Revelation by Lanny Carpenter

STUDIES IN REVELATION LANNY CARPENTER A verse-by-verse commentary

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction to Revelation Revelation Outline

. Pages 3 - 4

. Pages 5 - 6

Revelation Commentary Chapter 1 .

. Pages 7 - 8

Chapter 2

. Pages 9 - 14

Chapter 3

. Pages 15 - 19

Chapter 4

. Pages 20 - 21

Chapter 5

. Pages 22 - 23

Chapter 6

. Pages 24 - 26

Chapter 7

. Pages 27

Chapter 8

. Pages 28 - 29

Chapter 9

. Pages 30 - 31

Chapter 10

. Pages 32

Chapter 11

. Pages 33 - 34

Chapter 12

. Pages 35 - 36

Chapter 13

. Pages 37 - 38

Chapter 14

. Pages 39 - 40

Chapter 15

. Pages 41

Chapter 16

. Pages 42 - 43

Chapter 17

. Pages 44

Chapter 18

. Pages 45

Chapter 19

. Pages 46 - 47

Chapter 20

. Pages 48 - 49

Chapter 21

. Pages 50 - 52

Chapter 22

. Pages 53

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INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION Theme & Key Verse The theme of the book of Revelation can be found in 19:10– “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” The central issue in the book is that of Jesus Christ. Everything is related to Him in some way. There is an initial description of Him; His relationship to the church is shown; He is the only one who can open the book; it is He who sends the judgments; He comes in all His glory; for a thousand years He reigns; and finally He judges all. Unless you come to grips with Jesus as the focal point of the book, you will have trouble understanding the book. The key verse of the book of Revelation is found in 1:8 – “’I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.’” Outline Whereas we must do our best to understand the literary form of most Biblical books, the book of Revelation gives a brief outline of itself. God saw fit to reveal through John the form He would use to reveal to John His revelation of future events. It is found in 1:19 – “’Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.’” This verse forms a natural outline of the book: I.

“What you have seen”

Chapter 1

II.

“What is now”

Chapter 2-3

III.

“What will take place later” Chapter 4-22 Author

Revelation 1:1, 4, 9 & 22:8 tells us that John is the author of this book. Since the second century, John the Apostle has been recognized as its author. John was, of course, the son of Zebedee and Salome, and the brother of the apostle James. John tells us that he wrote the book from the small island of Patmos, just off the coast of Ephesus in the Aegean Sea. Patmos was the site of a Roman penal colony, and history tells us that John was banished there during the latter part of Domitian’s reign, somewhere between 81 and 96 AD. It is generally believed to have been written around 90 AD. Purpose & Recipients The purpose of this book revolves around what the church was facing at that time. Roman authorities were beginning to enforce emperor worship, and Christians were facing increasing hostilities. John wrote to encourage faithfulness during these times of persecution. He wanted them to staunchly resist the demands of emperor worship, and to know that the final showdown between God and Satan was coming. The primary recipients of this treatise were the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. However, John no doubt intended the letter to be passed around to all Christians in all areas of the Roman world.

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Four Views of Interpretation # Allegorists or nonliteral – view the book as a symbolic portrayal of the conflict between good and evil. # Preterits – view the book as a description of first-century events, showing the church’s triumph over Judaism and paganism. # Historicists – view the book as a preview of the Church Age; the prophecies have been and continue to be fulfilled in the history of the church. # Futurists – view the events of Revelation 4-22 as yet to occur; events will follow the Church Age.

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REVELATION OUTLINE I. Introduction (Revelation 1) A.

Prologue (1:1-3)

Greetings and Doxology (1:4-8)

Jesus Among the Seven Churches (1:9-20)

II. The Letters to the Seven Churches (Revelation 2-3) A.

Ephesus (2:1-7)

Smyrna (2:8-11)

Pergamum (2:12-17)

Thyatira (2:18-29)

Sardis (3:1-6)

Philadelphia (3:7-13)

Laodicea (3:14-22)

III. The Throne of God (Revelation 4-5) A.

The Throne in Heaven (4)

The Seven-Sealed Scroll (5:1-5)

The Lamb Slain (5:6-14)

IV.

The Seven Seals (Revelation 6:1--8:1) A.

First Seal: The White Horse (6:1-2)

Second Seal: The Red Horse (6:3-4)

Third Seal: The Black Horse (6:5-6)

Fourth Seal: The Pale Horse (6:7-8)

Fifth Seal: The Souls under the Altar (6:9-11)

Sixth Seal: The Great Earthquake (6:12-17)

[PARENTHETICAL: The Sealing of the 144,000 and the Great Multitude] (Revelation 7) G.

Seventh Seal: Silence in Heaven (8:1)

V. The Seven Trumpets (Revelation 8:2--11:19) Introduction (8:2-5) A.

First Trumpet: Hail & Fire Mixed with Blood (8:6-7)

Second Trumpet: A Mountain Thrown into the Sea (8:8-9)

Third Trumpet: The Star Wormwood (8:10-11)

Fourth Trumpet: 1/3 of Sun, Moon, & Stars Struck (8: 12-13)

Fifth Trumpet: The Plague of Locusts (9:1-12)

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Sixth Trumpet: Release of the Four Angels (9:13-21)

[PARENTHETICAL: The Angel & the Little Scroll; The Two Witnesses] (Revelation 10:1--11:14) G.

Seventh Trumpet: Judgments and Rewards (11:15-19)

[PARENTHETICAL: The Woman and the Dragon; the Two Beasts; the Lamb and the 144,00; the Great Soul Harvest] (Revelation 12:1 -- 14:20) VI.

The Seven Bowls (Revelation 15-16) Introduction (15:1-8) A.

First Bowl: Ugly and Painful Sores (16:1-2)

Second Bowl: Sea Turns to Blood (16:3)

Third Bowl: Fresh Water Becomes Blood (16:4-7)

Fourth Bowl: Sun Scorches People with Fire (16:8-9)

Fifth Bowl: Darkness (16:10-11)

Sixth Bowl: Euphrates River Dries Up (16:12-16)

Seventh Bowl: Tremendous Earthquake (16:17-21)

VII. The Great Prostitute: Babylon (Revelation 17:1 -- 19:5) VIII. Marriage and Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-10) IX.

Return of Christ (Revelation 19:10-21)

X. Millennial Reign of Christ XI.

(Revelation 20:1-6)

Satanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Doom (Revelation 20:7-10)

XII. Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) XII. New Heaven, New Earth, New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1 -- 22:5) XIII. Conclusion (Revelation 21:6-21)

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REVELATION CHAPTER 1 CHRIST IS THE GIVER OF THE REVELATION (Revelation 1:1-3) 1. God's Part a.

The Father gave the information to the Son, who in turn gave it to an angelic messenger, who then imparted it to John the apostle.

It is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, meaning it is both about Christ Himself, a disclosure of future events, as well as the fact that it comes from Him.

2. John's Part a.

John the Apostle was chosen by the Lord to receive this disclosure of the future.

John viewed all that he received as the Word of God.

3. Man's Blessing a.

This is the first of seven blessings in the book.

Those who read and hear this prophecy are blessed, but it is important that they also keep (observe or pay attention to) what is written.

Obedience is urgent because "the time is near," showing the early church's belief that Christ coming was imminent.

CHRIST IS THE FOCUS OF THE FUTURE (Revelation 1:4-8) 1. Christ is the Sustainer a.

John prayed that the people of God would find grace and peace from the Eternal One.

Grace embodies God's attitude toward the believer coupled with His loving gifts, while peace speaks of our relationship with God.

2. Christ is the Redeemer a.

John gave three truths about Christ. 1)

Christ is the faithful witness in that He fulfilled the role of a prophet, preaching the truth of redeeming grace.

Christ was the firstborn from the dead in that His resurrection took priority over all resurrections because of what it accomplished.

Christ is the ruler of the kings of the earth as absolute sovereign over all authorities, and will be in the future after His great victory.

Christ is our Redeemer and High Priest 1)

As Redeemer, His motive was love, His means was His own blood, and the immediate result was the cleansing of our sins.

As High Priest we are made His subjects (a kingdom) as well as His priests.

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3. Christ is the Coming Judge a.

Christ will be the Judge of the ungodly at His second coming.

Israel as well as the whole world will see Him when he comes to establish His kingdom.

4. Christ is the Eternal God a.

Christ's eternality is declared as "the Alpha and Omega" and the one "who is, and who was, and who is to come.

"Almighty" denoted His universal rulership.

CHRIST IS THE EXALTED LORD OF HIS PEOPLE (Revelation 1:9-20) 1. John's Condition a.

John describes himself as a fellow suffering believer.

He was in exile on Patmos because of his faith in Christ and his adherence to the Word of God.

John was in a state of spiritual ecstasy so that he could receive the revelation.

2. Christ's Commandment a.

John was commanded to write down the revelation as he received it.

The revelation was addressed to seven specific churches, but was probably passed around to many more.

3. Christ's Appearance a.

Standing among the lampstands – presence among the churches.

Robe – suggests His role as High Priest and Judge.

Eyes like blazing fire – speaks of His searching righteousness.

Feet like glowing bronze – symbol of His divine judgment.

Voice like sound of rushing waters – reveals His majesty and power.

Face like the sun shining – shows His holiness and glory.

Seven stars in hand – represent the pastors of the seven churches.

Two-edged sword – represents divine judgment.

4. Christ's Comfort a.

Even though John was overwhelmed by what He saw, he was not to be afraid.

Jesus describes Himself as having power over life and death.

Christ then explains to John the meaning of the seven angels and seven lampstands.

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REVELATION CHAPTER 2 EPHESUS: THE UNLOVING CHURCH Revelation 2:1-7 CITY – EPHESUS 1. Large metropolitan port city, and the most prominent one, in the Roman province of Asia. 2. Home of the Temple of Diana (Greek -- Artemis), one of the seven wonders of the world. 3. The city is now uninhabited, and is one of the important ruins in the area. CHURCH 1. Had a long history of Christian witness; Paul made it the center for his evangelistic work. (Acts 19:10) 2. Paul’s preaching of the gospel affected the worship of Diana, and reduced the sale of idols of Diana; Demetrius, a leading silversmith, led a riot that forced Paul to depart from Ephesus. (Acts 19:23-41) 3. After Paul’s ministry, evidence indicates that Timothy led the work in Ephesus. 4. There is reason to believe that the Apostle John himself succeeded Timothy as the pastor at Ephesus, even perhaps writing his five letters there. CHRIST (1) 1. Holds (Gr. “holds authoritatively”) the seven stars (messengers) in his right hand – Christ holds the church leaders in divine protection and under divine control. 2. Walks among the seven golden lampstands (churches) – symbolizes Christ’s presence and observation of the testimony of the churches; also shows the availability of Christ and His power. COMMENDATION (2-3, 6) 1. Your hard work and your perseverance – their strenuous, exhausting labor as well as in spite of considerable obstacles.

their perseverance

2. Cannot tolerate wicked men – their refusal to fellowship with morally wicked men.

(Rom. 16:17)

3. Tested those who claim to be apostles – they readily detected false teachers and their theological errors. 4. Nicolaitans a.

Name comes from two Greek words: nikao, meaning “to conquer, overthrow,” and laos, meaning “the people, laity.”

May have been named after Nicholaus, one of the seven deacons of Antioch, who is believed to have led an heretical sect.

Possible beliefs and teachings include imposing a clerical hierarchy upon the laity, or giving a license to practice sensuality by completely separating one’s spiritual and physical nature.

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CONDEMNATION (4) 1. In the Greek the order is especially emphatic in that the object of the verb is before the verb – “Your first love you have forsaken.” 2. They, at one time, had a warm-hearted devotion for service, as evidenced by their long-standing ministry. 3. This former attitude was replaced by habit and a desire for reputation. COMMANDMENTS (5) 1. Remember – recall their faithfulness in earlier years and take inventory of their spiritual life. (Eph. 1:15-16) 2. Repent – change their will, mind, and emotions about Christ and their pathetic condition. 3. Return – work for Christ again out of a heart of love. (John 14:15) CAUTION (5) 1. If the Ephesian Christians did not heed the warning, they could expect sudden judgment. 2. Remove your lampstand – remove the church as a testimony for Christ, including their right to exist. 3. This was tragically fulfilled ultimately, as the church retained its vigor for several centuries, but died out as the city declined. COMPENSATION (7) 1. He who has an ear – those spiritually minded Christians who are willing to obey the Spirit’s commands. 2. To him who overcomes – a general description of what is normal, to be expected among those who are true followers of Christ. (I John 5:4-5) 3. Right to eat of the tree of life – a promise of life in the eternity to come; designed to restore and rekindle that love of Christ known in their early days. 4. Tree of life – first mentioned in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:22), later is found in the midst of the street of the New Jerusalem (Rev. 22:2).

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SMYRNA: THE SUFFERING CHURCH Revelation 2:8-11 CITY – SMYRNA 1. Large, wealthy port city and commercial center on the west coast of the province of Asia. 2. Located 35 miles north of Ephesus; modern day Izmir. 3. Was on the direct trade route from India and Persia to Rome. 4. Famous for myrrh (the source of its name), used as a spice and for medicine. 5. Large Jewish segment, but mostly irreligious and neglectful of spiritual things. CHRIST (8) 1. First and last – the eternal God who controls every circumstance, even persecution. 2. Who died and came to life – His resurrection power takes the fear out of death for believers. COMMENDATION (9) 1. Their affliction (by their enemies) and their poverty – suffering for the cause of Christ, physically as well as materially. 2. Much of their persecution came from hostile Jews. 3. Say they are Jews, but are not – probably Jews by birth, but not in spiritual reality. (Rom 2:28-29) 4. Synagogue of Satan – Strongholds of false teaching. COMMANDMENT (10) 1. Stop being afraid – Though afraid already, commanded to stop, because persecution would not rob them of eternal blessings. a. Devil – means “accuser” b. Put some of you in prison to test you – Jesus knew Satan intended to attack them, so He was encouraging them. (Mt. 10:28) c. 10 days – could refer to: 1) Ten periods of persecution. 2) The last ten years of Diocletian’s reign, during which the church suffered intense persecution. 3) A short and limited time. (Gen. 24:55; Nu. 11:19) 2. Become faithful – perhaps none of their number had died yet, so they are exhorted to be faithful even if the result is death. COMPENSATION (11) 1. Crown of life – literally, the garland or wreath awarded to winner in athletic contests; the glorious prize of eternal life. 2. Not be hurt at all by the second death – will not face spiritual, or eternal, death in hell. (Rev. 20:14)

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PERGAMUM: THE COMPROMISING CHURCH Revelation 2:12-17 CITY – PERGAMUM 1. The capital city of Asia, 15 miles inland. 2. Famous for the first temple of the Caesar-cult, and of many temples devoted to idol worship. 3. Built on a cone-shaped hill rising 1000 feet above the surrounding valley. 4. Parchment (Greek pergamena) was invented in this city. CHRIST (12) 1. Has the sharp, double-edged sword – represents the Word of God (Heb. 4:12) 2. The cure for the problems of this church is the Word of God, which Christ uses to sanctify (Jn. 17:17), to clean (Jn. 15:3), to bring joy (Jn. 15:11), and to bring peace (Jn 16:33) to His church. COMMENDATION (13) 1. Satan’s throne . . . Where Satan lives – Pergamum was run by heathen intellectuals; given over to idolatry and the temple worship of: Caesar, Athena, Dionysius, Asklepios, Hadrian, and Zeus. 2. Remain true to my name – a personal loyalty and faith in Jesus Christ. 3. Did not renounce your faith in me – did not deny the body of Christian truth which accompanies faith in Christ. 4. Antipas – first martyr of Asia; according to tradition, he was slowly roasted to death in a bronze kettle during the reign of Domitian. CONDEMNATION (14-15) 1. Hold to the teachings of Balaam – (Numbers 22-25; 31:15-16)Balaam’s teaching was that the people of God should intermarry with the heathen and compromise in the matter of idolatrous worship. 2. Hold to the teachings of . . . The Nicolaitans – giving a license to practice sensuality by completely separating one’s spiritual and physical nature; taught compromise with impurity; that which Ephesus hated, Pergamum tolerates.

COMMANDMENT (16) 1. Repent therefore! – must change their minds and their wills about their compromising ways. 2. Jesus encourages repentance as the alternative to judgment. CAUTION (16) 1. I will soon come to you – in judgment 2. Will fight against them with the sword of my mouth – judgment will come through the Word of God; Balaam was killed by a sword. (Nu. 31:6-8)

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COMPENSATION (17) 1. Hidden manna – benefits of fellowship with Christ and the spiritual strength He provides. 3. White stone – refers to courts where a white stone was cast for innocence; symbolizes our assurance that we are declared innocent and accepted by Christ. 4. New name written on it, known only to him who receives it – symbolizes relationship with Christ.

that each of us has a special, intimate

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THYATIRA: THE IMPURE CHURCH REVELATION 2:18-29 CITY – THYATIRA 1. A strategic military outpost located 40 miles southeast of Pergamum. 2. Established as a Macedonian colony by Alexander the Great after the destruction of the Persian empire. 3. Located in a rich agricultural area; known for its many trade guilds which manufactured cloth. 4. Famous for the manufacture of purple dye. (Acts 16:14-15) CHRIST -- SON OF GOD (18) 1. Eyes like blazing fire – burning indignation and purifying judgment. 2. Feet like burnished brass – glorious Judge. COMMENDATION (19) 1. Love – did everything in the spirit of generosity and self-sacrifice. 2. Faith – relied on God for strength and guidance. 3. Service – actively furthered the kingdom of God. 4. Perseverance – patiently endured difficulty. 5. Abundance – increased in their efforts for the kingdom of God. CONDEMNATION (20-23a) 1. Tolerate the woman Jezebel – Promoted immorality and eating foods sacrificed to idols. 2. Bed of suffering . . . Strike her children dead – “Jezebel” and her followers will face severe judgment. CAUTION (23b) 1. I will repay – addressed to anyone who corrupts the purity of God’s truth and spoils the worship of the Lord with idolatrous practices. 2. According to their deeds – speaks of the coming judgment; there will be degrees of reward in heaven and degrees of punishment in hell. COMMANDMENT – (24-25) Hold on to what you have – be faithful. COMPENSATION (26-29) 1. Authority over the nations – rule with Christ over the nations at the Second Coming. 2. Morning Star – Christ Himself (22:16) and His blessings.

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REVELATION CHAPTER 3 SARDIS: THE DEAD CHURCH REVELATION 3:1-6 CITY – SARDIS 1. Located 50 miles east of Smyrna and 30 miles southeast of Thyatira. 2. An important and wealthy city located on a commercial trade route running east and west through Lydia. 3. Much of its wealth came from its textile manufacturing, dye industry, and jewelry trade. 4. Temple of Artemis, dating from 4th century BC, located there. 5. Situated in ideal spot for defense, surrounded by deep cliffs almost impossible to scale, but had fallen twice due to overconfidence and failure to watch. 6. Only a small village named Sart exists today amid the ruins. CHURCH 1. The remains of a Christian church building testify of post-apostolic Christian witness. 2. The church to which letter was addressed continued its existence to the 14th century, but was never prominent. CHRIST (1) 1. Holds the seven spirits of God – reference to the Holy Spirit and His sevenfold character (1:4; Is. 11:2-5); Christ Jesus is the one who possesses and gives the fullness of the Spirit. 2. Holds . . . The seven stars – the pastors of the churches are responsible to no one but Christ Himself. CONDEMNATION (1) 1. Reputation for being alive – considered by churches in area to be a spiritual church with an effective ministry and testimony for God. 2. You are dead – From divine standpoint, dead in spiritual life and power. COMMANDMENT (2-3a) 1. Wake up – literally, “wake up and stay awake”; spiritually they were slumbering. 2. Strengthen what remains – there were some who still had true life and spirituality. 3. Remember what you have received and heard – the truth of the gospel. 4. Obey it – more important than receiving and hearing is obedience to the gospel. 5. Repent – change their will as well as their mind concerning spiritual things.

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CAUTION (3b) 1. If you do not wake up – if you do not recognize your slumbering spiritual state. 2. I will come like a thief – Christ would come suddenly upon them when they did not expect it and bring judgment on them, much as its enemy had twice surprised the city. COMPENSATION (4-6) 1. The few faithful believers who had not “soiled their clothes” will one day, for their worthiness, dwell with Christ in their white robes of righteousness. (3:18; 6:11; 7:9, 13; 19:14) 2. All who join the faithful believers by overcoming and obeying the Lord’s commands to “wake up” will likewise wear white robes. 3. Never blot out his name – will enjoy eternity with Christ. 4. Acknowledge his name – Christ will claim the believers as His faithful ones. (Mt. 10:32-33)

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PHILADELPHIA: THE SPIRITUAL CHURCH REVELATION 3:7-13 CITY – PHILADELPHIA 1. A rich agricultural city named after its founder, Attalus Philadelphus, king of Pergamos. 2. Founded 189 B.C., the city was in an area prone to earthquakes; it was completely destroyed by and an earthquake in 17 A.D., and rebuilt shortly after. 3. Located in the province of Lydia, 28 miles southeast of Sardis. 4. Situated at the upper part of a long valley, the doorway to the Central Plateau, the main mass of Asia Minor; known as the keeper of the gateway to the plateau. 5. Known in modern times as Alasehir. CHURCH 1. No mention of this church in Scripture. 2. History records that the city remained an independent Christian city until the close of the 14th century, when the Turks conquered it. CHRIST (7) 1. Holy – set apart from all iniquity and exalted above all creation. 2. True – The Author of truth; one who never deals deceitfully with His people. 3. Holds the Key of David – (Is. 22:22) His will is authoritative (Mt. 28:18), opening and closing doors of service. COMMENDATION (8, 10a) 1. Placed before you an open door – a divinely ordained testimony assured by God’s power and sovereignty. 2. Little strength – recognized a significant degree of spiritual power from God, assuring them a continuance of their testimony. 3. Kept my word – guarded and kept the truth of God as committed to them, and had not departed from the faith. 4. Have not denied my name – faithful and loyal to the cause of Christ. 5. Kept my command to endure patiently – patiently waiting for the return of Christ. COMMAND (11) 1. Hold on to what you have – remain faithful. 2. So that no one will take your crown – their crown of reward at His coming.

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COMPENSATION (9, 10b, 12-13) 1

I will make them come . . . fall down . . . acknowledge – the unbelieving, persecuting Jews would be forced to acknowledge the Church as God’s true servants.

2. Keep you from the hour of trial – delivered out of the tribulation period. a.

Hour of trial – a period of testing unlike any seen before (Mt. 24:21).

Since the world has never seen a period of testing worldwide, it must refer to a future event, namely the seven-year tribulation period.

This promise, then, seems to refer to the rapture taking place before the tribulation.

3. I am coming soon – to reward them at His sudden and unexpected return. 4. Make a pillar in the temple of my God -- in reference to the city’s problems with earthquakes, Christ promises they will stand when all else has fallen, and will continually be in the presence of God. 5. Write on him – God will publicly identify with these believers. a.

The name of my God – sealed or designated as children of God.

The name of . . . the New Jerusalem – the future eternal city (Rev. 21-22) and their eternal home.

My new name – signifies a special relationship with Christ (22:3-4).

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LAODICEA: THE INDIFFERENT CHURCH REVELATION 3:14-22 CITY – LAODICEA 1. A wealthy commercial city located 40 miles southeast of Philadelphia on the road to Colossae. 2. Founded by Antiochus II and named after his wife Laodice. 3. Became known as a leading banking center. 4. Famous for the production of glossy black wool, and for an eye powder for weak and ailing eyes. 2. City was so rich that when an earthquake destroyed it in 60 A.D., it needed no outside help to rebuild. CHURCH 1. Though there is no record that he ever visited there, Paul knew some of the Christians there. (Colossians2:1) 2. He also sent greetings to them, with instructions that the Colossian letter be read to them. (Colossians 4:15-16) CHRIST (14) 1. Amen – indicates His sovereignty and the certainty of the fulfillment of His promises. 2. Faithful and true Witness – the reliable and honest Witness for God. 3. Ruler of God’s creation – the Originator and Sustainer of all creation. (Col. 1:15) CONDEMNATION (15-17) 1. Lukewarm – Christ was revolted at their spiritual apathy and complacency. 2. You say, “I am rich…” – like the city, the church members were evidently well off materially, and it had affected their spiritual state. 3. You do not realize – with their unconscious need they were lulled into a false contentment by their temporal sufficiency. COMMANDMENTS (18-20) 1. Buy from me – Only Christ can supply the real needs of their lives, their spiritual needs. 2. Be earnest – to accept Christ’s rebuke and discipline. 3. Repent – change their mind about their condition and change their ways. COMPENSATION (21-22) 1. Hear my voice and opens the door – Christ promises to renew fellowship to those who have excluded Him. 2. The right to sit with me on my throne – to share in the glory of Christ.

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REVELATION CHAPTER 4: THE THRONE OF GOD THE THRONE’S OCCUPANT (4:1-3) 1. John was invited by Christ to come up through a door into heaven. a.

Because John is taken up into heaven at this point in the book, many see this as a reference to the rapture of the church.

The church does seem to be in heaven in chapter 4, and never are pictured on earth during the tribulation.

2. Voice … like a trumpet – same kind of voice Paul says will rapture the church. (I Thess. 4:16) 3. John was spiritually transported into heaven to see his vision. 4. John’s first heavenly vision is of a throne with someone sitting on it. 5. John then does his best to describe the glory of the One sitting on the throne. (Ps. 104:2; I Tim. 6:16) a.

Jasper – clear stone, like crystal, represents the purity or holiness of God; first stone on the breastplate of the High Priest. (21:11)

Carnelian – brilliant red stone, represents the redemptive purpose of God; last stone on the breastplate of the High Priest.

Emerald – a rich green stone, representing eternal life.

6. Perhaps the rainbow around the throne is God’s promise that He will not destroy the earth during the tribulation. 7. The One on the throne is described in terms of the reflected brilliance of precious stones. (Ez. 1:26-28) THE TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS (4:4) 1. John saw twenty-four elders on thrones around the throne of God. a.

The twenty-four are a representative group; the Old Testament priests were divided into twenty-four orders, so that there were twenty-four priests, representing the entire priesthood, performing their duties on any given day. (I Chron. 24)

They are redeemed men. (5:9)

Probably represent the church, here seen already in heaven before the beginning of the tribulation.

2. The elders are dressed in white, symbolizing their righteousness through Christ. 3. They are also wearing crowns (stephanos), the victor’s crown, representing rewards for overcoming. THE THRONE ITSELF (4:5-6a) 1. Three things proceeded out of the throne. a.

These were flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. (Ex. 19:16; Rev. 8:5; 11:19; 16:18)

They are all foreshadowings of the coming righteous judgments of God on a sinful world.

2. The seven blazing lamps are an indication of the presence of the Holy Spirit. (Is. 11:2-3; Rev. 1:4; 3:1) 3. Sea of glass – like crystal, suggesting that it was translucent or perhaps transparent.

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THE FOUR LIVING CREATURES (4:6b-8) 1. These creatures appear to be angelic, resembling the cherubim of Ezekiel 1:10-11 and the seraphim of Isaiah 6:2. 2. They had eyes in front and back, perhaps an allusion to their capacity to see everything happening. 3. Their appearance a.

Lion – greatest wild animal; Jesus was the King of the Jews; Matthew’s gospel.

Ox – greatest domesticated burden-bearer; Jesus was a servant; Mark’s gospel.

Man – greatest of all God’s creation; Jesus was the Son of Man; Luke’s gospel.

Eagle – greatest bird, rules the skies; Jesus rules all as Son of God; John’s gospel.

THE WORSHIP AROUND THE THRONE (4:8-11) 1. The four living creatures praised God day and night, or continually. a.

They called attention to God’s holiness, power, and eternality.

Occasionally they break into adoration, giving glory, honor, and thanks to God.

2. When the four living creatures break into adoration, the twenty-four elders fall down in humility before God and worship Him. a.

They place their crowns before God, indicating that without God, they would not have victory.

They then praise God because He is the created all things by His power and in His purpose or will.

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REVELATION CHAPTER 5: THE BOOK THE SEARCH (5:1-4) 1. John saw in God’s right hand a scroll with writing on both sides. a.

In the Old Testament, scrolls were used to record deeds to land. Two deeds were written: one to be displayed unsealed for all to see. The other was sealed was rolled up and sealed with seven seals, then placed in storage in the Temple. It was brought out only when someone showed proof of their right to redeem the land. (Jer. 32)

Sealing a scroll was common in John’s day. After a period of writing on the scroll, the person would stop, roll down the scroll enough to cover his words, and seal the scroll at that point with wax. This would be repeated as many as seven times. The scroll would be unsealed and read a section at a time.

2. The mighty angel is not identified, but could be Gabriel, whose name means “strength of God.” 3. This angel searches continually and throughout the universe for someone worth to break the seals and open the book. 4. The result of the search is that no one is found, and John weeps bitterly, perhaps heartbroken because he desired to know its contents. THE ARRIVAL OF CHRIST (5:5-7) 1. One of the twenty-four elders tells John not to weep, that there is someone worthy to open the seals. 2. Jesus is described in two ways. a.

Lion of the tribe of Judah – God promised that the Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah, whose symbol is the lion. (Gen. 49:9)

Root of David – God promised David that one of his descendants would be the Messiah. (Is. 11:1; Rev. 22:16)

3. Because of His work on the cross, Christ has the right to judge the world. 4. John then sees Christ as He makes His appearance on the scene. a.

Christ appeared to John as a Lamb that looked liked it had been killed (Is. 53:7), but was standing. Jesus, as the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29), was our sacrificial Lamb, and still ministers to His people the benefits of redemption.

The seven horns on the head of the Lamb signifies His perfect omnipotence. Though He looked like a lamb, He had all the power of God (Mt. 28:18).

The seven eyes, defined as the seven spirits of God (The Holy Spirit), shows that the Lamb has the allseeing omniscient vision of the Holy Spirit. He sees all and knows all.

5. Christ then takes the scroll from God’s right hand because he is the rightful and worthy redeemer.

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THE WORSHIP OF THE LAMB (5:8-14) 1. The song of the elders and four living creatures (8-10) a.

The elders and the four living ones recognize the importance of the scene, because they immediately begin to worship the Lamb.

Each has a harp (lyre), the only musical instrument, other than the trumpet, mentioned as being used in heaven.

They have in their hands golden bowls of incense, described as the prayers of the saints. This shows the importance of prayer by God’s people here on the earth. (Psalm 141:2)

They sang a new song with a new form of praise. They speak of what Christ has done as well as what He has to do, also telling that Jesus is worthy to take the scrolls and open them.

2. The song of the angels (11-12) – They declare the Lamb to be worthy to receive power (authority), wealth (riches of God), wisdom (God’s understanding), strength (ability to do what He wants), honor (respect), glory (high reputation), and praise (worship). 3. The song of the universe (13-14) a.

John heard every creature sing to God and Jesus, giving their praise, honor, glory, and power unto Them.

The four living creatures respond by saying, “Amen,” signifying their agreement.

The elders respond by falling down and worshiping Them.

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REVELATION CHAPTER 6 – THE SEALS THE FIRST SEAL (6:1-2) 1. Jesus, the Lamb, is shown in charge of the judgments and their timing. (John 5:22-23) 2. There is a similarity between the progress of chapter 6 and the Lord’s description of the end of the age. (Matt. 6:4-31) 3. In each of the first four seals a horse and rider are released by one of the four living creatures, who commands in a loud voice, “Come!” 4. The first rider is on a white horse; though Christ is shown on a white horse in chapter 19, there are some differences between the two. a.

The rider comes with a bow, not a sword as in 19.

He comes alone, not with His host as predicted elsewhere.

Would Christ be seen as breaking the seal, and coming at the same time?

5. The rider is probably none other than the Antichrist. a.

He has a bow, but no arrows, perhaps showing his coming as a man of peace.

He is wearing the victor’s crown, not the sovereign’s crown, receiving it as a gift, meaning he will not earn it or inherit it.

He rides out as a conqueror who wants to conquer, which he will eventually do.

THE SECOND SEAL (6:3-4) 1. The second rider is on a fiery red horse, the red representing bloodshed. 2. The rider represents war. a.

He is given the power to take away peace, upsetting the peaceful relations between individuals and nations.

He is given a large sword, symbolic of war and its powerful weapons.

THE THIRD SEAL (6:5-6) 1. The third rider is on a black horse, the black symbolizing death. 2. The rider represents famine, which goes hand in hand with war. a.

The scales in his hand symbolize economic disaster and famine.

A voice (possibly Christ’s?) announces the scarcity of produce. 1)

A small quart of wheat will cost a day’s wage.

Three quarts of barley, usually used for animals, will cost a day’s wage also.

With the high cost of these staples, there will not be money left over to buy other necessities, such as oil and wine.

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THE FOURTH SEAL (6:7-8) 1. The fourth rider is on a pale (yellow-green) horse, the color symbolizing the corruption of death. 2. Unlike the first three, this rider is named: Death; his close companion is Hades, place of torment for the wicked. a.

The rider is given the power to kill a fourth of the earth.

His means to kill includes sword (war), famine (starvation), plague (diseases), and wild beasts (animals) of the earth.

THE FIFTH SEAL (6:9-11) 1. In the fifth seal attention shifts from earth to heaven; from death of unbelievers to death of believers. 2. John sees the souls of believers under the altar in heaven. a.

These believers evidently came from the tribulation period, since they are introduced after the first four seals.

They were killed because they believed the Word of God and maintained their testimony.

The fact that they are under the altar instead of rejoicing and praising God around the throne indicates that they have not received their glorified bodies.

3. John hears them appeal to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sovereign nature and to his sense of justice and fairness. a.

They want to know how long it would be before God would avenge their deaths. (Psalm 94:1-3)

This seems to indicate that their persecutors are still living.

4. They are given white robes, signifying the righteousness of Jesus Christ. (Rev. 20:4) 5. The answer to their question is that they must wait before they will be avenged. a.

There is still a little time left for the fulfillment of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program.

There are also additional martyrs who must be added to their number.

THE SIXTH SEAL (6:12-17) 1. When the sixth seal is opened, a great catastrophic earthquake occurs. a.

The wording in the Greek seems to indicate that the earth will receive a violent shaking.

This shaking could result from a nuclear explosion. (Is. 17:1; Ez. 29:9-12; 30:3-6)

2. In the heavens, the sun is turned black and the moon blood red, perhaps the result of nuclear fallout and the earth spewing out tons of debris. 3. The Greek word for stars can also mean meteors, perhaps indicating a meteor shower; may also refer to missiles. 4. The sky recedes as a scroll, perhaps referring to the displacement and replacement of air at a nuclear blast site. (Is. 34:1-10) 5. John says that every mountain and island is moved, showing the worldwide effect of this catastrophe. 6. There will be worldwide panic, as people of every class leave everything behind them and rush into caves (bomb shelters?). 7. The panic is so great that they will call on nature to hide them from the wrath of God; they recognize who the judgment is from, but refuse to call on Him.

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8. Notice the contrast of a Lamb, one of the gentlest creatures, who is filled with wrath. 9. The day of wrath is another name for the Tribulation Period (Zech. 1:14-16) 10. Sadly, we do not read of anyone accepting Christ, only the rhetorical question of John: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Who can stand?â&#x20AC;? The answer is in Rev. 7:3-8.

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REVELATION CHAPTER 7 THE 144,000 WITNESSES (7:1-8) 1. Four angels stand at the four points of the compass and hold back the winds of the earth, suggesting the judgment is pending. (1) 2. A fifth angel appears with the seal of God and commands the four angels not to carry out their judgment until his work is done, indicating that this sealing will be done before the seals are opened. (2-3) 3. Though the seal is not described here (other than the place – the forehead), 14:1 indicates that it is the names of the Father and the Son. 4. It is implied that God seals these servants to protect them so that they can preach the gospel during the tribulation. 5. 144,000 Israelites, 12,000 from each tribe, are sealed. (4-8) a.

Dan is not listed, perhaps because it was the first tribe to fall into idolatry. (Deut. 29:18-21; I Kings 12:26-29)

Ephraim is not listed; it was also noted for its idolatrous practices.

Levi, the tribe of priests that had no physical inheritance, is listed in place of Dan.

Joseph, the father of Ephraim, is substituted for his son.

THE MULTITUDE (7:9-17) 1. A large group of martyred tribulation saints is seen before the throne and in front of the Lamb. (9) a.

They wear white robes, signifying the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

They hold palm branches, symbolizing their triumph.

2. The multitude rejoice in song about their salvation, worshiping God as the author and the Lamb as the provider. (10) 3. Their worship invokes a song of praise from all of heaven. (11-12) a.

The angels, elders, and four living ones fall on their faces before the throne.

“Amen” shows that their worship agrees with that of the multitude.

4. John inquires of one of the elders as to the identity of the multitude, and is told that they are martyred tribulation saints. (13-14) 5. The elder’s answer tells us the theme of the preaching of the 144,000 – the blood of the Lamb. 6. They are before the throne, the place of honor, and they have the special privilege of serving the Lord continually in His temple. (15) 7. For all that these saints face on earth, they will find after suffering martyrdom that in heaven God will protect them from these things. (15-17)

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REVELATION CHAPTER 8 PRELUDE TO THE TRUMPET JUDGMENTS (Rev. 8:1-5) 1. When the seventh seal is broken, the scroll will be completely open. 2. There will be silence in heaven for the space of a half-an-hour; a dramatic pause prior to new judgments. (1) 3. Seven angels were chosen to administer the next set of judgments, and they stand before God with their trumpets ready. (2) 4. An eighth angel appears before the altar (golden altar or altar of incense). (3) a.

He had a golden censer in his hand, probably similar to the one used in the Old Testament Jewish Temple. It contained charcoal that was burned under a layer of incense.

The incense, perhaps representing the perfections of Christ (remember frankincense?), is mixed with the prayers of the saints. It is the work of Christ that makes the prayers of the saints possible.

These prayers are probably the prayers of the saints for vengeance. (4)

5. The angel fills the censer with fire from the altar, then hurls the censer to the earth, indicating the answer to the prayers of the saints is about to occur. (5) 6. God will avenge the death of the Tribulation saints with fiery trials on earth. 7. Peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake indicate that God’s judgments are coming. THE FIRST TRUMPET – EARTH’S VEGETATION (8:6-7) 1. At the sound of the first trumpet, hail and fire mixed with blood was hurled on the earth. (7) 2. “Blood” may refer to the fact that though vegetation was the target, many people and animals will die as a result. 3. One-third of all vegetation is destroyed; affects trees, crops for food (humans and animals), oxygen, shade, lumber for housing, etc. THE SECOND TRUMPET JUDGMENT -- SEA(8:8-9) 1. When the second trumpet is sounded, a huge burning object falls into the sea; possibly a large meteor. 2. The result is that one-third of the sea is turned into blood, killing one-third of the marine life and destroying onethird of the ships in the sea. 3. Similar to first plague on Egypt. (Gen. 7) THE THIRD TRUMPET JUDGMENT – FRESH WATER SOURCES (8:10-11) 1. A great blazing object falls from the sky and pollutes one-third of all fresh water sources; possibly a meteor. 2. It is named after a bitter, intoxicating, and poisonous herb that bears clusters of small yellow flowers called Wormwood. 3. Because this object contaminates the drinking water for many people, some will die of the bitter, poisonous water while some die for lack of good water.

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THE FOURTH TRUMPET JUDGMENT – HEAVENLY BODIES (8:12) 1. The light of the sun, moon, and stars is diminished by one-third. 2. Perhaps smoke, dirt, and debris from the burning of the vegetation will block out most of the light. 3. Day and night will be reversed: 16 hours of darkness and 8 hours of light. 4. The reduction of the earth’s sunlight will affect many things, including weather and crops. 5. This judgment corresponds to the ninth plague on Egypt. (Ex. 10) TRUMPET WOES (8:13) 1. A warning eagle (perhaps an angel) pronounces three “woes” on the earth, threatening that worse things are coming. 2. The idea of the eagle could indicate the swiftness in which it carries out its message or of the swiftness of the judgments themselves.

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REVELATION CHAPTER 9 THE FIFTH TRUMPET JUDGMENT -- DEMON-POSSESSED LOCUSTS (9:1-11) 1. John sees a “star” that has already fallen. (1) a.

Not a literal star; verse 2 refers to it as “he.”

Refers to Satan; either refers to his original fall from heaven, or to his being cast out of heaven. (Is. 14:12)

2. He will be given the key to the Abyss a.

It is a bottomless pit where the worst demonic spirits are tormented.

It is a vast depth approached by a long shaft, and the top is covered.

3. When Satan opens the Abyss, smoke covers the earth in darkness. (2) 4. Out of the smoke comes locust, but not locust as we know them. a.

They are given power like scorpions, whose stingers torment, but rarely kill, humans. (3)

They are specifically commanded not to harm vegetation (unlike real locusts) or the sealed ones (the 144,000). (4)

They have power to torment, but not kill, for 5 months (unlike scorpions, whose sting causes pain for several days). (5)

Men will want to die because of the torture, but will be prevented from doing so. (6)

5. John uses comparisons and symbolic language to describe the locust, 7 times using “like” and 1 time “resemble.” (7-10) a.

Looked like horses prepared for battle – The locust looks so much like a horse equipped with armor that it is named heupford (hay-horse) in German and cavaletta (little horse) in Italian.

Something similar to a crown will adorn their heads and their faces will resemble that of a human.

Their manes will be long like a woman’s hair, and their teeth will be small and sharp like a lion’s.

They will have breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings will sound like the sound of an army of chariots.

They will have tails with stingers like scorpions, torturing men for five months.

6. This unnatural demon-possessed army will be under the direction of an evil angelic king. (11) a.

He apparently is one of Satan’s top henchmen.

His Hebrew name is Abaddon, meaning destruction, and his Greek name is Apollyon, meaning destroyer.

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THE SIXTH TRUMPET JUDGMENT – FOUR ANGELS AND AN ARMY (9:12-21) 1. The first of the three woes is past, and the next two are under way. (12) 2. At the sound of the sixth trumpet, an unidentified voice is heard from the horns of the golden altar. a.

This is the altar of incense from chapter 8.

The “horns” were projections from each corner of the altar.

Sometimes sacrificial animals were tied to the horns, and there are two instances of men grabbing hold of the horns, when they thought they would be killed, in an attempt to gain mercy. (I Kings 1:49-50; 2:28-34)

(Ex. 27:1)

3. The voice commanded the sixth angel to release the four angels bound at the Euphrates River. (14) 4. These four angels are demons, specially prepared for that specific time of judgment, their mission to kill 1/3 of mankind. (15) 5. There is also an army of two hundred million mounted troops under their control. (16) a.

Today, only one nation has the capability of fielding an army that size: China.

It could possibly an alliance of Eastern nations, including China, Japan, and India.

6. John describes this army using comparison. (17) a.

The breastplates will be fiery red, dark blue, and sulphur yellow. China’s flag is red and yellow, and their uniforms are blue; China is commonly called the yellow peril.

The horses’ heads resemble lions with fire, smoke, and sulphur – possibly a fire-breathing dragon, a favorite Chinese symbol.

7. One-third of mankind is killed by the fire, smoke, and sulphur; perhaps symbolizes thermonuclear war. (18) 8. The horses also have tails like snakes, able to inflict injury. 9. Those not killed by these plagues still refused to repent: they continued in their demon-worship, idol-worship, murders, magic arts, sexual immorality, and thefts.

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REVELATION CHAPTERS 10-11:13 GOD’S REVELATION CONCEALED (10:1-4) 1. John sees another mighty angel (Rev. 5:2) come down from heaven. (1) a.

He is described as having a cloud for as robe; clouds are often associated with the presence of God (Ex. 19:9-11; 13:21) and the return of Christ (Acts 1:8-11; Mt. 24:30).

A rainbow will encircle his head, a reminder that God keeps his promises. (Gen. 9:11-16)

The angel’s face will shine like the sun, indicating he has been in the presence of God. (Ex. 34:29-33; Rev. 1:9-16)

His legs are as pillars of fire, symbolizing judgment.

The description of the angel suggests his God-given authority and heavenly commission.

2. The mighty angel holds a little scroll in his hand.(2) 3. He stands astride land and sea, suggesting his authority over the entire earth as a representative of God. (2) 4. The angel roared like a lion, and in response seven thunders (Revelation 4:5) spoke, a symbol of the voice of God. (3) 5. When John prepared to write what God said, God commanded him not to write, but to seal up the revelation He had given. GOD’S REVELATION COMPLETED (10:5-7) 1. Just as a witness raises his right hand to take an oath to tell the truth in a courtroom, the angel raises his right hand and makes a promise. (5) 2. The promise, based on God’s character, is that God would no longer delay His will for the future. (6) 3. The angel declares that the remaining trumpet judgment and the seven bowl judgments would complete the picture presented by the Old Testament prophets concerning the Day of the Lord. (7) GOD’S REVELATION RECEIVED (10:8-11) 1. The voice of God speaks again, commanding John to take the little scroll out of the hand of the mighty angel. (8) 2. The angel tells John to eat the book (Jer. 15:16; Ez. 3:1-15), symbolizing his reception of God’s Word into his heart.(9) 3. John is told that the book will taste sweet as honey in his mouth, indicating the joy of assimilating God’s Word into the heart; he is also told that it will sour his stomach, indicating the sickening reality of its judgment. (9-10) 4. John is told to prophecy about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings, which is what he does in the remaining chapters of revelation.

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GOD’S REVELATION REJECTED (11:1-13) 1. God told John to measure the temple, including the altar (golden altar, or altar of incense), and to count those who were worshiping there. (1) a.

This is the temple that will be rebuilt in Jerusalem during the Tribulation. (Dan. 9:27-28)

The Antichrist will defile this temple in the middle of the Tribulation. (II Thess. 2:4)

This measurement shows God”s ownership and sovereignty. d.

John is told not to measure the outer court because God will give that part of the temple and the holy city over to the influence of the Gentiles for 42 months.

2. God will raise up two witnesses a.

They will prophecy for 1,260 days (3 ½ years), clothed in sackcloth (the symbol of mourning), suggesting their ministry is designed to cause repentance. (3)

The two witnesses will be empowered by the Spirit as two lampstands are fueled by olive oil (Zech. 4:3-6). (4)

Enemies of the ministry of these witnesses will die by fire (Jer. 5:14). (5)

The powers of these witnesses include bringing judgments of drought, changing water to blood, and other torments. (6)

Only after the witnesses complete their ministry will the Lord allow the beast from the abyss (Antichrist) to kill them. (7)

John says that the dead bodies of the witnesses will be allowed to remain in the street of Jerusalem (Is. 1:10) for 3 ½ days, and all the world will view the bodies, causing a worldwide celebration. (8-10)

God will raise the two witnesses from the dead, striking terror in the hearts of the people; then all the world will watch as God calls the two witnesses to heaven. (11-12)

3. At the very hour they are called up, an earthquake will destroy one-tenth of Jerusalem, killing 7000 people; those who remain alive will fear for their lives, and many will believe and glorify God. (13)

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REVELATION CHAPTER 11:14-19 THE SEVENTH TRUMPET JUDGMENT 1. The earthquake in Jerusalem will mark the end of the second woe or sixth trumpet. The seventh trumpet will sound soon and bring the third woe. 2. At the sounding of the seventh trumpet, loud voices were heard declaring that God and His Son, Jesus, will be taking over. (I Cor. 15:24) 3. What we have here is a prolepsis: Christ’s future kingdom is talked about as though it already exists. 4. This declaration causes the 2 elders to fall down on their faces and worship God. a.

They first thank Him because He is eternal and because He will exercise His great power by starting His earthly reign.

Satan will know his end is near, and so will stir up the anger of the nations against God, resulting in Armageddon.

The wicked will be destroyed for their unrepented sin, and the righteous will be rewarded for reverencing Jesus’ name.

5. Following the worship service in heaven, God will open His heavenly temple, which is similar to the tabernacle constructed by Moses. (Heb. 8:1-5) 6. God reveals His Ark of the Covenant, a reminder that God has always shown mercy to His people. 7. The lightning, rumblings, thunder, earthquake, and hailstorm will be signs of God’s wrath to come.

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REVELATION CHAPTER 12 SATAN’S ATTEMPTS TO KILL CHRIST (Revelation 12:1-6) 1. John saw a great sign in heaven – a pregnant woman representing Israel. a.

The sun stands for Jacob; the moon, Rachel; and the twelve stars, the twelve sons of Jacob. (Gen. 37:911)

The woman’s pain in giving birth speaks of Israel’s suffering.

2. John saw a second sign in heaven – an enormous red dragon representing Satan. (12:9) a.

He is enormous because of his great power; red, since he has killed many (John 8:44); and a dragon because of his fierce nature.

The seven heads symbolize the seven Gentile world governments who controlled or will control the world: Assyrian, Egyptian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, Roman, and the Revived Roman Empire (European Union?). (Rev. 17:10)

The ten horns represent ten kings who rise to power to form an alliance (Revived Roman Empire, or European Union). (Rev. 17:12)

The seven crowns symbolize the seven divisions controlled by the ten kings.

John sees the dragon sweep a third of the stars of heaven to the earth with his tail, indicating that a third of the angels of heaven fell with Satan when he rebelled against God. (II Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6)

3. The dragon stood before the woman, waiting to devour her child. a.

This action apparently represents Satan’s attempt, through Herod the Great, to murder the child Jesus. (Matt. 2:13-18)

Satan was unsuccessful in his plot, and Christ’s resurrection and ascension assured His future reign during the Millennium and eternity.

This is the midpoint of the seven-year Tribulation Period; 1260 days are past, and there are 1260 days until Christ’s Second Coming.

Jesus taught that the Temple would be defiled, and told those who live in Judea to flee into the mountains when that happened. (Matt. 2:15-16)

Most prophecy experts believe the Jews will flee to a mountainous area in the Jordan desert called Petra. It is an abandoned city carved into the rocks of the mountains centuries ago, with only one entrance.

SATAN’S BATTLE WITH MICHAEL (Revelation 12:7-12) 1. John witnessed a great war in heaven between Michael’s host of angels and Satan’s angels. (Dan. 12:1) a.

Satan and his forces were defeated and cast out of heaven.

Whereas before now Satan had access to the throne of God to accuse the believers (Rev. 12:10; Job), now he is excluded from heaven.

2. When Satan is cast out, a loud voice praises God because: a.

Salvation will be complete and Satan will be banished from our presence forever.

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All power will belong to Jesus, and there will be no more evil in heaven.

The kingdom of God will come to earth.

Jesus will finally exercise the authority over earth that He won at the cross.

3. Many believers had already overcome Satan by relying on Christ’s redeeming blood and by professing their faith in the face of death. 4. Satan’s overthrow brings rejoicing in heaven, but dismay to the earth, because Satan knows his time is short. SATAN’S PERSECUTION OF ISRAEL (Revelation 12:13-16) 1. Immediately after Satan was cast out of heaven, he intensified his efforts to destroy Israel. 2. God intervenes and gives Israel supernatural help. (Ex. 19:4) 3. John sees the nation flee to the Lord for safety and provision in the wilderness. 4. Satan then tries to destroy Israel with a flood, perhaps representing enemy troops pouring into the nation of Israel. (Is. 8:7-8; Jer. 46:7-8) 5. God delivered His people from this army by opening up the earth to swallow the troops. 6. Following God’s intervention on Israel’s behalf, Satan picks another target: commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

those who obey God’s

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REVELATION CHAPTER 13 THE FIRST BEAST – THE ANTICHRIST (Revelation 13:1-10) 1. The dragon (Satan) is seen standing on the shore of the sea; the sea is often a picture of all humanity. 2. John sees a beast rise up out of this sea of humanity. a.

Most scholars regard this beast, due to its description as the revived Roman empire under the control of the Antichrist.

The ten horns with crowns should be understood as ten kings who rule simultaneously over ten divisions and receive their authority from Antichrist. (Dan. 7:24; Rev. 17:12)

The seven heads represent seven world governments. (Rev. 17:9-12)

3. The beast is like a leopard, with bear’s feet, and a lion’s mouth. a.

This is similar to Daniel’s vision of the three kingdoms that preceded Rome. (Dan. 7:4-6)

The kingdom of the Antichrist has qualities in common with all of these empires, yet Antichrist’s authority and the power of his kingdom were directly attributable to Satan.

4. John describes one of the heads of the beast as seeming to have a fatal wound that had been healed; verses 12-14 tells us it was the Antichrist himself, who was wounded with a sword. 5. It will appear he has been killed with a sword and miraculously raised from the dead, perhaps an attempt to copy Jesus and show the Antichrist to be more than human. 6. Virtually the whole world worships this miracle worker, and Satan, as a result, while he boasts of his accomplishments and blasphemes God. 7. Satan gives the Antichrist power to conquer all who do not worship him, who turn to God, those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. The Lamb’s book of life is a record of all the redeemed. 8. John then beckons his readers to pay close attention to an important message: divine retribution is certain. THE SECOND BEAST – THE FALSE PROPHET (Revelation 13:11-18) 1. John sees another, similar beast come out of the earth as opposed to the sea. Whereas the first beast is a political, the second is religious in nature, being referred to later as the “False Prophet.” (Rev. 16:13) a.

He appears as a lamb and speaks as a dragon, thus suggesting a Messiah figure who serves Satan.

The Antichrist then authorizes the False Prophet to start a religion whereby the world would worship Antichrist.

2. The False Prophet has miraculous powers, such as making fire come down from heaven and other miracles. These miracles are used to deceive the inhabitants of the earth. (Matt. 24:24; II Thess. 2:9-10) 3. He orders mankind to make an image of the Antichrist (probably in the Temple), and then he causes it to appear to come to life. (Matt. 24:15-16) a.

This will be a reminder that the Antichrist was once dead but is alive again.

The image speaks, proclaiming that all who refuse to worship it will die.

How the image speaks is unknown; perhaps ventriloquism, or demonic possession, or even computers.

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4. The False Prophet also forces everyone to receive a mark. a.

This mark will be either the name of the beast or the number of the name of the beast, 666. Six is usually identified as the number of man in the Bible.

It will be placed either on their right hand or their forehead.

Without this identification men will not be permitted to buy or sell.

5. John says the calculation of the number of the beast requires wisdom.

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REVELATION CHAPTER 14 THE LAMB AND THE 144,000 (Revelation 14:1-5) 1. Where chapter 7 pictures the witnesses at the beginning of the tribulation, here they are shown at the end. a.

It would be strange to have two groups of exactly 144,000 in the end time, so this is probably the same group.

According to chapter 7, this group is said to be sealed and kept safely through the tribulation.

Since the Lamb (Jesus) is not on the earth during the tribulation, this cannot be placed on the earth during that time.

In chapter 7 the seal is mentioned as simply being the seal of God, whereas here we have more detail.

Preferable is the view that this is a prophetic vision of the ultimate triumph of the Lamb following His second coming, when He joins the 144,000 on Mount Zion at the beginning of His millennial reign.

2. Mount Zion is another name for the city of Jerusalem. a.

It was the name of an ancient fortified hill controlled by the Jebusites (II Sam. 5:6-7).

King David captured the hill and took up residence in the fortress at the top, then built a city around the fortress.

That city was called by two names: (1) the city of David, and (2) Jerusalem (I Chron. 11:4-8).

3. John hears a sound from heaven like (1) the roar of rushing waters, (2) a loud peal of thunder, and (3) harpists playing their harps. a.

Apparently this sound is the voice of a great multitude in heaven.

Since the song is sung before the throne, the four living creatures, and the twenty-four elders, this may be the martyred tribulation saints.

4. This song can only be learned by the 144,000, probably because they, like those martyred, will face much persecution, only they will not die. 5. The 144,000 are described in several ways. a.

They will not commit spiritual fornication by worshiping the Antichrist.

They abide in the presence of the Lamb.

They are the firstfruits because they are the beginning of a great harvest of souls during the tribulation.

They are kept clean from the falsehood of the false religion.

THE THREE ANGELS (Revelation 14:6-13) 1. John next sees three angels, the first flying in midair with the eternal gospel. a.

This angel is proclaiming the gospel to all the inhabitants of the earth.

He urges fearing God and giving Him glory because of the coming judgment, as well as commands the worship of the Creator.

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2. The second angel makes a pronouncement. a.

The announcement is prophetic, speaking of the downfall of the rebuilt city of Babylon at the end of the tribulation.

The nations who participate in the spiritual corruption induced by Babylon will share her divine condemnation and judgment.

3. The third angel pronounces the sad doom of those who worship the beast. a.

Those who take the mark of the beast will partake of God’s judgment.

They will suffer through an everlasting torment of fire.

The stern warning to the followers of the beast is an encouragement to those who follow Christ.

John receives instruction from a voice from heaven to write a blessing for those who die in the Lord, because they will receive rest from their persecution in the presence of God, where their good works will follow them.

THE GREAT HARVEST (Revelation 14:14-20) 1. John sees Jesus seated on a white cloud, coming in judgment; the crown identifies Him as king, the sickle signifies a coming harvest of judgment. 2. Another angel is seen coming from the heavenly temple and entreats Christ as Judge to perform God’s judgment because the Harvest is ripe (totally ripe, rotten, withered). (John5:22, 27) 3. Yet another angel appears from the presence of God with a sharp sickle just like Jesus will have. 4. Still another angel, perhaps the one from 8:3, comes from the altar in the heavenly temple and instructs the angel with the sharp sickle to harvest the ripe (fully grown in their prime) clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine. 5. The “earth’s vine” may be a reference to Antichrist, as opposed to the True Vine, Jesus Christ. (John 15:1) 6. The angel gathered the grapes and threw them into the winepress of God’s wrath. (Rev. 19:15) 7. The winepress outside the city is a reference to the final judgment, the battle of Armageddon. 8. Millions will die, and the blood will rise as high as the horses’ bridles for about 180 miles.

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REVELATION CHAPTER 15 PRELUDE TO THE BOWL JUDGMENTS (Revelation 15:1-8) 1. John sees the third of three signs in heaven. (Rev. 12:1; 3) 2. This sign consists of seven angels with the seven last plagues; these plagues are the last because God’s wrath will be completed with these judgments. 3. John sees a sea of glass mixed with fire. a.

In Rev. 4:6, this sea is like crystal, reflecting the holiness of God.

Here, mixed with fire, it reflects the judgment of God.

4. John sees martyred tribulation saints standing beside the sea of glass. a.

Their identity is known by their description: they are victorious because they will not be deceived by the Antichrist and his image, and they refuse to take the mark of the beast.

These saints have harps to play with their praise song.

They sing the song of Moses, a song of victory over enemies and the faithfulness of God. (Ex. 15:1-21)

They also sing the song of the Lamb, a song of praise celebrating God’s reign and victory over all the nations.

5. The heavenly temple will be opened, followed by the Holy of Holies, then the Ark of the Covenant, which contains the Ten Commandments (sometimes called the Law or the Testimony). 6. Out of the Temple will come seven angels with the seven plagues. a.

They wear clean, shining linen signifying their righteousness.

The golden sash they wear signifies their royal priesthood.

These angels will move away from the Temple and the mercy seat, prepared to pour out the wrath of God.

7. One of the four living ones gives the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God. a.

In the Old Testament, on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:14-15), the High priest poured a bowl of blood from the sacrifice onto the mercy seat to atone for the sins of the people.

Since the Antichrist and his followers refuse the blood of Jesus as an atonement for their sins, these priestly angels will pour out bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.

8. The heavenly temple was filled with smoke (Is. 6:4) from the glory and power of God, reminding us of God’s holiness as well as that access to the mercy of God is now impossible.

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REVELATION CHAPTER 16 THE FIRST BOWL JUDGMENT (Revelation 16:1-2) 1. Jesus, the Judge, orders the seven angels to pour out the bowls of God’s judgment upon the earth. 2. The first bowl produces ugly and painful sores on the Antichrist’s followers. 3. Similar to the sixth plague on Egypt. (Exodus 9:8-12) THE SECOND BOWL JUDGMENT (Revelation 16:3) 1. The second bowl turns the seas to blood, resulting in the death of every living thing in the sea. 2. This judgment is three times worse than the second trumpet judgment.

(Rev. 8:8-9)

THE THIRD BOWL JUDGMENT (Revelation 16:4-7) 1. The third bowl turns all freshwater into blood. 2. This judgment is three times worse than the third trumpet judgment.

(Rev. 8:10-11)

3. Similar to the first plague on Egypt. (Exodus 7:17-25) 4. The angel in charge of the earth’s waters voices his approval of this judgment and declares it to be a judgment that is deserved. 5. This angel expressed three attributes of God: a.

The justice of God

The eternality of God

The holiness of God

6. The altar (martyred tribulation saints, Rev. 6:9-11) responds by declaring that God’s judgments are just and true, indicating that this is part of God’s vindication for these martyrs. THE FOURTH BOWL JUDGMENT (Revelation 16:8-9) 1. The fourth bowl intensifies the heat of the sun, scorching people on earth. (Malachi 4:1) 2. These judgments will cause people to finally admit God exists, but instead of repenting and asking God for mercy, they curse the name of God. THE FIFTH BOWL JUDGMENT (Revelation 16:10-11) 1. The fifth bowl brings darkness to all the earth, beginning at the throne of the Antichrist and extending throughout his kingdom. 2. All light is affected, causing this judgment to be three times worse than the fourth trumpet judgment. (Rev. 8:12) 3. Pain and torment are also a part of this judgment, reminding us of the many torments of the seal and trumpet judgments.

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4. This judgment is similar to the ninth Egyptian plague, which affected only Egypt (Ex. 10:21-22); also reminds us of Jesus’ crucifixion, where the whole earth was covered by darkness (Matt. 27:45). Several Old Testament prophecies will be fulfilled by this judgment (Is. 60:2; Joel 2:1-2, 31). 5. The result of this judgment is physical pain and agony upon all men, their cursing of God, as well as a blatant refusal to repent of their sins. THE SIXTH BOWL JUDGMENT (Revelation 16:12-16) 1. The sixth bowl results in the drying up of the Euphrates River to prepare travel for the armies of the eastern alliance to the battle of Armageddon. 2. John also sees three demonic spirits that look like frogs coming forth as emissaries of the unholy trinity – Satan, Antichrist, and the False Prophet. (I Kings 22:20-37) [First time “false prophet” is used of the second beast.] 3. These demons will use miraculous signs to lure the leaders of the world and their troops into position for Armageddon. (Mt. 24:24-25; II Thess. 2:9) 4. John hears Jesus encouraging the tribulation saints to remain faithful because he is coming unexpectedly. 5. His coming “like a thief” was used of a sudden, unexpected coming usually resulting loss. (Mt. 24:43; Lu. 12:39; II Peter 3:10; I Thess. 5:2, 4) THE SEVENTH BOWL JUDGMENT (Revelation 16:17-21) 1. When the seventh bowl is emptied into the air, God pronounces “It is done!”, bringing the last of God’s judgments and Satan’s reign to an end. 2. Like the seventh seal (Rev. 8:5) and the seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:19), this last bowl brings lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and an earthquake. 3. This earthquake, however, is said to be the worst in earth’s history. a.

It collapses the nations’ cities and splits Babylon into three parts. Babylon is the headquarters of the Antichrist, but it is uncertain where it will be.

All the islands and mountains disappear, and huge hailstones about 100 lbs. each fall from the sky, causing men to again curse God.

4. This judgment is similar to the seventh Egyptian plague. (Ex. 9:18-25)

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REVELATION CHAPTER 17 Chapter 17 & 18 are the hardest chapters to understand. Babylon is to be understood with a double identity: a great prostitute (the false religious system) and a city (a political entity). THE GREAT PROSTITUTE (Revelation 17:1-6) 1. One of the angels with the bowl judgments speaks to John and says he will show him the punishment of the great prostitute. 2. This prostitute sits on many waters, waters being a symbol of the peoples of the world. (Rev. 17:15)This shows she is supported by them. 3. The kings of the earth are said to commit spiritual adultery with her. 4. Somehow this false religious system was able to entice political leaders into an illicit relationship with her and thereby gain great influence them. 5. John was taken in the Spirit to a desert where he saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast (the final world empire). 6. The woman (the great prostitute) is clothed with purple and scarlet clothing and glittering jewels a.

Adorned in the trappings of her rich lovers, she is enticing and appealing to the world.

She holds a golden cup full of spiritual and moral filth.

Her title “Babylon the Great” suggests the similarity between her religion and all other religions since the beginning of time. (Gen. 11:1-9)

Her title the “Mother of Prostitutes” suggests her spiritual immorality.

Her title the “Mother of . . . the abominations of the earth” implies that she was the source of every sort of perversity among men.

She is drunk with the blood of the saints who have been her victims.

The Beast (Revelation 17:7-18) 1. The angel asks John about his astonishment and proceeds to offer an explanation of what John has seen. 2. The beast is the Antichrist and the wicked empire he represents, empowered by Satan. a.

The beast has seven heads, representing seven kingdoms. Five have fallen (Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Egyptian, Greek), one is (Roman), and one is yet to come (revived Roman empire).

The ten horns represent the ten-nation confederacy (EU?) that would soon wipe out the false religious system and, because God uses them to accomplish His purposes, submit to the Antichrist. (Prov. 16:9)

The ten kingdoms, together under the leadership of the Antichrist, will make war against Christ and the saints, and they will be conquered.

The woman is said to be a city, probably the rebuilt city of Babylon, where the false religious system will apparently be headquartered.

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REVELATION CHAPTER 18 GOD’S JUDGMENT ON POLITICAL BABYLON (Revelation 18:1-8) 1. God will judge political Babylon near the end of the tribulation.

(Rev. 16:17-21)

2. Since the false religious system was destroyed by the midpoint of the period, a few years has passed between the two events. 3. An angel, evidently coming straight from God’s presence, told John that magnificent Babylon had become a dwelling place of wicked spiritual beings 4. Babylon had brought widespread corruption to the whole world, and had become rich through her manipulation of the nations. 5. John then hears a voice from heaven, perhaps God Himself, warning believers to flee the city. 6. It is said that Babylon’s sins are piled up (literally “glued or welded together”) to heaven, perhaps an allusion to the original Babylon where a great tower was built. (Gen. 11:5-9) 7. God’s judgment was to be double the normal allotment for retribution. 8. Because of her pride and extravagance , Babylon would be judged swiftly and severely. 9. God will accomplish in Babylon in one day what no earthly army can do: death, mourning (which she said she would never do), famine, and being burned to the ground. THE MOURNING OF THE EARTH (Revelation 18:9-19) 1. Both the rulers and the businessmen who had profited from their association with the city mourned her judgment. 2. The merchants mourned because they would no longer enjoy the profits from the sale of their goods. 3. Human life will be so cheap in that period that even people will be sold as merchandise. (18:13) 4. Three times we are told that Babylon has been destroyed in one hour. (18:10, 17, 19) One hour can mean one literal hour, a short time, or instantly; the latter seems to be the case here. THE REJOICING OF HEAVEN (Revelation 18:20-24) 1. Heaven, with all the saints of the ages, now rejoices because of the judgment of God on Babylon. 2. This murderous city, along with its counterparts through the ages, was guilty of killing the saints, apostles, and prophets of God. 3. The prophets and the apostles had prophesied of this day. 5:1-6)

(Is. 13:19-22; Jer. 50:38-40; James

4. A mighty angel cast a great millstone into the sea, symbolizing that, just as the millstone disappears into the sea, Babylon would disappear from the earth. 5. A millstone was a large, round, flat stone (doughnut shaped) used for grinding corn, wheat, or other grain. 6. The city would become utterly desolate.

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REVELATION CHAPTER 19 PRAISE FOR GOD’S VICTORY OVER BABYLON (Revelation 19:1-10) 1. After the destruction of Babylon and the worldwide reaction that will follow, the roar of a great multitude in heaven is heard. 2. The great multitude is probably not only the Tribulation saints, but all the saints in heaven. 3. “Hallelujah” is from a Hebrew word meaning “praise the Lord.” 4. The multitude gives God praise through three words: a.

Salvation, which recognizes His saving work.

Glory, which recognizes His exalted character.

Power, which recognizes His ability to perform His will.

5. They praise God for His truth and justice because He destroyed Babylon and avenged the blood of His servants. 6. In response to the praise of the multitude, the twenty-four elders and the four living ones fall down and worship God, agreeing with the multitude and shouting their own hallelujah. 7. An unidentified voice (God the Father or the Son) from the throne invites everyone who serves God to continue to praise the Lord. 8. The response is that all God’s servants will shout praises to Him because the Lord God Almighty reigns. 9. They rejoice and give glory to God for the wedding of the Lamb. a.

The Lamb’s bride (the saints in heaven) is dressed in clean white linen, symbolic of her righteous acts.

John was so excited about the vision that the angel had to remind him to write down what he saw.

The saints are blessed (“happy”) because they are a part of the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. (Mt. 22:114; 25:1-13)

The angel assures John that what he is seeing is true.

10. After writing down what the angel told him to write, John falls down to worship the angel. a.

The angel stopped John, reminding John that he is a fellow servant of God; he tells John that it is God that John must worship.

The angel tells John that Jesus’ own testimony is the very spirit of prophecy; much of Jesus’ teaching was prophecy, predicting His own death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and return.

CHRIST’S VICTORY OVER THE BEAST (Revelation 19:11-21) 1. When the heavens opens John sees a remarkable vision of Christ. a.

Everything about Him suggests purity, including His white horse.

His title, Faithful and True, suggests the consistency of His judgment as well as his fulfilling of all that he said He would do.

He is right to judge the nations and wage war against the beast.

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Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes like blazing fire suggests His omniscience; His many crowns (diadems) suggests His imperial authority; and His robe dipped in blood anticipates the coming bloody judgment (Rev. 14:20).

His name is the Word of God, the living representation of God Himself.

2. The armies of heaven are wearing white linen and riding white horses, identifying them as the saints as well as angels. 3. A sharp sword (the long Thracian sword, usually larger and longer than most swords) proceeds out of Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth, representing the Word of God; may indicate that He will simply speak to destroy the opposing nations. 4. John quotes Psalm 2:9 to remind us that Christ will conquer the nations and rule the earth. 5. Jesus has on His robe and on His thigh the name KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, reminding us he is returning as King to set up His kingdom forever. 6. An angel, standing in the sun of the earth, invites the birds of the air to feast on the corpses of all those, great and small, who would be slaughtered. 7. John then sees the united forces of the world, under the command of the Antichrist, gather together to wage war against Christ. 8. The Antichrist and the False Prophet are captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire; they are the first to inhabit this place, even before Satan. 9. The remaining millions of the army will be killed single-handedly by Christ, and the birds of the air will have their feast.

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REVELATION CHAPTER 20 75 DAY INTERVAL 1. Daniel seems to indicate a 75 day period between the end of the Tribulation Period (Battle of Armageddon) and the beginning of the Millennium (1000 year reign of Christ on earth). (Dan. 12:11-12) 2. During the first 30 days of this period, the Millennial temple will be set up and prepared for use. (Eze. 4048) 3. During the last 45 days of this period, possible events include: a.

Gathering of Jews from around the world. (Matt. 24:31)

Separation of sheep and goat nations, based on reception or rejection of Jesus, and love or hatred of Israel. (Matt. 25:31-46)

Satan bound for one thousand years. (Rev. 20:1-2)

Resurrection of the tribulation saints (2nd part of the first resurrection). (Rev. 20:4)

Judgment of fallen angels. (I Cor. 6:3)

BINDING OF SATAN AND RESURRECTION OF TRIBULATION SAINTS (Revelation 20:1-6) 1. An unnamed angel will come from heaven to earth, having a key to the Abyss in one hand and a great chain in the other. 2. This powerful angel will imprison Satan securely for one thousand years. 3. Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enemy is called: a.

The ancient serpent, referring back to his original deception of Eve.

The devil, which means slanderer.

Satan, which means adversary.

4. Satan is sealed in the Abyss and prevented from carrying out his work of spiritual deception. 5. John sees two groups reigning with Christ. a.

The ones seated on thrones are all the saints in general. (Rev. 5:10)

The other group resurrected are the tribulation saints.

6. The first resurrection (resurrection of believers) is in two parts: the first part at the rapture, the second after the Tribulation. The unbelieving dead will be resurrected after the Millennium. 7. All of these saints will serve Christ and reign with Him during the Millennium. SATAN LOOSED FOR A SHORT TIME (Revelation 20:7-10) 1. Satan has learned nothing from his imprisonment, for immediately after his release, he begins to entice the nations (people born during the Millennium) to rebel against God. 2. Here, Gog and Magog may be a general designation for the enemies of God.

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3. Satan incites the nations to rebel and surround the saints in their citadel, Jerusalem. 4. Christ’s destruction of these rebels was complete as He destroyed them with fire from heaven. 5. Satan is them cast into the lake of fire, where the Antichrist and the false prophet had already been thrown. 6. This would be Satan’s permanent home, a place of torment that burns with fire and sulphur. THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT (Revelation 20:11-15) 1. John sees a great white throne; “great” because of the importance of this judgment, and white suggests the purity or holiness of the judgment. 2. Christ is the Judge sitting on the throne. (John 5:22) 3. The old earth and old heaven must be destroyed to make way for the new earth and the new heaven. (Rev. 20:1; Mt. 24:35; II Pet. 3:10-11) 4. Christ will judge everyone equally, regardless of their position in life. 5. The criteria for this judgment are their works, recorded and used to determine the severity of their judgment, and the book of life, to show that their names are not there. 6. This is the second resurrection, the resurrection of unbelievers. 7. Unbelievers who have died, and are in hell, will now stand before God. 8. Death and Hades (Hell) are then destroyed forever, thrown into the lake of fire, known as the second death. 9. The resurrected unbelievers, after facing Christ in judgment, will be thrown into the lake of fire, there to live in torment forever.

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REVELATION CHAPTER 21:1–22:6 Inhabitants of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-8) 1. John then sees a new heaven and a new earth, which will replace the old heaven and earth. (Mt. 24:35; Mk. 13:31; Lk. 16:17; 21:33; II Pet. 3:11; Rev. 20:11) 2. The new earth will not have any sea, perhaps to allow for more room for people, and to change the climate, reduce storms, and eliminate social barriers. 3. John next sees the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven. 1.

This is the bride’s new home, prepared as the place where she will live.

God’s fellowship with His people will be the most significant feature of this place.

Those things that plague human existence – death, sorrow, pain – will not exist in the New Jerusalem.

4. Jesus told John He was making all things new, and He commanded John to write down everything He would reveal. 5. Christ reaffirmed to John that He is the beginning and ending of all things. 6. Christ promises the gift of eternal life and all that He has promised, as well as a personal relationship with Him. 7. Jesus contrasted the abundant blessings of the godly with the sad inheritance of the ungodly, who will be condemned to the lake of fire, called the second death. Description of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-22:5) 1. John is invited by an angel to see the New Jerusalem, and is taken to a high mountain to view it. 2. The dominant feature of the New Jerusalem is that it reveals the glory of God, reflecting the sum of all God’s perfections like a crystal-clear jewel. 3. The dimensions and descriptions of the city is incomparable. a.

The wall of the city is made of jasper, a crystal clear stone, with twelve layers, each inscribed with a name of one of the twelve apostles.

It has 12 gates made of pearl, three on each of the four sides, with an angel at each gate, and one of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on each gate. (Gates would be about 350 miles apart.)

John measures the city with a golden rod, and finds it to be about 1500 miles long, broad, and high, with the wall about 200 ft. thick.

The city itself is made of pure gold that was transparent like glass, with a “great street” of pure, transparent gold.

Each layer of the foundation is decorated with different stones. 1)

1st layer – jasper, a crystal clear stone.

2nd layer – sapphire, a blue transparent stone.

3rd layer – chalcedony, a greenish agate.

4th layer – emerald, a bright green, transparent stone.

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5th layer – sardonyx, a red and white agate.

6th layer – carnelian, a reddish stone.

7th layer – chrysolite, a transparent golden-yellow stone.

8th layer – beryl, a sea-green stone.

9th layer – topaz, a transparent greenish-yellow gem.

10)

10th layer – chrysoprase, a pale green (aquamarine) stone.

11)

11th layer – jacinth, a violet stone.

12)

12th layer – amethyst, a purple stone.

4. This city will need no temple, for God is the temple, implying our personal fellowship with and worship of God. 5. There will be no need of light, for the glory of God will provide its light, and the gates will never be shut because there is no night. (Ancient cities shut their gates at night.) 6. Nothing in any sense evil will enter the city, only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. 7. John saw the clear river of life flowing from the throne of God, representing eternal life for all. 1.

It runs down the middle of the street of the city.

On either side of the river (rows of trees?) was the tree of life, with twelve types of fruit.

Even the leaves promote the enjoyment of life in the New Jerusalem.

8. The curse of sin is gone, God’s throne assures God’s presence, and God’s people will serve Him forever.

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LIFE IN THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM Government 1. Jesus Christ the Messiah will reign as King over all the earth. (Dan. 2:44; Is. 2:3-4; Micah 4:1) 2. The returning saints (Jude 14, Rev. 19:14), the resurrected Old Testament saints (Dan. 12:2); the resurrected Tribulation saints (Rev. 20:4), and the saints saved during the Tribulation who survived will reign with Christ. 3. The world headquarters of the Millennium will be located in Jerusalem. (Zech. 14:4; Micah 4:1; Psalm 72) Worship 1. A new Temple will be constructed. (Eze. 40-48) 2. The sacrificial system will be reestablished as a memorial, reminding all of the work of Christ on their behalf. (Eze. 20:40-41; 43:18-46) 3. The temple will provide a place for people to worship God. 4. The city of Jerusalem will change topographically to hold the huge Millennial Temple. 1.

The Mount of Olives will split and a large plain formed. (Zech. 14:4)

Jerusalem will be elevated. (Zech. 14:9-11)

Life 1. Those who survive the Tribulation and who have not been condemned in the judgment of nations will enter into the Millennium in their mortal bodies. 2. The curse on the earth that was instituted after the fall will be partially lifted. (Is. 30:23-24; 35:1-2; 65:25) 3. The life span of human beings will be increased. (Is. 65:20) 4. Children will be born during this time (Is. 65:23) 5. The Millennium will be characterized by these conditions: a.

Peace (Is. 9:7; 11:6-10)

Prosperity (Jer. 31:12-14; Eze. 34:25-27)

Health and healing (Is. 33:24; 29:18)

Joy (Is. 9:3; Jer. 30:18-19)

Holiness (Zech. 14:20-21; Is. 60:1-10, 21)

Knowledge (Is. 11:12, 9; Hab. 2:14)

Productivity, with earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, etc., absent (Zech. 8:12)

Environmental transformation (Is. 35:1-2; 30:23-24; 35:7)

Fullness of the Spirit (Joel 2:28-29; Eze. 36:27; 37:14)

6. The New Jerusalem, already in existence (Rev. 21:2), may be a satellite city hovering over the earth. a.

It will be the home of the resurrected saints, who will perhaps be able to travel back and forth to earth.

It will provide light for the earth. (Rev. 21:24)

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REVELATION CHAPTER 22:6-21 The Response to Christ’s Certain Return (Revelation 22:6-9) 1. All the information given to John by the angel is faithful (consistent with previous revelation) and true (accurate). 2. Although John’s visions have baffled and discouraged interpreters for centuries, Revelation is unquestionably truth. 3. The fulfillment of these events is certain, but the time is not. 4. The Lord Himself affirms the suddenness and imminency of His return three times. (22:7, 12, 20) 5. The man who is obedient to this book will be happy because he had a proper regard for the promises and visions presented in this book. 6. Overwhelmed, John again falls down to worship the messenger angel, and is reminded to worship God. Judgment at Christ’s Return (Revelation 22:10-15) 1. John is told not to “seal up” the prophecy but to reveal it, for the time is near. 2. If the prophecies of this book will not move a man to God, no message will. 3. The wicked will continue in their wicked ways and be judged, while the righteous are to continue in righteousness and holiness. 4. Christ again announces to John His impending arrival, and promises that the believers will be rewarded according to their works. (II Cor. 5:10-11) 5. Christ again asserts that He is eternal, implying that He is all-knowing and therefore flawless in His judgments. 6. Those who wash their robes in the blood of Christ are blessed and have eternal life in the New Jerusalem. 7. Christ affirms again that the wicked will be excluded from the New Jerusalem. Final Thoughts on the Revelation (Revelation 22:16-21) 1. The Lord sent His angel to John with this information about the end times for His Church. 2. Jesus ascribes two titles to Himself. a.

The Root and the Offspring of David reminds us He is the Messiah and coming King.

The bright Morning Star is the One who will bring a brighter day to the world. (Num. 24:17; Rev. 2:28)

3. The Holy Spirit and believers seek to draw unconverted men to Christ by communicating the Word of God. 4. There is a promise of the water of life to all who will accept the invitation. 5. God shows the sacred character of this prophecy by warning of judgment on those who add to or take away from this book. 6. The promise of the Lord’s coming should arouse a longing in the hearts of Christians, who should pray for that event to occur quickly. (Mt. 6:10) 7. John prays for grace to the readers, who need grace in order to remain faithful and to live godly lives.