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RevelationStudy GuideBible text along with commentary and study notes By: Jerry Hood An in depth, critical verse by verse study of the book of Revelation with complete King James Version text! All scripture contained in this study, unless otherwise noted, is from the King James Version. Some references, definitions and alternate scriptures taken from: Modern King James Version of the Holy Bible Copyright Ó1962, 1990, 1993, 1998, 1999. Used by permission of the copyright holder, Jay P. Green, Sr. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance; James Strong, S.T.D., LL.D., 1890 Thayer's Greek Definitions Brown-Driver-Briggs' Hebrew Definitions Easton's Bible Dictionary; M.G. Easton M.A.; D.D. 1897 Young's Literal Translation Bible 1862, 1898 ALT Bible: Scripture taken from the Analytical -Literal Translation of the New Testament of the Holy Bible. Copyright © 1999 - 2001 by Gary F. Zeolla of Darkness to light ministry (www.dtl.org) Foreword
Let me start by saying that I do not claim to be a prophecy expert, only one who is interested in it. Prophesy can be easy to interpret looking back on it, but can be very difficult to see looking forward. Just ask ten people about their interpretation of Revelation and you'll probably get ten different answers. We must however keep in mind that Revelation, or the way we interpret it, is not a salvation issue. We as the church study it in an attempt to be prepared for things that are to come upon the earth whether good or bad.
The goal of this study guide is for it to be used as a tool to help in your own studies and take some of the mystery out of the book. To show that Revelation doesn't have to be a dark secret if we will just follow the most important rules of interpretation, let the Holy Spirit guide you and let the bible interpret the bible. If you will do that, I believe that you will find that it isn't as hard to understand as you may have thought.
Quick OverviewThe book of Revelation is a glimpse into the seventieth week of Daniel and events leading up to the return of Jesus. In this book we find the conditions of this world, the judgments of God upon a lost society and Satan’s attempt to undermine God and His people. We see that this world’s governments, or the majority of them, will join together under a strong leader who most likely rises to power through diplomacy but later proves to be a ruthless man that is possessed by Satan and tries to wipe Israel out. During the tribulation period we find that God is still dealing with mankind, through the ministry of the two witnesses and the angles who “preach the everlasting Gospel”, warning people to turn to God and against taking the mark of the beast. The Antichrist, being possessed by Satan, hates the saints of God and persecutes those who keep the name of Jesus. This man of sin, who Israel thinks is, or could be, their messiah, breaks a covenant with her and declares himself to be god as he stands in the Holy Place. This Abomination of desolation causes the wrath of God to be poured out on this world and culminates with the return of Jesus and the battle of Armageddon. The Antichrist and False Prophet are destroyed; Satan is cast into the bottomless pit and Jesus sets up His kingdom and ushers in the thousand-year reign.
There will probably be some major event that will cause this man to be able to rise to power, when it’s his appointed time, and the people call for a leader to unite this globe. We must understand that there are three main reasons why nations go to war: political, economic and religious. And in mans attempt to bring world peace all three of these must be unified. Thus we see a one-world system of government, economy, and religion in the time just before Jesus’ return to this earth. We’ll see that the Antichrist is the political and governmental aspect. The ‘mark of the beast’ is the economic portion, and False Prophet unifies religion. Being the DetectiveAny serious bible student will, weather studying prophecy or any other topic of the bible, approach the word prayerfully and sincerely to see what the word is saying and not making the word fit what we think it says. I urge every one to use an approach that I like to call being the detective. Simply put it’s laying all the facts out and letting the bible interpret the bible. Then we can put the pieces of the puzzle together and solve the case. A good detective does not go into a case knowing what the truth is and trying to prove it. He goes in with the understanding that everyone is a suspect and begins his process of examining all the clues and eliminating suspects one at a time until he comes to a reasonable facsimile of the truth. So as we start in the book of Revelation we are to be the detective, search out and examine all the clues with the understanding that all of the rapture theories are in fact suspects. Remember that we can make the book of Revelation say just about anything we want it to. We must be a detective and be unbiased in our search for clues.
There are four major views of teachings concerning the timing of the rapture: Pre-tribulation - believes the church is raptured before the tribulation period begins (since the church is not mentioned after the message to the churches.) [Revelation 4:1] Mid-tribulation -Believes that the church will be here for a portion of the tribulation period and then is taken out. [Revelation 11:11, 18] Post-tribulation- believes that the church will go through all of the tribulation period and then will be raptured just before the battle of Armageddon, meet the Lord in the air, return to fight the battle and go into the millennial reign of Christ. [Revelation 20:4-6] No rapture at all (although the word rapture isn’t in the bible...) view says that the book of Revelation has been fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD and that the church will grow and grow until finally Jesus comes back and sets up His Kingdom. Some Prophecy BackgroundHosea 6:1-2(1) Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. (2) After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. Isaiah 66:8(8) Who has heard a thing like this? Who has seen things like these? Will the earth be brought forth in one day? Or will a nation be born at once? For Zion travailed and also brought forth her sons. Israel was declared an independent state May 14, 1948 Israel reborn in one day! Thus fulfilling prophecy. Ezekiel 37:1-13Foretelling of the rebirth of Israel The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, (2) And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. (3) And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. (4) Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. (5) Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: (6) And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. (7) So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. (8) And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. (9) Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. (10) So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. (11) Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. (12) Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. (13) And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, Book of DanielChapter 2Nebuchadnezzar's Dream (28) But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; (29) As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass. (30) But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart. (31) Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. (32) This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, (33) His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. (34) Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. (35) Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. [Kingdom of GOD] (36) This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. (37) Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. (38) And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. (39) And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. (40) And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. [Roman Empire] (41) And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. (42) And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. [Revised Roman Empire] (43) And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. (44) And in the days of these kings [the 10 toes] shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. (45) Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. Chapter 71) In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters. (2) Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. [Sea being people and nations] (3) And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. [Wesley, Gill and Henry all agree that these four beasts are: 1) Babylonians, 2) Medo-Persian, 3) Greek, 4) Rome; the same as Nebuchadnezzar's Dream.] (4) The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it. (5) And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. […had three ribs in the mouth …Sir Isaac Newton and Bishop Chandler, to understand by them Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt; which countries were ground and oppressed by the Medes and Persians, ] (6) After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. (7) After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. [10 toes] (8) I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.[I believe this to be the antichrist] (9) I beheld till the thrones were cast down [rock], and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. (10) A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. (11) I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. [Cast into hell (at Armageddon) Rev 19:20] (12) As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. [The millennium reign] (13) I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man [Jesus] came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. (14) And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. (15) I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. (16) I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. (17) These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. [Breast and his arms of silver (Media-Persia), his belly and his thighs of brass (Graeco- Macedonia), His legs of iron (Rome), his feet part of iron and part of clay (Last form of Roman Empire). This could also be the four horns from the He Goat!] (18) But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. (19) Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron [Rome], and his nails of brass [Greco- Macedonia]; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; [Note: Rome came to power but was still influenced by Greek thought, culture…] (20) And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. (21) I beheld, and the same horn [little horn] made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; [Rev_13:7] (22) Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. (23) Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. (24) And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. [Feet part iron and part clay] (25) And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. [3.5 years] (26) But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. (27) And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. (28) Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitation's much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart. Chapter 88:1 In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first. 8:2 And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai. 8:3 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns [Media and Persia]: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. 8:4 I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great. 8:5 And as I was considering, behold, an he goat [Greece, Alexander the Great] came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. 8:6 And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power. 8:7 And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand. 8:8 Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.
8:9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. [Out of one of the four horns] 8:10 And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. 8:11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. [Abomination of desolation Dan_9:27] 8:12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered. 8:13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? 8:14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. [6.3-6.6 years] 8:15 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. 8:16 And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. 8:17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision. 8:18 Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. 8:19 And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be. 8:20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. 8:21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. [Alexander the Great] 8:22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.
8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. [The vile person] 8:24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes [at Armageddon]; but he shall be broken without hand. 8:26 And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. 8:27 And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it. Daniel 9:24-27Seventy Weeks [490 years](24) Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. (25) Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem [444BC] unto the Messiah the Prince [483 years] shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks [69 weeks]: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. [The command to restore… Neh chapter 2; Artaxerxes gave command to rebuild (one of several) in 444BC. Seven weeks - 49years of rebuilding + 434 years to Christ (33AD)] (26) And after threescore and two weeks [62 weeks] shall Messiah be cut off, [crucified in 33AD] but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary [70 AD]; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolation's are determined. (27) And he [the antichrist] shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [7 years, the final or 70th week]: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. [There are those who say that this "he" is actually Jesus and the "abomination" refers to animal sacrifices after the cross. However there is NO place that I can find where Jesus made a covenant for seven years. If Jesus set up this abomination the timing is way off. See Daniel 12:11. Therefore, this abomination of desolation could not be referring to the work of Jesus!] Daniel 10:14-21(14) Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. (15) And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. (16) And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. (17) For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. (18) Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, (19) And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. (20) Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. (21) But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince. Daniel 11:1-45 (1)
Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm
and to strengthen him. (2) And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold,
there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall
be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he
shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia. (3) And a mighty king
shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according
to his will.
[Alexander the Great] (4) And
when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be
divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor
according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be
plucked up, even for others beside those.
[4 generals]
(5) And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes;
and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion
shall be a great dominion. (6) And in the end of years they shall join
themselves together; for the king's daughter of the south shall come
to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not
retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but
she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat
her, and he that strengthened her in these times. (7) But out of a
branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come
with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the
north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail: (8) And shall
also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and
with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall
continue more years than the king of the north. (9) So the king of the
south shall come into his kingdom, and shall return into his own land.
(10) But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude
of great forces: and one shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass
through: then shall he return, and be stirred up, even to his
fortress. (11) And the king of the south shall be moved with choler,
and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the
north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude
shall be given into his hand. (12) And when he hath taken away the
multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many
ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it. (13) For the
king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude
greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years
with a great army and with much riches. (14) And in those times there
shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of
thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they
shall fall. (15) So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a
mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south
shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be
any strength to withstand. (16) But he that cometh against him shall
do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he
shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed.
(17) He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his
whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he
shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall
not stand on his side, neither be for him. (18) After this shall he
turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for
his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease;
without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him. (19) Then
he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall
stumble and fall, and not be found. The Antichrist (The events of the 70th week) (21) And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. (22) And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant. [The covenant is not made by the antichrist, but is confirmed by him] (23) And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people. (24) He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time. (25) And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him. (26) Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain. (27) And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed. (28) Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land. (29) At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter. (30) For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. The Abomination of Desolation (31) And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. (32) And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. (33) And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. (34) Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. (35) And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. (36) And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. (37) Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. (38) But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. (39) Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain. (40) And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of t he north 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. (41) 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. (42) He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. (43) But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps. (44) But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. (45) And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain [Zion]; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. Daniel 12:1-13(1) And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.[The Book: Exo_32:32, Exo_32:33; Psa_56:8, Psa_69:28; Isa_4:3; Eze_13:9; Luk_10:20; Phi_4:3; Rev_3:5, Rev_13:8, Rev_20:12, Rev_20:15 Psa_27:5]
(2) And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (3) And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (4) But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. [Dan 5:4~ see Rev 5:1] (5) Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river. (6) And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? (7) And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; [3 1/2 years] and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. (8) And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? (9) And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. [The final week; Rev_5:1] (10) Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. (11) And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. [1290 days = 3.5 years] (12) Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. [3.5 years plus 45 days!] (13) But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. Overview of prophecy background
Revelation Order of events
Timing of the Rapture or Catching AwayWhat we do know » We know that the Tribulation lasts for 7 years. We are told that the beast comes out of the bottomless pit at the 5th trumpet (11:7) and that he continues for 3 ½ years (13:5). We also know that the 5th vial is poured on the beast (16:10). So, if from the 5th trumpet to the 5th vial is 3 ½ years, then the seals could not be included in the final 7 years. Also: “1:19 Write the things, which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. 4:1 I will show thee things, which must be hereafter. 5:5 Jesus has prevailed to open the book and loose the seals.” This would appear to be referring to the work of the cross. Rapture Passages I Thessalonians 4:13-18; John 14:1-3 ; I Corinthians 15:51-53; Philippians 3:20-21; I Corinthians 1:7-8 Romans 8:19 Colossians 3:4 I Thessalonians 1:10 I Thessalonians 2:19 I Thessalonians 5:9 I Thessalonians 5:23 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9 I Timothy 6:14 2 Timothy 4:8 Titus 2:13 Hebrews 9:28 James 5:7-9 I Peter 1:7, 13 Second Coming Passages Daniel 2:44-45 Daniel 7:9-14 Daniel 12:1-3 Zechariah 12:10 Matthew 24:15-31 Matthew 26:64 Mark 13:14-27 Mark 14:62 Luke 21:25-28 Acts 1:9-11 2 Thessalonians 3:13 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 2 Thessalonians 2:8 I Peter 4:12-13 2 Peter 3:1-14 Jude 14-15 Revelation 1:7 Revelation 19:11-16 I Peter 5:4 I John 2:28-3:2 Revelation 2:25 Thessalonians 2:1-9 (1) Now we beseech you, my brothers, with regard to the coming [1Th 4:15-17] of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, [This verse is clearly speaking of the rapture of the church.]
(2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. (3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a (1) falling away [apostate church] first, and (2) that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Note the identifying marks of the Antichrist. (4) who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself forth, that he is God. [The Abomination of Dessolation (see also Mat_24:15 )]
(5) Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things [Many people say verses 6-9 is saying that since it’s the Holy Spirit that restrains the antichrist, when He is taken out of the way it is the rapture of the church. The only problem with this is that it directly contradicts verse 3.] (6) And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. (7) For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (8) And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
2 Thess 2:1-9 (KJV) 10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Dan 12:10-11 (KJV) [3 1/2 years + 30 days ...See all of chapter 12] Matt 24:15-16 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 1 Thess 4:13-17 (KJV) 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Cor 15:51-52 (KJV) 51 Behold, I shew you a [2]mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ISee Matt 13:24-30 (two harvests) before going any further I Chapter 1Things which thou hast seen In chapter one John is seeing Jesus in His glory and majesty, not the meek and lowly servant that he knew before, but the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I believe he is also seeing Jesus as High Priest over His churches, notice that Jesus is holding the stars, or pastors, of the seven churches in His hand; which would signify His control of these pastors. Also note that Jesus warned that if these churches did not line up to Christ's will they would be removed. We are given a blessing in verse three not just for reading the prophecy but for reading and keeping those things written therein. The bible tells us that we are not to be just hearers of the word, but doers as well. John writes his revelation from Christ to the seven churches1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants1 things »which must shortly come to pass 2; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; [There are some that believe that these seven churches represent seven church ages, however we must realize that these churches were actual churches that were in existence at the time John received the revelation. Also note that Antipas who was an actual martyr is specifically named in 2:13] 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. [Rev 5:10, Rev 20:6, 2Ti 2:12,] 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. [Mat 24:30, Mat 26:64, Mar 14:62, 1Th 4:17, Act 1:9-11] 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. [Gen 17:1 Gen 35:11, 2Co 6:18] 9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, [koo-ree-ak-os' From G2962; belonging to the Lord (Jehovah or Jesus)] 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. [First & Last Isa_41:4, Isa_44:6, Isa_48:12. Note: Again, these were seven actual churches that were present in John’s day. Whether or not these represent church ages is not cretin.] Jesus’ Glory and Majesty12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven Tgolden candlesticks; [lampstand or Menorah (Churches)] 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. [Jesus the High Priest] 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. [John is seeing the Glory of Jesus] 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars [v 20]: and out of his mouth went a sharp Ttwoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. [The Word of God] 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the Nangels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks [lampstands] which thou sawest are the seven churches. [Angels of the seven churches- this is referring to the pastors of these churches] Chapter 2Things which are Messages to the Seven ChurchesThe seven Churches Chapter 2 – 3 Chapters two and three are messages given to seven churches that were present at the time John was given the revelation (ch 1:4). There are some who teach that these Churches represent seven church ages, however there is no scriptural evidence (that I can find) to support this theory. It is, I believe, speculation to assert this stance. Although, we can learn truths from what Jesus said to each of these churches no matter what church or “church age” we may, or may not, be in. There are things that Christ rebukes, and things He applauds that pertain to these churches, and these things can still be found within the church today. So the best advice is to learn from their mistakes and continue in the things that are pleasing to God. There are two major things here that we can glean from these messages. First Jesus warns of allowing corruption and hypocrisy within the church. Secondly, He promises a blessing to those who overcome. It’s not enough to start the race; we must finish it. I believe the best thing we can do is to study these messages, examine our own lives and our churches in the light of truth, listen to what the Spirit says, and be OVER- COMERS. Ephesus1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; [Angel - These angels are not angles of a heavenly nature as we understand angels. Otherwise why would John (a human being) need to write a letter to them? These are actually the Pastors of these Churches.]
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. [Could it be that they were so busy doing church that they quit being the church?] 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Titus 3:5 (KJV) 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. [The church at Ephesus (2:6) is praised for hating the works of the Nicolaitanes and the church of Pergamos is condemned for holding to these doctrines.] 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Smyrna8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Pergamos12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein N Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. [Notice a martyr is called by name. These seven churches doubtfully represents seven church ages.] 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. ISee Joshua 24:8-10; Numbers 31:16; 2 Peter 2:15-20I 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the N sword of my mouth. [The word of God] 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. Isa 62:2 And the nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; and you will be called by a new name, which the mouth of Jehovah will name.
Thyatira18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. [Rev 22:16] 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Chapter 3Sardis1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. [Overcome 1Jo_5:5 Rev_21:7; Book of Life Psa_69:28; Phi_4:3] 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Philadelphia7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an N ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.[He that hath an ear: This is not referring to the physical ear attached to our bodies, but rather one who is open to hear the things of God.]
Laodicea14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. I know thy works… There is a view within the church today that there is no place for “works” in salvation, and those who speak of such things are accused of having a works based salvation. While it is true one can not earn salvation by works, it’s a free gift of God BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH, yet we still cannot overlook the fact that works are an essential part of our WALK with Christ. After all we are instructed to be not just hearers of the word, but doers. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Jam 2:18
Chapter 4 things which shall be hereafterThrone of God in heaven1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. [Not in the future, but from this point on.] 2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. The Twenty-four Elders4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. [The 24 elders with white clothes and crowns of gold. Where did these elders come from? There are only two possibilities, the way I see it. I don’t believe that these are angels (white garments and crowns of gold) so they must be human. So, either the rapture has already happened or, and most probably there are those that were resurrected at the same time as Jesus (See Matt 27:52-53). This would be the time that Jesus led them from paradise to heaven. Also to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. [Crown 2Ti_4:8; Jam_1:12; 1Pe_5:4] 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Matt 27:52-53 (KJV) 5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Four Beasts6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. [Rev 15:2] 7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. [See Ezek 1:5; Four Beasts- these are Cherubs (see Eze_1:5) Note that God had Moses put cherubs on the veil that led to the Holy of Holies! Exodus 36:35 and also remember that there were two cherubs on the Ark! 4 Beasts, these are Cherubs (see Eze_1:5) Note that God had Moses put cherubs on the veil that led to the Holy of Holies! Exodus 36:35 and also remember that there were two cherubs on the Ark!]
8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. [Some believe that these beasts represent nations and others the four tribes (half tribes) that encamped immediately around the Tabernacle. And yet others the four gospels depicting Jesus from four different aspects: Man-the humanity of Jesus, the calf – Work of Jesus, lion – kingship of Jesus and the eagle – divinity of Jesus. I believe that these are Cherubim and not representative of nations or kingdoms as some have suggested. See Ezek 1:5. Note that God had Moses put cherubs on the veil that led to the Holy of Holies! (Exodus 36:35) and also remember that there were two cherubs on the Ark!] 9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Chapter 5The book sealed with seven seals1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. [Dan_12:4-9 Rev_22:10] 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. [There either will be (looking forward) or has been (speaking of something that has already happened) a fight or struggle between Jesus and Satin. Since John is seeing things, which must be “hereafter”, I believe that John is seeing Christ just after the resurrection (see verse 6). This is not the same battle that is taking place in ch 12:7-9. The angles are fighting there. This verse clearly states that the Lamb has prevailed. And with the work of the cross the word clearly states that Jesus rose victorious. This would support the opening of the seals sometime just after the resurrection.] Verses 6 –14 are referring to the time just after the resurrection of Christ 6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. [Note: In this verse John is seeing Jesus as the slain Lamb whereas when he first saw Him in chapter 1 verses 12-18 in His Glory. Again I believe that this is giving us a clue as to the timing of the vision.] 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. [We are not told what this book is that is sealed but I suspect that it is the book that Daniel was told to seal up till the time of the end.]
Jesus worthy to open Book8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. [Golden Altar of Incense (Tabernacle)] 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; [Notice that the elders are the only humans mentioned here] 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. Chapter 68 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? 9 And he said go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Dan 12:8-9 (KJV) Seals being opened1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, come and see. (These horse colors are mentioned in Zach. Ch’s 1 & 6) First seal2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. Second seal3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. 4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. Third seal5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. Fourth seal7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, come and see. 8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. [t is estimated that 24,000 people die every day from starvation! [9-25-2002]…and ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars…] Fifth seal9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the N souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, how long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? [It's possible that we could be at this seal now?] 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, [persecution under Nero, the Inquisition…] should be fulfilled. It would appear that the church is still in this world. If in fact the seals are part of the Tribulation period. (Which I believe they are not) And this is referring to people who did not make the rapture; how then could we possibly believe they would be strong enough to stand for God during persecution when they couldn’t stand with Him before? Could the events in the first five seals be referring to events such as world wars, rise of super powers, some of the plagues the world has seen i.e. Aids, black plague, small pox, Russia, communism, Germany and famines? Sixth seal12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; [Note: this could be when the war in heaven takes place; see Matt 24:29, Joel 2:30-32] 13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. 14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. [Nuclear Explosion?] 15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; I See Joel 2:31, 3:11-21; Read Matt 24:1-9I
[These events are the birth pangs leading up to the tribulation period.] Wrath of the Lamb Announced16 And said to the mountains and rocks, fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? Chapter 7Note: Chapter seven is a descriptive insert. These things are going on behind the scene or rather from a different prospective. Whereas the focal point of Revelation is the seals, trumpets and vials. These inserts are telling us what else is going on during this time; sort of a meanwhile back at the ranch type of explanation giving us a fuller picture. Sealing of the 144,000(God will always have a remnant from Israel)30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Eph 4:30 (KJV) 1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 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, 33 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. [º Sealing of the 144,000 takes place before the sounding of the trumpets. See 9:4; the sealing takes place before the bottomless pit is opened.] 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. I See also: Eph 1:13; Eph 4:30; 2 Cor 1:22; 2 Tim 2:19; Ezek 9th chapter. I 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, 14 which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Eph 1:13-14 (KJV) [Notice that we as believers are sealed at the time of salvation. Israel is only mentioned here I believe, because Revelation is centered around her and Daniel’s 70th week.] 5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. [Judah “he shall be praised” the praise of the Lord; confession (same as Judah, Jew, Judas, Jude, Judea, Judith) Reuben “behold a son” who sees the son; the vision of the son Gad “a troop” a band; a troop] 6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. [Asher happiness Asher = “blessed” Naphtali that struggles or fights Naphtali = “wrestling” Manasseh forgetfulness; he that is forgotten Manasseh = “forgetting”] 7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. [Simeon “harkening" that hears or obeys; that is heard (same as Shimeon) Levi “joined" associated with him Issachar “reward” reward; recompense] 8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. [Zebulun dwelling; habitation Joseph “let him add” increase; addition Benjamin “son of the right hand”] * Break (not in chronological order) NOTE: This insert between the seals is not in chronological order; it is glimpses of events from another prospective. Again sort of a “meanwhile back at the ranch” insert into the overall story. Great Multitude in Heaven9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; [see v. 14] 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, what are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they? Came out of great tribulation14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, these are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Mat 24:21 for then shall be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world to this time; no, nor ever shall be. These, evidently, are part of those we are told about at the 5th seal. Note: Christian persecution has been prevalent from Nero, through the dark ages with the Inquisition and even until present day. More people have been persecuted in this century (1900's) for the testimony of Jesus Christ than in all previous times combined. (According to the Voice of the Martyrs) However we are told that they came out of Great Tribulation. To say that the church will not suffer persecution, or that Jesus will not allow His church to go through any type of tribulation is simply not realistic. Since the beginning of the New Testament Church there has been persecution in one form or another and continues even until this very day. Just look at some of the tribulation the church has seen already: [see also Matt 13:21; John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rev 1:9; Rev 2:9-10] Death of Jesus and early Apostles
Persecution under Nero and other emperors of Rome (Any flood, famine, earthquake ect... Was blamed on the Christians)
Persecution from Roman Catholic Church
THE INQUISITION
More Christians persecuted for their faith in the 1990’s than all other times combined! (According to Voice of the Martyrs)
Quote By Dr. Ted Baehr 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. [See Isahiah chapter 4] 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Chapter 8Seventh seal1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. [The seals and trumpets cannot be overlapping since the trumpets are given after the 7th seal is opened.] Altar of Incense 3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. [If the Church were raptured at this point, what would be the point of offering the prayers to God? Also see 6:9 (the 5th seal)] Smoke of the incense: again notice the references to the Tabernacle. The smoke of the incense preceded the priest into the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement. Also the Altar continually offers up the incense to God on a daily basis. 5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake. 6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The seals, I believe, are events through history from the cross up to the beginning of the final seven years when God starts the prophetic time clock again. Compare Matthew chapter 24 with the seals.
… 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. ….14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world [message of the three angles? 14:6-12] for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Matt 24:6-9, 14 (KJV) Trumpet JudgmentsThe Tribulation Period Begins First trumpet7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. Second trumpet8 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; 9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. Third trumpet10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; 11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. Fourth trumpet12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. [This is describing the days getting shorter by 8 hours (16-hour days), how else could the night not shine? Jesus said that He would shorten the days for the elect’s sake] 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. Matt 24:22 (KJV) 13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound! Chapter 9First Woe-Bottomless pit openedFifth Trumpet-The Beast is loosed1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. [Rev 11:7 the beast that comes from pit kills the two witnesses. This is most likely when the Antichrist rises to full power] 2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. 3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. [The Holy Spirit also seals us at salvation. See notes at 7:4] Men tormented five months5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. 6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. 7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. 8 And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. 9 And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. 10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. King of the Bottomless Pit11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, [Destroyer] but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon. [See: 2 Thes2:1-8] 12 One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter. » Here is a timing key to the order of events in the book of Revelation. At the fifth trumpet the Antichrist comes to power and according to the word, he will last for three and one half years (13:5). Notice that the fifth vial is poured out on the seat (place of his power or authority) of the beast. So if the antichrist continues for three and one half years, then from the fifth trumpet to the fifth vial would be three and one half years. Also I believe that the trumpet judgments and vial judgments each last for a period of three and one half years for a total of seven years, or the 70th week of Daniel. Second WoeSixth trumpet13 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. 200,000,000 Man Army16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. [200,000,000-man army] [This is not Armageddon] 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. World War, 2 Billion people die18 By these three was the Nthird part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. [2 billion people] 19 For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. 20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: 21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. [This, I believe, is Gods last attempt to persuade mankind to repent and turn to Him. Next follows the vials of wrath, which is poured out over the earth.] Chapter 10Little BookChapter ten and chapter eleven through verse fourteen are also a view from another prospective and not necessarily events taking place between the sixth and seventh trumpet. Again sort of a “meanwhile back at the ranch” insert into the overall story. 1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: 2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, 3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. 4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. 5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, 6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: Mystery of God finished7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the R mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. [See 1 Cor 15:51-52, Eph 1:7-14&3:3-11, Rev 11:15] IYou can’t go any further before running the references for verse 7I This mystery of God is the time or age of Grace, and according to verse seven it finishes or comes to a close at the seventh trumpet. When we study the text and references on the mystery of God we see that it is dealing with 1) God bringing the gentile people (as well as Jews) into covenant relationship with Him; and 2) the gathering together or drawing unto Him. This time of grace was hidden from the prophets of old, as they did not understand that God was going to bring others besides Israel into the kingdom of God. I like to think of Grace as Amnesty and it helps me to understand it better. Grace says that all you have to do is come to God for forgiveness and amnesty will be given to you. However we must not misunderstand that amnesty is not a complete destruction of God’s law, that would be a gross misinterpretation. Also when the church age or the age of amnesty is over, God’s law will be enforced once again. It is because of this amnesty, I believe, that God does not demand that it be enforced today. For further study on this topic just read Ezekiel chapters 40-48 and I think you’ll be surprised to see how things will be during the millennial reign. Jesus said in Mat 5:18 that till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till ALL be fulfilled. One thing we must keep in mind when referring to the law is that it has not been done away with, but HAS changed from the letter of the law to the Spirit of the law. 8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. 9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. [Eze 3:3] 10 And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. 11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings. Chapter 11Temple of God measured1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. [Measuring usually refers to judgment, “judgment begins in the House of God”] 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. [3 1/2 years] [» Time of Gentiles finished at the end of the Tribulation period, whereas the time of Grace is finished with the sounding of the seventh trumpet] The Two witnesses» Their ministry is the first half of the tribulation period since they are resurrected (verse 12) at the time of the 7th trumpet NOTE: This insert is a glimpse of events from another prospective. Again sort of a “meanwhile back at the ranch” insert into the overall story. 3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. [31/2 years; the biblical year is 360 days.] 4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. [See Zach 4:13-14] 5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. 6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. 7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, N he beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. [Bottomless pit opened at the 5th trumpet 9:1] 8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great N city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. [Jerusalem] 9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. 11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the T remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. [Remnant = those left or remaining.] 14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. Third Woe- Reward given to servantsSeventh Trumpet – The age of Grace is over![Feast of Trumpets?] 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. 16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. 18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give R reward unto thy servants the prophets and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. [Matt 16:27, Rev 22:12 Jesus said, “behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me”.]
19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. [Holy of Holies]
The Ark of His covenant I believe refers to the church, or the Christian. The Ark is made of wood, which is a symbol of man, and is overlaid with gold, a symbol of God or the Glory. Inside the ark were the tables of the covenant, or the Ten Commandments. And there was a lid of pure gold covering it, which is called the mercy seat.
Let’s look at other details concerning the seventh trumpet:
See notes on 2Th_2:3 Chapter 12Chapters 12-15 are also descriptive inserts that tell the story from a different prospective, and not events that take place after the 7th trumpet. A woman clothed with the sun1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: [This is Israel; The sun is Jacob, the moon is Rachel and the 12 stars are the 12 tribes. See Gen 37:9-10] 2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. 3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, R having seven heads and R ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. [13:1, 17:3 the harlot rides this beast. This 7 head 10-horn beast comes out of the sea (people) introduced in ch 13:1. This is believed to be the European Union.] 23 Thus he said the fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. 24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25 And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. Dan 7:23-25 (KJV) 4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the N dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. [Obviously this is speaking of satin and the fall of 1/3 of the Angles. And the slaughter of the babies of Bethlehem around the time of Jesus’ birth] 5 And she brought forth a N man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: N and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. [Jesus; Resurrection and ascension of Jesus] **** Break in time between verse 5 and verse 6 ****
6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a N thousand two hundred and threescore days. [31/2 years *1st half of final 7 years see v.14]
War in Heaven
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon [Satin] fought and his angels, [this could not be the struggle from 5:5, here the angles are fighting.] 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. [I believe that this war takes place at the onset of the Tribulation period and possibly at the sixth seal.] 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. [See John 12:31] 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12 Therefore rejoice ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. 13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman N which brought forth the man child. [At this time Jesus had already been born] 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a T time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. [3 1/2 years.]
4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it. Dan 7:4 (KJV)
15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the T remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. [That which is left over] [Possible explanations of this verse: This is referring to the church “and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” or, If this is Israel, then verses 1-6 must be speaking of a turning of Jews, or Israel to Jesus in the end time. However, we know that Jesus said that they would accept a false messiah. And we KNOW that the sun is Jacob, the moon is Rachel and the 12 stars are the 12 tribes of Israel.]
Chapter 13Rise of the AntichristTHIS IS THE FOURTH WORLD EMPIRE THAT WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHERS. Daniel 7:7
» The fifth trumpet opens the bottomless pit which is when it seems that the Anti Christ comes to full power.
1 And I stood upon the sand of the N sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and N ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. [Sea in prophetic terms refers to peoples. This is the 10 toes in Daniel, the revised Roman Empire or, European Union. In chapter 17 we see that the beast hates the whore, even though she rides upon him, and will eventually turn on her.] 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, [Germany?] and his feet were as the feet of a bear, [Russia?] and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: [Great Britain?] and the dragon [Satan] gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. 4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it. 5 And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. 6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. 7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. 8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. Dan 7:3-8 (KJV)
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. [NOTE: Some believe this to be Germany and the rise of the fourth Reich.] 4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. [3 1/2 years] » If the Trumpets and the Vials cover a period of seven years; then from the fifth trumpet (where the bottomless pit is opened) to the fifth vial (which is poured on the seat (center of power) of the beast) would be 3 ½ years and the timing would fit.
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
»11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. [3 ½ years; half way through the tribulation period] 12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. [45 days later] Dan 12:11-12 (KJV)
According to Paul our gathering together to the Lord will not happen until the Abomination of Desolation
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first [the Apostasy], and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. [Abomination of desolation] 2 Thess 2:3-4
Makes war with the saints7 And it was given unto him to make war with the N saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. [The church is referred to as saints. Although some say this is speaking of Israel we must understand that one must be born again to become a saint of God (since Calvary). Jews and Gentiles are referred to as saints 56 times in the New Testament.]
21 I beheld, and the same horn [Antichrist] made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. Dan 7:21-22 (KJV) 25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. Dan 7:25 (KJV) [People tried as by fire]
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man has an ear, let him hear. [That is if we have an ear open to hear the things of God] 10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
The Little Horn of Daniel 36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the T indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. [Anger] 37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. 38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. 39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land (Israel) for gain. Dan 11:36-39 (KJV)
False Prophet
[He performs miracles, signs and wonders, and is in alliance with the One World Empire] 11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had N two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. The false prophet, He looks like a lamb or, resembles the church but speaks like Satan. Most scholars believe that the false prophet will be a Pope. Since the birth of the Roman Catholic Church they have had strong political ties, and influence, with kings and governments.
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 And he doeth R great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matt 24:24 (KJV)
14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. [Many people have tried to identify the antichrist by all sorts of odd calculations, every one from Henry Kissinger to George Bush. The fact is that if you tried hard enough any ones name could equal 666. I don’t believe that we’ll have to come up with formulas to try and identify him. When it’s time I believe God will reveal it to the church. ]
[666-] 2Ch 9:13 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold; [see also Ezr_2:13]
Chapter 14
1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. [The 144,000 have been raptured by this time.] 5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. Angels preach the gospel6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to N preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Matt 24:14 (KJV)
Angles preach the Gospel? Something they are not capable of doing or at least at this time (see Acts 11:13-14). Or, and what I believe is the case, this is symbolic of messengers or preachers given specific messages to preach which would be at the onset of the tribulation period. To every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Jesus said that the gospel would be preached to everyone before the end. (Matt 24:14) The second Angle proclaims that Babylon has fallen. (Babylon is destroyed at the 7th vial) The third angle warns of taking the mark of the beast. (Instituted by the false prophet) So he must preach either before the mark is instituted or right at the onset thereof.
7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, [See 13:16-18] 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God [vial judgments], which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Two harvests
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Mat 13:30 Wheat Harvest
14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. [I believe this takes place at the 7th trumpet. This is defiantly the return of Jesus since we are told that he left in a cloud and will return in a cloud.] 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. 17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
Tares Harvest
18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. 19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. [Armageddon] See 16:16-17
Chapter 15
Wrath of God
1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. [For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thess 5:9 (KJV) By this time the Church is in Heaven with Christ at the marriage supper of the Lamb.] 2 And I saw as it were a sea [people] of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. 3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for Rall nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. [See Isaiah 66:22-23, Ezek ch’s 45&46, Zech 14:16] [Could this be the Day of Atonement?] 5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: 6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. [Resembles the Priests] 7 And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. 8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. Chapter 16Vials of wrath1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. First Vial 2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. Second Vial 3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. Third Vial 4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. 7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments. Fourth Vial 8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. Fifth Vial10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, 11 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. Sixth Vial12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. 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. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. 16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. Seventh Vial 17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. 18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. 19 And the great city [Jerusalem] was divided into R three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. Zech 13:8-9 20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great. Chapter 17Mystery Babylon»Mystery Babylon is destroyed at the 7th vial.
1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the N great whore that sitteth upon many waters: [There are those who believe that Mystery Babylon is America. In verse 18 she is referred to a CITY. I have NEVER found where God referred to Israel or any other nation as a city in scripture. However, the great whore I believe that this is either the Roman Catholic Church or an apostate church that is perverting the gospel. Whoever she is we know that she is, or has been a part of the church because whenever Israel turned to idols, God always referred to them as the harlot. So, this mystery Babylon had to have, at one time known God.] 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. 3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 And I saw the woman N drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. [During the Inquisition the Roman Catholic Church was responsible for more Christian deaths than Nero.] 7 And the angel said unto me, wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. 8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. 9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven N mountains, on which the woman sitteth. [These mountains are believed to be the 7 hills of Rome.] 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. The victory of the Lamb
14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. 15 And he saith unto me, the waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. 18 And the woman which thou sawest is N that great city, which reigneth [At the thought of facing the Inquisition, kings would tremble].over the kings of the earth. [Babylon could not be America since it is called a city.]
Chapter 18
Babylon Destroyed
1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. »4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. [Takes place before her destruction, before the plagues are poured out on her] 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. »6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. [Mystery Babylon is destroyed at the 7th vial.] 7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. 8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. 9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, 10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
Babylon- The Greek form of BABEL; Semitic form Babilu, meaning “The Gate of God.” In the Assyrian tablets it means “The city of the dispersion of the tribes.” The monumental list of its kings reaches back to 2300 B.C., and includes Khammu-rabi, or Amraphel (q.v.), the contemporary of Abraham. ~ Easton's Bible Dictionary
11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: 12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. 14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 And saying, alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! 17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, 18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, what city is like unto this great city! 19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! For in one hour is she made desolate. 20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. 21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. 22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; 23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
Chapter 19
1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: 2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. 5th seal 3 And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. 4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. 5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. 6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Marriage supper of The Lamb[It is possible that this could be the Feast of Tabernacles?]
7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come and his wife hath made herself ready. [Speaking of the joyous occasion of the marriage supper of the Lamb that seems to take place after the distruction of Babylon but before the battle of Armageddon. Notice the repeated use of Hallelujah!]
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in R fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. [Verse 14] 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, these are the true sayings of God. 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. »11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. [Timing- Jesus returns with the army of heaven at Armageddon. Which is the 7th vial.] 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. [NOTE: This is the blood of His enemies that He has slain in battle.]
Isa 63:3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in R fine linen, white and clean. [Verse 8; the church fights with Jesus.] 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Conditions at Christ's return: according to Zach. 13&14
16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. 19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. [Armageddon. See Zech chapter 14] 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
Chapter 20Satan is bound for a thousand years[Day of Atonement?]
1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. [This is possibly on the Day of Atonement. (The scapegoat is lead into the wilderness where he can not come back into the camp (not killed))]
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
Verses 3 & 4 are not in chronological order. I think the And in verse 4 should be ALSO 4 And [also] I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. [See 11:18] 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. [Notice that those who had been through the tribulation, or at least a portion of it, have part in the first resurrection. The bible only teaches of one rapture or catching away. There is no hint of the rapture taking place in two or three parts. The resurrection and rapture of the church both take place at the same time in a one-time event.]
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. 7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Chapter 21
The new heaven and a new earth
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 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. [This, I believe, is the church and not a literal city see 21:10, 22:17] 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, [This is the Church see 21:2, 22:17] 11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. 17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. 18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Chapter 22
1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6 And he said unto me, these sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold I come quickly
7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. 8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. 10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. [See 21:2, 21:10] 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
»1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Dan 12:1-2 (KJV) [1]Excerpted from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition © 1996 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Electronic version licensed from INSO Corporation; further reproduction and distribution in accordance with the Copyright Law of the United States. All rights reserved. [2] See Rev 10:7 at the 7th trump we are told that the mystery of God should be finished.
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