Study on Revelation

"Unveiling"

 

 

 

 

 The last book of the Bible is Revelation. The Greek word for revelation is (apokalupsis), to unveil or uncover, implying the raising of a curtain to reveal what is behind. This book is one of the most avoided and one of the most misinterpreted books of scripture. Because of much interest and many inquiries regarding Revelation, I will now attempt to shed much needed light and answer many questions people have about this very intriguing and prophetical book.

 

  To properly understand Revelation, one must first consider some Old and New Testament prophesies about Jacob's time of trouble, Israel's rebirth as a nation, the Mystery of the Church Age, the Antichrist's rise to power, and the "tribulation the Great Tribulation". To understand more completely the text of Revelation, I will talk about these prophesies first.

 Daniel 9:24  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 unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26  And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27  And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one 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.

  In dealing with Israel, God, through the prophet Daniel, gave his people, the Israelites, a time of 490 years to bring to fulfillment the age of evil and their oppression, and usher in the millennium of peace under the rulership of Jesus the Christ their messiah. The error of Israel, expecting their messiah to come in and overthrow the then ruling Romans, fulfilled scripture to the tee. By their rejection of Jesus, it opened the door for the whole world to be saved. Daniel was so accurate in his prophesies, that it has been speculated, that he wrote history instead of prophesy. There was to be a period of sixty-nine weeks of years from the decree to go and rebuild Jerusalem until their Messiah would be cut off, that is 483 years.

  The Persian King Artaxerxes issued the decree to rebuild on Mar.14th, 445 B.C. On April 6th, 32 A.D. on Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem and presented himself as the Messiah. That's 483 years, fulfilling scripture exactly. It don't add up you say? It does if you take in to consideration the biblical calendar of 360 days per year, that was in use at the time. There was a total of 173,880 days in the 483 years, that number of days will add up correctly.

  So far this prophesy has completed 483 of the 490 years. There has been a pause in this prophesy for almost 2000 years. This is where the Church Age is placed. The remaining seven year period, called "Jacob's time of trouble", is just on the horizon. God takes his attention off of the Church, and returns it onto the Jews. He will dispense his judgement on this evil world, in what has been termed, the "Tribulation the Great Tribulation".

  You may say, "why the pause ?, why the parentheses in time ?, and under what authority do scholars utilize this, in their interpretation of prophesy ?". Jesus himself authorized it.

Luke 4:16  And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18  The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19  To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20  And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.  He was quoting Isaiah 61. He for some reason stopped in the middle of verse 2 which says: "To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, He stopped here. The verse continues. and the day of vengeance of our God....". The, "And the day of vengence of our God", hasn't happened yet. He stopped at just the right point in scripture to be able to say, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears". The Day of Vengeance is none other than the Great Tribulation, Jacobs time of trouble, the 70th week of years referred to in Daniel's prophesy. If he were to read one more word, he couldn't have made the comments that he did. He inserted a pause in prophesy fulfillment, in which God would divert his attention off of the Jew and his worship of God through ceremonies and sacrifices, onto the Church, the body of Christ and their faith in His son Jesus as their Savior. We have been pausing for almost 2000 years now during which time Jesus has built his church by calling his chosen ones unto faith and worship. He will take the church, his body, out of this world before God pours out his wrath on this degenerate world.

  The true church of Jesus Christ, is not appointed unto wrath. We, as the body of Christ, cannot undergo God's wrath a second time. God has already passed judgement on Jesus in our stead. He will not judge him again. When God looks at us, he sees Christ, not as the true sinners that we are. It's like God put's on the "spectacles of Christ"(to borrow a phrase), and sees us through him. Our debt has already been paid. An old testament type, confirming this, regards Moses, striking the rock for water, the second time. Why did God not allow Moses to enter the promised land? He put up with the Israelites rebellions, murmuring, and dis-faith (apistis in Greek) for forty years in the wilderness. When the Israelites were murmuring for water, just three days after their delivery from Egypt, God showed Moses a rock. He told him to strike it and water poured forth. They carried this rock wherever they moved. The second time water was short, God told Moses to speak to the rock. He, however, being angry at the Israelites, struck the rock for the second time. Moses punishment, for disobeying God, was that God did not allow Moses to enter Canaan. God taught us something extremely important through this. Jesus is the Rock. The rock had to be struck for the sins of the world. Jesus, crucified, poured forth "Living Water" for all mankind. Once this Judgement of God has been fulfilled, the payment has been made. He cannot be stricken a second time. Now, through faith, we speak the word, and our faith opens that connection to God that was blocked off in the Garden of Eden. God is teaching us that we, as the true followers of Christ, are under the blood and covering of Jesus. God will not allow us to undergo his wrath during the Great Tribulation.

  One main prophetic indicator showing us that his return is imminent, in our generation, is the rebirth of Israel in 1948. Israel has been dispersed and scattered throughout the world by many oppressors. Prophesies, indicate a final return to their homeland in the last days. After a period of 2520 biblical years (360 day/year), Israel would at last be founded again in her homeland. From 536 BC, a partial return in unbelief, there would be 360 years times 7, 2520 biblical years, 2483.8 calendar years, until their final return. (Lev. 26:18)

 Israel was reborn on May 14, 1948, exactly 2520 biblical years later, just as foretold. Jesus says of Israel in Matthew 24:32-34, Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Jesus had, just earlier, commented to his disciples that Jerusalem would be destroyed, not one stone left on another, and He then went into his Olivet Discourse, regarding the last days and his return. The Fig tree represents Israel and it's sprouting new leaves is when Israel would become a nation again. The generation that is alive to see Israel reborn, sprouting new leaves, will see the other world events indicated in his discourse and that generation would not pass until all things be fulfilled. Let's look at the whole of his discourse.

  Matthew 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.2  And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.3  And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 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. 10  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 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. 15  When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16  Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17  Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18  Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19  And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20  But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21  For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 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. 23  Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 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. 25  Behold, I have told you before. 26  Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27  For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 28  For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. 29  Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30  And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31  And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33  So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34  Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35  Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37  But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be

  Jesus was speaking to "his own", the Jew, and his point of reference bears that in mind. We can see that the events as a whole have been fulfilled, the only ones that we haven't seen and experienced are during the seven year period, the Great Tribulation. When he speaks of coming again to the Jew, he speaks about coming "in clouds with glory", "every eye shall see him". He comes as the conquering King that he is. He speaks like this because he is speaking to Jews and he knows that they would reject their messiah. Regarding the Church, though, he will come for it, "at an hour you don't know, as a thief in the night", we will be caught up in the clouds to meet him there. It is a "Catching Away", of the Church, a Mystery.

  Paul says in 1 Thess. 4:13: 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. 18  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

  Here Paul states that at some point in time, God will send his Son back for the church. There will be a shout of an Archangel, and a Trumpet blast from God. Then all those that have died in Christ will be raised first, their physical yet glorified body will rise to unite with their spirit which has been with Jesus since their death. For to be "absent from the body we are present with the Lord". Then we, that are alive in Christ, will immediately be changed to our glorified body and meet Jesus in the air. He comes down with clouds, just as he left, and steps down on the Mt.Olives, just before the battle of Armageddon. He has his armies with him clothed in fine linen, white and clean. This army is the Church. So Jesus comes once for his church, at the Rapture, meeting in the air. It will be a "catching away", There could possibly be millions on this earth that will disappear. It is believed, by most scholars including myself, that all the children that are under the age of accountability will be taken out with the church. There will be no warning and people left behind will amazed and confused. Soon after, at the signing of a seven year treaty with Israel and many nations, the Great Tribulation will begin, and after that period of time, Jesus will return to earth, with us as his body, as his army, as his Bride, to take over this world. He sets his feet on the ground, then the MT of Olives will split and a mighty earthquake will tear that mountain in half. He then binds Satan, conquers the antichrist, and the false prophet, who gathered the armies of the world to make war with him. He destroy's the world's armies with the sword of his word out of his mouth that cuts to and fro and with the brightness of his coming. He turns the armies of the world against each other. He will use his angels, the saints, hail, fire and rain from Heaven, brimstone and pestilence, and a plague from God which will consume their flesh. Scripture says that "blood will flow up to the horses bridals".

  Now lets talk about the Anti-Christ. He will come on the scene during the tribulation period, just after the church is removed, appearing as a peacemaker. I will discuss more on that later. There is, however, a force on the earth that is restraining him from appearing or fully manifesting.

 2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, (A departure from the faith i.e. all true believers are missing, no one left on earth with saving faith), and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4  Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5  Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6  And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. (The Church, the body of Christ). 7  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth (Witholdeth) will let, (Withhold), until he be taken out of the way. (The Rapture of the Church) 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: (At the Battle of Armageddon) 9  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12  That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 13  ¶But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

  Until the Church is removed, that Man of Sin cannot be revealed. The spirit of antichrist is already working behind the scene, manipulating countries and peoples so that when he does come bodily, everything will be in place for his last ditch attempt to take over the world. When the restraining force, the Church, is removed, the antichrist will come on the scene with lies and deceitfulness. He will be one of the seven leaders ruling over the ten world economic regions. Since the true believers are taken out, there will be a massive departure from the faith, towards a "one world religion". That woman riding the beast, seen later, will be the leader of the "World Church". Persecution of new Christians will be abundant. All those that will not accept this new world religion will be pressured into joining them with martyrdom used as a tool for convincing people to accept this New World Religion. It may even seem to be the right thing, the good and noble thing to do. Many facets of a unified world government and religion are already in place. Through his many lies and miracles the world will give that Man of Sin leadership. He will initiate and arrange for Israel to sign a seven year peace treaty with many nations. This is what starts the seven year countdown. The world will think that a final lasting peace for the middle east will be at hand. Israel will rebuild it's temple. Worship and sacrificing will again commence. For three and a half years there will be a "peace" for Israel under the protection of the Antichrist. Then on passover, halfway through the tribulation, the Beast out of the Abyss will enter into the Antichrist that has just been wounded, apparently unto death. He will be a Satanic Prince, the same evil spirit that entered Alexander the Great. When he ruled the Grecian kingdom he was possessed by this same evil spirit and when he died that spirit was sent to the Abyss. Released in the middle of the tribulation, he possesses Antichrist and raises him from the dead, the result of having a deadly wound. The antichrist, being empowered by the Beast and that Great Red Dragon, called the Devil and Satan, will enter the temple of God, cause the sacrificing to cease, and proclaim himself as God. He overpowers and kills the two witnesses, seen later. He will overthrow the one-world church, with the aid of the ten kings that he has given temporary power to. He will then overthrow three of the horns, three kings of the ten. He then becomes the eighth. The False Prophet then demands the world to worship the beast, instituting his mark that must be taken in order to buy or sell. Then will be unleashed, by God, such terrible and awful judgements on this world, that if allowed to continue, everyone on earth would perish. God is so fed up with mankind's sinfulness that he even sends a strong delusion so that everyone, except those chosen to be saved during the Great Tribulation, will believe Satan's lie and will harden their hearts toward God. We as true believers have nothing to fear, we were chosen before the worlds were formed to be "In Christ". Being in Christ is the only way to salvation, a oneness with God, and an escape from the things to come.

  Now with these things fresh on your mind, lets take a close look at Revelation in a verse-by-verse study.

 Revelation 1:1  The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 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.  In the first three verses, we have John, exiled on the Isle of Patmos. He is the beloved of the Lord and the only apostle not to suffer a Martyrs death. He proclaims here, the validity of what he heard and saw. It was from Jesus himself, through an Angel sent by God. In addition, he promises a blessing on those that read and those that hear the words of this prophesy.

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; 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. This letter is addressed to the seven church centers of John's day. He prays for grace and peace for them from God, from the seven spirits before the throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful one, first-born of the resurrection, and prince of this earth. He died for our sins, we are washed clean in his blood, and Yes, we are Kings and Priests for Christ our God and the Father. Praise be to Him Forever.

7  Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. This is when he comes back at the Battle of Armageddon. Every eye shall see him, realize their error, even Israel who rejected him the first time, and there will be much heartache, sorrow, and repenting wailing.

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. Jesus is the first and the last, by him was all things created, and through him alone will we be allowed eternal life. He is the Almighty. He is God.

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. Here John tells off his exile and reason for it. Faithful, even imprisoned, unto God and the testimony of Jesus. We can all learn from this. We really can't complain about the situations we are in or the problems that we face. There is no comparison between our meager tribulations that we go through, and the apostles oppression, the early church oppression and, even, in some areas of the world today Christians are singled out for torture and martyrdom.

 10  I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 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. John was in deep communion with the Lord, on a Sunday, when suddenly, an awesome vision, a revelation occurred. The voice behind him indicates that the message is straight from the mouth of Christ. Telling him that the things he is about to see, he is to write down and to send copies of his vision to the seven church centers in Asia.

 12  And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 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. 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. 16  And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. As John turns to see what is going on behind him, a force takes over and turns him. He then sees a majestic vision of Christ in all his Glory and Majesty, he is standing in the midst of seven candlesticks which represent the Churches.

 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. To look upon this awesome sight was too much for John. It would be too much for anyone to bear. His head, white as snow, indicating his wisdom. His eyes were as a flame of fire, piercing through to our inmost being. His feet of Brass, indicating his coming as Judge, treading the winepress of the wrath of God. His voice blasting our entire being. He holds seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, representing the Word of God going forth, cutting with each pass. His whole countenance was like the sun to look upon. This was an Awesome, overwhelming, vision of Christ.

19  Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; This verse 19 contains the key to interpreting the whole book of Revelation. John is to write about three things. First, is the things that he has just seen. He writes about the vision of Christ. Second, he is to write about the things that are, i.e. the churches and his message to each church. Thirdly, he is to write about the things that shall be hereafter, i.e. after the things that are, that is the churches and the church age. There will be other references to this shortly.

20  The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. Here, Jesus tells John, that the candlesticks are the churches, and the stars in his hand are the angels or messengers to each church.

  The reasons for the messages to the churches are threefold. First, this is a local application. These seven letters portray actual conditions of the seven local churches in Asia. He addressed problems that each church had and was going through. Second, this is a prophetical application, revealing spiritual conditions of the local churches throughout the church age until the rapture. Individual churches, have experienced different aspects of the problems addressed in these letters, from the beginning of the church age, until the time we are taken out, just before antichrist is revealed. Thirdly, this is an individual application. All of us, from the beginning of the church age, go through different aspects and problems that are addressed in the letters, we can learn from them, and find encouragement by looking forward to the benefits of the overcomers.

  Some teachers have taught a so called "dispensational" aspect to the seven letters. Seven different periods of time starting with Ephesus, through Laodecia. We would be in the Philadelphia or Laodecia period now. I personally believe that there is a dispensational aspect to these letters. There are periods of time, during the history of the church, that does relate to the letters of these churches. Even though there may be tendencies of the church that relates to the letters at certain time periods, this however is not accurate in every case, and the theory is not provable by scripture. It would therefore be wise not to delve into this teaching. There are too many variables and exceptions to this way of thinking. For instance, we, at this time in history, would be in the Laodecian church age. To be honest, there are a multitude of so called "believers" in the traditional church that are lukewarm. However, we seem to also be in the Philadelphian church age, for there are many true believers that fit into the aspects of the Philadelphian church. They are promised to be kept from the tribulation to come. These will be the true believers caught up in the rapture. Those that are left will be of the Laodecian mindset. So there seems to be an overlapping of these church ages. To avoid confusion, I will not discuss at length this way of teaching. Revelation doesn't need to be taught like this to be fully understood.

  Lets now look at the things that are, i.e. the messages to the churches. I will make comments throughout these letters covering certain things, but the letters as a whole speak clearly enough by themselves. They really need no further elaboration.

  Revelation 2:1  Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; A great commercial center of Asia Minor, at the mouth of the river Cayster on the shore of the Aegean Sea. It was noted for the Temple of Diana. These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2  I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3  And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4  Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Walking by faith, which is how all of us start out as Christians. Simple, blind, childlike faith in Jesus and his sacrifice. 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. The site of the city is now covered with ruins and is the residence of a miserable Turkish village without a Christian, fulfilling verse 5. 6  But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. The Nicolaitans were a sect of Gnostic who practiced and taught impure and immoral doctrines, such as the community of wives, teaching that committing adultery and fornication was not sinful, and that eating food that was sacrificed to idols was lawful. 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.

  8  And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; A rich city in Turkey, now called Ismir. It is about 50 miles N.W. of Ephesus on the Aegean Sea. 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. A sect, or group, in Smyrna which professed Judaism, but blasphemed God and served 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.

  12  And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; A town in Mysia on the river Caicus, it is about 50 miles north of Smyrna. 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: Supposed to refer to the removal of the headquarters of the ancient Babylonian cult, from Babylon to Pergamos. and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, An unknown Christian, who became known by his martyrdom for Christ. In the book "The Acts of Antipas", he is the bishop of Pergamos and it states that he was put to death by being enclosed in a burning brazen bull. who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 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. 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 sword of my mouth. 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. These were known to the ancients as Victory Stones . Also in ancient times they meant a pardon and evidence of it. Judges had white and black stones. If he gave a black one to a criminal, it would condemn him; if a white one was given he would pardoned. Also interesting is that the Conquerors, in the public games, were given white stones with their names written on them. This entitles them to be supported for their entire lives at public expense.

  18  And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; A city in Western Turkey between Pergamos and Sardis. 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 (works) 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. (Christ is the morning star) 29  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 3:1  And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; A city about 40 miles east of Smyrna, the ancient city of Lydia. These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name (Reputation) 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. 6  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

  7  And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; A city about 30 miles S.E.of Sardis. 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. A wonderful indication that God will save his Church from the Great Tribulation. He will take them out of, not through or during the Tribulation. 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 ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

  14  And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; Located in Phrygia, a few miles W. of Colosse. 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, They were indifferent and careless, completely dead, lacking in any zeal. 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.

  This ends the messages to the churches. All true believers, if we are honest with ourselves, can relate to these letters. We can find ourselves in one or more of the spiritual conditions that exists in these Churches. We need to continually evaluate our faith and be ever renewing our oneness and relationship with God and Christ. This is the only way to become overcomers and reap the rewards of such. To the once saved, always saved, way of salvation teachers, I must remind you that these letters are written to Christians. The letters also indicate, that if there are overcomers, there also are failures. Who will suffer judgements with the rest of the unsaved. We have to run the race and fight the good fight of faith. None of us are perfect. There is none righteous, no not one. We are, however, forgiven when we repent, and then we have to forget what lies behind, and press on toward the mark of the high calling of Christ. As we walk in faith, God's promise is that he will write his law on our hearts, and we will find ourselves fulfilling his law. Not because we have to, or to measure up to some standard, but because it will be our second nature. We will be like him, which is our goal. The change is never immediate, it is a process, a walk, with Jesus as our guide. We can be overcomers.

  Revelation 4:1  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. This is the beginning of the 3rd section of Revelation. These are the things that happen after the Church age. The church isn't mentioned again, after these messages to them, until chapter 19 when it is seen, in heaven, at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

  2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. This is a type of the Rapture, or "Catching Away", of the Church. John is changed into spirit instantly, and immediately he is in Heaven before the Throne of God. We undoubtly will experience the rapture just as John has done here. Just as Noah, his family, and all the animals that God would save from destruction, was safe in the Ark, before it even started to rain. The body of Christ, all the true believers, will be safe in the heavenlies before the Great Tribulation even starts. God, at this point, now takes his attention off the Church, which is safe in the heavens, and he turns his attention back to Israel, to fulfill the last appointed 7 years, their final chastisement under the law. Soon Israel will begin to recognize their Messiah that they rejected almost 2000 years ago.

  3  And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper (an opaque crystalline quartz probably greenish in color) and a sardine stone: (red in color) and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Here we have a glorious picture of God, a literal person, seated on a literal throne.

  4  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. These elders, seated on thrones, clothed in white, with crowns of gold, represent all the raptured saints, both Old Testament and New. They do not represent the tribulation saints, nor the 144,000 sealed Israelites. This will be understood shortly. The reason for the number of 24 elders is not stated, but consider the following facts; (1).The whole priesthood of old was represented by 24 elders. (1 Chr. 24:1-9) and (2). The names of the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 Apostles are written on the Holy City New Jerusalem. (Rev. 21:10-14)

  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. This denotes the Holy Spirit's fullness and power, upon the Lamb, and before the Throne of God.

  6  And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 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. 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. Here, the floor surface, preceding, and up to, the throne, is seen as a sea of glass. It is clear and crystalline in appearance, reflecting light as diamonds. I imagine it refracting into various colors. Then circling the throne are 4 beasts. Greek word is zoa, meaning living ones, or creatures. They are literal angelic beings, distinct from the elders, seraphim, cheribum, and ordinary angels. These beasts purpose is sevenfold ; 1.To call attention to God's Holiness,(4:4-8). 2. Fall prostrate and worship,(5:8-10). 3. Sing and Play Harps, (5:8-10). 4.Offer prayers of the Saints to God, (5:8-10). 5. Call forth the Horsemen, (6:1-8). 6. Give vials to angels, (15:7). 7. Listen to the worship of others, (14:3).

  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. Here, as the beasts are giving glory to God, we, as the redeemed saints, represented by the elders, are acknowledging God's supremacy and that we are redeemed and we are only able to receive crowns through his blessings and grace. We also acknowledge that the purpose of our creation, was for God's pleasure. That is why we were created.

  Revelation 5:1  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. This book was written on the front and back, probably like a scroll rolled up. You can see writing on the outside, and know that there is writing on the inside, yet there are seven seals down the edge of the rolled up papyri. These seals signify, as in ancient days, that only a specified person, or one that was of a certain status or royalty, was allowed to open the seals.

  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. Here, an unidentified angel, seeks to find the one worthy to open the book. The realization hits home, that there is none righteous, no not one. No man throughout history is found to be able. This book concerns man and his destiny. There needs to be at least one man worthy to open the book, and allow our destiny to come to fulfillment. In John's dismay, he weeps sorrowfully.

  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. Here, an unspecified saint calms John, and assures him that there is one. He indicates that Christ, as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, and also of the Root of David, is worthy to open the book.

  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. Since the lamb is a symbol of Christ, and it has the 7 horns and 7 eyes, these Seven Spirits of God, as in the Lamps earlier, has to represent the fullness and power of the one Holy Spirit upon the Lamb, and before the Throne of God.

  7  And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8  And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. Now Christ, as the Lamb of God, takes the book, to the adoration of the saints and creatures. They all have harps and vials of incense, for praising and offering up the prayers of the saints.

  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. This indicates that the elders and the beasts are offering up the prayers of all the saints that are to reign on the earth with Christ during the millennium and beyond. Also, important to note, that these elders are representative of the true believers that have been raptured.

  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; 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. Here you have a countless number of angels, along with the elders and beasts, around the throne, ascribing to the Lamb and God universal worship.

  6:1  And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. 2  And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. With the opening of the first seal, the Great Tribulation, the 70th week of Daniel's prophesy, commences. This rider on the white horse is the Antichrist. He comes on the scene as a man of peace, signified by the bow and no arrows. He is powerful and yet comes to conquer through diplomacy at first. This is when he oversees the signing of the seven year treaty with Israel and the other nations, then if it hasn't started already, the Temple can begin being rebuilt.

  3  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. Opening of this second seal brings on war. The antichrist first uses diplomacy, then, here he uses the sword to enforce his so called peace. This is also when that woman on the beast, the Religious Babylon called "Mystery Babylon", persecutes the saints of God, those that have accepted Christ since the Rapture. She will seek to make the whole world succumb to her New World Religion. Also, the evil that will be abundant after true believers are taken out, will make for a world full of murder, thievery, sin, and chaos.

  5  And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. 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. This third seal brings on famine, and economic troubles. Foodstuffs will cost eightfold more than the costs are today. Only the rich, symbolized by the oil and wine, are not affected by this seal.

  7  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. This fourth seal brings on Death and Hell. Literally one fourth, 25%, of the people left on earth between the rapture and this time will be killed through war, persecution of new believers, starvation, death by "unknown" cause, and by the beasts of the earth. These beasts could be literal beasts or wild animals. They could also represent the kingdoms of the earth. In Daniel, the kingdoms are represented by beasts. I personally think that they will be wild animals because the war and starvation are the results of the kingdoms or governments existing at that time. Also, any good or humble spirit, that makes the wild animals on the earth subservient or shy away from man, will have been taken away when the church is removed.

  9  And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 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? 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, should be fulfilled. This fifth seal, reveals the slain martyrs that have been killed by antichrist since the rapture. These are the first of the tribulation saints. They are given white robes, and told to be patient, because there were others like themselves, that were to be killed.

  12  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; 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. 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; 16  And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17  For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? This seal starts the earth shaking events. The earth itself reels to and fro. The stars appear to fall and the heavens roll up. These could be meteors or asteroids, but with everything taken into consideration, this earth appears to be tumbling off it's axis, a polar axis shifting, which scientists now agree has happened before. The visible atmosphere is now blackened by volcanic activity and explosions are everywhere. Mountains are moved, or some may disappear altogether. Islands move, and some even sink into the oceans. Tidal waves would be everywhere. All this is due to an axis shift of the earth. Every man on earth, now starts to see, that the wrath of the Lamb is coming, and they are so terrified they would even seek death to try and escape.

  Revelation 7:1  And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. Here are four angels holding back the winds on the earth from every direction. This earth had just taken a tumble through space, and winds surely would be horrific, if it were not for these angels.

  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, 3  Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 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. Now, we see why the winds are held still. God is about to seal the 144,000. 12,000 from each tribe of Israel. This seal protects them in the near future.

  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. 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. 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. 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. Here, God indicates exactly, of which peoples he has chosen to seal that makes up the 144,000. These will be from all the tribes of Israel. God knows where all the so called "Lost Tribes" are. These tribes, except Judah, migrated northward, and west through Europe, during the "scattering", They became known to us today as the Celtic Nations, but that is a different subject.

  9  After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 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. Here we see a countless multitude, which includes the souls under the altar, and the rest that were to be killed as they were. The Tribulation Saints are standing before the throne and the Lamb. They cried out Salvation to God and the Lamb. Then the angels, elders, and beasts fall prostrate, and worship God.

  13  And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14  And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 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. 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. Here, the elder tells John who this multitude is, and tells how they are to be blessed of God.

  Revelation 8:1  And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. The reason for the silence is not given. However bear in mind that this is the last seal keeping the scroll closed. Now, all heaven stands in complete silence, awaiting what is in the book to be revealed. No one knows what is inside, save the author. Every ear and eye in heaven is tuned in, and awaiting what is to come. Lets back up just a little, and take a look at what has happened so far. The seven sealed scroll is like God's title deed of the earth. Adam gave it up to Satan, and Christ is about to take it back. The first five seals are typifying mankind's activities that bring on misery to the earth. The sixth seal, seems to represent God's reaction to the worlds persecution of the saints. The opening of the seventh seal brings on the seven trumpet judgements. These originate from God, and are unleashed upon man.

  2  And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. 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. Here John sees seven angels, or "messengers", standing before God. They are given seven trumpets. Another angel is given a golden censer, then he is given much incense. He offers it upon the altar, along with the prayers of the saints. The smoke, along with the prayers, ascend up before God.

  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. This angel with the censer, now fills it with fire from the altar, and casts it into the earth. This results in voices (undefined), thunder, lightning, and an earthquake. This fire from the altar, indicates that the prayers of the saints for God to respond, are about to be answered. Mankind is about to feel the "wrath of God".

  6  And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The seven angels now prepare to sound their trumpets. These trumpet judgements start the wrath of God being unleashed on the earth. The seals, show terrible problems on the earth, but these are the results of man problems, and new issues under the antichrist, not from God. The seals happened in succession, after which these trumpets also happen in succession. There is no evidence that there is some kind of overlapping, or that the trumpets are within the seventh seal. The seventh seal opens the scroll, the trumpets are within the scroll.

  7  The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. At this first trumpet blast, God brings great hail and fire mixed with blood onto the earth. This burns up a third of the trees, and all the grass on the earth. Since God creates all things, this blood is literal. It doesn't look like blood, this scripture indicates that it is real blood.

  8  And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; 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. This second trumpet brings on some kind of comet, or asteroid of great size. It is cast into the sea. It turns one third of the sea to blood. This results in the killing of one third of the animals in the sea. It also destroys one third of the ships, either through the impact, or by the resulting tidal waves.

  10  And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; 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. This third trumpet brings on the second celestial object to the earth. Probably a comet impacting the earth, or maybe orbiting the earth, so that it's tail sheds a bitterness. It could also be the impact and disintegration of this object, that casts bitterness into the fresh waters of the earth. A full one third part of the fresh water is made bitter, and many die because of the bitter water.

  12  And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. The fourth trumpet shows a darkening of the sun, moon, and stars, by one third of its normal brightness. This, is probably the result of the two celestial bodies that have just encountered the earth.

  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! Here, an angel shouts out to the earth, woe, woe, woe, (you thought the first four trumpets were bad, you haven't seen nothing yet.) The next three trumpets will bring on even worse calamities. The three woes, represent the three next trumpet blasts.

  Revelation 9:1  And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. 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. This "star", out of heaven, is referred to as "him". This denotes an angelic being, not a literal star. This angel is entrusted with an important duty. He holds the key to the bottomless pit. This is the "pit of the abyss", not hell or hades. This pit holds fallen angels, spirit beings that have been chained in darkness, until the Day of the Lord. A great smoke, arose out of this pit, to the point darkening the sun.

  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. 5  And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. 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. These demonic spirits, are released to torment those on the earth that don't have the seal of God in their foreheads. Men will seek death but will not find it. God's mercy still shows through. Those that have not accepted Christ, will be tormented. The torment is so intense, that they would wish death, but they cannot die. However, through God's grace, they are still be able to repent, accept God, receive Jesus as Messiah, and be saved. This shows God's complete mercy, as even while the demon locusts cause extreme pain lasting five full months, he still woo's men to repentance.

  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. 11  And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon. These demonic beings are herein described. They aren't some modern helicopter, or B-52's. They, as angelic beings, may or may not be able to be seen, yet their torments will be felt tremendously for five full months. Their leader, over them, is a special angelic being of a fallen state, who is in Satan's hierarchy, in rulership over other evil spirits. It is probably not Satan himself, for Satan is not, at this time, bound in chains in the abyss. That his name is destroyer, is indicative of who he is, for followers of Satan do not build or construct, they ever seek to tear down and destroy lives of men.

  12  One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter. This verse indicates that the first woe encompassed the fifth trumpet. Now the sixth trumpet brings on the second woe.

  13  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. 16  And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. Here, we are introduced to four angelic beings. That they are evil, is evident in the fact that they were bound, and they were created for a special purpose, to be fulfilled at a very specific time. These are leaders, of an army of 200 million demonic horsemen, that are to be released to slay a full one third of mankind.

  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. 18  By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. 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. This description of these evil angelic horses defies all logic. They have heads as lions, blasting out fire, smoke, and brimstone. With tails as serpents with heads (plural). I see their tails as having serpents, like their hair would be. Hundreds of serpents, flailing and biting. The riders are wearing breastplates of fire, jacinth, and brimstone. This is not a picture of a human rider on literal horses, or even a mechanized army vehicle. These are unnatural, evil, demonic horses, with inhumane riders, advancing under the leadership of the four angels. They are sent out to slay one third of what's left of mankind. Already we have seen 25 percent of the earth's population killed by the fourth horseman in chapter 6:8. This equals to approximately seven hundred million, to one billion. This additional third, that are to be killed by the 200 million horsemen, will equal to about the same amount, seven hundred million to one billion.

  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. It's important to remember here, that only the people on earth that do not have the mark of God, or those that are as of yet undecided, will be included in this third of mankind that will be killed by these monstrosities. Understanding these verses, only those that are unrepentant will undergo this. Believers are exempt from this judgement that is coming on the earth. God seems to be ridding the earth of all those that either are unrepentant, or those that he knows would not turn to Christ. This fifty percent of the worlds population, includes people that God would not have populating the earth during the Millennium under the rulership of Lord Jesus Christ, therefore they are taken out. The only believers that are killed during this seven years, are those who are martyred for their faith in Jesus as Messiah, and who reject the antichrist and his imposed system of government. These believers have turned to God since the rapture. When the restraining force, the true church, that is removed for antichrist to be revealed, is taken out, sin and rebellion against God and Christ will abound unrestrained. God will harden the hearts of all those that he doesn't want to inhabit the earth during the Millennial Kingdom. We are now at the approximate middle of the Tribulation.

  Revelation 10:1  And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: 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 (delay) no longer: This awesome angel, some scholars believe, is Christ. Christ, however, is not referred to as an angel in the entire book of Revelation, he is seen as he is, the Lamb of God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Verse 5 & 6 proves this point. Christ wouldn't swear by himself. This Mighty Angel raises his hand to heaven, and swears by Christ, that the time is up and that there will be no more delay. There are now only 1260 days left for this current age to come to completion, and the Kingdom of Christ to commence. In verse 4, John is about to write what the seven thunders uttered, and he is told to seal up..and write them not. This is the only place, in the whole book of Revelation that God hides something. It is not for us to know what was said, so we must not even speculate. Starting in verse 10:1 through 11:14 there is sort of a parentheses in the chronological unfolding of the judgements bearing down on man.

  7  But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. The mystery of God, is none other than Salvation through Christ. This mystery, that angels seek to understand, and men, from the fall until now, try to understand, is that God can provide fallen man a path back to unity again with Himself. This mystery, of being reinstated into fellowship with God, is through faith and not by works. How that God, can love man so much that he is willing to send his son to die for their sins. This mystery has been taught, beginning in the Old Testament through the New, and is now coming to complete fulfillment.

  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. 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. Here, John takes a scroll, apparently back on earth, and eats it. This scroll may well be the same seven sealed scroll, or it may be a new one indicating judgements yet to come on the earth. It is irrelevant which one it may be. When he is told to eat it, that indicates, in type, to mentally digest it. To learn and know it fully. We are to be in the Word of God, and prove ourselves faithful by studying the Word. The fact that it is sweet in his mouth, but bitter in his belly, is understood in that, to believers, God's word and Jesus ultimate victory and his return to earth, is sweet. However, the judgements and torments, coming on the earth, is bitter. Also, as the Word of God is, to those who accept Christ, life, blessing, and sweet. The same Word, for the unbeliever, brings on death, destruction, and bitterness.

  Revelation 11:1  And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 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. This chapter involves a continuing parentheses taken out of the time line of the judgements. For we see things happening that take place from the start of the tribulation period, through the middle point of the tribulation. Here, it is seen that the temple is rebuilt, which happens at the beginning of the seven year period, when antichrist signs the treaty with Israel. The Jews sacrificial worship has been reinstated. The exemption of the outer court, and the holy city, indicates that although the Jews have their temple, the whole area and the rest of the city is still being occupied by gentiles. The antichrist will allow the Jews to rebuild and worship in their temple, however an occupation of the entire area by gentiles is clear. Like an occupying U.N. force, that enforces a so called peace. After forty two months, in the middle of the tribulation, when the Antichrist enters and desecrates the temple, God then intervenes and unleashes his wrath on antichrist and his kingdom. We, as Christian, need not to seek a worldly temple to find God. We are his temple, and we find worship with God when we look inward. Seek him, and dwell with him, in that "secret place".

  3  And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 4  These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. 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. These two witnesses of God begin their ministry at the start of the tribulation period. They will testify of Christ, and be a thorn in the side of the Jews, and also the antichrist and his ruling government. They will be immortal until their testimony is fulfilled. No one can come against them. They will kill anyone that would hurt them, with fire out of their mouths, and they will call down all kinds of plagues on the earth. The identity of these witnesses can also be known. We know for sure that one of them is Elijah. It is prophesied that he would return before the "Coming of the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord". He also called down fire from heaven, and shut up the heavens that it wouldn't rain during his earthly ministry in the Old Testament. He also, was taken up to God, and did not, at that time, see death. The other witness will be either Enoch or Moses. The reason it may be Enoch, is the fact that Enoch also did not taste death, but was taken out. Enoch was a gentile, and he lived before Abraham. Therefore he is not identified with Israel in any way. Just because Enoch hadn't tasted death, is not a good enough reason to assume he will be one of these witnesses. Hebrews tells us that the reason he was taken, was that he "should not see death". These witnesses will see death. This fact itself should exclude Enoch from being one of them. Also understand, that there will be many exceptions to those that haven't tasted death. For all true believers that are alive when Jesus returns at the Rapture, will not taste death either. More probably, this other witness will be Moses come back. For Moses and Elijah were the two that came down and ministered to Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration. Moses, also called down all kinds of plagues, just as these witnesses do, when he was called to Egypt to free the Israelites. However, it is not imperative that we positively identify these witnesses in our study, God will reveal who they are in his own good time.

  7  And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8  And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 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. When their testimony is complete, then and only then, will they be overpowered by the beast and be killed. Their bodies will lay in the streets of Jerusalem for three and a half days. The whole world will look upon their dead bodies. It amazes me, that only in our lifetime, has the technology been developed, that would allow the world to look at these dead witnesses. The beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will enter antichrist. Antichrist will, at that time, desecrate the Jewish Temple. He will overpower these witnesses, and overthrow that harlot, the New World Religious system. He will then conquer three of the ten kings that have been in power for a short time. This all happens at the mid-point of the tribulation.

  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. The degenerate men on the earth, will gloat over these dead witnesses. They will be throwing a worldwide party over these two men, glad to see them dead, for the plagues that these men called on the earth have ceased.

  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 remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. In the middle of a worldwide party over these dead witnesses, God will raise them up, alive, and take them up to heaven. What a shock this will be to the peoples of the earth. For everyone will be able to see them resurrected, and a remnant will turn to God and believe. This event culminates the first half of the tribulation and sets the stage for the last half, the Great Tribulation to commence. It also starts a great revival, that continues through the last three and a half years. The times of the gentiles are over and the Day of the Lord's Wrath, the tribulation the "Great Tribulation", will commence.

  14  The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. 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. Here, at the sounding of the seventh angel, no particular judgements are rendered unto the earth. This sounding ushers in the bowls of wrath, devastating judgements on the earth. Voices in heaven are heard foretelling the taking away of the kingdom of Satan, and returning it to God and Jesus the Christ. Note here that the KJV uses the plural form "kingdoms", whereas the actual meaning is singular "kingdom".

  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. The 24 elders, both old and new testament saints, the true body of Christ, those taken at the rapture, praise and thank God for taking back his kingdom, and power that had previously been held by Satan and his hierarchy. Their announcement, although not immediately fulfilled, would be fulfilled completely 3 1/2 years later at the battle of Armageddon. In preparation of that great and terrible day, God unleashes such wrath on the earth, that never has or will ever again occur.

  18  And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. The elders continue disclosing events that are about to come to pass.

  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. This original Temple of God, and the true Ark of the Covenant, are the first ones that God has. He gave the plans to construct the replicas to Moses on MT. Sinai. The lightning, voices, thunderings, earthquake and hail, indicate the billowing wrath that is about to be unleashed from God in heaven, onto the earth during the last 3 1/2 years.

  In chapter 12 we see another parenthetical passage. This one covers an extended period of time, from creation through the middle of the tribulation.

  Revelation 12:1  And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 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, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4  And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. 5  And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. 6  And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. Verse 1 and 2 picture Israel awaiting her messiah to come. Verse 3 to 5 is showing Satan as a great red dragon. He is cast out of heaven, before the fall of Adam, and he takes with him a third of the angels who sided with him. He then causes the fall of Adam and Eve. Then seen here, he awaits the messiah's birth, and tries to kill him to prevent him from fulfilling what he was sent to do. After Jesus' crucifixion he, Jesus, was taken up to God's throne, and his own throne, where he now is interceding for us. Verse 6 shows Israel fleeing into the wilderness, probably to Petra, from the antichrist at the middle of the tribulation, just after he desecrates their temple. They are kept safe by God, in the wilderness, for the last half of the tribulation.

  7  And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8  And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 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. Satan, until this point in history, has access to heaven, but, at the mid point of the tribulation, after he is cast out, he enters into this world. He empowers antichrist, already possessed by the beast out of the abyss, to oppress all those who are Christian or Jew,or who will not succumb to his governmental rule. He, at this time, has access to God to accuse us for our sins but soon, at the middle of the tribulation, he will be cast out and no longer will he have access. He will be stuck on the earth and will persecute mankind fiercely because he knows his time is short.

  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 which brought forth the man child. 14  And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 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 remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Here again, is the proclamation that the kingdom of this world is about to be taken from Satan and returned to God. Satan, being cast down to earth, no longer has access to heaven. He is crazy with anger, and pursues Israel. Israel flees to the wilderness, pursued by Satan. The flood he issues against Israel, may be literal, or symbolic of his armies. Either way, God uses the earth to help them. He also feeds, and keeps them safe for the next three and a half years, during the most catastrophic time this world has ever been through. Satan, in his anger, and constrained to the earth, makes war against the rest of the world, any Jews he can find, and especially those that have chosen to follow Christ and resist the new world government.

 

 

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