. Is it this day in which we live? Or is there something more?

Philadelphia is the age of the open door of radio and television, the tape recorder, the cassette, the auto, the jet, the satellite—all means of getting the gospel out, and in.

Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts; and shuts and no one opens, says these things:

To this church, Christ is presented as the Holy One. Where brotherly love exists, holiness must also exist. Permanence depends upon it.

He is revealed as the truth, for even love cannot replace truth. Speaking the truth in love is the word of the Scriptures.

Christ is also presented as the One who has the key of David. In the Old Testament, the key of David was the key to David’s treasure house. We suggest that, here, the key of David is the Holy Spirit, the key to God’s treasure house of truth. The individual or the church, who wants to understand the things of God, requires the Holy Spirit. He will guide them into all truth (John 16:13).

A neglected, and often rejected, truth in the professing churches is the receiving of the Holy Spirit even today, in most fundamental churches, He is only nominally received rather than personally received. Why? Leaders are unsure of their position regarding Him.

In the early church, the receiving of the Holy Spirit was a definite act of faith, usually following water baptism—though on one occasion He was received before baptism. Today, Christians are taught that He is received at conversion, whether it took place or not.

Rev 3:8 I know your works. Behold, I have given before you an open door, and no one can shut it. For you have a little strength and have kept My Word and have not denied My name.

The works of the church in Philadelphia were such that an open door was given to them that even man could not shut. Today, the Spirit of God and the power of God, released in the name of Jesus, are opening doors all over the world. Whenever the power of God is revealed by casting out demons or healing the sick, buildings are jammed. Whenever the blind see and the cripples walk, or the dead are raised, or those in bondage are freed from their sins, fields are crowded. They want to hear the good word of God. Without the power of God, churches struggle to continue.

The church at Philadelphia had a little strength, but they were not relying upon their own. They were relying on the strength of God, which is made perfect in weakness. The world has become tired of professing Christianity. They will look, however, when power is released in Jesus’ name.

The Word is kept by passing it on; they kept His word. They were faithful stewards of the Word of God.

The Philadelphian church had not denied His name, but used it freely in the performance of the works of God. They had little use for denominational names, but His name meant everything. Jesus had said to the Church, “In My name ye shall cast out demons, speak with new tongues, lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.” This church believed and acted, and He was confirming the Word with signs following. Praise His Name!

They understood the language of the apostle Paul, “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” (Romans 15:17—19).

Remember the early days of the Church when Peter said to the cripple outside the beautiful gate, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” He walked and a door was opened to the Gospel. Five thousand were saved.

Rev 3:9 Behold, I give out of those of the synagogue of Satan, those saying themselves to be Jews and are not, but lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

The power of God was the only effective challenge against those claiming to be Jews—those he saw belonging to the synagogue of Satan. Today, there are many groups and people claiming to be spiritual Israel. Many of them will recognize the true Gospel when they see the power of God. “Your people shall be willing in the day of your power” (Psalm 110:3). “He has shown His people the power of His works, that He may give them the heritage of the heathen” (Psalm 111:6).

Rev 3:10 Because you have kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation which will come upon all the habitable world, to try those who dwell upon the earth.

Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly. Hold fast to that which you have, so that no one may take your crown.

There is an hour of testing coming for this world that will test every man. This is the Great Tribulation Period when the Antichrist will require everyone to receive his mark if he is to buy or sell. Refusal will mean almost certain death. Acceptance will mean eternal death and torment.

This period will be a time of Satan’s wrath. “The devil is come down unto you having great wrath” (Rev. 12:12). The Antichrist, the Man of Sin, will be the head of the end time Roman Empire. We will read much more of him later in Revelation.

This church will be kept from the Great Tribulation by being caught up to heaven when the Lord Jesus returns. She is told to watch and to hold fast until that time of Christ’s coming. There are crowns to be won for faithful service.

Rev 3:12 Him who overcomes I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will go out no more. And I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven from My God, and My new name.

A pillar is a major support in a temple. It is a wonderful description of the strength and stability of the overcomer in God’s future program. It is gained by upholding the truth of God now.

“No more out’ shows the eternal security and permanent position of the overcomer.

His name will be on our foreheads and mark us as His forever. This will be in contrast to those who receive the mark of the beast here on earth. Wherever we are we will be a testimony of Him and proudly bear His name. Those who overcome will also have the name of our satellite home, the new Jerusalem—the holy city of God—which will descend out of heaven.

The letter to the church in Laodicea is the last letter to the seven churches. Although certain characteristics of the first six Church Ages carry along to the end of the Church Age, in Laodicea we see the general attitude of the Church in the very last days of its history. Remember again, it is the professing church we are dealing with in each Church Age.

We saw, in Ephesus, the Church in its infancy leave its first love, followed by a persecuted church in Smyrna. In Pergamos, we saw the Church enjoying world favour, being corrupted by worldly association.

In Thyatira, corruption increases as a man-made priesthood corrupts doctrine, increasing the darkness of the dark ages. Smyrna represents escape and deadness. This is followed by the Spirit of light, life, and love in Philadelphia. Complacency and lukewarmness characterize Laodicea, which brings us to the end of the program for the Church in this age. “If the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness?”

The name “Laodicea” means “The People’s Rights.” Perhaps the world’s counterpart today is the “human rights” program, which seeks license to destroy itself with wickedness, injustice, and liberty. With the demand for human rights, stable laws are collapsing. The adulterer has the right to defile his neighbour’s wife, but he has no right to purity in his wife. The married demand the right for divorce; the children’s rights to a mommy and daddy are not considered. The unmarried demand the right to free sex; the addict the right to drugs; the child the right to rebel; the criminal the right to freedom; the homosexual the right to filthiness; the pregnant the right to abortion. On and on we could go with the statute of “human wrongs”, which are being called “human rights”.

Do not forget that God reserves the right to punish every sinner who rejects His word, which is the true statute of human rights. If all error is truth; all wrong is right; all pollution is purity; all injustices, justice; then “rights” are not human, but inhuman.

In Laodicea, everyone does what is right in his own eyes. The Laodicean church walks hand in hand with the world in a democracy of destruction. The rights of people are more important than the word of God. This is liberty that enslaves.

Rev 3:14 And to the angel of the church [in] Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Head of the creation of God, says these things:

You will notice that we have departed a little from the King James text in the first line of this verse. We do so to correct an error of the translators.

This is the error found in this verse. In each church letter of Revelation, the Church is addressed as the church in Ephesus, the church in Philadelphia. Here, however, it is the church of the Laodiceans. The words, in Greek, in each case are the same and should be translated so.

The introduction of the Lord Jesus to this church is as the “Amen,” the “Faithful and True Witness,” and the “Beginning of the Creation of God.” When everything has been said, then comes the “Amen.” In Christ, everything has been said. He is the Amen—the conclusion of all—the End. This verse also says, however, that He is the beginning of the creation of God.

It is in the Laodicean age where evolution is taught as a doctrine by ignorant men and even believed by certain professing church leaders. How fitting it is that, in this age, Christ should introduce Himself as the beginning of God’s creation. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). “All things were made by Him (Christ, the Word) and without Him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3). We must never forget, no matter how many ages pass, that He is the Creator and we are mere creatures of His hand. We owe our existence to Him.

Jesus Christ is also presented in this letter as the Faithful and True witness. What a contrast to the faithless and false witnesses of the Laodicean age! Scripture says of the last days, “They shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables.” These words are not about the rejecters of God, but the professed followers of our Lord.

In 1 Timothy 4:1, it is written, “Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” The above conditions will produce the tares—the bundles of false profession—which Jesus said would be gathered for burning.

There is no need to be led astray by false doctrines if we follow Jesus Christ, the faithful and true witness.

Rev 3:15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would that you were cold or hot.

Rev 3:16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

They sickened Him; a diet of them was more than He could stomach —not a very pretty picture. The cold make no pretence and the hot need not, but the lukewarm are always seeking to impress. He could only get relief by spewing them out of his mouth. They were upsetting to Him and could not be a part of Him.

Rev 3:17 Because you say, I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing, and do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,

It is often true that those who say the most, know the least. So it was with the church in Laodicea. They spoke much, but knew little. Looking at temporal things rather than eternal, they said they were rich and increased with goods and had need of nothing. “The things which are seen are temporal; the things which are not seen are eternal.”

The Lord saw the Laodiceans as wretched, poor, miserable, blind and naked. How strange that His observations were so different from theirs. They were looking through the eyes of the flesh; He, the eyes of the Spirit. They beheld the things of time; He, the things of eternity. They were heaping up treasures on earth; He was looking for “what rust could not corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal,” even the unsearchable riches of Christ.

They had considered their riches and increased goods as an indication of God’s blessing and acceptance of their ways. This is not always so, as wicked men also prosper. Abraham was very wealthy. Paul, on the other hand, was often poor. The Christians in the catacombs didn’t have worldly goods, but they were rich in faith.

The Laodiceans had never questioned their eyesight. The Lord detected the blindness of their spirits. They prided themselves in their fashions, but He saw them conformed to the world and looked beyond them to their spiritual nakedness. Self-righteousness often covers a person to their satisfaction, but the same ~covering reflects nakedness to Him. Like Israel of old, they had despised the righteousness of God and were establishing their righteousness by false standards. Their material possessions and the satisfaction they found in them, prevented their wretchedness and miserableness from surfacing. The removal of this upholstery would soon reveal their true condition.

Spiritual greatness cannot be measured by fine accommodation, fashionable clothing and large bank accounts and other material things. It is discovered in the depths of the human spirit as it communes with God and in the works produced in co-operation with the Spirit of God.

Rev 3:18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold purified by fire, so that you may be rich; and white clothing, so that you may be clothed, and so that the shame of your nakedness does not appear. And anoint your eyes with eye salve, so that you may see.

“I counsel you” says Jesus, the Word of God. There has never been a higher counsellor than He. No one would fail if His words of wisdom were obeyed. All, like Jesus, would do the Father’s will. Performing God’s will has never led anyone astray, and never will.

How significant are His words, “buy of me gold” in our day of rising inflation and diminishing values in currency. People are exchanging their insecure possessions for gold because of its lasting value.

As he sees the insecurity of their possessions, He counsels the Church to buy gold from Him that has been tried in the fire, that they may be rich. This gold must surely speak of the unsearchable riches of Christ, that treasure we are to lay up in heaven. It is placed in our account and is incorruptible and undefiled, reserved in heaven for the blood-washed child of God. This treasure includes the nuggets of God’s Word that enrich the soul and supply all our needs “according to His riches in glory.”

White raiment (to cover their shame and nakedness) illustrates that righteousness of Jesus Christ that is credited to the one who believes in Jesus.

I’m standing in the Righteousness
Of Christ, my Lord and King:
No other righteousness can be
A covering for my sin.
He took away my filthy rags
And in their place he gave
His robe of Righteousness, and now
His Holy Name I praise.

In so many religions today people are going about doing many things to establish their own righteousness. Our own righteousness, no matter how good, is self-righteousness and will not do. I must receive Jesus as my righteousness.”... The righteousness of God which is through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe. . . “ (Romans 3:22). He will fully cover me and His righteousness is gleaming white.

The people in the Laodicean church must purchase eye-salve so that they can see. This depicts the anointing of the Holy Spirit that brings enlightenment to us; that oil of the Spirit that the five foolish virgins were too late to buy. It is the Spirit of Christ that a person must have to be God’s.

They are counselled to buy the truth—true righteousness—and the Spirit of truth. At what price? For God, it was the death of His beloved Son; for us, faith in Jesus Christ, who paid the price in full.

Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; therefore be zealous and repent.

Rebuking and chastening are often not considered to be the product of love. If that love is true, however, they are. The one who fails to discipline a wayward child does not love. A church that does not discipline its members is a church bereft of love. A judicial system that fails to discipline evil-doers, demonstrates rulers failing in love.

We have often counselled others to be zealous in activity and devotion, but when have we counselled someone, or ourselves, to be zealous in repentance? Yet, only the zealous ones show true repentance.

Rev 3:20 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.

In the Laodicean church, Jesus is not given the liberty to walk in their midst, the door is closed to Him. Instead, we see Him outside the door of the Church, knocking. They must not be gathered in His name, for if they were, He would be in their midst as He had promised. They are probably meeting in the name of a denomination that is more important to members than His own. So it will be in the end time age of the Church when membership will be dependent upon who you are rather than whose you are.

In this verse we do not see Jesus removed from the Church but the Church removed from Him. Their door was closed and yet, seeking admittance, He still knocked. Due to their pursuit of material things, satisfaction in their own self-righteousness, and lukewarm state, the Church did not feel that anything was missing. They lost their sense of need.

Even though the Lord’s knock goes unheeded and He is not welcomed with joy into their midst, He does not go away. He tries a person-to-person approach. If the whole church will not receive Him, perhaps within that church there are individuals who will. So He calls, “If any man will open the door I will come in to Him, and will sup with Him and he with Me.” This is the personal approach of the unseen Christ to the individual in the last days. Perhaps, your circumstances may not permit you to worship in a congregation that is “alive.” You recognize the deadness and lukewarmness in your church, yet you seek to worship Him. Listen! When you hear His voice, answer, and He will come in to you and you may have sweet communion with Him.

The Laodicean saints are not called to leave their fellowship because of its lukewarmness. The Lord fellowships with the individual who welcomes Him. Every individual Christian is responsible for his fellowship with Christ, or for a lack of it, no matter how far the Church body is removed from Him. Even in some fundamental churches today, Jesus would not be given the liberty of the pulpit because His theology would differ from theirs. Yet He seeks admittance and fellowship with those who do desire Him.

This verse does not refer to the door of the heart, but the door of fellowship. Of course, there can be no fellowship with anyone who does not willingly receive Him into their heart.

Door to sweet fellowship please open wide
I want my precious friend and Lord to come inside;
‘Tis lonely in the midst of crowds without Him there.
I want this precious fellowship with Him to share.
Come in, Lord Jesus Christ, I gladly open wide the door;
I love your presence, Lord, And want you more and more.

Rev 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame and have sat down with My Father in His throne.

To “sit with me in my throne” is His promise to the overcomer. This is indeed eternal fellowship and eternal communion; that will completely satisfy the soul forever.

Through His death He overcame and sat down with the Father. Our victory is also through the blood of the slain Lamb, who lives forever and ever. Praise His Name!

The greatest longing of the heart of the true believer is to know the presence of Jesus and to hear His words. How blessed that endless fellowship will be! It also will be an active fellowship, for “in His throne” shows that we will be reigning with Him. Someone has well written:

He and I in that great glory
One sweet bliss will share,
Mine, to be forever with Him,
His, that I am there.

The precious Spirit is still speaking at the end of the Church Age like He was at the beginning. There never has been an age where His voice was silent. Failure to know the mind of Christ in any church has not been because of silence on His part, but because of hardness of hearing on ours. It is our ears that need the anointing oil that we may hear. It is the Holy Spirit that we must hear in each Church Age. The Spirit has spoken well and His words have echoed loud and clear down through the Church Age. They are still ringing with wisdom and understanding today.

As we glance back through church history, as portrayed in these chapters, we see seeds of truth and error being planted. We then see the germination and development of these seeds. The result is confusion in the professing church today.

The Word is often killed by the interpretation of man. Without the Spirit, the letter kills; the Spirit gives life to the Word.

In the previous chapters John recorded the first and second parts of the book—the things which he had seen” and “the things which are”. He now leads us into the third part of Revelation—'the things which shall be hereafter.’

Parts one and two of Revelation spoke of the past and present. Since they could not happen simultaneously, the third part, which speaks of future things, cannot be fulfilled simultaneously with present things. We know that the Church Age is represented by “the things that are.” Therefore, this third part of the Revelation, which speaks of things hereafter, must follow the Church Age. What, then, signifies the end of the Church age on earth? The Rapture, of course, which we see in Rev 4.1.

Some have tried to trace the course of the Church’s history in the events of chapters 4 to 19 of Revelation and have failed miserably and led multitudes astray. These events in the future await the conclusion of the present Church Age. The translation of the Church closes the Church Age and therefore must occur before the events of chapters 4 to 19.

Some confusion exists about the second coming of the Lord. The return of the Lord “to the air” to receive His Bride—the Church, is not the second coming. When Christ comes the second time it will be to this earth and He will be followed by all the armies of heaven. You may compare the two events by reading 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 and Revelation 19:11—16. When the Lord comes to the air to receive His Bride, He takes her to heaven as He promised in John 14. The marriage of the Lamb to His bride follows in heaven.

Rev 4:1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door was opened in Heaven. And the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me, saying, Come up here, and I will show you what must occur after these things.

As the Church Age ends, John sees a door open in heaven and hears a voice calling him. It is not a trumpet that calls him, but a voice like a trumpet. It is a loud, resounding voice inviting him to the realms above, where he would see the future plans of God unfold. John was not caught up to observe only scenes in heaven, but from that heavenly vantage point, view scenes in heaven and on the earth.

In the catching up of John, we see typified the translation of the Church to heaven at the end of the Church Age. John, by being called above, is typical of the Church in its oneness. If there is no significance in John being caught up to heaven, then his catching up appears superfluous. The Lord could have easily, revealed these things to John in the Patmos prison.

SCENES IN HEAVEN

Rev 4:2 And immediately I became in spirit. And behold, a throne was set in Heaven, and One sat upon the throne.

In chapter 1, John was in the Spirit on the Isle of Patmos; now he is in the Spirit in heaven. The word for “Spirit” is the same in each case although in chapter 1 it is spelled with a capital “S.” It appears that it is possible to be “in the Spirit” in the body, or “in the Spirit” out of the body.

As John the beloved enters heaven, his first glimpse is of a throne with its divine occupant, the Lord Himself. We suggest that this scene will also meet our gaze as we enter those heavenly portals.

Before going further, we should pause to explain further why we believe the Church will be caught up at this point in Revelation.

TRANSLATION BEFORE THE TRIBULATION

Bible teachers differ in their understanding of the time of the translation of the Church. Some (mid-tribulationists) insist that it will take place in the middle of Daniel’s 70th week, just before the Great Tribulation. Others (post-tribulationists) believe that it will occur after the Great Tribulation, and finally, some believe that it will not occur at all. We (pre-tribulationists) believe the Church will be caught up before the Great Tribulation Period (Daniel’s 70th week) for the following reasons:

The “things which are” (the Church Age) cannot run side by side with the things that shall be hereafter any more than the past, present, and the future can all take place together. In chapter 1:19.20 John speaks of “things seen” (the vision of the Son of Man), the “things that are” (the churches, chapters 2 and 3) and the “things that shall be hereafter” (after the Church Age, chapters 4 to the end).

The Church is seen in heaven before the Lamb steps forward to receive the seven-sealed book from the One upon the throne (Rev. 5:7—10). The opening of the first seal of this book will usher in Daniel’s 70th week (seven years in length). The last 3 1/2 years of this seven-year period is the Great Tribulation.

The Church, though mentioned often in chapters 2 and 3, is not mentioned again in Revelation until the final chapters, beginning in Chapter 19.

The Lord promised the Church that she would be kept from the hour of testing (the Tribulation), which will come upon the whole world (Rev. 3:10).

The saints in 2 Thes. 2:1 were troubled, thinking the day of the Lord was upon them because of the great persecution of that time. To them, Paul gives the glorious prospect of being gathered to the Lord before that day could come, and before the man of sin could be revealed.

Paul informs the Thessalonians that the Day of the Lord (which includes the Great Tribulation) and the manifestation of the Man of Sin cannot take place until the power which is restraining evil in the world is removed. That power is the Holy Spirit who is resident in the Church. When the Church is removed, the Antichrist will manifest himself (2 Thes. 2:3—8).

Yeshua said He was going to His Father’s house to prepare a place for us. He would then come to take us there (John 14:2,3).

The Bible exhorts us to be looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ. If the Church must first go through the Great Tribulation it would be pointless to look for Him until the mark of the beast is demanded by the man of sin. [Want more Rapture info, when it will occur, who it refers to, please click HERE and please click below video..]

If it was correct that the Church must go through the Great Tribulation, she will miss her marriage supper, which takes place in heaven before the second coming of Christ to the earth (Rev. 19:7).

Some teachers of Biblical prophecy do not differentiate between the programs of Israel and programs of the Church. This causes confusion because they have little understanding of Biblical prophecy and do not accurately handle the word of truth.

In the gospel of Matthew, the Son of Man is seen coming immediately after the Great Tribulation. They conclude, therefore, that this is a reference to Christ coming for His Church, when in fact it refers to the Lord coming to set up His kingdom with the nation of Israel (Rev. 19). The Church will come with Him from heaven.

Ministers of the Lord today often quote a scripture to show that the Lord cannot come for His Church until the gospel is preached in all the world. “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness and then shall the end come” (Matt. 24.: 14) Still others use it to extract financial support to get the job done. The gospel of the kingdom was preached by John the Baptist, Yeshua, and Yeshua’s disciples. In truth, the gospel of the kingdom will not be preached in all the world for a witness until the Church has been caught up (Rev. 14:6,7).

When Israel, as a nation, rejected Christ as King, the kingdom could no longer come. In its place, the Church has been preaching the gospel of the grace of God. When the Church is taken up to heaven the gospel of the kingdom will be preached again in all the world and the kingdom will follow when Christ returns.

Many are being misled today because of a misunderstanding of another scripture that is found in Matthew 24, “This generation [genea] shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled.” It is being taught that when Israel again became a nation in 1948, “this generation” began. As a generation is 40 years, the Lord was to come to set up His kingdom by 1988. However, the word used for generation in the above scripture has to do with race, kind, family, stock, or breed. The Lord is telling Israel that they, as a people, would not pass away until all is fulfilled. Furthermore, a generation of years in Genesis 15 is one hundred years.

DANIEL’S SEVENTY WEEKS DANIEL 9:24—27

The most important link in Bible prophecy regarding Israel is the seventy weeks mentioned in Daniel. Of special note is the 70th week (the final week of the seventy). I will quote the entire passage here because of its great importance. There can be no understanding of the book of Revelation without an understanding of the following.

In these scriptures from the prophecy of Daniel, we have three time periods: 7 weeks, 62 weeks, and 1 week. The word for “week” used here is “shabua” and can denote weeks of days, weeks of months, or weeks of years. From a careful study of the scriptures, we find Daniel refers to weeks of years; the 70 weeks making 490 years (refer to Genesis 29:27,28).

The first 7 weeks, or 49 years, began with the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2) and concluded with its completion.

The next 62 weeks ended with the manifestation of Messiah the Prince. If we add 7 weeks and 62 weeks it equals 69 weeks. If we multiply 69 times 7 we have a total of 483 years. The time period starting with the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem (which is understood by some to have taken place March 14, 445 B.C.) to the EXACT day when Christ, as Prince, entered the city of Jerusalem riding on a donkey (Luke 19:38) (which is reported to have taken place April 6, 32 A.D.), equals 483 years to the day (Israeli days).

That day, when Christ rode into Jerusalem in fulfilment of Zech. 9:9 (only to be rejected by the leaders of Israel as King), was the day that Israel was rejected as the favoured people of God. The clock of God for Israel, as God’s nation, stopped ticking. It stopped with 7 years yet to be fulfilled. These are the 7 years that Revelation chapters 4 to 19 are all about. At this date of publication, they are future.

THE CHURCH AGE

The present "Church Age" is a period between Daniel’s 69th and 70th weeks and will conclude with the translation of the Church to heaven. This event will take place following Revelation 3 and will end the “things which are.” This will be the signal for the clock of prophecy for Israel to begin ticking again to run out the events of the final week of 7 years. Since the present Church was not a part of the first 69 weeks, there is no reason to suppose she would or should be a part of the 70th week either.

The events in Daniel 9:26 take place after the 69-week period and before the 70th week. During this intermediary period, the Messiah was crucified, Jerusalem was destroyed, and wars and desolation continue upon the land and people of Israel.

Following these events, verse 27 speaks of a future time when the 70th-week (7 year) covenant will be confirmed with Israel for the final 70th week. As we have mentioned, this will take place following the translation of the Church. The Lord will appear and make Himself known to Israel, perhaps at the dedication of the temple (yet to be rebuilt). This may be the time referred to by scripture, “The Lord whom you seek shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant (Malachi 3:1). “And one shall say unto Him, what are these wounds in your hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of those who love Me.” (Zechariah 13:6). As these scenes are followed by judgment in both Malachi and Zechariah, they precede the coming of the Lord in glory.

In the midst of the 70th week, the Messiah will put an end to the temple services because of abominations. These abominations will likely result from the acceptance of the "Antichrist" (better translated as counterfeit Christ) as the Messiah by the unbelieving within the nation of Israel. Yeshua refers to this in John 5:43, “another shall come in his own name, him you will receive”.

As history confirms, the 69 weeks were 483 years. Since the events of Daniel 9:24 (which were to be fulfilled before the 490 years) have not yet been fulfilled even after 1900 years, there must be an undefined, intermediary period between the 69th and 70th weeks. As the 70th week of Daniel deals with the end time (including the Great Tribulation), this should be proof enough of this period.

The present Church Age is the period when God is taking out of Jew and Gentile a people for His name. There are scriptures that agree with this conclusion. In Acts 15:14—17, Simeon declares that God first visits the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. Also, in Romans 11, Paul tells the people of a mystery, that “blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.”

Some insist the Church must go through the Tribulation to be purified. What about all those members of the Church who have already passed on without such an experience? The blood of Yeshua purifies the Church to the full. Praise His name!

It is important to remember that in the end time God is concluding programs with the Church, with Israel, and with the Gentile nations (in that order). To remember this, will avoid much confusion.

It may surprise some when we say that Peter, Paul, and the other disciples had limited knowledge of prophetic things. Daniel, the most important book in prophecy, was sealed during their time and Revelation was not yet written. Revelation was given to us to open up the book of Daniel so that we may understand prophetic events. Now that we have completed a brief journey back into Old Testament prophecy, we will move forward into Revelation.

These stones probably refer to the diamond and red ruby and would seem to typify, to us, the glory of our Lord Yeshua/Jesus, which was to follow His suffering for our sins. This was the great mystery that the leaders of Israel failed to comprehend. They looked for the King of Glory to appear as the Messiah, but didn’t understand that this path to glory led through the sufferings of Calvary. Their failure to understand this aided in its fulfilment, through their rejection of Christ.

The diamond could also speak of the perfect purity of the Christ and of our flawless sacrifice and substitute. These stones were the first and last in the breastplate of the high priest so likely also speak of Him who is 'the first and the last' and who is our great High Priest.

RAINBOW ENCIRCLED THRONE

Rev 4:3 ....continued... And a rainbow was around the throne, looking like an emerald.

The rainbow in the Old Testament spoke of deliverance and security to those who had been redeemed by judgment. The rainbow about the throne in heaven signifies even greater assurance to the redeemed in heaven.

TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS

Rev 4:4 And around the throne I saw twenty-four thrones. And on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white clothing. And they had crowns of gold on their heads.

We see here twenty-four elders seated about the central throne. To our knowledge, this is the first mention of elders being in heaven. They were associated with Israeli worship in the Old Testament and often with the Church in the new, but not as inhabitants of heaven.

In Israel’s religious system, the entire priesthood had many priests. They were divided into twenty-four orders and each order had a representative when gathering for special purposes in the service of the Lord. The twenty-four represented the entire priesthood of Israel. (See: 1 Chronicles chapter 24)

These twenty-four elders in Revelation appear to represent another priesthood. This priesthood is both holy (as the white raiment shows) and kingly (as indicated by the golden crowns they wear). We know, according to Revelation 6:1, the Church has been made kings and priests unto God. We logically conclude, therefore, these twenty-four elders represent the Church in heaven, as there is no other group that qualifies to receive all they possess. This group later sings of their redemption in the next chapter - so that excludes them as being angels.

We see the elders seated and are reminded of the words of our Lord to the Church, “He who overcomes shall sit with me in my throne” (Rev. 3:21).

Rev 4:5 And out of the throne came lightnings and thunderings and voices. And seven lamps of fire were burning in front of the throne, which are the seven spirits of God.

While the redeemed in heaven observe and hear the signs of a passing storm (for them judgment is past), the lightning and thunder represent a storm coming upon those living on the earth in that day.

The seven lamps of fire refer to the Spirit of the Lord. This is the seven-fold Spirit of Isaiah 11:2 who has sojourned with the Church, and in the Church, during her earthly pilgrimage. He is with us today and could well be the Chief Witness of our works in that day. He has been our blessed Comforter and Guide through stormy times. He came to receive a bride for Yeshua Christ and now has brought her safely home to the father’s house. He has been the seal of the covenant that God makes with us, a seal of God’s acceptance of each who believes (Ephesians 1:13,14).

The number seven here shows the number of earthly completeness and depicts the Holy Spirit's relationship with the Church in her earthly pilgrimage.

Now, as He stands before the throne, we see that His faithful ministry toward the Church on earth has been completed. He has presented the bride (the Church) to Christ and now stands with her in heaven.

Rev 4:6 And a sea of glass was in front of the throne, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind.

Rev 4:7 And the first living creature was like a lion, and the second living creature like a calf, and the third living creature had the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle.

Rev 4:8 And each one of the four living creatures had six wings about him, and within being full of eyes. And they had no rest day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was and is and is to come.

Which of us has not looked upon a quiet water and said it is like glass? So John sees a calm sea that shows the tranquil quality of heaven. Later in Revelation, multitudes from the Great Tribulation will stand on this sea of glass (Rev. 15:2).

FOUR LIVING ONES

Next, John sees four living beings who seem to compare with the Cherubim or living creatures of Ezekiel 1:5. Four being the number of the earth, they seem to be heavenly creatures with a ministry earthward. Their many eyes show great enlightenment and discernment.

These four living creatures, with their dissimilar faces, display the character and attributes of the Lord Yeshua. The attribute of Yeshua who is King of Kings is revealed as a lion and we are reminded of Matthew’s gospel making reference to this quality. The face of a calf reminds us of the One who is God’s perfect servant, as portrayed in Mark’s gospel. Luke’s gospel portrays Christ as the Son of Man, so the creature with the face of a man portrays this likeness. “Like a flying eagle” shows that attribute of Him who is the Son of God, which is how John’s gospel portrays the Lord.

Rev 4:9 And whenever the living creatures gave glory and honor and thanks to Him who sat on the throne, who lives forever and ever,

Rev 4:10 the twenty-four elders fell down before the One sitting on the throne. And they worshiped Him who lives for ever and ever, and lay their crowns before the throne, saying,

Rev 4:11 O Lord, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You created all things, and for Your will they are and were created.

As the living ones worship the Lord, the twenty-four elders also fall down and worship Him. They remove their crowns that they have received for their faithfulness to the Lord and place them at His feet acknowledging their unworthiness; they worship the Lord as the great Creator.

The praise of the living creatures also rises to their great Creator. They have no crowns to place at His feet but perhaps they have previously lived this scene. Possibly, they are created beings from a winged creation of the past of which we have little knowledge.

The elders, on the other hand, are those who have recently received crowns for their labours. By placing their crowns at the feet of Him who is worthy, they admit their unworthiness. The Lord is acknowledged and worshipped as the Creator, the One who created all things for His pleasure.

Rev 5:1 And I saw a book on the right of Him sitting on the throne, written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.

The identity of this seven-sealed book is important to the proper understanding of Revelation. As the theme unfolds we will discover that it contains all the conditions that must be met before the Lord will take power and reign on the earth.

Someone has said that this book contains the title deed to earth. Our first parents (Adam and Eve) were given the title deed and authority over this earth. Through disobedience they sold out to Satan and he became the 'god of this world' and the world came under his control. Through Christ’s sacrifice for sin and Satan’s defeat at the cross, the Lord is now seen holding the documents of earth; the seven-sealed scroll. “Being written on the front and back” could depict long suffering or perhaps even terrible judgment.

Rev 5:2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book and to loosen its seals?

The “strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice” could perhaps be Michael acting in the line of duty. He is seeking the rightful owner of the inheritance to whom the deed is to be given.

Rev 5:3 And no one in Heaven, nor on the earth, nor under the earth, was able to open the book or to look at it.

Rev 5:4 And I wept very much, because no one was found worthy to open and to read the book, nor to look at it.

No one in heaven worthy! No one steps forward, so John begins to weep. Why surely here all would be worthy, but not so. There were elders in shining garments and cherubim—so God-like, yet there was no one worthy to open the book. It was too much for John as a mortal man in the spirit, and he weeps much. Not so, the elders!

All that has been created is either in heaven, on the earth, or under the earth. After a careful search, no created being is worthy to take and open the seven-sealed book.

Rev 5:5 And one of the elders said to me, Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals of it.

The lone elder, which shows the individuality of each member of the Church in heaven, attempts to comfort the weeping saint. He approaches John and assures him that someone is worthy. John, also being an elder, would at once recognize the lone elder’s ministry.

The elder points towards the throne and speaks of the Lion of the tribe of Judah.

The King, of whom the lion speaks, came from the tribe of Judah. David was born of this tribe and also Christ—who was born King of the Jews. The lion also points to Christ who will be King of Kings. Although Christ, who is of the root of David and the Creator, was born of David’s seed, He was before David and from Him David came.

It was through His death on the cross that Yeshua prevailed over sin and Satan. As Conqueror, the right to open the seven-sealed book became His.

Another vital truth is revealed in this verse. The Spirit of God, represented by the seven horns and seven eyes, is seen to be an integral part of the Lamb who was slain for the sins of the world. When Yeshua was speaking on behalf of Himself and the Father, regarding the coming of the Holy Spirit, He said,” ... we will come” (John 14:23). It is written in 2 Cor. 3:17, “The Lord is that Spirit.” God—Father, Son and Spirit—are ONE.

Rev 5:6 And I looked, and lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, amidst the elders, a Lamb stood, as if it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

John looks to see the lion and sees a sacrificial lamb. What a contrast, yet how very precious! For He who is the Lamb of God, is also the King of Judah’s tribe who will reign upon the throne of His father, David.

Rev 5:7 And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him sitting on the throne.

From that central throne the Lord rises as a Lamb. Truly, He is one with the throne Occupant, and yet distinct in that His mission to man was as the Word of God manifest in the flesh to die for the sins of the world. Lion and Lamb are two of His titles and two of His ministries.

HEAVEN’S RESPONSE

Rev 5:8 And when He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having harps and golden vials full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Rev 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying, You are worthy to take the book and to open its seals, for You were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation.

Rev 5:10 And You made us kings and priests to our God, and we will reign over the earth.

Again, the twenty-four elders [the redeemed Church, "us"] and living creatures respond together in praise to the Lamb. They sing a new song of praise to the One who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals. They sing the song of redemption as their eyes behold the Lamb that was slain for their sins. The song of redemption has been sung often, but never as it will be in that day when we stand before the Lamb of God and look upon Him. His sacrifice for sin makes Him worthy and our personal acceptance of that sacrifice makes us worthy to be with Him on that day, and clearly in Heaven BEFORE one seal is broken!

The Church (the redeemed from all nations) is seen in heaven as the Lamb takes the seven-sealed book and before any seals are broken. Because the opening of the seals introduces the events of Daniel’s 70th week (which includes the Great Tribulation), the Church, therefore, must be in heaven before these events.

Rev 5:11 And I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and the living creatures and the elders. And the number of them was myriads and myriads, and thousands of thousands,

Rev 5:12 saying with a great voice, Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.

Rev 5:13 And I heard every creature which is in the Heaven and on the earth, and under the earth, and those that are in the sea, and all who are in them, saying, Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb forever and ever.

Rev 5:14 And the four living creatures said, Amen. And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the One living forever and ever.

We see this scene prophetically in Daniel 7:9. The crowns are placed (not “cast down” as the King James reads) and the Ancient of Days is sitting and we see 100 million and millions ministering to Him. Then in Daniel 7:13, we see One coming with (not in) the clouds of heaven approaching the One on the throne to receive the Kingdom. I suggest that the “coming with the clouds of heaven” refers to Christ’s coming with the redeemed of this Church Age to heaven.

In Revelation, the Lamb steps forward to receive the kingdom, which is symbolized by the receiving of the seven-sealed scroll. From this event there issues tremendous crescendo of praise and worship from the inhabitants of heaven which extends ultimately to all creatures to fulfill the prophecy which states, “Unto me every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Yeshua Christ is Lord to the glory of God the father.”

Rev 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures like a sound of thunder, saying, Come and see.

Rev 6:2 And I saw. And behold a white horse! And he sitting on it had a bow. And a crown was given to him, and he went forth conquering and to conquer.

Following the catching up of the Church, a great conqueror (a white horse and rider) is seen on the earth. The white horse, bow, and crown speak of victory without warfare. The conqueror represents a power that will arise to fulfill Daniel’s prophecies of the last days.

The Roman Empire, in the past, was divided into two sectors. Constantinople became the headquarters of the eastern portion while Rome continues to this day as the western center. This division is indicated by the two legs of the image recorded by the prophet Daniel in his prophecies of the last days. Two feet and ten toes are seen as an extension of the two legs in the vision. This indicates a time when five nations from the eastern and five from the western portions of the Roman Empire will join as a great power—for evil—in the last days (of which Daniel prophecies). The white horse rider, of which we write, will be a leader of this confederacy of Rome. Please read Daniel 2:42,43.

Daniel speaks of this kingdom having teeth of iron and nails of brass (Daniel 7:19). Since the brass represents the Greek Empire and the iron represents the Roman Empire (Daniel 2:39,40), we must understand that the resulting kingdom will be a mixture of both. This is confirmed when we see a little horn, the man of sin (the Antichrist), come forth from a division of the Roman Empire. Also, a little horn, who will be the false prophet, will come forth from a division of the former Greek Empire (Daniel 7:8,24; 8:9,23). These are the two demon possessed beasts (Rev. 16:13).

The slogan of this revived power at the beginning will be peace and safety, for it will be victory without war. It is then when people will say, “Peace, peace.” that sudden destruction will come.

It is worth noting that the Islamic word also now waits for their "messiah" or "Mahdi" to come, and indeed this longing is what will help seal the deal for a peace covenant with Israel and many nations. Such a shock will this be to the world, that many more will be persuaded such a person who can bring such peace is the Christ/Messiah. The world will presume they finally have peace, but it is merely a calm before the storm.

Rev 6:3 And when He had opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, Come and see.

Rev 6:4 And another, a red horse, went out. And power was given to him sitting on it, to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. And there was given to him a great sword.

Following the rise of the king (the white horse rider) in Daniel 11:36, there is an uprising in Daniel 11:40. This corresponds to the red horse rider of Revelation 6:4. Forces from the north and south will come against the white horse rider (who will be controlling Jerusalem). “And at the time of the end shall the king of the South (Egypt) push at him; and the king of the north (Russia) shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots and with horsemen and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom and Moab and the chief of the children of Ammon (probably speaking of Saudi Arabia, Jordan and fraq). He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries; and the land of Egypt shall not escape” (Daniel 11 :40—42). (The Larusa translation—an eastern version of the Bible—indicates China to be the king from the North.)

Since the white horse rider is in control of the united states of Europe —the revived Roman power of the last days, Egypt will attack Israel —or the power controlling Israel—from the south. From the north, a great power (likely Russia) will sweep down to fulfill scripture in Daniel 11:40, Ezekiel 38 and 39, and Joel 2.

As we continue to read in Daniel 11:42—45, we are informed that this red horse rider will have as its allies, Libya and Ethiopia. In Ezekiel, the number of allies are increased to include Persia (Iran), Gomer, and Togormah and all their bands (probably a reference to Turkey and its descendants). The people of Israel are their main target, but many countries will be overcome as they advance.

Yet, rumours from the north and east are going to trouble this superpower (from the far north), and he will become wild and seek to destroy utterly. Daniel 12:1 shows that at the time of this invasion, the Great Tribulation will begin. In the north, God will send devastating fire upon this northern power (Ezekiel 39:6), causing her armies to turn for home; but it will be in vain. Five-sixths of her armies will die on the hills of Judea. The balance will be driven to Siberia (Joel 2:20), where the Great Bear will lick her wounds for 1,000 years (Rev. 20:7,8).

The man of sin (the Antichrist—the head of revived Rome), will be in control after the defeat of this great opposition. He will rule with the help of the false prophet, who will probably come from Syria. The great opposition, in the end, will receive help from no one (Daniel 11:45).

The world will wonder about the beast who had a “wound with a sword and yet lives”—possibly a reference to the great sword of the red horse rider (Rev. 13:3,4; 6:4). Or, this may refer to the Antichrist being one king from chapter 17:10, who once lived and who will then come forth from the pit to reign (Rev. 17:8).

The destruction of this red power will come suddenly. Great earthquakes will destroy mountains. Volcanic eruptions may rain fire and brimstone upon the enemy in Israel. Together with these calamities will come great rain and hail. God will supernaturally destroy the wicked so the nations will know it is His doing (Ezekiel 38:23; 39:6). Then Israel will again know the Lord—the One who delivers—as their God (Ezekiel 39:22, 28).

THE THIRD SEAL—THE BLACK HORSE

Rev 6:5 And when He had opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, Come and see. And I looked, and lo, a black horse. And he sitting on it had a balance in his hand.

Rev 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures say, A choenix of wheat for a denarius, and three choenixes of barley for a denarius. And do not hurt the oil and the wine.

If the white horse represents the Roman confederacy and the red, Russia and her allies; could it be possible that black represents black power from the African nations? Will they be in the path of the Russian advance?

In the book of Ezekiel the black horses invade the north country in co-operation with the white horses. This could likely take place during the defeat of Russia. The attack could continue northward through the homeland of the communists until all that Russia has left would be the northern wastes of Siberia. This would fulfill the prophecy of Joel 2:20, “I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea.”

If the black horses do not represent the African nations, they certainly do refer to famine. In Lamentations 5:10 we read, “Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine.” Also, in a battle of the last days, “. . . and the faces of them all gather blackness” (Nahum 2:10). Also, Joel speaks of famine because of war, “ ... all faces gather blackness” (Joel 2:6).

In this portion of Revelation the rider on the black horse has a pair of balances in his hand as if providing food for starving people. The picture is one of rationing, where food is sold at very inflated prices. Wheat is sold for about a penny (denarius) per quart and barley at one third of this price. In those days a penny was considered a day’s wages. If the same conditions are relevant in that day, prices will be prohibitive and few will be able to purchase. This will be understandable as war will have devastated millions of acres of farm land. Man power also will be at a premium as millions will be killed in the wars. The oil and the wine seem to have a special status in that day and is protected.

THE FOURTH SEAL—THE PALE HORSE

Rev 6:7 And when He had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, Come and see.

Rev 6:8 And I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him sitting on it was Death, and Hell followed with him. And authority was given to them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with the sword and with hunger and with death and by the beasts of the earth.

As the fourth seal is opened and the pale horse emerges, the world faces a period when death will increase in terrible proportions. One quarter of the earth’s population will be decimated. Death is the rider of this horse and he is out of control. According to scripture, death is that last enemy that will be destroyed; but he is very much alive here. The causes of death are varied; some will die with the sword, others will die of starvation (as hunger signifies), others will be killed with death (probably referring to death through disease, radiation, or related causes). Still others will be killed with the beasts of the earth, possibly referring to animals or perhaps to the two beasts of Revelation 13 (the man of sin and the false prophet). Hell follows these events, showing that all who die do not belong to the Lord.

The first four seals are seen in sequence and, whatever the causes, the consequences are: the White Horse—peace; the Red Horse—war; the Black Horse—famine; the Pale Horse—death.

THE FIFTH SEAL—THE SOULS OF THE MARTYRED

Rev 6:9 And when He had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony which they held.

Rev 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, Until when, Master, holy and true, do You not judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?

As the fifth seal is opened, we become aware that we are well into the Great Tribulation Period. The souls of the martyrs are seen in heaven calling for vengeance on those who murdered them. They have not yet been resurrected since their resurrection [first resurrection] has not yet taken place*. Only their souls are seen under the altar, which speaks of sacrifice. They are sheltered under the sacrifice of Yeshua Christ, their Redeemer, and are safe for evermore. This scripture confirms the teaching that the soul and body are separate entities of each individual. Since they are calling for vengeance, it is a strong indication that they are not a part of the Church. When the Samaritans troubled James and John (Luke 9:5 1-56), they asked the Lord if they should call fire down from heaven to devour them. His answer was, “Ye know not what manner of spirit you are of.” As a church we are not to seek vengeance upon our enemies but we are to leave vengeance in the hand of our Lord, who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.”

*[Note that the term 'first resurrection' is not a limitation of timing, but is indicative of class - the root word meaning 'best' or 'foremost in rank'. It is reserved for those who are deemed righteous, but it does not mandate it must occur at a single moment as some have erroneously concluded.]

Rev 6:11 And white robes were given to each one of them. And it was said to them that they should rest yet for a little time, until both their fellow servants and their brothers (those about to be killed as they were ) should have their number made complete.

So terrible were the experiences that brought death to them, that even in heaven, their souls seem disquieted. This is further proof that they have not yet entered their eternal rest, which would take place at the "first resurrection" when body and soul unite. Their white robes signify their righteousness received by faith. They are asked to rest a little season until others of their brethren and fellow servants share their fate. This shows them that the Great Tribulation would shortly be over.

THE SIXTH SEAL—GREAT TRIBULATION ENDS

Rev 6:12 And when He had opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake. And the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.

Rev 6:13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, even as a fig tree casts her untimely figs when she is shaken by a mighty wind.

Rev 6:14 And the heaven departed like a scroll when it is rolled together. And every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

The Great Tribulation ends with the opening of the sixth seal. This is readily determined as we compare the words of Rev. 6:12-14 with those of Mail. 24:29, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in Heaven. “In both scriptures the wrath of God is seen to follow the Great Tribulation. We see the tables turned on the wicked as they come under the awful wrath of God Almighty.

The heavens roll back like a scroll and the wicked are able to see the Lamb, Yeshua Christ, upon His throne. In the Psalms it is written, “He who sits in the heavens will laugh, the Lord will have them in derision.” The proverbs declare, “I will laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your fear comes.” What a dreadful day for the wicked when God laughs at them.

The very power that controls the earth in its orbit and that keeps the sun, the moon, and the stars on course will be shaken and chaos will follow. A tremendous earthquake will literally shake the world; mountains will fall and islands disappear with much more to follow. The devastation of those days is recorded in Revelation chapter 8, as the first trumpet sounds.

Rev 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains.

Rev 6:16 And they said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him sitting on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb;

Rev 6:17 for the great day of His wrath has come, and who will be able to stand?

The dreadful impact of this sudden turn of events is witnessed in these verses. There is a sudden rush by the wicked of every stripe to reach the collapsed mountains and hills to find a place to hide among the rocks. So fearful are they that they begin to pray, not to God, but to the rocks of the mountains to fall on them so that they may hide from the face of Him whose anger they now fear and whose grace they have rejected. They say to the rocks and mountains, “The great day of His wrath is come.” This indicates the wicked were aware of the day of judgement but did not heed or else rejected the truth they had been taught.

Isaiah prophecies of that great day of wrath, “The lofty looks of men shall be humbled and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low . . . And they shall go into the holes of the rocks and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord and for the glory of His majesty, when He rises to shake terribly the earth.”

Rev 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth so that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

Rev 7:2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

Rev 7:3 saying, Do not hurt the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Before the great day of wrath, the angels of God are shown to be holding back the winds of judgment for a brief period; possibly during the half hour which is mentioned in Revelation 8:1. The wrath of God is restrained for a moment as two momentous events take place. These events are the sealing of 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel and the First Resurrection.

Rev 7:4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousands, having been sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel.

Rev 7:5 Out of the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand had been sealed. Out of the tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand had been sealed. Out of the tribe of Gad, twelve thousand had been sealed.

Rev 7:6 Out of the tribe of Asher, twelve thousand had been sealed. Out of the tribe of Naphtali, twelve thousand had been sealed. Out of the tribe of Manasseh, twelve thousand had been sealed.

Rev 7:7 Out of the tribe of Simeon, twelve thousand had been sealed. Out of the tribe of Levi, twelve thousand had been sealed. Out of the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand had been sealed.

Rev 7:8 Out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve thousand had been sealed. Out of the tribe of Joseph, twelve thousand had been sealed. Out of the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand had been sealed.

Before the full wrath of God is poured forth upon the nations, the seal of God is placed upon 144,000 who are chosen from the twelve tribes of Israel. These are the same 144,000 who, in chapter 14, are seen with His name and His Father’s written in their foreheads. These are the firstfruits, the natural seed, for the millennial age. In chapter 14 the 144,000 are viewed before the period of the Great Tribulation. In chapter 7 they are shown being sealed following the Great Tribulation, to be kept through the terrible wrath of God. Before the Great Tribulation they meet with the Lamb on Mount Zion before having to flee into the wilderness of the world to be protected from the wrath of the Antichrist (Rev. 12:14; Ezekiel 20:34,35). They are of the elect who will be gathered (according to Matthew 24:3 1) at the second coming of Yeshua Christ. Contrary to the teachings of some, the 144,000 are not seen in heaven but are familiar with the song that is sung in heaven, the song of redemption (Rev. 14:3).

Rev 7:9 After these things I looked, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of all nations and kindreds and people and tongues, stood before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palms in their hands.

This great multitude from every nation is not to be confused with the first great multitude, from all nations, shown in chapter 5:9. The first multitude seen in heaven is the Church which has been translated before the Great Tribulation. The multitude we are considering in this chapter was killed during the Great Tribulation Period. They, with the two witnesses, are resurrected and called to heaven as guests to the marriage supper of Christ and His Bride, the Church.

Following the translation or rapture of the Church to heaven, an angel brings the everlasting gospel to the whole world. This multitude is saved as a result of that message.

It is during those days that the scripture will be fulfilled which reads, “This gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness and then shall the end come.” This is the harvest that will result from that preaching. We will consider this later in chapter 14:15. We are assured that this is the first resurrection by Rev. 20:6. In each scripture where first resurrection saints are referred to, it refers only to those who have lived during the time of the Antichrist (Rev. 7:14; 15:2; 20:4).

Rev 7:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb.

This refers to the central throne in heaven where God is seated, and to the One who will step from that throne to take the seven-sealed book. The multitude is attributing their salvation to the throne Occupant and the Lamb.

Rev 7:11 And all the angels stood around the throne, and the elders, and the four living creatures, and they fell before the throne on their faces and worshiped God,

Rev 7:12 saying, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.

Again, as in chapter 5, we see the elders, four living ones, and the angels. The angels are said to be”.. . ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). Perhaps they are the ones ministering on our pathway to Glory even today. Angel spirits often administer God’s protection and care for us today. In the New Testament, one took Peter by the hand and lead him from prison.

This multitude ascribes seven-fold worship to God and the Lamb; a true spiritual sacrifice of praise.

Rev 7:13 And one of the elders answered, saying to me, Who are these who are arrayed in white robes, and from where do they come?

Rev 7:14 And I said to him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are the ones who came out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes, and have whitened them in the blood of the Lamb.

Again, an individual elder addresses John about the identity of this new multitude. Perhaps, their identity was a puzzle to John as it is to many today. They are often confused with the Church; but it cannot be accurately said of the Church that she has come out of Great Tribulation. Yes, some have, but by no means all. Also, the literal rendering here is “the Great Tribulation.” The scripture is plain enough that this is the time of Jacob’s trouble; such a time there has never been, or ever will be.

John refers the question back to the elder, assuring him of his ability to answer it. If John should know, then so should the elder; for they are of the same calling. The elders represent the kingdom of priests and John, the individual priesthood of each believer. Perhaps it is a clue to John about who the elders represent. John said, “Sir, you know.” I believe this is a strong indication that these elders were once on earth. The Greeks used the word “Sir” when addressing Yeshua, and Mary used it when she addressed Him, thinking He was the gardener. Clearly this multitude is “the blood-washed” of the Tribulation Period.

Rev 7:15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and they serve Him day and night in His temple. And He sitting on the throne will dwell among them.

Rev 7:16 They will not hunger any more, nor thirst any more, nor will the sun light on them, nor any heat.

Rev 7:17 For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will feed them and will lead them to the fountains of living waters. And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes.

These closing verses of chapter 7 emphasize the Great Tribulation character of these saints. The hunger, the thirst, the burning heat, and the tears, do not describe much of the Church. Most in the Church have escaped the hunger, the thirst, and the fierce heat; but everyone will experience these in that Tribulation Period. Since they refused the mark of the beast, they will not be able to buy or sell. They will be tortured in the burning sun as they seek a place of safety. Rivers of tears will surely be their portion in those days.

To them the temple shade is promised and they will hunger and thirst no more. Instead of weary wandering, the Lamb will lead them to living fountains of water. During those tribulation days (as we will see later) there will be polluted waters. As a loving Father, God will wipe all tears from every eye. They will be comforted forever.

Rev 8:1 And when He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in Heaven for about half an hour.

Even heaven is hushed as it awaits the terrible devastation that will fall upon the world. It is the great day of God’s wrath (Rev. 6:17) and the calm before the storm.

Rev 8:2 And I saw the seven angels who stood before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.

Rev 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer. And many incenses were given to him, so that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints on the golden altar before the throne.

The silence continues as we see an angel with a golden censer in his hand. He is given much incense and he offers it upon the golden altar with the prayers of the saints, which are about to be answered. In Revelation 6:10, we saw one example of these prayers, “How long, 0 Lord, Holy and true, do You not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth,” (Rev. 6:10).

Rev 8:4 And the smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God from the angel's hand.

Rev 8:5 And the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar, and cast it into the earth. And voices and thunderings and lightnings and an earthquake occurred.

In the tabernacle of the Old Testament the High Priest was required to remove some live coals from the altar, before entering the Holy Place. These hot coals were placed in a censer and incense was poured upon them. When the High Priest entered, a cloud from the incense filled the Holy Place and hid him from the face of an angry God until the blood of the sacrifice could be sprinkled there on behalf of the people. We can only imagine the silence that ensued as the people on the outside waited to see if their offering would be accepted and their sins forgiven.

In Revelation this scene is similar except the fire, that would have consumed the sacrifice and provided protection from the face of an angry God, must now consume those who have rejected the only sacrifice for sin. For them, there is now no protection from God’s wrath. When the first angel sounds, the wrath of God will follow as signified by the coals of fire cast onto the earth. The cloud of incense that rises in heaven is solely for the purpose of hiding the countenance of an angry God from His own who are in heaven.

It is at this time that the earth-dwellers call for the rocks and mountains to fall on them to hide them from the face of Him that sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb (Rev. 6:16).

As the fire is cast onto the earth, sounds from earth suddenly break the stillness on high; so terrible is the effect of this action. Voices are heard with the rolling thunder; lightning flashes are seen.

The crushing shock of a great earthquake comes next. It is a signal to earth of the terrible judgment to follow. It appears that Isaiah referred to this when he prophesied in Isaiah 29:6. The multitude of the nations would be as dust about Jerusalem, “. . . in an instant suddenly, you shall be visited of the Lord of hosts, with thunder and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire.”Yeshua said there would be earthquakes in different places.

THE FIRST TRUMPET—THE AFFECTED EARTH

Rev 8:6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

Rev 8:7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mixed with blood, and they were cast on the earth. And the third part of trees was burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

If the events that took place on earth during the first six seals are terrible, the events introduced by the opening of the seventh seal, and those pending, will be most terrible. War, famine, carnage, and plague have already depleted the world’s population drastically and hospitals are crammed beyond capacity with the sick and dying. “Things surely could not get any worse!” must be the thoughts of those upon the earth; but little of what will happen, has happened yet.

In the opening seals, the wrath of Satan increases; but now, the wrath of God. Many have talked about the love of God, often in an endeavour to cover up their sins; but little will be known of His great wrath until this time. It will be righteous wrath, deserved by man who has rejected the sacrifice of Yeshua, who God has provided for his salvation.

God’s arsenal is filled to capacity and is ready for the day of judgment At the first trumpet, hail and fire mixed with blood are cast upon the earth. This is not something that man develops, but is heaven’s armoury as God uses the elements of nature to fulfill His bidding.

With the blowing of the first trumpet, the first element mentioned is hail and with the blowing of the seventh trumpet, the last mentioned is hail. Terrible hail is also mentioned in the seventh vial of wrath in chapter 16:2 1 and in the destruction of the northern power that comes against Israel in the last days (Ezekiel 38:22). This is not surprising as God has used this weapon before in Egypt against Pharaoh’s land. Isaiah prophesied that “hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies.” Hail is the result of great atmospheric turbulence in the heavens. It is a weapon against which an army would have no defence, especially as the hailstones, in the final drama of the ages, will weigh about 100 pounds each. The great modern inventions of man will be quickly obliterated with those who operate them.

Fire is commonly used in Revelation for destruction, so it is not surprising to see it used here as a complement to hail. Such a great thunderstorm that produces such a volume of hail, will certainly be accompanied by incessant lightning and balls of fire. Coupled with these, however, is blood as though it has been drawn by the sun as it draws moisture. This will be fitting, for those on whom it will fall have shed the blood of the saints of God. Those parts of the earth that escape the heavy hail will be swept with uncontrollable fire until one-third of the trees are burned up and all green grass is destroyed.

THE SECOND TRUMPET—THE AFFECTED SEA

Rev 8:8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea. And the third part of the sea became blood.

Rev 8:9 And the third part of the creatures in the sea, those having souls, died; and the third part of the ships was destroyed.

The first aerial phenomenon will affect one-third of the earth; this second one will affect a third of the sea. It is not a mountain that falls, but something very large and very heavy like a mountain. In all probability, it is a large asteroid flaming like fire as it enters the earths atmosphere.

Many such objects have made "near misses" with earth, and not all asteroids have been mapped by astronomers. In June of 1968, such a body (a mile in diameter) came within 4,000,000 miles of our earth—a close shave as space miles go. We know that such an object will one day fall into the sea causing great devastation. A third of the waters of the sea will become blood, probably referring to its colour.

The sea referred to here seems to refer to the entire sea body rather than just the Mediterranean. These judgments are universal, therefore they are not for Israel only, but for the whole world.

The tremendous concussion and impact of this huge object releasing debris, shockwaves, and gases will pollute and stagnate the sea and bring death to one-third of its living creatures. This, coupled with great tidal waves, will destroy one-third of the ships with their passengers on the sea. It is the voice, to the world, of Him who is the master of ocean and earth and sky. This destruction also will be a great hardship on an already starving world.

Rev 8:10 And the third angel sounded, and a great star burning like a lamp fell (pip'-to) from the heaven, and it fell (pip'-to) on the third part of the rivers and on the fountains of waters.

Rev 8:11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood, and a third part of the waters became wormwood. And many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

With the third trumpet blast, a great star falls from heaven, and there is no way to understand this except literally. This is a great star and it has a name of its own—Wormwood. The Greek word translated as "fall" is pip'-to which can mean to fall or "light on" , which describes it as partially descending into contact with earth, as this "contact" effects the "third of the waters"..... Stars are largely gaseous objects, and contact could include the corona/atmosphere, which extends for thousands of miles... This is why we see the meanings of the word used to describe this contact with the earth as being "to light on"...

White Dwarfs, which are what stars approximately our sun's size become when they have exhausted their nuclear fuel, and leave behind an inert core of carbon and oxygen about the same size as our earth. Eventually white dwarfs will cool to temperatures at which they are no longer visible, however, even the oldest known white dwarfs still radiate (burn) at temperatures of a few thousand kelvins. This "star" as it is translated from the Greek word as-tare', could furthermore be a massive comet, as this word was used to describe luminous heavenly bodies in general. Still others have suggested this star could be a brown dwarf similar to that reportedly identified as "planet-X", still radiating its deadly radiation into our upper atmosphere, which then leeches into the fresh water rivers and lakes in the form of rainfall. This star (whatever type of "star" it is) which falls upon a third of the rivers and lakes makes the water "bitter" and poisonous - bringing death to many. It would be interesting to know which part of the world will be most affected by this.

The near impact of such a large body would also drive the earth from its current orbit. The star, after glancing the earth, would separate from it and continue its journey through space. Listen to the word of Isaiah, “Therefore, I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place . . . it shall be as the chased roe (Isaiah 13:13—14). Also, “The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shalt reel to and fro and shall stagger like a drunken man, and shall be removed like a cottage . . . it shall fall and not rise again” (Isaiah 24:19,20). These scriptures seem to indicate that the earth will be driven into another orbit and will be displaced from its present place in the heavens.

It will be in God’s purposes to cause this change and it will be still in His control. The Bible states in Isaiah 34:4 that the “. . . heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll and all their host (or stars) shall fall down as the leaf falls off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.” All this would be surely realized as the earth rushes through space carrying its atmosphere with it. The stars seem to be falling (moved from their original place) and the heavens would appear to be rolling back. As many die, the effect of this space spectacular will still further diminish the population of the world.

Rev 8:12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was stricken, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars, so that the third part of them was darkened, and the day did not appear for a third part of it, and the night also.

Joel seems to refer to something like this in his prophecy, “The sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining” (Joel 2). Also in Isaiah, “For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light; the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine” (Isaiah 13:10). “Immediately after the Tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heaven shall be shaken” (Matthew 24:29). The shaking of the powers of heaven seems to cause this space upheaval. In Isaiah 13:13, the Lord says, “I will shake the heavens”; so great will be the wrath of God against the wicked.

Rev 8:13 And I saw and I heard one angel flying in mid-heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, from the rest of the voices of the trumpet of the three angels being about to sound!

This seems to show that the three woe trumpets yet to sound will bring even more disastrous results than that already observed. The three woes yet to come are pronounced upon the inhabiters of the earth (called earth dwellers). We, who are pilgrims and strangers now, will be in Glory with our Lord Yeshua Christ.

Perhaps the angel who announces the coming woe judgments is Michael, the one who will defeat Satan in the heavens and cast him down to earth.

Rev 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded. And I saw a star fall from the heaven to the earth, and it was given the key of the abyss.

The fifth trumpet blast introduces another star, but this one is different. It is not a literal star but an individual. Indeed, he is a star in the world’s end time drama, even as he was at its beginning; but he is a very wicked star. This fallen star can be none other than Satan himself who, after his final attack on heaven (which will follow the catching up of the Church), will be cast down to the earth (Rev. 12:7,8).

In Isaiah 14:12 it is written, “How have you fallen from heaven, 0 Lucifer, son of the morning!” We will read more of this fallen star in chapter 12:12 where in part we read, “Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time.”

To this evil one is given a key; not a literal key, but the means to open the bottomless pit. This enables the wicked spirits to be free for a time of demonic destruction on the earth. Sometimes I feel we do not take the word of God literally enough and our conception of this pit may be one of those times. The pit is a very literal place and is within our earth. It contains multitudes of disembodied spirits and angels, chained in darkness until the day of judgment (Jude 6).

The Bible has many references to the pit and its inhabitants. Isaiah speaks of those that go down “. . . to hell, to the sides of the pit” (Isaiah 14:15). The verse, Ezekiel 26:20 calls it the “low parts of the earth.” For a part in God’s program, Satan will one day be given the key to that pit for a short time.

Rev 9:2 And it opened the bottomless pit. And there arose a smoke out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace. And the sun and air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit.

Yeshua has the keys to hell and death and one day he will allow Satan the opportunity to open the dark place. When this happens, a great, dense smoke will come from the open earth, which will darken the sun and the air.

Rev 9:3 And out of the smoke came forth locusts onto the earth. And authority was given to them, as the scorpions of the earth have authority.

The pit-dwellers that escape are like locusts but are not actual locusts. This may refer to their vast numbers and destroying ability. They are given power to hurt like scorpions. How unlike the power and will to help others, which the Lord Yeshua gives to those who follow him.

Rev 9:4 And they were commanded not to hurt the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God in their foreheads.

The grass and trees, which have already suffered much under other judgments, are protected from these creatures. Only men with the mark of the beast will be tormented by them. Though these creatures are the enemies of God, in that day they will be commanded to do His bidding and they dare not disobey. Even for his own, the devil lacks love and it will delight him to cause them to suffer in that day. The 144,000 are protected by the seal of God.

Rev 9:5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months. And their torment was like a scorpion's torment when he stings a man.

Death will not be the purpose of their mission, but torture for five months. It will be as painful as the strike of a scorpion, but will last much longer.

Rev 9:6 And in those days men will seek death and will not find it. And they will long to die, and death will flee from them.

The desire to die will replace the desire to live for those who are bitten, but such a desire cannot be realized for a season. Unlike the deadly bite of the scorpion, death does not come with these creatures, but terrible suffering instead.

If only these who seek death had sought for life, eternal life in Yeshua, how different it would be and how pleasant their dwelling place.

Rev 9:7 And the shapes of the locusts were like horses prepared for battle. And on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men.

Rev 9:8 And they had hairs like the hairs of women, and their teeth were like the teeth of lions.

Rev 9:9 And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron. And the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.

Rev 9:10 And they had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. And their authority was to hurt men five months.

These are strange and awful creatures; a combination of man and beast who may well owe their existence to the affinity of man with demon spirits. I am reminded of the giants that came in those early days when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men. Many perverted creatures are born from an unholy alliance:

Their shape, as horses prepared for battle.

Their faces, as the faces of men.

Their hair, as the hair of women.

Their teeth, as those of lions.

Their tails, as the tails of scorpions.

They are a combination of the old serpent, animal, and man, in an alliance of evil.

The duration of the terrible power of these creatures is limited to five months. Their very make-up shows the effort of the evil one to break down the distinction between man, beast, and the serpent; we see much of this today. Here we have woman’s hair on a man’s face with the ferocious looking teeth of the lion. This is then coupled to a horse’s body which has the wings of a fowl and a serpent’s tail. It is a product of the pit.

Rev 9:11 And they had a king over them, the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in Greek his name is Apollyon.

In both cases the name of this one means “destroyer.” We are not ignorant of his devices, for he is the prince of this world and the father of lies.

How unlike our King, who is the fairest of ten thousand, the Lily of the Valley, the God of life and love and light and happiness. But many will not receive Him, choosing rather to follow the deceiver and the wicked one. They will share his doom without remedy.

For the Christian, the best is always future. For the wicked, the worst is yet to come.

THE SIXTH TRUMPET—THE ARMY OF 200 MILLION

Rev 9:13 And the sixth angel sounded his trumpet. And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God,

Rev 9:14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, Loose the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.

Four angels were instructed to hold back the winds of judgment (Rev. 7:1-3) until the 144,000 were sealed and until the first resurrection took place (Rev. 7:4-17). These angels were commissioned to hold back the armies of the east. They are now instructed to release them. With this action judgment moves very swiftly westward, from beyond the Euphrates river toward Israel.

Rev 9:15 And the four angels were loosed, who were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, in order to slay the third part of men.

God’s time table is very specific and when the hour strikes nothing can restrain what He has ordained. Our Lord is long-suffering, but precise. This swift judgment destroys one-third of mankind.

Rev 9:16 And the number of the armies of the horsemen was two myriads of myriads. And I heard their number.

Man is greatly concerned with the earth’s population explosion today. But God has prepared His own way of suddenly dealing with it; an army of two hundred million upon horses will be used to kill one-third of the men of the world. The Bible tells us of a day when men will be so scarce that seven women will be after one man. It does not state the number of the two hundred million that may be slain, but rather that they will slay one-third of the men. Still this is not the end. This great army will be from the east, possibly including China.

Rev 9:17 And so I saw the horses in the vision, and those sitting on them, having breastplates of fire, even dusky red and brimstone. And the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions. And out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

Rev 9:18 By these three the third part of men was killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone which issued out of their mouths.

Rev 9:19 For their authority is in their mouth and in their tails. For their tails were like serpents with heads, and with them they do harm.

Are they actually horses as we know them? They will move two hundred million strong from the east and will be carriers of men and highly mechanized. They seem to be a mechanized robot army, an advanced mechanized terror yet to be revealed from man’s armoury.

They are not unlike the northern army, that the prophet Joel describes, flowing from the northern parts in the last days (Joel 2:3). A fire devours all before them and behind them a flame burns. The land is like the garden of Eden before them and behind them is a desolate wilderness.

Rev 9:20 And the rest of the men who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and golden, and silver, and bronze, and stone, and wooden idols (which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk).

Rev 9:21 And they did not repent of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

These scriptures portray the character of the people upon the earth in the end time. Murderers will be the rule rather than the exception. Sorcerers will deceive the people that remain. Fornication through licentious sex will continue to increase, while thievery will be a way of life among the people.

Their form of worship is also shown. They will worship lifeless objects made by men’s hands. The sudden destruction upon the earth and the death of millions only make them cling more tightly to their lifeless idols. They choose their idols and their corrupt practices rather than the way of faith, repentance and total forgiveness that is open for them.

We see a rapid approach of these very conditions in the world today—yes, even in America that once found pride in God and the Bible.

WHEN THE SEVENTH TRUMPET SOUNDS

Rev 10:1 And I saw another mighty angel coming down out of the heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, and his face was as the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.

Rev 10:2 And he had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the earth.

Rev 10:3 And he cried with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. And when he had cried, seven thunders spoke their sounds.

The description of this mighty messenger is so much like the Son of Man in chapter 1 that it is difficult to identify him with anyone else. The stance that he takes on sea and land, and the lion’s roar that issues from his lips, signifies a victor. He is the One who was found worthy to open the book.

With the seven seals broken, the book is now open. Nothing remains for Him to do but to take the kingdom of earth for Himself. He will do this when the events that occur from the opening of the seven seals have run their course. This includes the seventh and final trumpet judgment and the seven vials of the wrath of God.

As this heavenly messenger shouts in triumph, seven thunders utter their voices.

Rev 10:4 And when the seven thunders spoke their sounds, I was about to write. And I heard a voice from Heaven saying to me, Seal up what things the seven thunders spoke, and do not write these things.

The message of the seven thunders might give us many answers, but it is sealed. No manner of searching on our part will succeed in opening its truth. Therefore, we wait until the One who sealed it breaks the seal and gives us understanding about these things.

Rev 10:5 And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the earth lifted his hand to the heaven,

Rev 10:6 and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created the heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it, that there should no longer be time.

Rev 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he will begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as He has declared to His servants the prophets.

This heavenly messenger is seen with hand raised in an attitude of affirmation, declaring that the mystery of God will be finished with the sounding of the seventh trumpet. We suggest that this “great mystery” refers to the sufferings of Christ and the glory that will be revealed. Many in the Old Testament understood the glory of the coming King but didn’t comprehend the sufferings of Christ that would precede this glory. Israel, as a nation, expected Christ to come as a conqueror. These same people did not expect the babe of Bethlehem, nor the Christ of sacrifice. When He was revealed, He was rejected. Now with the sufferings past, His glory is to be revealed following the events that are introduced by the sounding of this seventh trumpet.

Rev 10:8 And the voice which I heard from Heaven spoke to me again, and said, Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth.

Rev 10:9 And I went to the angel and said to him, Give me the little book. And he said to me, Take it and eat it up, and it will make your belly bitter, but it will be sweet as honey in your mouth.

Rev 10:10 And I took the little book out of the angel's hand and ate it up. And it was sweet as honey in my mouth, and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was made bitter.

As John receives the open book—which we believe is the 'seven—sealed book'—the events recorded previously have not yet taken place. They were shown to John in a vision to give him understanding of the future. His understanding will increase as he is given the little book to assimilate.

You may recall that the scroll (which we have called the little book), was written on the front and back. The opening of the seventh seal would reveal all that was recorded on the front side of the scroll. That which is recorded on the back of the scroll will be revealed to John as he receives the book and assimilates its contents.

TRUTH ASSIMILATED

With John caught up to heaven in chapter 4, it is surprising to see him upon the earth with the heavenly messenger in chapter 10. John can be identified with both Israel and the Church, having been associated intimately with both.

A voice from heaven asks John to take the little open book from the angel’s hand and eat it. John responds by going to the angel and asking for the little book. This was not according to the angel’s command. The heavenly messenger, acting on the heavenly instructions repeats, “take it and eat it up,” which John finally did.

John is much like us. In Christ, God has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3,4). By faith, we can take them with thanksgiving. But, rather than enjoying by receiving, we come asking and continue to ask. We are offered eternal salvation, deliverance from our sinful habits, peace for our minds, health for our bodies, His Holy Spirit for power, and many spiritual gifts. These we may take by faith but, instead, we keep asking for them.

The last offer in the book of Revelation is, “Whosoever will, let him ‘take’ the water of life freely.” If such an offer is freely presented for the sinner’s acceptance, cannot we, who are His, walk right in and take what the Lord offers? Let us “come with boldness unto the throne of grace—not to ask for, but—to obtain mercy and to—not ask for, but—find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). David of the Old Testament asked, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” Then he answered, “I will take the cup of salvation.”

John takes and eats as commanded. True to the messenger’s words, it was sweet to his taste, as all must be that comes from the hand of God. But as John assimilates the truth, it becomes bitter as he realizes the bitter things that will befall those who reject the sweet things of God. We are reminded of the One who tasted death for everyone. How bitter this was to our Saviour, yet out of this bitter experience will come sweetness for our Lord and for His people.

Rev 10:11 And he said to me, You must prophesy again before many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.

To our knowledge, John never left his Patmos home until death. Is there a possibility, however, that John was translated without seeing death, even as Enoch was? We are speculating. If John did not leave his prison home, when will be the period when he will prophesy universally again?

John, eating the book, shows that he is given understanding of its truths. But for what purpose? Could it be that John will be one of the two witnesses of Revelation 11:3 who will prophesy during the final days of Daniel’s 70 weeks? Or could he be the messenger of the end time who brings the everlasting gospel to this world (Rev. 14:6). We can only wonder, but one thing we know—the apostle John will again prophesy to the world at some future time.

When Ezekiel was commissioned to go speak the word of the Lord to the children of Israel, we have a similar situation and action. A scroll written on the inside and outside was given to him and he was commanded to eat the scroll. He was then sent to prophesy unto the children of Israel (Ezekiel chapters 2, 3).

In our study of the book of Revelation, until now events have advanced in consecutive order. We followed the progress of the Church from the vision of the Son of Man in chapter 1, through chapters 2 and 3. Then, the translation of the Church came in chapters 4 and 5, followed by the events in heaven. In chapter 6 the events of Daniel’s 70th week of the seven years unfold, which includes the Great Tribulation.

Two events immediately follow the Great Tribulation in chapter 7. Twelve thousand from each of Israel’s twelve tribes are sealed and protected, while the first resurrection occurs. This resurrection brings the dead of the Great Tribulation Period to heaven as guests to the wedding supper of Christ and His bride, the Church. Six trumpet judgments follow in chapters 8 and 9, which usher in significant events which are an escalation of the wrath of God. In chapter 10, a mighty angel stands upon the earth and sea in an attitude of victory announcing that the mystery of God will be finished when the seventh and final trumpet sounds.

As we continue our study in chapter 11, we discover that events are no longer in consecutive order. Here we learn the identity of the actors and the part they play in the events mentioned in earlier chapters.

It is not until chapters 15 and 16 that we advance beyond the events recorded in chapters 1 to 10. There we will see the outpouring of the vials of wrath that follows the sounding of the seventh trumpet. These vials introduce Armageddon and the coming of Christ—the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION

Rev 11:1 And a reed like a rod was given to me. And the angel stood, saying, Rise up and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and those who worship in it.

As we begin chapter 11, John is seen standing with the heavenly messenger near the temple in Jerusalem. This time it is called the Holy City, indicating that something spiritual has happened there.

John is given a surveyor’s rod of about ten feet in length. Surveying usually has to do with development and construction. The temple is seen built again—an event that must take place before the Great Tribulation Period begins (possibly during the first half of the 70th week of Daniel).

John measures the temple, the altar, and the worshipers. The temple symbolizes testimony, separation, and dedication unto God.

The altar has to do with sacrifice and offering, upon which we depend for acceptance with God. If your sacrifice is less than the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, you will fall short of God’s measure. Christ and His sacrifice for our sins is the only true measure of acceptance with God.

John then measures the worshipers, but not for physical size, you can be sure. The measure of our worship depends on our life in Christ and our walk in the Spirit and in truth.

Rev 11:2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it was given to the nations. And they will trample the holy city forty-two months.

In those days, while the holy city of Jerusalem will be in Gentile hands, the temple that is rebuilt will belong to Israel. In the final tribulation days, the Antichrist will sit as god in the temple. The outer court of the temple area and Jerusalem will be filled with worshipers of the beast. No part of this area will be considered Israeli territory.

It makes one sad to realize that the beast will be acknowledged as the Messiah by the unbelieving Israelis. This will fulfill the words of Yeshua, “Another will come in his own name, him you will receive.” The 144,000, however, will continue true to Christ, their Messiah, and must flee the temple and Jerusalem (Rev. 12:6).

The length of this period of Gentile dominion is limited to 42 months. Verses that speak of the abomination of those days are 2 Thes. 2:4 and Daniel 9:27.

Before proceeding with chapter 11, we should pause a moment to consider this 42-month period of the Great Tribulation mentioned in verse 2. Other scriptures prove that this is, in fact, the Great Tribulation Period.

In Daniel 9:27 we read of a one-week period that, from the context, is the 70th week of Daniel’s prophecy of 70 weeks (verse 24). In the middle of this week (which is 7 years long) the sacrifice and oblation (which have to do with temple worship), will cease and the abomination of desolation will take its place. The 42 months, about which we have just written, is this time period.

Revelation 12:6 refers to the same period as 1260 days and in verse 14 as a time (one year), times (two years), and half a time (one-half a year); making a total of 3 1/2 years. This agrees with Daniel 7:25 where it is spoken of as a time, times, and dividing of time. These verses agree and refer to that Great Tribulation Period also called the time of Jacob’s trouble.

We have seen how the Gentile nations will be treading down Jerusalem in that day. We will now go on to see the other actors and their actions in the end time drama.

THE TWO WITNESSES

Rev 11:3 And I will give power to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy a thousand, two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.

During this period, which is the Great Tribulation, God will not be without His witnesses. In the place of trial and of extreme wickedness, God will have His faithful servants prophesying.

Rev 11:4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.

The question is often asked, “Who are the two witnesses?” Who they are is not important, but whose they are is! God says they are “my” witnesses. The very words describing these two are the words of Zechariah 4, which describe Joshua and Zerubbabel who were anointed of God to build the former temple. Olive trees and candlesticks illustrate 'light flowing from a living supply'. These two witnesses will be like that in that day.

Rev 11:5 And if anyone will hurt them, fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone will hurt them, so it is right for him to be killed.

It is evident from this verse that the Church Age (the age of grace) is past. “Love and prayers for the enemy” has changed to destruction of the enemies of God and His people, and wicked men will fall dead by the utterance of God’s servants. You will recall in the Gospels that James and John wished to call down fire to destroy their enemies. The Lord restrained them by saying, “Ye know not what manner of spirit you are of.” Yet, in the coming Tribulation Period, God will sanction the destruction of those who would destroy His people.

Rev 11:6 These have authority to shut up the heaven, that it may not rain in the days of their prophecy. And they have authority over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire.

In those days of tribulation, God will raise a powerful testimony to His strength and sovereignty so that none need fail to know and take the right away. Even the deceptive practices of the false prophet will not equal the impact, upon the people, of the power of God, demonstrated by these two witnesses. The scriptures say, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard against him.” The enemy will be greatly angered by these demonstrations of power, but will be helpless to cause any change.

Rev 11:7 And when they complete their testimony, the beast coming up out of the abyss will make war against them and will overcome them and kill them.

Suddenly, there is a complete reversal of power. Victory is in the hands of the enemy as the man of sin slays the prophets of God. Often defeat is progress and a part of divine strategy in the program of God. Notice that death takes place when the witnesses have finished their testimony. Often men sought to kill Yeshua but were unsuccessful until God’s time and hour, and then their act was but a fulfillment of God’s program. So it is here, “He makes the wrath of man to please Him, the remainder of wrath He restrains.” For Yeshua, victory came through what seemed like defeat. It will be the same here, also.

Rev 11:8 And their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Such humiliation in death; lying unburied before the eyes of the enemy! Yeshua had been buried, but not these.

Notice that the place where they lay is no longer called the Holy City, but, rather the “great city.” The names of Sodom and Egypt are added to its name to express its great increase in wickedness and worldliness.

Rev 11:9 And many of the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will see their dead bodies three days and a half, and they will not allow their dead bodies to be put in tombs.

There will be no chance for their bodies to be stolen by their friends, for they keep a vigil at all hours. No doubt they will remember the resurrection of Yeshua, though they refuse to believe it. No doubt these witnesses had talked of resurrection, also. The beast will be praised for his great power.

Rev 11:10 And the ones who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, and will make merry, and will send one another gifts, because these two prophets tormented those living on the earth.

For centuries gifts have been exchanged in gratitude in all parts of the world because of One who lived and died in that same city. In that day, hatred for the prophets of God and joy in their deaths will be the motivating force behind gift-giving. Their godliness and righteousness so torment the wicked that the wicked will rejoice in their death.

Rev 11:11 And after three days and a half, a spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood on their feet. And great fear fell on those seeing them.

The bravery and rejoicing of the wicked will quickly be turned into sorrow and fear by the resurrection of these two witnesses. Oh, the hopelessness of their position and the great humiliation of all proud men in that day! The media will tremble as they remember their unholy comments and newscasts. They will seek to justify their words, but without success.

A feeling of impending doom will increase and fill each mind as word spreads of graves being emptied all over the world. This will be the first resurrection. The witnesses are but two of a multitude that will rise on that day. This is the company that we see in heaven following the Great Tribulation in chapter 7.

Rev 11:12 And they heard a great voice from Heaven saying to them, Come up here. And they went up to Heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them.

Frightened before, they must now be terrified as they see the two witnesses rise into the clouds in triumph over all the power of earth and hell. The booming voice from heaven would only add to their terror.

If these two witnesses and multitudes with them, are not church saints of this age, why are they called to heaven at this time? As we read in Revelation 19:9, they are being called as guests to the wedding between the Lamb—the Bridegroom, and the Church—His bride. Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. This company is seen in heaven following the Great Tribulation (Revelation 7:14, 15:2, and 20:4).

Rev 11:13 And in that hour a great earthquake occurred, and the tenth part of the city fell. And seven thousand names of men were slain in the earthquake. And the rest were frightened and gave glory to the God of Heaven.

Hearts, once filled with fear and terror, must surely panic as an earthquake breaks the hushed stillness of those gazing up into heaven. The earth shakes and opens as buildings tumble, leaving seven thousand dead in Jerusalem. Yet, the worst is still to come. For now the wrath of God will be poured Out upon the wicked.

Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded. And there were great voices in Heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ. And He will reign forever and ever.

With the sounding of the seventh trumpet, the kingdoms of this world are conveyed into the hands of Christ the King. God makes this decision and not the election of men. His reign is declared eternal. The time of the Gentiles has run its course and the kingdoms of men have fallen. All that remains is the crushing, and blowing away by the breath of God. The vaunted pride of man is just dust and ashes (Daniel 2:35).

HEAVEN’S RESPONSE

Rev 11:16 And the twenty-four elders sitting before God on their thrones, fell on their faces and worshiped God,

Rev 11:17 saying, We thank You, O Lord God Almighty, who are, and who was, and who is coming, because You took Your great power and reigned.

The kingdoms of the world no longer belong to the nations of the world. All wickedness will be removed from the kingdom and the enemies of God will be destroyed.

What child of God has not looked forward to that glorious day when Christ will reign in righteousness upon this earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

Rev 11:18 And the nations were full of wrath, and Your wrath came, and the time of the judging of the dead, and to give the reward to Your servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to the ones fearing Your name, to the small and to the great, and to destroy those destroying the earth.

This verse is occupied with angry nations and the wrath of God. So often we have heard the wicked say, “If there is a God how can He allow this or that?” They have seen nothing yet! Until now, they have not experienced the great wrath of God.

God has been dealing with the wicked in grace and in mercy because of the sacrifice of Yeshua for their sins. They rejected that sacrifice provided for their salvation. Now the age of grace is past and judgment must follow. In the last part of verse 18 we see the destruction of the destroyers. There will be no leniency; no abolishment of capital punishment.

It is now time to judge those who died in the first resurrection so that they may receive their rewards. We see this taking place in Revelation 20:4.

Rev 11:19 And the temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His covenant, and there occurred lightnings and voices, and thunders and an earthquake, and a great hail.

The language in this verse is similar to Revelation 8:5. It shows that the temple of mercy, which depicts Christ and His sacrifice, has now become the temple of wrath for those who have rejected the sacrifice. The rejected Saviour now becomes the Judge. The fire of the altar that once consumed the sacrifice, will now consume the ones who have despised the sacrifice of Christ for their sins. The lightning, voices, thundering, and the great hail all represent destruction in progress.

Chapters 12 and 13 do not bring us forward in the events of the Revelation. Here we pause and, by portent or vision, reflect upon things which have transpired. These chapters deal briefly with events which led up to the birth of Christ (the Manchild), and to His translation, which followed His death and resurrection. Christ’s death, resurrection, and translation were events which followed the closing of the 69th of the 70 weeks of prophecy of which we have written earlier. From verse 6 to the end of chapter 12 we are shown the connection between these events and those which have transpired in the Revelation during the final 70th week (Rev. 6). The 1260 days and the time, times, and half a time (of verse 6 and 14) each refer to the Great Tribulation, which is the latter half of the 70th week (3 ½ years).

A WOMAN WITH CHILD

Rev 12:1 And there appeared a great sign in the heavens, a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon was under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head,

Rev 12:2 and having a babe in womb, she cries, being in travail, having been distressed to bear.

In this verse, we can easily identify the pregnant woman with childbirth pains. She can only be Israel. The sun, moon, and twelve stars in a Bible story long ago, refers to Jacob, his wife, and twelve children who became the nation of Israel. So, we have here Israel (the woman) in travail before the birth of Yeshua the Christ (the Manchild).

THE RED DRAGON

Rev 12:3 And another sign was seen in the heavens. And behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads!

Rev 12:4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and cast them onto the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman being about to bear, so that when she bears he might devour her child.

This verse reveals another actor in the end time drama. He is the one who stood before the woman to devour Yeshua when He was born. He was the power behind Herod’s decree to kill all children two years old and under. He also is the one who led one third of the angels to rebel against the Creator, bringing about their fall. This one who directs the attack of evil in the end time is Satan.

Satan is the dragon. He will be the power behind actions of the revised Roman power who will seek to destroy Israel in the closing days of Daniel’s 70th week.

The seven heads and ten crowns also identify this power. The seven heads refer to the seven-hilled city of Rome. The ten horns represent ten kings (Revelation 17) who will give their power to the beast (the antichrist) in those days.

Satan could not destroy the male child, Christ, so shortly, he will attempt to destroy Israel through the revived Roman power.

THE MAN CHILD, CHRIST

Rev 12:5 And she bore a son, a male, who is going to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her child was caught up to God and to His throne.

Some believe the "man child" is alluding to both Yeshua and a special group of Christians, namely the Body of Christ, and the catching away of this "child" refers to the Rapture.

Others reject this view, and believe this passage refers to Yeshua only, and the woman (Israel) who bore Him, and who was caught up to God following His resurrection. He will rule all nations with a rod of iron.

The description of the man child is given, not that we may identify Him, but that we might identify the woman, Israel, who bore the child.

THE WOMAN AND THE GREAT TRIBULATION

Rev 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she had a place prepared by God, so that they might nourish her there a thousand, two hundred and sixty days.

Following the resurrection of Yeshua, the Church Age runs its course to fulfill chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation. Then, with the catching up of the Church to heaven, Daniel’s 70th week of seven years commences. It is the latter half of that week that is in view in verse 6. Today, we are very close to that point in prophecy when the Church will be caught up. The woman (spiritual Israel, the 144,000) is forced to flee into the wilderness of the world to a place where she will be protected during the 1260 days of great tribulation.

WAR IN HEAVEN

Rev 12:7 And there was war in Heaven. Michael and his angels warring against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels warred,

Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, the old serpent called Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

When the Church of Yeshua the Christ is translated soon, heaven will be the scene of a fierce battle. Satan will be greatly angered and will marshal his forces for an assault on God’s heaven. Michael, the archangel, will intervene with his angels and Satan, with his host, will be defeated and cast to the earth. It is revealed here that this dragon, Satan, is the old serpent who deceived Adam and Eve in Eden. He is the one today who blinds the minds of unbelievers.

Satan has many titles, two of which are: “Prince of the power of the air” and “god of this world.” Today, from his place in “the heavens” (which lies short of God’s heaven), he musters his forces and sends his demons on missions of hate and destruction over all the world. Satan himself, does not dwell on the earth; he is too proud for that. He exalts himself above all God’s creation.

It is evident from Job chapters 1 and 2 that Satan has access to God’s heaven when God calls him, and he also has access to earth. When God buried Moses on Mt. Nebo, Satan objected and contended with Michael for the body of Moses. He considers all earth subjects to be his. He wanted to know the burying place of Moses for reasons we may well imagine.

THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN

Rev 12:10 And I heard a great voice saying in Heaven, Now has come the salvation and power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night.

In this verse, we see Satan in another one of his roles. He is the accuser of the brethren. How he delights to point out to God and others the flaws in the people of God. Yes, and even when the blood of Christ cleanses us, he loves to bring up the sins of the past as though they were still against us. With the Church saints at home with Christ, no accusation can ever reach us there. Praise the Lord! We are informed, also, that Satan accuses day and night. How careful we must be that we do not help him against the brethren.

Rev 12:11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony. And they did not love their soul until death.

This verse shows past action; action that has taken place before Satan is cast to the earth. It speaks of the saints who have overcome; many through death. These overcomers are the brethren. How frequently the word “brethren” is used of church saints. The blood of the Lamb and the word of God are the instruments of victory for them.

DWELLERS IN HEAVEN AND EARTH

Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and those tabernacling in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and in the sea! For the Devil came down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has but a little time.

Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who bore the man child .

The first object of the devil’s hate is the woman, Israel, of whom Christ was born. The man Child has thwarted all his plans.

THE FLIGHT OF THE WOMAN

Rev 12:14 And two wings of a great eagle were given to the woman, so that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the serpent's face.

This event occurs during the Great Tribulation Period. The woman in this case would refer to Israel. The length of this trial will be 3 1/2 years, which is shown by time (1 year), times (2 years), one-half a time (1/2 year). It is the same period of 42 months (1260 days) that is recorded in this and the previous chapter.

The flight of the woman is prophesied in Matthew 24:15—21 and will occur during a time of trouble greater than any the world has yet seen.

The means of transportation are two wings of a great eagle. Two nations have the eagle as their emblems; Rome and the United States of America. As the one causing the persecution is the Roman leader, he could hardly be the leader of protection. Very possibly the U.S.A. will be the eagle that will fly Israel to the wilderness, as she flees the enemy coming in like a flood. I trust the U.S.A. will remain friendly to Israel. (~x ~q. 4

It is often taught that Petra (a rock city in the wilderness of Sinai) is where Israel would be carried. Reading Ezekiel 20:34,35 it would seem otherwise. The prophet writes of a time, following the gathering of Israel from the nations (which is taking place at present), that He will bring Israel into the wilderness of the people and there plead with them face to face. There they will pass under the rod of scourging. In the wilderness of the people (nations) God will protect His own.

Rev 12:15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water like a flood after the woman, so that he might cause her to be carried away by the river.

The flood in this case may refer to the overflowing influence of the Great Tribulation to destroy all who reject the rule of the antichrist.

Rev 12:16 And the earth helped the woman. And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the river which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

The earth itself becomes the obstacle of Satan’s attack and protects these 144,000 of Israel who are the chosen of the Lord.

Rev 12:17 And the dragon was enraged over the woman, and went to make war with the rest of her seed, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Not only does the dragon (Satan through the Antichrist) bring destruction to Israelis in their homeland, but he reaches out to destroy them wherever they may be. This text indicates also that in those days there will be Israelis who follow the truth.

In chapter 13 we meet two major actors of wickedness in the Great Tribulation Period. They are the two beasts of Revelation: the first beast is from the pit and is the Antichrist, the second beast is the false prophet and is born on earth.

THE BEAST FROM THE SEA

Rev 13:1 And I stood on the sand of the sea, and I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns. And on its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads was the name of blasphemy.

The sea, in Bible symbology, indicates “depth” or “darkness.” Here it represents the pit, from where this first beast, the Antichrist, will come (Rev. 17:8).

The seven heads represent both the seven hills of Rome, the city of this beast (Rev. 17:9), and seven kings of whom we will hear more in Rev. 17:10. The heads of blasphemy show the apostate religious system that will ride this beast and be destroyed by him in the last days (Rev. 17:5,16). The ten horns and crowns represent ten nations who will give their power to this beast in the last days (Rev. 17:12).

Rev 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and its feet like those of a bear, and its mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him its power and its seat and great authority.

Some of the characteristics of this beast are given in this verse and other verses in the Old Testament. In Daniel chapter 7 the first beast is like a lion, the second as a bear, the third as a leopard, and the fourth was dreadful and terrible with great iron teeth. In Hosea 13:7,8, the leopard is known for his spying quality, the bear for his power to rend, while the lion is known for his ability to devour. Satan is the dragon who gives him power and authority.

Rev 13:3 And I saw one of its heads as having been slain to death, and its deadly wound was healed. And all the earth marvelled after the beast.

The “head wounded to death” identifies this as one of the seven heads or seven kings of Revelation 17:11. He is the eighth, but was one of the original seven, which shows he came back from the dead. We will clarify this in chapter 17. This resurrection of the evil one will cause the world to wonder.

Rev 13:4 And they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war against him?

Devil worship will be normal in that day. Signs of devil worship are becoming increasingly evident today as churches of Satan are being opened in defiance of the true God. Evidently Satan will be worshiped knowingly and openly as the power behind the Antichrist, the beast. Since the beast will brook no rival it is evident that the dragon is the devil, and that the beast also is a devil worshiper. Indeed, he will be possessed and controlled by the devil himself.

“Who can make war against him,” is the cry of their worship. That answer will soon come from heaven on a shining white horse (Rev. 19:11).

Rev 13:5 And a mouth speaking great things was given to it, and blasphemies. And authority was given to it to continue forty-two months.

The mouth given to him to speak like this could refer to his mouthpiece, the false prophet who will speak for him.

Verses in 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4 speak of this beast as the “man of sin,” the “son of perdition,” who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God. He sets himself up to be worshiped in the temple of God as if he were God. In Daniel it says he will speak marvellous things against the true God.

He will truly be a “loud mouth,” but his power is limited to 42 months, he will then be cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 19:20).

Rev 13:6 And it opened its mouth in blasphemy toward God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, and those dwelling in Heaven.

This beast, with his blasphemous mouth, will make statements against God and His dwelling place, and against the dwellers in heaven. He will be like a youth trying to impress the world with his vocabulary of wicked words. The church saints will be with those dwelling in heaven and we will not be hurt by this blasphemy. Praise the Lord!

Rev 13:7 And it was given to it to war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given to it over every tribe and tongue and nation.

Again we notice that the power he wields is not his; it is given unto him. His power will come from Satan, the false prophet, and the ten kings, but only as God allows and it is limited to 3 1/2 years. The nationalistic trend of yesterday will be a failure and power will be centralized soon under one "superman", the beast. The Tribulation saints will be overcome by him and be killed. His power will extend universally throughout the whole world (Rev. 13:16,17).

Rev 13:8 And all dwelling on the earth will worship it, those whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain, from the foundation of the world.

The universal worship of this one is only limited by divine election and grace. Those who are the Lord’s will refuse to worship and will become objects of his wrath.

Rev 13:10 He who leads into captivity will go into captivity. If anyone will kill with the sword, he must be killed by a sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

The Lord’s message to His tempted and persecuted people of that day will be, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” They are encouraged to have faith in God’s purposes and to be patient, for soon the captor will be taken captive and the destroyers will be destroyed. The future holds many more answers than the present. Those with eternal life can bide their time.

THE BEAST FROM THE EARTH

Rev 13:11 And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. And it had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon.

The first beast of Revelation was from the pit; this one will be earthborn. The two horns indicate dual power. Daniel 8:23,24 is a prophecy about this beast, “In the latter times (from out of the four kingdoms into which the Greek empire of Alexander the Great was divided), a king will arise, insolent and skilled in intrigue” whose power will be mighty, but not by his own power.

Alexander’s empire was divided between his four generals: Greece, Asia Minor, Syria, and Egypt. The false prophet will arise out of one of these, possibly Syria. It is probable that the scriptures concerning the Assyrian in the Bible refer to this one. “I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot” (Isaiah 14:25; 3 1:8).

Rev 13:12 And it exercises all the authority of the first beast before him, and causes the earth and those dwelling in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

This second beast is the false prophet of Rev. 16:12 and he is the spokesman for the Antichrist. He is strong but not by his power. All the power of the Antichrist is behind this second beast and he uses that power to exalt the first beast. He appears as devoted to the kingdom of the Antichrist as John the Baptist was to the kingdom of the true Christ.

Rev 13:13 And it does great wonders, so that it makes fire come down from the heaven onto the earth in the sight of men.

Rev 13:14 And it deceives those dwelling on the earth, because of the miracles which were given to it to do before the beast, saying to those dwelling on the earth that they should make an image to the beast who had the wound by a sword and lived.

This one will be a master at deception. The wonders and miracles that he will do, appear to be magic acts rather than true miracles. The devil, the past master of deceit, is the power behind his activities, even as he will be the power of the first beast. What was written regarding the first beast is also true of him. “Whose coming is after the workings of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness” (2 Thes. 2:9,10).

God himself appears to offer assistance to the workers of wickedness who reject His gospel in that day. “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they all may be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thes. 2:11,12).

The false prophet, in a fanatical effort to direct worship to the Antichrist, will have a huge reproduction made of him. He also will make much of this one who had died from a sword wound and did live. No doubt death and resurrection will be his theme as he belittles, as fantasy, the death and resurrection of Yeshua the Christ.

Rev 13:15 And there was given to it to give a spirit to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might both speak, and might cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

It is not difficult in our day to understand an image speaking. Many dolls and animals have built-in speakers run by voice-generating circuitry or miniature cassettes. When the Revelation was written, it would be difficult to consider such a thing. However, the voice of this image may be more supernatural than this; perhaps being the voice of a demon, or of Satan himself.

The 'image of the beast' is Satan’s attempt (via technology) at being God – to rule over people. Everything God does, Satan tries to imitate in one form or other. Christ had a prophet [John the baptiser] declaring His arrival, and likewise, the antichrist will have his false prophet.

The integration of people, for example, into a "cybernetic collective" ruled by an artilect would likewise, in a sense, be uniting humanity into one body – imitating the body of Christ – yet falling eternally short, and leading to the destruction of the individual's soul!

The creation of an artilect would, never-the-less, be seen as the epitome of man’s achievements and subject of intense human pride. People would consider such an entity, (the artilect), the next step in "human evolution", and in their own way, worship it, and firmly believe that it’s decisions were god-like. With the introduction of bio-computer technology people may well begin to think of themselves as gods too. Some do even now without any enhancements at all…

We can only speculate at this time as to what form or extent this image of the beast will take, but it is probably a safe bet it will resemble something approaching what we have described.

The one given power to do this has power to program/legislate the death of those who do not worship this image.

AN EXHORTATION
To any who may read these pages during that horrible day of trouble. The scriptures declare there is no hope for those who worship the beast and his image or who receive his mark or the number of his name (Rev. 14:10). The Lord will be with you through your suffering and will bring you safely through the valley of the shadow of death into His glorious kingdom. Stand fast, therefore, in the faith, remembering the One who suffered and died for you when you were a stranger to His grace.

Rev 13:16 And it causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark on their right hand, or in their foreheads,

Conditions on that day will be much as they are today. There will be people who are small and great, rich and poor, free and enslaved. Today, no change in our society appears necessary to introduce that day except that wickedness will increase greatly.

Beast worshipers will still be free to make a choice. The devoted will wear the mark proudly upon their foreheads for all to see; the conscripted on their right hand where they may hide it in their pockets. They will probably call it freedom of choice in that day.

Rev 13:17 even that not any might buy or sell except those having the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of its name.

Rev 13:18 Here is the wisdom. Let him having reason count the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. And its number is six hundred and sixty-six.

Purchasing and selling will be limited to those who have the mark of the beast. You can imagine the hardship this will be upon those who refuse the mark. It will be no use for them to visit the stores since they cannot buy. Besides, if they did attempt to buy food without the mark they could be put to death for failing to worship the image of the beast.

Those with spiritual understanding should be able to add up the information provided and find the answer as to who this beast, the Antichrist, will be, according to verse 13. The number is said to be 666. Six is the number of man, therefore 666 refers to the trinity of man in contrast to the trinity of God. The dragon, the beast, and the false prophet are the “trinity of evil” in the end times. But 666 is the number of a particular man; a man who once lived and lives again. In chapter 17 we will consider his name.

Since I began writing this book, there have been tremendous advances in computer systems. It has become known that the prefix for the universal computer is 666.

Some large department stores are presently using this prefix on their credit cards. If you have a VISA card, the word “VISA” stands for the number 666, “VI” being 6 in Roman numerals, the sound of the “5” being 6 in Greek numerology, while “6” is the British equivalent of “A.” This is said to be so on good authority.

When the Antichrist demands a mark before anyone can buy or sell, I doubt that his mark will be an invisible one.

From Translation To Armageddon

So far, we have seen many actors in the end time drama. They are: the two witnesses, the woman, the manchild, the dragon, the archangel, and the Jewish remnant. We will now look at the 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel; but first a preview of chapter 14.

In Revelation 14 we are given an account of those things which transpire upon the earth following the translation of the Church to heaven. This account begins with the meeting of the Lamb and the 144,000 on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. This is followed by the introduction of an angel flying in mid heaven bringing the everlasting gospel to all upon earth, with a warning of approaching judgment. The destruction of Babylon, the Mother of Harlots (Rome) is then portrayed with the Great Tribulation following. A warning is given to any who would follow the Antichrist and a blessing is pronounced upon those who reject the enticements of the beast. This is followed by the harvest which is the resurrection of the righteous who have died for Christ during this Tribulation Period. The chapter ends with the vintage when the grapes (the wicked nations) will be crushed by the coming Christ with His armies from heaven at Armageddon.

This chapter covers the entire period of Daniel’s 70th week of 7 years which begins in chapter 6. It also covers the period for God’s wrath which follows and reaches its climax in chapter 19.

THE 144,000

Rev 14:1 And I looked, and lo, the Lamb stood on Mount Zion. And with Him were a hundred and forty-four thousands, having His Father's name written in their foreheads.

This is the same assembly of 144,000 we saw in chapter 7, SO we will limit our comments on them here. They are a literal 144,000 with 12,000 chosen from each tribe of the children of Israel. They have the Father’s name in their foreheads in contrast to those who carry the mark of the beast. In chapter 7, they have the seal of God in their forehead, which denotes ownership and security.

This assembly is on Mt. Zion in Jerusalem. Yeshua is with them, and will reveal Himself to them as the Lamb of God. This may occur at the dedication of the new temple—yet to be built—in Jerusalem (Malachi 3:1).

Such a meeting is indicated in the writings of Zechariah 13:6, “And one shall say unto Him, What are these wounds in your hands? Then He shall answer, Those with which I have been wounded in the house of my friends.” This is followed by the Gentile invasion of Israel under the Beast in Zechariah 13:8.

Rev 14:2 And I heard a voice from Heaven, like the voice of many waters and like the voice of a great thunder. And I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps.

Rev 14:3 And they sang as it were a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousands who were redeemed from the earth.

John appears to be on the earth when he sees this company on Mt. Zion. He hears a loud, rolling, thunderous musical song sung by a heavenly choir as the harpers of heaven play. The hosts above are singing the song of redemption as if it were brand new. They seem to be rejoicing over the 144,000 redeemed from Israel. It appears that the 144,000 also could hear and learn that song. The Bible says there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.

Rev 14:4 These are those who were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, as a firstfruit to God and to the Lamb.

Rev 14:5 And in their mouth was found no guile, for they were without blemish before the throne of God.

This description of them continues showing a completely dedicated and separated people. They are totally separated from the world, the flesh, and the devil, and fully separated unto God. They have allowed nothing to stand between them and their Lord.

The apostle Paul taught that there is a form of dedication to God that only those free from the marriage bond can experience. He does not write this to degrade marriage, but to exalt a way of life where Christ is everything. They followed the Lamb. How many have failed to do so, to please their spouse? They were redeemed from among men and purchased with the precious blood of Yeshua. They will be survivors of the great time of trouble and, I would suggest, they will be the fathers of the Israeli nation in the Millennium. They are first fruits of a new age; a promise of a great harvest to follow. Their words and ways please God.

THE HEAVENLY MESSENGER

Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those dwelling on the earth, even to every nation and kindred and tongue and people,

It was the gospel of the kingdom that John the Baptist and Yeshua preached while upon earth. With the rejection of the King, the kingdom could not come. Since that time, the gospel of the grace of God has been preached. With the translation of the Church, the gospel of the kingdom will again herald the coming King and the day of judgment.

With the Church’s translation to heaven, God will not be left without a witness on the earth. In Jerusalem, two witnesses will prophesy in those days and the everlasting gospel will be their message. This, of course, will be the good news of the Redeemer who, because of His sacrifice for sin, can save all who trust in Him.

Angelic ministry, however, will be used to reach the nations of the world in that day and this ministry will be universal. This action will fulfill the scripture, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matt. 24:14).

Rev 14:7 saying with a great voice, Fear God and give glory to Him! For the hour of His judgment has come. And worship Him who made the heaven and the earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

In that day this gospel will accompany the proclamation of coming judgment.

You may recall our Lord Yeshua standing to read in the temple during His earthly ministry (Luke 4:19). While quoting from Isaiah 61:1,2, he stopped reading in the middle of a sentence. He read, “ ... to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and sat down. Had He continued He would have read, “ ... and the day of vengeance of our God.” This latter message will occur in the end time.

While the Church today preaches of this being the acceptable day of the Lord, in the day of which we write the message will contain a warning of the coming day of vengeance. According to Revelation 7:9, the result of the preaching will be a great multitude from all nations, that no man can number, turning to God to worship their Creator and Redeemer.

The call of the false prophet will be, “Worship the beast!” The call of the heavenly messenger will be “Worship God!”

FALL OF BABYLON

Rev 14:8 And another angel followed, saying, The great city, Babylon, has fallen, has fallen; because of the wine of the anger of her fornication; she has made all nations to drink.

Babylon (meaning “confusion”), in this scripture, is a city that has influenced all nations in an evil way. In Rev. 17:18, John, the revelator, is told, “The woman (Babylon) is that great city which reigns (present tense) over the kings of the earth.” Rome was that city then and will be in that day of which we write.

Today Rome is made up of a political system and a religious system. In the day to come political Rome under the Antichrist, not caring to share his power with any, will destroy Babylon (the Mother of Harlots and her city, the Vatican).

Any Roman Catholics who truly belong the Christ will, when this takes place, be in heaven with Yeshua. Many millions will unfortunately be left behind, as will millions who are “protestant” in name only.

A SOLEMN WARNING

Rev 14:9 And a third angel followed them, saying with a great voice, If anyone worships the beast and its image, and receives a mark in his forehead or in his hand,

Rev 14:10 he also will drink of the wine of the anger of God, having been mixed undiluted in the cup of His wrath. And he will be tormented by fire and brimstone before the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.

The previous verse speaks of those who have drunk the wine of the wrath of Rome. They are reminded that those who follow the beast and take his mark will partake of a stronger drink; the undiluted wine of the wrath of God. The destiny of beast worshipers will be inconceivable torment.

Rev 14:11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. And they have no rest day or night, those who worship the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.

“Will a God of love punish any of His creatures forever?” is often asked. As we see here, the answer is “Yes.” Revelation 20:10 also confirms this answer.

Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints. Here are the ones who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Saints of the Tribulation Period are asked for patience in view of the terrible consequences of beast worship. “They that endure unto the end shall be saved,” is a scripture intended for that day.

THE BLESSED DEAD

Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from Heaven saying to me, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they shall rest from their labors, and their works follow them.

A pronouncement of blessing is made to all who, at that time, die being the Lord’s. Death will be a release from suffering and an en-trance into life eternal. It will be a glorious testimony of faith in the precious Saviour; a reward from Him will follow.

THE HARVESTERS

Rev 14:14 And I looked, and behold, a white cloud. And on the cloud sat one like the Son of man, having a golden crown on His head, and a sharp sickle in His hand.

Rev 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying in a great voice to Him sitting on the cloud, Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth was dried.

Rev 14:16 And He sitting on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

This is harvest time and, as Yeshua taught His disciples, the reapers are the angels. He said the tares would be gathered first in bundles to be burned, then He would gather the wheat into His barns. The tares are much like the wheat and likely refer to many false sects and cults that are gathering followers today. Each is a bundle being gathered for burning. The wheat represents those who are of the first resurrection.

The Son of Man on a white cloud is the conductor of the harvest; he is the Lord of the harvest. The harvest (the first resurrection) will take place before the Lord’s return in glory, which we see in chapter 19.

This is not the only time the Lord is seen riding on a white cloud. In the latter days the Lord is seen riding into Egypt on a white cloud. It will be for destruction, deliverance, and blessing. Egypt has a great future in the millennial age. “Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance” (Isaiah 19:24,25).

THE GRAPE GATHERERS

Rev 14:17 And another angel came out of the temple in Heaven, also having a sharp sickle.

Rev 14:18 And another angel came out from the altar, who had authority over fire. And he spoke with a great cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.

Following the reaping of the harvest, the grapes of wrath are gathered for crushing. They are the wicked nations who will be gathered at the valley of Armageddon as the armies prepare to come from heaven. Demon spirits sent out from the mouths of the beast, the dragon, and the false prophet will, in part, cause this gathering. Again, God is using Satan as His instrument to do His bidding. Satan will be aware, by this time, of the coming invasion from outer space and will make a feeble, final stand, though he knows his efforts are hopeless (Rev. 16:13,14).

THE CRUSHING

Rev 14:19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the anger of God.

Rev 14:20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even to the bridles of the horses, for the space of a thousand, six hundred stadia.

These verses seem to carry us to Revelation 16:16 and the crushing that will follow that event. Blood as high as horses bridles for a distance of 176 miles, indicates the scope of this awful crushing in the wine-press of God’s wrath. Rain and hail will be mixed with the blood of countless thousands to accomplish this.

The Armageddon valley is many miles from Jerusalem and this wine-press will be trodden outside the city of Jerusalem. The valley that will be filled with blood may be the one formed when the Mount of Olives is split east and west by an earthquake. Zechariah tells of the events surrounding this. Christ will come and His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives and a great valley will be formed. Before this the Lord says, “I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle” (Zechariah 14:1—8). Perhaps, it is the nations fighting Jerusalem who will be destroyed, while those destroyed in the Armageddon Valley will be the reinforcements as they pour in. At any rate, God is going to gather the wicked and they are going to be crushed by the mighty power of God when He violently shakes the earth. Those things that seem so stable today will be violently moved by the fierce anger of the Lord.

He says the nations are as a drop in a bucket and as the fine dust on a weigh scale; so insignificant are the nations. But the Lord is great and greatly to be praised, always. Alleluia!

Chapter 14 has introduced us to the actors and taken us through the events that will take place from chapter 6 to Armageddon (Rev. 19:15).

Rev 15:1 And I saw another sign in Heaven, great and marvellous: seven angels with the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

In this chapter we see scenes in heaven, as the seven last plagues are prepared to bring destruction on the earth. The next chapter shows the results of these plagues upon the earth.

John sees seven angels with the seven last plagues. The number seven is very prominent in the book of Revelation. Seven is the number of earthly completeness and in this chapter it tells of the completeness of the wrath of God. It is used twice in this verse.

THE REDEEMED ON THE SEA OF GLASS

Rev 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire. And those who had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

In Revelation 4:6, all we saw was a sea of glass before the throne. Now we see the sea of glass crowded with the redeemed of the first resurrection. A sea of glass indicates calm, quietness, and peace, a condition that all those delivered from the great trial will experience. It is very evident that those who stand there are tribulation saints since they are victorious over the beast, his image, his name, and his number. Their sorrow is turned into joy and in their hands are the harps of God. In the same manner and at the same time, this great multitude has reached heaven through death and resurrection. How precious to see the redeemed in heaven, before God pours out His wrath upon the wicked.

Rev 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are Your works, Lord God Almighty, just and true are Your ways, O King of saints.

Rev 15:4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You only are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your righteousnesses were made known.

How they sing! What a precious occupation they have. Their song is the song of Moses and the Lamb; a song of victory and redemption through the mighty Conqueror and the great Redeemer. They lift their voices in praise and adoration to the Lord who is God and King, the Almighty, our Lord Yeshua the Christ.

They sing of His mighty works, His justice and truth, and of His holiness. They have experienced great deliverance by blood and by power and their praise extends to the day when all will worship Him. They are assured of this when they see His great judgments on the wicked. How they stand out in contrast to all the wicked characters in the experiences they have passed through.

THE OPEN TEMPLE IN HEAVEN

Rev 15:5 And after these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony was opened in Heaven.

Rev 15:6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and were tied at the breasts with golden bands.

Rev 15:7 And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever.

Rev 15:8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from His authority. And no one was able to enter into the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.

When Yeshua died upon the cross for the sins of the whole world, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom opening the way into the presence of God. Acceptance was then through the sacrifice of Yeshua only.

The writer of Hebrews tells us the earthly temple was patterned after what was in heaven (Heb. 9:23). What occurs on earth has its origin in the heavenly temple.

John sees the temple in heaven as an open temple. While the temple is open at this time, there is no admittance; even the angels, who appear to be priests in the temple above, make their exit. This is not because of sin on their part, for we see them clothed in pure white linen, which represents purity and righteousness.

The open temple, which was the place of acceptance, will now be the place of wrath—which is no place for the children of God. The God of acceptance has now become the God of wrath upon those who have rejected the sacrifice of Christ. From the altar of mercy will now flow the judgment and wrath of the rejected One.

The seven angels come out from the temple with the seven last plagues. One of the living creatures gives to each angel a vial of the wrath of God to pour on the earth. A scene similar has been recorded in Revelation 8: 1-6 before the sounding of the trumpets.

In the temple of Old Testament, the high priest entered with a censer filled with fire from the altar. The smoke that arose hid the face of God until the blood had been sprinkled within the holiest. The sacrifice was made so that those who waited outside would be acceptable to God.

We see no high priest enter here, for Yeshua entered once with His own blood. He is now there as our High Priest forever. He who required a sacrifice for sin became the sacrifice; He was the High Priest presenting His own blood for the sins of many. He now becomes the Judge of the rejecters of this sacrifice.

The open temple is filled with the smoke from the glory of God. This smoke proceeds from God, Himself, to hide His angry face from His redeemed people until He pours His wrath out upon the Christ-rejecters. The Christ, who you may neglect to receive as your sacrifice today, will become your judge tomorrow. But in wrath, He remembers mercy and hides His angry face from those whom He loves and who love Him.

Rev 16:1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go and pour out the vials of the anger of God on the earth.

The seven bowls of wrath complete the judgment and wrath of God upon the wicked. It ends with the massive destruction of evil doers when He comes to the earth in power and great glory to reign as King. The bowls immediately follow the last trumpet and occur during a short period that follows the Great Tribulation (Daniel 12:11).

Following this, in Daniel there is a further 45-day period culminating in kingdom blessing. During these days Daniel’s prophecy will be fulfilled when the great image (that represents the Gentile nations) will be crushed to powder and carried away by the wind (Daniel 2:35). The Stone that crushes them will become King. We call His name Yeshua.

Rev 16:2 And the first went and poured out his vial on the earth. And a bad and grievous sore fell on the men who had the mark of the beast, and on those who worshiped his image.

The first bowl of wrath inflicts beast worshipers with a hideous malignant sore. It may occur on the very spot where they display the mark of the beast. This mark will become a great aggravation to them in many different ways.

Rev 16:3 And the second angel poured out his vial on the sea. And it became like the blood of a dead one, and every living soul died in the sea.

At death, we are told that the blood of a dead person becomes deep purple in colour. This verse teaches that when the second bowl is poured out, the polluting of the sea will be complete so that every creature in it will die. Such contamination will wipe out a vital food supply and will further the famine and increase death which is already out of control.

Rev 16:4 And the third angel poured out his vial on the rivers and fountains of waters, and they became blood.

The water sources that once brought life-giving water are polluted, also bringing death to the inhabitants of the world.

Rev 16:5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, Righteous is the Lord, who is, and was, and who will be, because You have judged these things,

Rev 16:6 since they have poured out the blood of the saints and prophets; and You gave them blood to drink, for they were deserving.

There is an angel of God who is in charge of water sources. He will acknowledge the righteousness of God, in that day, when the water sources are defiled; for those who shed blood may now drink blood. It is their destiny; they are worthy of such.

Rev 16:7 And I heard another out of the altar saying, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.

Another being from heaven speaks, confirming the witness of the water angel that God’s judgments are true and righteous. Perhaps this one is the angel of mercy, but mercy has been rejected by the inhabitants of the earth.

Rev 16:8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial onto the sun. And it was given to him to burn men with fire.

Rev 16:9 And men were burned with great heat. And they blasphemed the name of God, He having authority over these plagues. And they did not repent in order to give Him glory.

God is able to make the sun hot or cool. Isaiah prophesied,”.. . the sun shall be seven-fold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the Lord binds up the breach of his people, and heals the stroke of their wound. Behold, the name of the Lord comes from far, burning with His anger (Isaiah 30:26,27). “For, behold, the day comes, that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, all that do wickedly shall be stubble (Malachi 4:1). Then following this great scorching, another sun will rise, “the Son of righteousness. . . with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2).

Then we discover a wonderful thing! The wicked believe in God! These wicked of all wicked—these atheistic and godless men—they believe in God! They blaspheme the One who has power over these plagues. They denied Him in His mercy, but now acknowledge Him in wrath. But they do not worship or repent. God has given them up.

Rev 16:10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom became darkened. And they gnawed their tongues from the pain.

Rev 16:11 And they blasphemed the God of Heaven because of their pains and their sores. And they did not repent of their deeds.

Blazing sun! Scorching heat! Suddenly darkness comes on the kingdom of the beast. We are reminded in the account of the Exodus, of a darkness which came upon the land of Egypt, that could be felt. It is that kind of darkness here. These men loved darkness rather than light. In fact, they have been a part of that kingdom for a long time. This darkness makes them gnaw their wicked tongues, but it is small release.

Once again they spend their hours blaspheming a God that they said did not exist. Such fools they are! The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God!” But words cannot eliminate God.

They looked for relief from the scorching sun and God gave them darkness—but they are not pleased.

There is little hope that electrical power stations will be functioning at this late date and candles will likely melt in the scorching heat. Even the sun refuses to shine on them. Referring to that day, the prophet said it would be a day of thick darkness. Yet they repented not—but blasphemed. The better they know God, the more they curse.

Rev 16:12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial on the great river Euphrates. And its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the rising of the sun might be prepared.

This is the second time in less than seven years that these armies have moved toward Jerusalem. Under the sixth trumpet in chapter 9, they moved west to destroy one-third of mankind. That likely occurred at the time the kings of the north moved down, only to be destroyed and driven back to Siberia (Joel 2:20). Now they move again, but this time for destruction. All armies of the east will come and be destroyed.

Rev 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

Rev 16:14 For they are spirits of demons, working miracles, which go forth to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that day, the great day of God Almighty.

These verses show us the motivating forces that draw the nations east of the Euphrates to come down upon Israel. Demon spirits will come from the mouths of the trio of wickedness. They are miracle-working demons sent out from these demon-possessed men to deceive the whole world to lead their armies to destruction. Perhaps the dragon—who is the devil-believes he has a chance against God if he can bring all nations to fight. After all, there is strength in unity; even the scriptures teach this. However, there is no strength when unity is gathered together against God.

Rev 16:15 Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is the one who watches and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.

Almost as if waiting for the gathering of the nations, the Lord speaks to all of His people who read these words, reminding them of His coming as a thief. Quietly and unannounced He will come in the darkness of this world’s night. In 1 Thessalonians 5:2 we read, “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night.” That day of the Lord begins with the period of wrath, which precedes the coming of the Lord in power and great glory, bringing destruction upon all the wicked, to take out of His kingdom all things that offend. Of the Church, Paul writes, “Ye brethren are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. . . for God has not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Yeshua” (1 Thes. 5:4,9). We will obtain this full salvation when He comes for us before those dark days. In view of the coming of Christ, a godly walk is required.

The prophecy continues following the exhortation.

Rev 16:16 And he gathered them into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

Except for the vast prairies of western Canada, there is nothing so impressive in its expanse. There is certainly no place like it in Israel where forces could be marshalled for regrouping. Napoleon said it was a valley where all the armies of the world could gather at one time, and indeed it is just that. It is called the valley of Jehoshaphat and Joel 3:2 says, while prophesying about these days in Revelation, “I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat and will judge them there.”

This verse shows that God will bring the nations there. Even the demon spirits must do His bidding when He directs.

Rev 16:17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air. And a great voice came out of the temple of Heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done!

As the seventh angel pours out his bowl into the air there is a voice which immediately responds in heaven. The words uttered are of great significance. We are reminded of the words of Yeshua prior to His death on the cross, “It is finished!” He cried. The work that could save mankind was finished on the cross.

Rev 16:18 And voices and thunders and lightnings occurred. And there was a great earthquake, such as has not been since men were on the earth, so mighty and so great an earthquake.

Here we see the results of the final bowl of God’s wrath upon the wicked.

In Revelation 11:19, we saw these same events coming out of the seventh trumpet. This is easy to understand when we remember that all bowls have come from the seventh trumpet. Chapter 11 does not say what follows the seventh trumpet, but chapter 16 does. Similarly, chapters 11, 14, 15, 16, and 19, all bring us to these final scenes of wrath, each going a little beyond the chapter before.

The nations are gathered in the valley; word has reached them of a coming invasion from the heavens. They are very uneasy and fearful. Darkness closes in, though it is not night, and thunder begins to roll in increasing fierceness. Incessant lightning adds to the unrest. Then suddenly an earthquake strikes—greater than any the earth has experienced in all its history—and the earth rocks and rolls.

Rev 16:19 And the great city came to be into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give to her the cup of the wine of the anger of His wrath.

The great city (the city of Rome, called Babylon)—which had already been burned with fire—is now torn apart, while the great cities of the nations crumble. “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says God.

These great cities with their loose ordinances, their violence, their wickedness and injustices will be shaken. These cities, with their foolish pride and their new degenerate morality, which is really old immorality, who have crushed righteousness, justice, and the good, are now shaken like the winnowed grain.

Mountains suddenly sink and islands disappear as the earth is terribly shaken by the Lord. But shaking is not all; crushing must follow (Daniel 2:35).

Rev 16:21 And a great hail, as the size of a talent, came down out of the heaven on men. And men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague of it was exceedingly great.

What a crushing that will be as every hailstone will weigh some 100 pounds. They will fall from the skies and roll down every mountain into the valleys. There will be no escape and those proud nations—so sadly depleted already—will blaspheme the God they failed to acknowledge in grace, but have gotten to know through His judgments. Isaiah has truly said, “The hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters shall overflow the hiding place” (Is. 28:17). Also in Isaiah 28:22, “I have heard from the Lord God of hosts of a destruction, even determined upon the whole earth.”

The Mother Of Harlots

In this chapter we continue with the actors of the end time.

Rev 17:1 And one of the seven angels who had the seven vials came and talked with me, saying to me, Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot sitting on many waters,

The first actor has several names, but none flatter her. Verse 1 calls her the “great harlot” who sits on many waters. Verse 15 tells us that the “waters” are people, multitudes, nations, and languages. “To sit upon shows authority. Who is this woman whose judgment is about to be revealed?

Rev 17:2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and became drunk with the wine of her fornication, those inhabiting the earth.

In that day, many kings will associate with this corrupt one and share in her practices for convenience sake.

Spiritual fornication exchanges the true for the false, truth for error, Godly association for worldly association, heaven’s values for earth’s values, and love for lust. Scripture declares, “Friendship of the world is enmity with God, whosoever will be the friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

The inhabitants of the world have shared her evil practices and have become unstable by her. Therefore, the second clue to her identity is that she is corrupt and a corrupter.

Rev 17:3 And he carried me away into a desert by the Spirit. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored beast, filled with names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

The woman is seen riding a scarlet-coloured beast with seven heads and ten horns. Being in the saddle shows she has control. This beast she rides is easily identified. The seven heads are seven hills (Rev. 17:9), and Rome is the city of the seven hills. The ten horns are ten kings that will arise and give their power to this beast in the end time (Rev. 17:10). They are the ten toes of the image in Daniel 2:41 and show the condition of the Roman Empire in its revised and final state. The scarlet colour represents the sinful character of this beast, or perhaps, the communistic (police state) character of Rome in the end time.

Again we ask, who is this one whose dwelling place in on the seven hills of Rome?

Rev 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet. And she was gilded with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication.

“Clothed in purple” depicts royalty, as this one considers herself a queen (Rev. 18:7). The scarlet clothing shows her sinfulness and rebelliousness. The gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls represent her worldliness and riches derived by selling herself to the ignorant and unsuspecting.

She holds the proceeds of filthiness and abominations. She passes not a tin cup, but a gold one. This could represent her begging quality. She is a beggar, bereft of all good.

Rev 17:5 And on her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

What’s in a name? It is impossible to detail the wickedness that is in this one. “Babylon” illustrates mixing and confusion, therefore, this one is a mystery of confusion. She has mixed truth with error and good with bad.

“The Great” emphasizes the quality of her evil ways. The “Mother of Harlots” shows that she reproduces more of her kind; those who follow her wicked doctrines and practices.

Who is this one:

—who is a mother but proves to he false
—who corrupts and is corrupting others
—who confuses those seeking truth
—whose location is on the seven-hilled city of Rome
—who controls Kings and peoples all over the world
—who is rich and yet a beggar with a golden cup
—whose proceeds are the gains of wicked practices
—who will one day ride the man of sin to power

She is Rome, that wicked city that reigns over the kings of the earth (Rev. 17:18). Her history is full of all that is mentioned. Sometimes she appears to have mellowed, but in her heart she will have no rivals to her power. She is adept at following the (political) wind for survival. Currently, her connections with the Mafia are being questioned as hundreds of millions of dollars are missing from her bank.

Rev 17:6 And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with a great marvelling.

“Drunken with the blood of the saints” illustrates so aptly the wicked inquisitions, showing her hate for the true church of God. Her actions with the beast will only add to her wickedness.

Rev 17:7 And the angel said to me, Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, that has the seven heads and ten horns.

Rev 17:8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to ascend out of the abyss and go into perdition. And those dwelling on the earth will marvel, those whose names were not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

The angel questions John concerning his great wonderment or amazement regarding this wicked one. To explain who this wicked woman is, the angel begins to describe the beast whom she rides. This is done to show the closeness of the association between the woman and the beast.

The angel describes a beast having seven heads and ten horns who once lived and who was not living at that time. He said this beast will one day come from the bottomless pit. The seven heads and ten horns of this beast identify him with the first beast of chapter 13:1. They also identify him with the kings of the revised Roman empire, which is taught in the prophecy of Daniel 2 by the ten toes of the image. The people of the world will be amazed in that day to see this one who once lived and died and who lives again.

Rev 17:9 And here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits.

Here we learn the secret of the seven heads with which both the woman and the beast are associated. The seven heads are seven mountains, giving the location of the woman. The seven heads on the beast also places him in the same location, the seven-hilled city of Rome.

Watch this video for in-depth analysis and history of this MOTHER OF HARLOTS [see also HERE after watching video]

Rev 17:10 And there are seven kings; five have fallen, and one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time.

The seven heads also refer to seven kings of Rome. Five of these had fallen (passed away) at the time John was being shown these things. One was reigning at that time and another would take the throne but only for a short period.

To understand this we begin at the one who was reigning as John is writing. History reveals that Domitian was emperor of Rome at that time. History tells us that the five rulers who reigned before Domitian were Claudius, Nero, Galba, Vespasian, and Titus. The one who had not reigned yet and who followed Domitian was Nerva whose reign was very short.

Rev 17:11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goes into perdition.

In this verse we are informed that the beast whom the woman rides will be the eighth king and he will also be one of the seven who had died. This could only be if one of the seven returns from the dead. This is what will happen, but how it will happen is the subject of debate (false resurrection and/or cloning perhaps?). One of the seven kings of Rome who has died will come out of the bottomless pit (verse 8). The other question is, “Which one?”

We are informed in Revelation 13:18 that the number of this coming king, 666, will be the number of a man. Therefore we must find out which of the seven kings mentioned has a name that numbers 666.

In some languages there is a number corresponding to each letter of the alphabet. There is one of the kings mentioned whose name numbers 666 in Latin (ancient Roman). If we take the name Nero (in Latin, Neron) we get the following:

N E R 0 N
50 + 6 + 500 + 60 + 5O = 666

According to William Barclay, who was a lecturer in New Testament languages in Glasgow, the name of Nero Caesar adds up to 666 in Hebrew also. Neron Kesar is the Hebrew pronunciation for Nero Caesar, and is shown in its Hebrew spelling in the below graphic.

“It has been documented by archaeological finds that a first century Hebrew spelling of Nero's name provides us with precisely the value of 666. Jastrow's lexicon of the Talmud contains this very spelling.” - Source: Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr., The Beast of Revelation, rev. ed. (Powder Springs, GA: American Vision, 2001), chap. 3. Also see Charles, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Revelation of St. John, 1:367.

From our understanding of the scriptures, it appears certain that the beast of the latter days will be Nero Caesar. Nero was the one who fed the early Christians to the lions, who covered them in pitch and used them as torches to light his evil games, and who murdered his own mother. The beast of the past will be the beast again. He will be the wicked impersonator of the Christ [false/counterfeit/anti- Christ] who died and rose again.

Rev 17:12 And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings, who have received no kingdom yet, but will receive authority as kings one hour with the beast.

Rev 17:13 These have one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.

The ten horns are the same ones mentioned in Daniel 7:7, which shows the iron kingdom of Rome in its final form supported by ten kings, three of whom are later subdued. In Daniel chapter 2, they are shown as ten toes on the image.

Rome will be revived during Daniel’s 70th week of 7 years, which will precede the coming of Christ in glory. Rome will not be in its imperial form, but it will be supported by ten nations who will give their power to the leader of Rome, the beast. It will be an empire of strength and weakness, as the iron and clay of Daniel 2 suggests.

The two legs of Daniel’s image depict the break-up of the Old Roman Empire into two sectors, the East and the West. In the last days, five kings from the West and five from the East will give their power to the beast.

Russia’s sweep from the north into Israel and beyond may help solidify this arrangement of "global nations". Regardless, the reign of the ten kings will be very short.

Rev 17:14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them. For He is Lord of lords and King of kings. And those with Him are the called and elect and faithful ones.

The scene mentioned in this verse takes place in Revelation 19:19 during the return of the Lord in glory. He is seen with his chosen ones in Revelation 19:11-14. The action of the kings reveals their despicable character.

Rev 17:15 And he says to me, The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues,

This refers to Revelation 17:1 and answers the meaning of the “many waters where the harlot sits,” as a universal [global] system of religion and wickedness. This harlot not only will sit upon the beast on that day, but will be seated upon, or be in control of, many nations globally.

Rev 17:16 and the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her desolate and naked. And they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire.

While wanting the best of both worlds, an association with the religious system and an association with the beast, she gains neither. The beast and ten kings are grateful for her help in their rise to power, but she now becomes an obstacle. The beast will have no rival to his power so she must be destroyed. With the ten kings united against her, she is unseated, then destroyed. Fire and smoke rise to mark where she once reigned in pride.

Rev 17:17 For God gave into their hearts to do His mind, and to act with one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast until the Words of God will be fulfilled.

It was God who moved the hearts of these kings to do His will. For centuries, God has observed her sinfulness and gross wickedness, but now His patience is exhausted and in one short hour she is destroyed. “Vengeance is mine I will repay, says the Lord.” Political Rome will finally destroy religious Rome.

Rev 17:18 And the woman whom you saw is the great city which has a kingdom over the kings of the earth.

This verse dispels any doubt as to who this woman—the mother of harlots, called mystery Babylon—is. She is the city that was reigning over the world when John was writing. That city was Rome, therefore the woman is also Rome.

To summarize chapter 17, in the days of which we write, Vatican Rome will control the rise to power of political Rome. This is indicated as we see her in the saddle riding and directing the movements of the beast (Rev. 17:3). Ten nations will be encouraged by her to give their power to the beast (Antichrist). When that power is consolidated, the beast becomes supreme and the woman is discarded and destroyed by the ten kings. Religious Rome is destroyed by Political Rome.

Chapter 18 reveals the destruction of this apostate system, the harlot, and false bride. In the 19th chapter we will read of the marriage of the Church—the true bride, to the Lamb of God—Yeshua the Christ.

Rev 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from Heaven, having great authority. And the earth was lighted up from his glory.

Rev 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great has fallen, has fallen! And it has become the dwelling-place of demons, and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a cage of every unclean bird which has been hated,

“Is fallen, is fallen,” possibly refers to a system which has fallen twice: fallen spiritually and fallen physically. What is heralded as being the dwelling place of God, is the dwelling place of every hateful and wicked thing—including demon spirits. How fitting are Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4:1, “Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats.” The phrase "commanding to abstain from meats" is indicative of a religious system that seeks justification before God by Law or "works", versus that of humble acceptance to the sacrifice of the Lamb of God - Yeshua of Nazareth.

Rev 18:3 because of the wine of the anger of her fornication which all the nations have drunk. And the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her. And the merchants of the earth became rich from the power of her luxury.

She asks each nation to join in her fornication; to accept her doctrines, her authority, and her cup of wickedness. Those who refuse must drink her cup of wrath. It has been like this throughout the centuries, and will be even more so in the days of which we write, and which are not far off.

The kings of the earth have become rich while trafficking with her and for her. A love for her has not promoted this, but a lust for earthy gain.

Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from Heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that you may not be partakers of her sins, and that you may not receive of her plagues.

Is she so bad that the only hope for God’s true people is to “come out?” Yes, there must be no compromise with her. We must leave her evil doctrines and wicked practices; to continue means pollution and wrath. Martin Luther found the only way—that was “out”—and millions have followed in his steps.

Can we not stay and strengthen her stakes and help to brighten her candle? No, as a system she is already God-forsaken and wrath must follow. She was given time to repent, but she did not.

Rev 18:5 For her sins joined together, even up to Heaven, and God has remembered her unjust deeds.

Her end will be wrath and destruction, for her sins have reached unto heaven. The sky has been the limit for her evil deeds and God does not forget. The books of earth could not contain the records of her evil works, but the 'computers of God' have recorded all. How many little boys and girls has she polluted and defiled? How many young women has she enslaved? How many youths with good desires has she deceived? The Lord remembers all!

Rev 18:6 Reward her as she has rewarded you, and double to her double, according to her works. In the cup which she mixed, mix double to her.

God, who rewards everyone for their works, will reward her with double wrath for all the wrath she has displayed.

Rev 18:7 As much as she has glorified herself and has lived in luxury, so much torment and sorrow give her. For she says in her heart, I sit as a queen, and I am not a widow; and I do not see mourning at all.

How much has she glorified herself? We cannot answer, but God knows. The true church, the first church, the Vicar of Christ, a queen—she calls herself these names. She is also praised by those who conveniently use her to promote their questionable ways.

For all the glory she has taken for, and given to, herself, she will receive torment and sorrow. Astride the beast, she sits like a queen, but she will never reign, for her destruction comes suddenly.

Rev 18:8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day, death and mourning and famine. And she will be consumed with fire, for the Lord God who judges her is strong.

She relished many centuries of delicious living, success, and satisfaction; then in one day her plagues will come. Though she claimed true riches, it was cankered gold and rusted treasure, for she had laid up for herself treasures on earth.

For her wasted life she receives death, for her sullied joy—mourning, and for fullness of bread—famine. How different from those who seek true riches, who may endure sorrow for a night but for whom joy comes in the morning.

Rev 18:9 And the kings of the earth who have committed fornication and lived in luxury with her will weep for her, and will wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning;

Rev 18:10 standing afar off for fear of her torment, saying, Woe! Woe to the great city, Babylon, that strong city! For in one hour your judgment came.

These kings were leaders that trafficked with her in various parts of the world that she controlled. (They are not to be confused with the ten kings that destroyed her.) With these she shared her luxurious and delicate living. Now she is levelled "in one hour" and they stand afar and weep for her. Or is it more so for themselves?

Rev 18:11 And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their cargo any more;

What a grand picture of commercialism in her hour of bankruptcy. Her merchandise has become theirs too, and it will no longer sell. Their tears are not for her, but for themselves because of their large inventory of worthless goods.

Rev 18:12 the cargo of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and every ivory vessel, and every vessel of very precious wood, and of bronze, and of iron, and of marble,

Rev 18:13 and cinnamon, and incenses, and ointment, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

She trafficked in such a diverse inventory! She had excelled, not in feeding the flock, but in fleecing them. She had impoverished others while enriching herself. She pays her highest price for the souls of men; sought after to enrich and strengthen herself.

The great deceiver began this woman’s program to win souls, not for God, but for his kingdom. He introduced “purgatory” fully knowing that its proper name is “hades” or “hell”, from where there is no escape.

We are reminded of many things she used in her worship: her royal attire, garnish for her church buildings, statues and crosses, rosaries and golden vessels, bread of the mass, a wafer god, and wine that made her priests drunk. There were, also, slaves she trafficked in, who, while living in poverty, have enriched her by doing her bidding. In the pretence of leading them to salvation, they have become the chattels of profligate men. They have been slaves indeed.

We are aware that in this system there are many precious souls who love the Saviour. We know this because He calls to them, “Come Out of her my people” (verse 4). Today, multitudes are moving out of bondage and deception and into the free grace of God and liberty of the Holy Spirit.

Rev 18:14 And the fruits of the lust of your soul have departed from you, and all the fat things and the bright things departed from you, and you will find them no more, not at all.

Her fruits have departed, her treasure is gone, and her table is empty. What an epitaph to this one who had great possessions and need of nothing, all because she did not want the enduring and truly rewarding fruits of the Spirit.

Rev 18:15 The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, will stand afar off because of the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning

Her merchants were strange friends! They rubbed their hands and smiled as they shared her riches, but shrink back when they see her torments. They were friends of convenience like those of the prodigal son.

Rev 18:16 and saying, Woe! Woe to the great city which was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!

It is quite evident that these merchants are not concerned with, nor weep because of, any spiritual qualities of this harlot. They think only of her great riches.

Rev 18:17 For in one hour such great riches was desolated. And every ship-pilot, and all the company on the ships, and sailors, and as many as work the sea, stood afar off.

Rev 18:18 And they cried out, seeing the smoke of her burning, saying, What is like the great city?

Rev 18:19 And they threw dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, Woe! Woe to the great city, by which all who had ships in the sea were rich out of her costliness! For in one hour she was ruined.

Rome’s political, ecclesiastical, and commercial empire will increase over many years, but will be destroyed in one hour of one day. A great city and great riches will give way to great desolation and great weeping. Again, there are no tears for good spiritual qualities—only for bankruptcy. The universal weeping shows the universal control she had—but no more.

Rev 18:20 Rejoice over her, Heaven, and the holy apostles, and the prophets, since God judged your judgment on her.

While the people on earth weep and wail at the destruction of this system of defilement, the saints in heaven are called to rejoice. It is clear that the day of grace has ended, for in it we are called to love our enemies and to pray for them. Here, however, the saints are called to rejoice over their destruction. It is the day of vengeance; the acceptable day of the Lord has passed.

Rev 18:21 And one strong angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, So on an impulse the great city, Babylon, will be thrown down and not at all will be found any more.

Rev 18:22 And the voice of harpers, and of musicians. and flutists, and of trumpeters will be heard no more at all in you. And every craftsman of any craft will not be found any more in you. And the sound of a mill will never more be heard at all in you.

The stillness of death rests over her dwelling place. Her last tune has faded away; her last activity ended and she cannot be found. She has experienced total desolation.

Rev 18:23 And the light of a lamp will never more shine at all in you. And the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride will never more be heard at all in you. For your merchants were the great ones of the earth; for by your sorceries all nations were deceived.

Darkness has engulfed this one who falsely claimed to have eternal light. These are the "Illuminati" (translates to 'enlightened ones' in Latin) as some call themselves even today; who in reality hid the light from others with her huge shadow of lies and deception. She had deceived all nations.

How apt the words of scripture are when applied to the city and system that held all others in contempt. “If the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness.” - Matthew 6:23

Her merchants were great and powerful men on earth, but lacked the qualities of true greatness that God desires, and rewards with eternal blessings.

Rev 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all those who were slain on the earth.

It should be pointed out that some scholars now believe this final city of Babylon is relocated in Iraq after being displaced from Rome as a religious/political capital. For more on this view, please go HERE.

Rev 19:1 And after these things I heard a great sound of a numerous crowd in Heaven, saying, Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and honor and the power to the Lord our God!

We see many people in heaven! How truly wonderful! For centuries men have talked about heaven, and heavenly mansions have been the theme of many hymns. In this scripture, true Christians are there and all are one, even as Yeshua prayed that we would be (John 17:20).

It speaks of one voice and one song—a song of praise unto our Lord. We have not all arrived at once, but we have all arrived! Praise God! Some have arrived through death, while others have been translated without seeing death. The first resurrection has, of course, taken place by this time so all are there.

In Revelation 4, we saw the Church in heaven placing her crowns at His feet. In chapter 7:9 and again in chapter 15:2, the great multitude from the Tribulation is seen in heaven. With this positive evidence from the Word of God, it is odd that some would say that there will be no people in heaven.

Yeshua spoke of heaven as “His Father’s house”—a place of many mansions. He has promised to take us there one day (John 14). The people in heaven are singing praises unto the Lord. In Psalm 68:4 we have an exhortation, “Sing praises unto God, sing praises to His name; extol Him that rides upon the heavens by His name, Jah, and rejoice before Him.” “Jah” —pronounced “eeah”—is one of the names of our Lord and “alleluia” means “Praise you Jah.” We do not have to wait until heaven to praise Him, but He should always be the praise of our hearts and lips

Rev 19:2 For true and righteous are His judgments. For He has judged the great harlot who defiled the earth with her fornication, and He has avenged the blood of His servants out of her hand.

Their praise ascends because of vengeance on the harlot, and God administering His justice.

Rev 19:3 And secondly they said, Hallelujah! And her smoke rose up forever and ever.

Again, Alleluia! Never before in scripture have we read the word “alleluia,” yet, here it is repeated four times within a few verses; three in response to the destruction and torment of the wicked harlot. Only smoke remains to mark her cursed place.

Rev 19:4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God sitting on the throne, saying, Amen! Hallelujah!

We see the 24 elders who, we strongly suggest, represent the redeemed of the Church Age. They enter into this praise accompanied by the living ones who have the attributes of Yeshua. There can be no doubt that this is the day of vengeance, for in the age of grace vengeance was not permitted. Now, however, they are rejoicing in vengeance.

There have been many who have preached of a God of love who would not eternally punish any of His creatures. They will not understand the attitude of the righteous as they rejoice in vengeance, but it is God who has called for this rejoicing—even the God of love.

What many do not care to acknowledge is that God is also just, and a just God cannot free the guilty apart from paying the penalty for their crime. There is only one way that God can be just and still free the guilty. This can only happen when the guilty party acknowledges that Yeshua paid for his crime and he believes in Yeshua (Romans 3:26).

Rev 19:5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all His servants, and the ones fearing Him, the small and great.

Rev 19:6 And I heard as the sound of a great multitude, and as the sound of many waters, and as the sound of strong thunders, saying, Hallelujah! For the Lord God omnipotent reigns!

Rev 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice and we will give glory to Him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has prepared herself.

Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white. For the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints.

Too many teach error today. We refer to their statements that, when the Lord comes from heaven, His Church "a.k.a. Body of Christ" will meet Him in the air to return to earth with Him.

The truth is: the Church of Christ—His Bride—will meet Him in the air and be taken to heaven for approximately seven years [the Bridal Week] before His coming to earth. Yeshua spoke clearly of this event in John 14. This return is a totally separate return to the "second coming" spoken of in both the old and new testament, as Paul speaks of this return as a "mystery" in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 15.

In this 19th chapter of Revelation we see the Church in heaven, ready for the marriage of the Lamb. “His wife has made herself ready.” These words are very significant. The Church was not made ready for heaven since the blood of Christ did that. She chose Him by faith when He, through His death, made His proposal of salvation to her. The Church then became His through faith.

When a man proposes to a lady and she accepts, by faith they belong to each other. Still, there is much preparation required before the wedding day. Likewise, here, the bride has been accepted, but now she must make herself ready for the wedding ceremony.

Let us clarify the “personal readiness” of the bride—the Church, the Body. Positionally, she was ready when she embraced Christ, but conditionally she is prepared by the washing of the Word. This process continues through the lifetime of the child of God and will culminate at the judgment seat of Christ. Accordingly, this has taken place in heaven and the bride is completely clean, as the “fine linen, clean and white” suggests. She is now “without spot or blemish or any such thing” as the scripture declares (Ephesians 5:27).

There are some who teach—in error—that God, in these last days, is perfecting a select group whose condition will be perfected upon the earth “without spot or blemish or any such thing”; this group being the special bride of Christ. They seem to forget about all the blood-washed saints of the past 2,000 years who are also a part of the bride [Body] of Christ. All saints will be perfected in that day.

The blood of Yeshua, God’s Son, cleanses us from all sin. True righteousness is received by faith only. Righteousness sought for by human endeavour, through the works of the law, is self-righteousness—a thing God dislikes. Nothing but the application of the blood of Christ by faith can make you safe. Nothing but the application of the Word of God by faith can make you sure, and the application of the Spirit by faith can make you happy and fruitful.

The scripture says of that coming day, “We shall be like Him.”

WEDDING GUESTS

Rev 19:9 And he said to me, Write, Blessed are those who have been called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said to me, These are the true sayings of God.

A blessing is pronounced upon the wedding guests; those called to the marriage. The guests do not include the bride, as it is she and the bridegroom who invite them. We suggest that they are the martyred tribulation saints who will be raised at the first resurrection.

Perhaps you are saying there is no indication in prophecy that the tribulation saints will be translated to heaven. Really there need not be, for friends are not invited to a wedding until just before the event. It is sufficient to say that they are called to the marriage in heaven at this time. Certainly, He will not leave out His friends.

Rev 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said to me, See, do not do it! I am your fellow servant, and of your brothers who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

This revelation so overwhelms John that he falls to worship the angel. So tremendous is this message that it makes him glorify its messenger. This we must never do, no matter how successful the messenger is. All glory belongs to God Himself. The angel was very aware of this and did not want glory for himself; therefore, he corrects John.

It is the testimony of Jesus/Yeshua alone that is the Spirit of prophecy; the testimony of angels will not do. If we want success in our ministry we must testify of Jesus/Yeshua.

THE SECOND COMING

Rev 19:11 And I saw Heaven opened. And behold, a white horse! And He sitting on him was called Faithful and True. And in righteousness He judges and makes war.

Rev 19:12 And His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head many crowns. And He had a name written, one that no one knew except Himself.

Rev 19:13 And He had been clothed in a garment dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

In many groups, much confusion surrounds the second coming of Yeshua—His second coming to the earth. He came first as a babe at Bethlehem. Before the second coming occurs the Church is in heaven, as we have seen in Revelation 5:9. The saints from the Tribulation Period are there (Rev. 7:14, 15:2) having been brought with the first resurrection (Rev. 11:11,12).

All is ready for the great invasion from outer space. First, we see the King of Kings mounted on His white horse. He is called Faithful and True and the Word of God—we call him Jesus/Yeshua. He has been crowned with many crowns and is ready to fight a righteous war upon the earth and to judge the wicked who defy His rule.

The vesture dipped in blood depicts the One who trod alone in the winepress of God’s wrath by shedding His blood upon the cross for our sins. He will now tread upon the wicked, who rejected God’s mercy, in the great winepress of Armageddon where, at this time, the nations will gather.

The Word of God speaks of that One who was the Word manifest in the flesh, who dwelt for a time in this world. The lowly Yeshua is now the KING OF KINGS and a mighty warrior.

Rev 19:14 And the armies in Heaven followed Him on white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

Scripture declares that He comes with clouds. Here we see clouds of white horses followed by all the armies of heaven clothed in white raiment. Notice it says “armies,” not “army.” All who come will not be of the same company, but all belong to Him and are with Him. You will notice that we wear white because He wore red. His blood has made us clean.

Rev 19:15 And out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, so that with it He should strike the nations. And He will shepherd them with a rod of iron. And He treads the winepress of the wine of the anger and of the wrath of Almighty God.

This sword is the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—by which the wicked will be destroyed. He spoke the word and worlds were formed. By that same Word, destruction will come. His word has greater power than all the armaments of man. Before it, the hydrogen bomb is but a plaything. The destruction that follows His word is compared to a winepress where men are gathered like grapes and crushed under the power of God.

“He shall rule them with a rod of iron” shows the firmness and absolute control of this Conqueror. No news media or mass demonstration will be allowed to alter His decisions, nor diplomats modify His rule. No longer will the world have to endure the nauseating political manoeuvring of party politics seen today, where decisions are made for political and party advantage instead of for truth and justice. His government will be just and perfect; the evil-doers will be punished and virtuous ones will be free. This is so unlike the judgments of today.

There are many references to that great day when Christ will come to reign. It will be a strange day. There will be no light or darkness but there will be light in the evening (Zechariah 14:7). In that day a river of water will flow from Jerusalem (Zech. 14:4-8). Isaiah says of it, “Behold the Lord comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity” (Isaiah 27:21), and again in Zechariah, “The Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with these” (Zech. 14:5).

Rev 19:16 And He has on His garment, and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

The identity of this monarch is above speculation. Volumes have been written about Him and hymns by the score tell of His great worth—He is Yeshua the Christ (Rev. 20:4). He is the LORD (Yahweh) and the LORD shall be king over all the earth. “In that day shall there be one Lord and His name one” (Zech. 14:9). He is the eternal Word, Yahweh God, our Saviour and Redeemer. Praise His name!

Rev 19:17 And I saw one angel standing in the sun. And he cried with a great voice, saying to all the birds that fly in mid-heaven, Come and gather together to the supper of the great God,

Rev 19:18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of commanders, and the flesh of strong ones, and the flesh of horses, and those sitting on them, and the flesh of all, both free and slave, both small and great.

An angel, who is standing in the sun and knows the language of the birds, is calling them to a great supper; a supper prepared by God with the choicest fare—men and horses. How sad that they should hear his voice and obey, when beings of superior intelligence didn’t hear, until too late. Perhaps an impending signs of that day will be when the birds of the world fly for the Holy land. By then it will be too late for man to change. God will call the birds to come and clean up the carcasses of the dead.

In that day, it appears the horse will again be used for warfare. This is understandable since great wars will rage shortly before this time bringing great destruction.

There will be a terrible slaughter when the great armies of the north move to Israel and Egypt, only to be destroyed on the mountains of Judea (Ezekiel 38 and 39). Joel chapter 2 also reveals great war near the end of the days. While in Revelation 9, we saw a great eastern horde who will kill one-third of mankind. Population explosion will turn to mass population decrease in those days.

Rev 19:19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth and their armies, being gathered to make war against Him who sat on the horse, and against His army.

The irrational audacity of Satan and his people is seen in this final gathering of the nations against Christ the King. True, they had joined forces before to exterminate Christ. In that effort they succeeded only because the death of the Saviour was necessary, in God’s plan, to bring salvation to lost and fallen sinners. It is now God’s plan that Christ shall reign as King upon the earth, so all their efforts against Him will be futile.

Satan never seems to learn that God is using him as a tool to fulfill His purposes in this world. It has always been so. Neither has the wicked one learned that the death and resurrection of Christ caused his utter defeat. He tries again against this One and His army from outer space. He will probably deceive the nations on that day by stating that the invading ones are from another planet. On television, through space fiction, he is already preparing man for this event.

Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet doing signs before it, (by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast), and those who had worshiped his image. The two were thrown alive into the Lake of Fire burning with brimstone.

The battle is soon over and all the casualties are on one side. The two leaders are cast into the lake of fire to be tormented day and night, forever and ever. They are false teachers who teach against eternal punishment of the wicked; they are deceived (2 Timothy 3:13). In Revelation 20:10 we see them still in torment after 1,000 years.

Rev 19:21 And the rest were slain by the sword of Him who sat on the horse, it proceeding out of His mouth. And all the birds were filled from their flesh.

We have previously described this great destruction in chapter 14:20. How well the prophet Malachi has prophesied, “ ... and you shall tread down the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in that day” (Malachi 4:3). However, for the children of God, the Sun of Righteousness has risen. Praise His Holy name! The sword is the Word of God. The fowls partake of the supper prepared for them.

Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from Heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand.

Rev 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.

Rev 20:3 And he cast him into the abyss and shut him up and set a seal on him, that he should deceive the nations no more until the thousand years should be fulfilled. And after that he must be loosed a little time.

It is evident as we retrace the history of man back to its beginning, that there has been an evil agent executing a plan of deception against the Creator. God has permitted this evil one to do particular things to fulfill His purposes.

The name “the old serpent” gives him away as we recall his deception of our first parents in Eden. With the coming of the new age, he will no longer be needed. Therefore, we see him bound and cast powerless into the bottomless pit which is sealed by God.

Why, you may ask, did God not bind him and place him in the pit when man was created? God had a purpose for him in this world. God wanted a people to love Him and serve Him freely; therefore, it was necessary to have another desiring their allegiance. Everyone coming into this world has to make a decision to serve one or the other. The world, for the most part, has given its allegiance to the great deceiver, but another group—though considerably smaller—willingly love and serve Yeshua Christ, to the delight of the Creator.

God, however, is not finished with His program for mankind; there are 1,000 years yet to run in its course. As the 1000-year age begins He will bind the deceiver, and Christ, His Son, will reign as King. He will reign with righteousness and justice and all will live in prosperity for 1,000 years—except any who will not obey Him.

Perhaps, we should state here, that we feel the program of God with man on this earth will run for 7,000 years. Six thousand years are almost complete and will end with the conclusion of these events we have been studying in Revelation. Since there were 4,000 years of man’s history before Christ was born, and approximately 2000 years have run their course since, we are certainly nearing the completion of this present age of grace. Some believe our present calendar is in error, and we can never be certain of any specific date because of this.

An ominous thought may overcome some readers, as verse 3 states that Satan will be released for a short time, after the 1000-year reign.

A VISION OF THE FIRST RESURRECTION

As the events of the Gentile Age end in the preceding verses, John is given a vision of the first resurrection that takes place before the coming of the King. He is also carried forward into the Kingdom Age.

Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the Word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast nor his image, nor had received his mark on their foreheads, nor in their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

The judgment scene recorded here, as well as Daniel 7:9-12, is for the saints of God only. It takes place after the first resurrection and before the destruction of the beast This judgment specifically recognizes those who rejected the worship of the beast and who died for the cause of Christ during Daniel’s 70th week. These saints will enter with Christ into His kingdom to reign with Him for 1,000 years.

Rev 20:5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

A resurrection is the rising again of dead persons. Yeshua was resurrected when He rose from the dead. The Bible declares that many saints that slept, arose and came out of their graves after Christ’s resurrection and appeared unto many in the city of Jerusalem (Matthew 5:52,53). Some believe they were the captives from Sheol—the Old Testament saints—who died in the faith before the cross.

From this and the preceding verse, it is evident that there are two resurrections. The first resurrection is for the righteous dead and follows the Great Tribulation. The wicked dead from Adam to the end of the millennial age will rise in the second resurrection which occurs 1,000 years later. Some teachers of Revelation consider the two resurrections mentioned in John 5:28,29 to be one and the same; but here we discover a difference of 1,000 years between them.

Prior to the Tribulation years, the Church of Yeshua the Christ—both the dead and the living—will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air to be taken by Him to heaven. This also is not the first resurrection; it is the rapture. The first resurrection follows the Great Tribulation and only the righteous dead will rise then.

Some have reprimanded me for making the Tribulation Period a time of great blessing! I accept this, for out of that period will come a great multitude that no man can number from all nations who will follow Yeshua, though it will mean death. This will be as a result of the angel ministry spoken of in Revelation 14:6. More will turn to the Lord in those days than at any other period in history and they will take part in the first resurrection with the two witnesses of chapter 11.

Scripture speaks of the descending of Yeshua into, and His ascension out of, the lower parts of the earth, “When He ascended up on high he led captivity captive” (Ephesians 4:9). Perhaps it was this event that caused some in the early days of the Church Age to teach in error that the resurrection had already taken place. This was not, however, the first resurrection.

It is important to distinguish between the “gospel of the kingdom” and the “gospel of the grace of God”. It is during the Tribulation Period, and not in the Church Age, that the scripture will be fulfilled that says, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness, then shall the end come.” Both John the Baptist and Yeshua preached this gospel of the kingdom. When Israel rejected her King, the gospel became the gospel of the grace of God that we preach today. When the Church is translated and before the King comes to reign, the gospel of the kingdom will continue to be spread by the angel of Revelation 14:6.

Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. The second death has no authority over these, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him a thousand years.

This verse shows the holy and blessed state of those who take part in the first resurrection. It also shows, as mentioned previously, that only the righteous dead are raised at this time. Assurance is also given that they will have no part in the second death which is the Lake of Fire.

This chapter mentions the 1000-year period six times. Certainly, the Spirit of the Lord wants us to accept this as a literal 1000-year period.

This wonderful 1000-year era runs its course between verses 6 and 7. The Old Testament often refers to those days and their great blessings. Like trees, mortal humans will once again live to 1,000 years of age.

SATAN RELEASED

Rev 20:7 And when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be loosed out of his prison.

To fulfill His purposes, God releases Satan again. Satan, of course, believes he will fulfill his own program, but this will not be. God will use Satan’s wrath to fulfill His program and the remainder of that wrath He will restrain.

Yeshua will have reigned as King in perfect righteousness and justice for one thousand years. Wickedness has been held down by an iron hand. The world has known one power only. Rebellion has been kept within the individual and on the surface little has appeared.

With Satan released again, man will again have an alternative to God, and many will quickly change their allegiance because man hates restraints, even though a proper measure of principled restraint is necessary in order enjoy Liberty. Such is the purpose of the Ten Commandments.... not to produce bondage, but freedom within a boundary that respects the rights of others.

Rev 20:8 And he will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle. The number of them is as the sand of the sea.

It seems that Satan is very unimaginative as, again, he uses the age-old weapon of deception. Why change if it still works? It was very successful in Eden and has worked on millions of other occasions throughout the history of man. After all, man is very gullible—it will work again.

The population of the world has again become numberless; at least in mans’ eyes.

In Ezekiel 38, Gog and Magog depict a great northern army who, with many allies, will come against the land of Israel during the time of the Great Tribulation. They will be defeated and lose five-sixths of their armies on the mountains of Judea. Fire will also devastate their land according to Ezekiel 39:6. The prophet Joel (Joel 2:20) prophesied that this northern power will be driven back to a barren and desolate land (Siberia). Having taken 1000 years to recover, it is perhaps not surprising that Satan will choose to use this humiliated people to be his instrument to bring rebellion against God following the 1000-year reign of Christ upon the earth.

Rev 20:9 And they went up over the breadth of the earth and circled around the camp of the saints, and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of Heaven and devoured them.

The advance is against the camp of the saints. Satan is the motivator of evil doers and the saints are always his primary target. The Lord is King in the camp of the saints.

Fire from God in heaven devours them! There is no battle! There are no casualties in the camp of the saints, but suddenly the fire of God silences the enemy, and all are dead. Such fools they were!

Rev 20:10 And the Devil who deceived them was cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet were . And he will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

The deceiver, cast by the power of God into the lake of fire, meets two of his deceived apostles; the Antichrist and the false prophet. After 1,000 years they are still being tormented. You can be sure there will be no cordial greetings between them, no bear hugs or high fives. Bitter hatred, vile curses, and screams will make that place seem even hotter. This wicked one offered them the whole world and they lost their souls, their future, their dreams. The devil gives nothing good; he aspires to take away all that we have.

Notice that they are tormented "day and night" forever and ever, and are not annihilated as taught by the Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, or a host of other false teachers. Yeshua said that there, the worm would not die, nor the fire be quenched. The same words “forever and ever” are also used in Hebrews 1:8 for the duration of the throne of God—eternal, in the sense of unending.

THE GREAT WHITE THRONE

Rev 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and Him sitting on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And a place was not found for them.

As the earth and heaven disappear, a great white throne is set up in space. There will be nowhere to hide from the face of Him who sits on that throne. Perhaps, it is this day Peter referred to when he prophesied, “The heavens being on fire shall be dissolved and the elements shall melt with fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:12).

THE SECOND RESURRECTION

Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, the small and the great, stand before God. And books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead in it. And death and hell delivered up the dead in them. And each one of them was judged according to their works.

This judgment will see no class difference. Small and great will shake side by side, for there, all the wicked from all ages stand together to receive rewards for their wickedness.

Standing there will be wicked, religious, and moral sinners. Sodom and Gomorrah will stand with Capernaum; the Pharisees and Sadducees will be with the great Harlot; the false religionists with their congregations. All will be there. The sea will give up its dead, the graves and hell will deliver its numberless inhabitants for judgment. The scriptures assure us, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

You will observe that “death” and “hell” refer to two separate places. One is the place of the body; the other the place of the soul after death. Hell is not the grave as some teach. Hell is a place of torment as Yeshua confirmed in Luke 16:23-3 1. Man will be judged from the books, the records of the Almighty. The Book of Life also will be there as a final reference. With no name in that book; there is no hope. No appeals will be allowed; each verdict being final and just.

Rev 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death.

It is apparent this great white throne judgment is only for the wicked, for all raised from hell and the dead receive the same final sentence— the lake of fire. This is called the second death. We know that the first death did not annihilate them because they stand in judgment here. Neither will this sentence to the lake of fire bring an end, for we have already seen that those in the lake of fire continue in torment.

The welcoming committee for millions of lost souls will be the devil, the Antichrist, and the false prophet. What a devilish reunion of kindred souls!

Rev 20:15 And if anyone was not found having been written in the Book of Life, he was cast into the Lake of Fire.

How important it is that our name be in the Book of Life. This ought to be the first concern of every soul who comes into the world.

The teachings of scripture declare we are all sinners. This is a fact that we must accept personally. The scriptures also teach that Christ died for our sins. This we must also accept personally.

At this time, thank God the Father for your deliverance through Yeshua the Lord. Remember that (according to Romans 10: 8-11) the saving word is near thee, even in your mouth, and in your heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Yeshua, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. 10 For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture says, Whosoever believes on him shall not be put to shame.

The apostle Peter, in his epistle, has provided us with a brief look beyond the old to the introduction of the new. He called this the day of God, “ ... in which the heavens being on fire would be dissolved and the elements melt with fervent heat . . . the earth also, and the works that are in it shall be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10-12).

Peter also saw by faith, the coming of the new heaven and new earth, but the Kingdom Age that preceded this was hid from him. He did not understand fully the truths of Revelation and seemed to confuse the two. This is understandable as he had never read the book of Revelation, having passed on before it was written.

NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH

Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And the sea no longer is.

According to the promise in Isaiah 65:17, this is not a repair job on the old, but a new heaven and a new earth planned for God’s future. This is a place where righteousness will dwell forever and sin will enter no more (2 Peter 3:13). No sea will separate the inhabitants of that land.

NEW JERUSALEM

Rev 21:2 And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband.

New heaven! New earth! Now a new Jerusalem! How very important the old Jerusalem has been. Rich in history and deep in sentiment, God and man met there and shared His love, truth, grace, mercy, and judgment. But a new Jerusalem will be required in the new order—a Jerusalem from above.

The new Jerusalem, which John saw coming down from God out of the new heaven, was beautifully adorned and fully built and called the Holy City. This city we will consider later in this chapter.

NEW PEOPLE

Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.

As the holy city—New Jerusalem—comes to earth it shows that this Jerusalem is God’s dwelling place, where He will live with, and among, men. Rather than an occasional visit with them, as in past days in Eden (in the evenings), or with Abraham or Israel, He will dwell with man.

Rev 21:4 And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. And there will be no more death, nor mourning, nor crying out, nor will there be any more pain; for the first things passed away.

Rev 21:5 And He sitting on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful.

It would be impossible to describe a place where all things are new; not new in the sense of being a new model or a new likeness, but entirely new. It will be unlike anything that has ever existed.

In order, therefore, to convey to the reader some thought of what it will be like, we are told what will not be there. There will be no tears. What volumes this alone speaks, as all those things that cause tears today will be eliminated. There will be no more death, therefore, no broken relationships, no termination of friendships, no sorrow, no crying, no pain. Everything that causes tears will be forever gone. Our finite minds cannot comprehend, even in a small measure, a place so wonderful, so how could we understand more? “The things that are seen are temporal, the things that are not seen are eternal,” perhaps describes it best.

Such wonderful thoughts seem to cause John to pause and wonder, but again he is exhorted to write, assured by the One on the throne that these sayings are true and faithful. The future of God is not in doubt.

OPPORTUNITY

Rev 21:6 And He said to me, It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who thirsts I will give of the fountain of the Water of Life freely.

The one who is thirsty, in a spiritual sense, will be freely given the gift of God—the gift of life eternal. This has the seal of Him who is the Beginning and the End, who accomplished all for us upon the cross. We are offered not only water from the fountain, but the fountain of water. Praise God!

SECURITY

Rev 21:7 He who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.

Security, inheritance, and Sonship (adoption as firstborn, or having full rights) are for the one who responds to the call of God, and overcomes through the blood of Christ and the Word of God.

WARNING

Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, will have their part in the Lake burning with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.

The person who allows the fear of man to keep him from accepting Christ, will share the same fate and place with those the world considers wicked and abominable. Also included is the person whose life seemed to have no major sin except unbelief and the person whose lips were prone to speak lies—whether "white or black" lies. The religious that rejected Yeshua the Christ and the righteous who relied not on the righteousness of God in Christ, but on their own righteousness, will be there.

They will experience the second death—the lake of fire and brimstone. As the first death did not bring the end for them, neither will this second death.

THE LAMB’S WIFE, NEW JERUSALEM

Rev 21:9 And one of the seven angels who had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife.

Rev 21:10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God,

How significant it is that the angel, who before was a messenger of wrath upon the wicked, is now such a helpful companion to John, wishing to show him the bride, the Lamb’s wife. We discover that the city—new Jerusalem—is also a people; perhaps, in the same sense that Israel is a land and also a people.

The bride, whose marriage to the Lamb took place in chapter 19, is a part of this great city. As John looks, he sees this bride as a city descending from heaven. There can be no doubt that this city is coming to the new earth to be a testimony of the grace and love of God, and to bring to the earth blessing from God. It will be our satellite home in which we will travel with the Lord on His missions.

Rev 21:11 having the glory of God. And its light was like a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.

She is truly the pearl of great price of Matthew 13:46, which cost the heavenly Merchantman everything that He had. While here, John sees her as clean and flawless; her light is the reflected light of God.

Rev 21:12 And it had a great and high wall, with twelve gates. And on the gates were twelve angels, and having names inscribed, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel:

Rev 21:13 From the east three gates, from the north three gates, from the south three gates, and from the west three gates.

There seems little doubt that the description given in this chapter is of a literal city from heaven with its inhabitants. Yet, we believe the description of this city contains much spiritual symbolism. Her glory is as the glory of God and her light is most brilliant and pure. Next, we see the walls of this city—great and high. Four walls, we suggest, illustrate the universal quality of this city, consisting of the redeemed from the four quarters of the earth. As walls are built for safety, security, and separation, these walls reveal the safe and secure qualities of our future home. We are reminded that we are a separated people; separated from the world, the flesh, and the devil, and separated unto God. Truly, God is our wall, great and high; and He is our protection.

Each wall of the city has three gates, each having a name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve gates represent the twelve tribes of Israel and they represent access and egress. Yeshua says of His sheep, “They shall go in and out and find shelter.”

Rev 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The twelve foundations remind us that the Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets; Yeshua being the chief corner stone. It was said of the early church, “They continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine.” Too many reject the doctrine of the apostles in their fellowships today, but the true church cannot.

Hebrew 6:1, 2 reveals the principles of that doctrine: repentance from dead works, faith toward God, the doctrine of baptisms (water and Spirit), the laying on of hands (to minister the Spirit, the gifts, and healing), and the reality of the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. These are called the first principles of the doctrine of Christ; these the apostles followed.

Rev 21:15 And he who talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city and its gates and its wall.

Rev 21:16 And the city lies four-square, and the length is as large as the breadth. And he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand stadia. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

This great city is about 1320 miles in each dimension. How insignificant the greatest city on earth is to this one! It is possible, as some have suggested, that it may be shaped like a pyramid. It is truly a tremendous multiple-dwelling place.

Rev 21:17 And he measured its wall, a hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.

Rev 21:18 And the foundation of its wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.

A wall 216 feet high around a building 1320 miles high indicates that it is not for protection. The walls of old Babylon were 300 feet high.

This wall could possibly speak of the selective character of those within and of their closeness and unity.

The Jasper wall is likely speaking of the diamond which would add to the glory of that city. The gold of that new heaven we have never seen the likes of—pure like clear glass—radiating the glory of God.

Rev 21:19 And the foundations of the wall of the city had been adorned with every precious stone. The first foundation, jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald;

Rev 21:20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, hyacinth; the twelfth, amethyst.

How truly beautiful and colourful these foundations are, adding their glory as they shine through the diamond wall of this great city. Each seems to speak of the character of Christ revealed in and through each apostle, whose names are on the foundation.

Rev 21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls. Respectively, each one of the gates was one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, as transparent glass.

Twelve gates! Twelve single pearls! Since they bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, we must consider the transforming power of God that made from Jacob, twelve pearl-like people. The oyster creates the pearl in anguish and patience. Likewise, the anguish and patience of God is shown in transforming such souls as these—and indeed of ourselves. Like the walls, the streets are of gold, like transparent glass— certainly very revealing and pure.

THE TEMPLE

Rev 21:22 And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty is its temple, even the Lamb.

The Lord God and the Lamb are the temple of this magnificent city. How wonderful! Every approach to God is through the Lamb. No building will be needed as a testimony for the Lord God, for He will be a testimony to all, forever.

Rev 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, nor of the moon, that they might shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.

Here we see the Lamb revealed as the light of God, no longer veiled in human flesh, but shining in all His glory. He will even outshine the sun so that it will no longer be needed. We believe every blood-washed soul will be a reflection of His glory in that city.

Rev 21:24 And the nations of those who are saved will walk in the light of it; and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.

This city appears to be the light amid the nations of the new earth; the only light those who walk in that light, will need. Indeed, all earth creatures will be righteous in that day. The kings of the new earth have access to the great city and seem to add glory and honour to it.

Rev 21:25 And its gates may not be shut at all by day, for there shall be no night there.

The darkness of night will not exist in that blessed place; only eternal day.

Rev 21:27 And there shall in no way enter into it anything that defiles, or any making an abomination or a lie; but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

In that city, there will be fellowship for the redeemed from all ages who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. No pollution will defile its waters, its environment, or its inhabitants.

In the book of Revelation we have: lived in the Church Age, beheld great days of trouble, been carried up to and through the 1000-year Kingdom Age, and seen the great white throne judgment. Now we are glorying in the revelation of the new heaven and new earth with its holy city and life in the new paradise.

As the book concludes, we now come to the end of Revelation, which has no end. By faith we look forward to all that is to come with hearts filled with deep gratitude to Him who planned it all, and who will bring all into being according to His word.

Rev 22:1 And he showed me a pure river of Water of Life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

We are still looking beyond the Kingdom Age and at the new earth. As God prepared a paradise for man in Eden of old, so He will prepare a new paradise in the new earth. They are similar, but very different. In the old paradise, Satan deceived man and he fell, bringing a curse. In the new paradise, there will be no devil, no deception, and no curse.

In the new earth, we are greeted by a pure river of the 'water of life'; its source being the throne of God. The source of the river in Eden was earthly and was subject to earth’s pollution. Here, a crystal clear river flows from a divine fountain, bringing only life. It is flowing from a source too high for man to touch.

Rev 22:2 In the midst of its street, and of the river, from here and from there, was the Tree of Life, which bore twelve fruits, each yielding its fruit according to one month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

In Eden, there was the tree of life of which man might partake and live forever. There was also the tree of knowledge of good and evil with its forbidden fruit, of which man partook and brought the curse. In this new earth we find only the tree of life, more magnificent than ever, bringing life and health to all.

Rev 22:3 And every curse will no longer be; but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will serve Him.

When we consider the results of the curse on the old earth, how grand it is to view the new where there will never be a curse. All the burdens, heartaches, and horrors of this life can be traced back to the curse in Eden, but the curse will never enter the new earth.

On the new earth, every service will be rendered to the Creator of all things by his angels or other such of His creation, and service will not be rendered for gain and greed as is done so often today. The redeemed are not servants in God's house, they are heirs of all the Father has - joint heirs with Yeshua, having full rights as sons.

Rom 8:17 And if we are children, then we are heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; so that if we suffer with Him, we may also be glorified together.

No longer will man fear His face, but will proudly bear His Holy Name in their foreheads. They will be stamped with His likeness.

Rev 22:5 And there will be no night there. And they need no lamp, or light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light. And they will reign forever and ever.

That will be an earth lit by the glory of God; light that shines from the new Jerusalem, a place where darkness is unknown. There will be no need for the sun, or a lamp, or a flood light, for the Lamb is the light.

THE LAST MESSAGE

Rev 22:6 And he said to me, These sayings are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show to His servants the things which must shortly be done.

The angel affirms the truth and faithfulness of the things written. He reiterates the statement of chapter 1 that these things were written for God’s servants to give knowledge about future events.

Rev 22:7 Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the Words of the prophecy of this Book.

Words are only kept as they are passed on to others. We are to do this, always aware that He is coming soon.

Rev 22:8 And I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel showing me these things.

No matter how great the messenger or the message he brings from God, worship is not due him.

Rev 22:9 Then he said to me, Behold! See, do not do it! For I am your fellow-servant, and of your brothers the prophets, and of those who keep the Words of this Book. Do worship to God.

The angel, and not God, rebukes John. He admits that he is just a fellow servant, and equal with John. God (YHWH) only, is to be worshiped. Again, emphasis is placed upon the keeping of the words of this prophecy. Exposure keeps truth—hiding will lose it.

Rev 22:10 And he said to me, Do not seal the Words of the prophecy of this Book; for the time is at hand.

When the prophet Daniel had written his prophecy he was told to seal the book until the time of the end. This verse exhorts us not to seal this book of Revelation, for the time of fulfillment is at hand. With the Revelation, the seal on prophecy has been broken and we can understand its truths today.

Still, to many religious people this book of Revelation is a sealed book, and they dare not consider its truths. They do not heed the Lord’s command.

Rev 22:11 He acting unjustly, let him still act unjustly. And the filthy, let him be filthy still. And the righteous, let him be righteous still. And the holy, let him be holy still.

Perhaps, this is another way of saying, “As the tree falls, so shall it lie.” Now is the time for change if there is to be any. “Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation.” Why trifle with eternal realities.

Rev 22:12 And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each according as his work is.

This is the second time in this last short message, which began in verse 6, that we are informed Christ will be coming quickly. We will be reminded of it again, a final time, before the end of this chapter. John has returned from his journey in the Spirit to the ages beyond and is again in the present age of the “things that are.” He, with the Church, is being exhorted, in view of the coming of Yeshua for His Church. They are reminded that, at His coming, rewards will be given according to every man’s work. Salvation is not given according to our works, but rewards are. Works are the expression of faith. No works, no faith! “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).

Rev 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, the First and the Last.

As the Revelation is ending, we notice a great resolve on the part of Yeshua to leave no doubt as to who He is. It is interesting to notice that the same emphasis is presented in the first utterance of our Lord in chapter 1, followed by two others. Yeshua speaking in chapter 1 says, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the Lord, which is and which was and which is to come, the Almighty” (verse 11). Yeshua then follows in verses 17 and 18, “Fear not, I am the first and the last.”

Now, in this verse in the Revelation, He is saying the same thing. “Alpha and Omega”—the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet— show that Yeshua is the Eternal Word. The “Beginning and the End” would confirm Him as the only Creator and source and substance of all creation, while “First and the Last” make Him the only God. Isaiah the prophet confirms this, as Yahweh speaks, “I am the first and I am the last and beside me there is no God.” Again, in Isaiah 43:10, “Before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.”

May those who say that Yeshua is only a man, just a prophet, an angel, or a little god know that theirs is another Jesus/Yeshua.

Rev 22:14 Blessed are they who do His commandments, that their authority will be over the Tree of Life, and they may enter in by the gates into the city.

This blessing is upon the blood-washed saints of God whose dwelling is in the holy city—new Jerusalem. To them, eternal life is assured. They will be the hosts of that city. Another scripture speaks of those who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. There is no other way of entrance for the sinner except through the blood of Yeshua the Christ shed for us on the cross.

Rev 22:15 But outside are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and makes a lie.

There is no place inside the city for the wicked. Yeshua took their place by suffering, bleeding, and dying outside the city of Jerusalem. He paid the penalty of sin for the sinner that we might share a place on the inside.

Rev 22:16 I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify these things to you over the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright and Morning Star.

There is no doubt about the identity of the One who has been instructing the servants of God. Here, He declares Himself as “Yeshua.” “The root and the offspring of David” declares His deity and His humanity. He was the cause and the result of David’s birth, for of the house of David, Christ, the manchild, was born. As the “bright and morning star,” He is revealed to His Church as “the Coming One.” That Star appears before the darkest hour and precedes the rising of the Sun of Righteousness, which refers to Christ coming to reign on the earth.

Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come! And let the one hearing say, Come! And let the one who is thirsty come. And he willing, let him take of the Water of Life freely.

The Holy Spirit, who identified Himself with the Church at Pentecost, and the Church, who is the bride, speak the same message, “Invite all to come!” The water of life is for them and it is free. There is no need to plead poverty or exclusion—it is for “whosoever will.”

Rev 22:18 For I testify together to everyone who hears the Words of the prophecy of this Book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add on him the plagues that have been written in this Book.

Rev 22:19 And if anyone takes away from the Words of the Book of this prophecy, God will take away his part out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which have been written in this Book.

In these two verses we learn of the danger of adding to, or subtracting from, the words of this prophecy. “It is written” is the message we must receive from this warning. They are God’s last words to His Church—the people of this present age; we must heed it as such. Many voices have deliberately added other revelation, and to them will be added the plagues of this prophecy.

On the other hand, to take away from the words of this prophecy also carries a great penalty. Some have taken away the whole book of Revelation, having outlawed it as not being inspired. Others have considered it too difficult to be understood and refuse to consider its truth and, therefore, take away its message to the Church. The one taking away “shall have taken away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city and from the things that are written in this book,” referring to all the blessings promised in this book. Revelation 1:3 gives such a promise, “Blessed is he who reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things that are written therein.” I once asked a group of African Christians in Kenya, “How may we keep the words of this book?” A young lad answered quickly, “Pass it on!” He was right! Truth will be lost unless it is passed on.

What a precious promise to conclude such a tremendous message!

The words of our Lord confirm this in John 14:2,3, “In my Father’s house are many mansions. . . I go to prepare a place for you . . . and I will come again to receive you unto myself that where I am there you may be also.” Please note that He is coming to receive us. We are not, as many are saying today, “rising to receive Him to this earth.” The marriage of the Lamb is to take place in heaven (Revelation 19) before Christ’s return to the earth. There can be no marriage without a bride—the Church. The One coming for the Church is the Lord Yeshua, who gives us this assurance.

There is no hesitation in John’s response, nor will there be in the response of the soul that walks with God.

THE LAST BENEDICTION

It is that grace by which we are saved (Ephesians 2:8); that grace by
which we are taught (Titus 2:11-13); that grace in which we stand
(Romans 5:2); and that grace into which we have access (Romans 5:2).
The grace of God is without limit to the soul that believes in Yeshua.

Grace is opposite to the law. Grace is what God gives to us in Christ without any thought or expectation of anything in return. The flow of the unrestrained love of God is grace. When the death of Yeshua the Christ, God’s Son, removed the obstacle of sin for the sinner, grace flowed. Anyone who seeks to be justified by the law has fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4).

There are those who use this grace as a licence to sin. Of them it is said,” . . . they.., have insulted the Spirit of grace” (Heb. 10:29).
In these pages, I have given my understanding of a book that is very important in the purposes of God. I write it after forty years of study and trust that its interpretation is correct. If anything should be merely my interpretation, may the Lord cause it to fall on deaf ears, and what is true, into open hearts.

My heart is looking upward
When His promise fulfilled shall be,
And I shall behold the face of my Lord,
Who soon shall come for me.
If you do not know this Saviour
Who died on the cross for you,
Then open your heart and receive Him.
And He will receive you, too.

Mat 10:32 Then everyone who shall confess Me before men, I will confess him before My Father who is in Heaven.

Act 2:21 And it shall be that everyone who shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

Review of Seven Seals, Seven Trumpets, Seven Vials which are part and parcel of the wrath of YHWH that begins immediately after the Rapture of the body of Christ [aka Church].

because you belong to Christ, truly I say to you, He shall not lose his reward.

THE SEVEN SEALS

THE SEVEN TRUMPETS

THE SEVEN VIALS