UPDATED - REVELATION CONDENSED - CHAPTER 6

Revelation 6 – The Beginning of the End

This chapter begins the narrative of the opening of the seals.  Again, I was blinded for a long time by previous well-intentioned teaching.  The assumption is that since the seals are being opened, the tribulation is starting.  At this point, I don’t agree with that assumption.

The first five seals seem to mirror the sorrows or “birth pains” Jesus declared would precede His coming.  (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21)   “Birth pains” is a descriptive phrase to signify increased frequency and intensity of a series of specific events that will culminate in the visible return of Jesus Christ to establish His kingdom.  

I am reminded that God’s reckoning of time and our reckoning of time are very different.

Psalms 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

2Pet. 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 

Just a couple of days have gone by since Jesus returned victorious to heaven according to His perspective.  I think it is important to note that Jesus is the one in authority releasing the first four riders to act on their evil intentions as He opens the seals.  

Seal 1 – The rider on the white horse is Satan going forth to exert his power and influence on the world, eventually gaining his greatest influence through the being we call Antichrist.  He will deceive the world by appearing to be a champion of peace before eventually revealing his true colors.  Personally, I believe the Antichrist is alive and is already, in fact, being positioned to assume leadership.

Seal 2 – The rider on the red horse is released to destroy peace and provoke war among men.

Seal 3 – The rider on the black horse is going out to cause famine and wreak havoc on the world’s economy.

Seal 4 – The rider on the pale horse goes out specifically to cause death among men, and “hell” rides with him—eager to feed his voracious appetite.  

I think it is clear that these riders are all Satanic forces hoping to thwart God’s will.  Just as when Satan was given permission to persecute Job, these riders are now given permission to act within prescribed boundaries.  Note that the riders loosed by the 4th seal will cause the death of ¼ of humanity.  

When the 5^th seal is opened, John sees under the altar all the souls that have died because of their faith in the LORD.  I believe these are all martyrs of the faith since the inception of the church.  Again, the deaths of these martyrs are a result of the acts of those who have chosen to follow Satan, the god of this world, in rejection of the Almighty Eternal Living God.  It stands out to me that these souls are calling for God to avenge their deaths, and God responds by telling them to be patient until their number is fulfilled.  In other words, their desire is justified and will be satisfied.  Also, God knows the exact number of martyrs who will die for their faith in Jesus.  I personally think that number will be reached right before the rapture of the church. 

The opening of the 6^th seal is very significant, and in verse 17 it is described as the beginning of God’s wrath.  Many things occur with the opening of this seal—

• A great earthquake.
• The sun turns black.
• The moon looks like blood.
• The stars of heaven fall toward earth.
• The heaven appears to roll up like a scroll.
• Every mountain and island moves out of position; this indicates that the impact of this earthquake is worldwide.
• Men seek to hide themselves in fear.

Because the scripture is clear in stating that true believers will not experience God’s wrath, I believe the rapture occurs before the opening of this seal. 

2Thessalonians 2:3 stipulates that the man of sin (the Antichrist) be revealed before the beginning of the day of the LORD.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition….”

2Thessalonians 2:6-9 stipulates that the Holy Spirit is “holding down” the revelation of the Antichrist until He is taken out of the way.  Since the Holy Spirit indwells believers, they must be taken out of the way (raptured) before the revelation of the Antichrist.

Though we aren’t given the specifics, we know that the 70th week of Daniel begins at some point after the rapture of the church.  It’s possible that the chaos that will be caused by the opening of the sixth seal will provide a scenario conducive to the emergence of the false Messiah to inspire hope and peace.

UPDATED - REVELATION CONDENSED - CHAPTERS 4-5

Revelation 4 – A Scene in Heaven

After carefully giving warning, instruction and encouragement to the body of believers, the LORD transports John to heaven to “see” more.  His intent is to show John future events.  

I have always been taught and accepted that John’s call to heaven represented the rapture of the church.  I no longer believe that to be the case.  Though the experience is obviously similar to expectation, I believe this explanation creates unnecessary hindrances to clear understanding of the Revelation as it unfolds, as I will reference in the coming narrative.  

The first thing John sees in heaven is a magnificent throne surrounded by a rainbow.  Encircling the throne are 24 “elders” seated and wearing white clothing and crowns of gold.  I have read much regarding the possible identity of these 24 elders.  A couple of personal observations from these verses:

• They are in position when John arrives; he is not one of them.
• They are in position when John arrives.  This would exclude the raptured believers.  I don’t think we can be certain who they are this side of eternity.  I do think that alternate translations for upcoming verses support identifying them as a heavenly council of angels or watchers as described in Daniel 4:17:  “This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.”

Another one of those verses is Revelation 5:10 where some translations are similar to the NIV—“and with your blood You purchased men…You have made them…to serve our God, and they will reign….”  

In doing some recent study, I was reminded that both Moses and David patterned the tabernacle and temple respectively from patterns they were given.  It made sense to me that when David divided the priests who would serve “at the house of the Lord” into 24 groups, he would have been following the pattern.

Another applicable section of verses is Revelation 11:16-18:  “And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.”

In context, these are words of praise to God. They seem to be speaking in reference to men of faith (the prophets, saints and them that fear thy name) as different from themselves.

John’s attention turns back to the throne from which he hears voices and from which come lightning and thunder.  In front of the throne is what appears to be a sea of clear glass.  There are also four living creatures “full of eyes” around the throne.  (These appear to be the same creatures described in Ezekiel.)  The language tells us that John is describing something new that he sees by making comparisons to things that were familiar to him.  The creatures are described as having faces like a lion, a calf, a man, and an eagle.  Many scholars explain that these creatures represent Christ as presented in the gospels—as King, servant, man and God respectively.  I see no reason to disagree.

John makes note that the creatures and elders worship the LORD in unity of spirit and action.  This should be the hallmark characteristic of God’s servants in the church today, but sadly, it is not.  Specific reference is made to God as the Creator who created according to His own will/purpose.

Revelation 5 – Jesus the Victorious Lamb

John begins this chapter with a vision of God the Father on the throne, holding in his right hand a book that is written on both sides and sealed with seven seals.  I’ve heard this book called the title deed to planet earth and compared to a Roman will.  Future contents of the Revelation record affirm that it represents authority over planet earth and all that impacts it. 

Next, John hears an angel asking for a worthy, qualified person to step forward and open the seals.  Then point is made that no “man” in the universe was found that qualified.  John understood the consequences of that fact and openly wept.  Suddenly, one of the elders announces, “the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals.”  (verse 5)

John looks toward the throne and sees “a Lamb as it had been slain” standing in the middle of the elders.  He then watches “the Lamb” go and take the book from the hand of the One on the throne.  Then the 24 elders and the living creatures fall down in reverence to “the Lamb.”  Next thing you know, an innumerable multitude of angels are surrounding the throne and joining in worship of “the Lamb that was slain.”  (verse 12)

Obviously, the throne is God’s throne and “the Lamb” is Jesus, the Son of God.  It stands out to me that Jesus was not on the scene when John was first taken to heaven.  Scripture tells us that when He ascended, He took His place at the right hand of the Father on the throne.  It also stands out that He appeared as a Lamb having been slain.  I think this is a vision of the LORD Jesus returning to heaven victorious over the grave after having offered Himself as the sacrifice for our sin.  At that point, He was qualified to take the book and remove the seals.

One more observation, if the church were already raptured as represented by John, Jesus would have been there with them.

1Th. 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

 

UPDATE - REVELATION CONDENSED - CHAPTERS 2-3

Revelation 2-3 – The Letters to the Seven Churches 

In chapter 2 the Lord begins to dictate letters to each of the seven churches; however, He intends for all seven churches to read each letter.  Though the contents of each letter are to the church as a whole, the appeal is for a response from each individual.  Each church is representative of the different kinds of churches that have existed since the beginnings of the church.  Scholars much more studied than I explain how they represent the stages of church history, and I have no reason to reject that application.  I think the primary application, however, is to all churches throughout the church age.  Churches tend to resemble one of these seven types of churches.

1. Ephesus – This church is doing the works of God—but from duty and ritual, not from a heart of love.
2. Smyrna – This church is aptly called the persecuted church.  Though it appears to be poor and sickly from a human perspective, God considers them to be rich and vibrant in their faith. 
3. Pergamos – This church is tolerant and inclusive.  They don’t want to offend anyone.  (Sound familiar?) 
4. Thyatira – This appears to be a church that is very liberal, having little to no spiritual discernment.  They embrace false teachers and false teaching.  The amazing truth—this church still has a few true believers among its members.
5. Sardis – This appears to be a church in name only.  They were doing very little that could be called serving the LORD.  Still, this church has a few true believers in it.  I would assume they fall into the category of saved, “yet so as by fire.”  (1Corinthians 3:15)
6. Philadelphia – This church is spiritually healthy and discerning.  They have persevered in spite of the world’s mockery.  Sad to say, they are noted as having “little strength.”  It just hit me that this is probably a statement as to their influence among the churches.  Though they should be the most respected and emulated, their influence is diminished by the more popular wealthier, tolerant and liberal congregations.  
7. Laodicea – This church is making absolutely no spiritual impact on the world around it.  They are spiritually blind though materially rich.  

I think it is important to note that God loves His church.  He wants the body of believers to recognize their spiritual needs and respond with repentance.  He encourages them with promises of special blessings for their faith and repentance.  I just noticed that only the Ephesians were threatened with having their candlestick removed.  In my mind this is because they most resembled the Pharisees of Jesus’ day—obeying and going through the motions with a heart that has lost a true love for God.  It also stood out to me that the churches that tolerated or embraced false teachers and false teaching drew harsh words of God’s violent intervention.  I think this is because these churches were positioned as major battlegrounds between the spiritual forces of good and evil.  Though the letters are addressed to the church as a body, the LORD’s focus is clearly on the individual.  He is aware of and always has words of encouragement to true believers in the church.

 

UPDATE - REVELATION CONDENSED - CHAPTER 1

The book of Revelation begins with a statement of God’s desire for His servants, those who accept Jesus as LORD and Savior, to understand what our future holds.  We are given a clue as to one reason He chooses to share this truth with us in the book of Genesis.

Gen. 18:17-19 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

He expects us to teach that truth to our family as well as others that we care about.  He also expects that these truths will impact how we live our lives.  The Apostle John is God’s chosen instrument to share this message with us.  

God is the best Father, and He knows our human weaknesses.  He encourages us to study the book of Revelation by promising us a blessing if we will invest our time and energy in carefully reading the Revelation record and treasuring its teachings.  The more we understand of the truths presented in this book, the more visible should be its impact on how we live—in establishing priorities, in the choices we make, in our service to others, in our prayer life, etc.  

The LORD chooses to address His message to seven specific churches in existence at the time that John received the Revelation.  John is clear in identifying the author of the message as God—“Him which is…was…and is to come.”  

Rev. 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

He then goes on to specifically connect this description to Jesus Christ.  In verse 8 this description is expanded to identify Him as “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending.”  In other words, He was before all things (from the human perspective on earth) and will be the culmination of all things (from the human perspective on earth).  Jesus is identified as the One who “loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,”  (verse 5) our Savior and Redeemer.  He is also specifically identified as the Son of God.  

John next shares the fact that Jesus is coming back to earth and will be visible to “every eye” in the process.  It is most natural for us today to believe this possible only because of today’s technology, but I don’t think that is true.  Even though I can’t explain how, I believe the glory of the LORD as He descends to earth will be seen by everyone—without the use of modern technology.  

It’s also important to note that the LORD’s return will not be a welcome sight for many.  John tells us, “all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.”  (verse 7)

John informs us that he was on the island of Patmos when he received the Revelation.  This island was used as a prison camp for those deemed enemies of the Roman Empire.  John was there at the decree of the Emperor Domitian.  Why?  For his public declaration of “the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”  (verse 9) 

In verse 11 John begins a description of how he received the Revelation.  Johns tells us that he was “in the Spirit,” and I believe he is referencing a special time of worship and communion with the LORD as described in Ephesians.

Eph. 5:18-21 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.   

All of a sudden John hears a voice behind him.  It sounds like “a trumpet,” (verse 10) very strong and penetrating; and the owner identifies Himself as the “Alpha and Omega, the first and the last” which is declared to be the LORD in verse 8.  John is instructed to write what he sees in a book and to send it to the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.  

John turns to see the speaker, and he sees the LORD standing in the middle of seven candlesticks.  He is wearing an ankle-length robe with a gold belt around the breast.  His hair is white like wool, and His eyes like a flame of fire.  His feet are like glowing hot brass.  His voice is described this time as sounding like many waters (strong and powerful).  He is holding seven stars in His right hand and has a sword coming out of His mouth.  His whole being shines like the sun.

This whole vision of the LORD is one of power, judgment, purity and holiness.  The candlesticks are identified in verse 20 as the seven churches, and the seven stars are identified as the messengers of those churches.  Hebrews 4:12 compares God’s word to a sword:  “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

The vision was so amazing that John fainted at the feet of the LORD.  The LORD strengthens him with the touch of His right hand and tells John not to be afraid.  John should have understood that this same LORD Jesus whom he had seen crucified, dead, buried, risen and ascending to heaven hadn’t just disappeared into oblivion.   He is alive and has complete authority over hell (a place) and death (a state of being).

John is again told to write what he has seen, what he is seeing pertaining to the present, and what he will see concerning the future.