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…in my opinion.

Book of Revelation – Chapter 22

We are at the closing chapter of the Book of Revelation. Only those folks that repent of their sins, expressing their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness and eternity, will be admitted into the new Jerusalem. 

From verses 1 & 2: We read of a pure river of water of life, clear as a crystal, flowing out of the throne of God and the Lamb. Its very transparency allows for the reflection of the glory of God. The river flows pure and unobstructed, symbolizing everlasting life’s constant flow from God’s throne to God’s people. It seems to flow down the center of the street with the tree of life on either side of the river bearing 12 types of fruit with a fresh yield each month. Hence, there will be an infinite variety that will fill heaven. Even with glorified bodies, we can enjoy the habit of eating. We will enjoy the best drink possible – the pure, refreshing water direct from the throne of God. There is no pollution with this water. The full delights of glory remain unrevealed until the right moment. The leaves of the tree of life are for the health of the nations. Life in heaven will be fully energized and exciting. 

In verse 3, there is no more curse on humanity. This curse started in the Garden of Eden, was partially removed during the Millennium, and is now permanently obliterated. It means the end of sorrow, pain, and especially death – the most terrible aspect of the curse (Genesis 2:17) – forever. 

In verse 4, we will observe the beauty of our Savior’s countenance daily as we live in His presence forever and ever. There we will spend all eternity carrying out the infinitive variety of tasks that the limitless mind of God can conceive. There is nothing beyond His face in terms of bliss once we have seen Him (John Phillips commentary, page 257).

Then in verse 5, there is no night to experience there in heaven (the new Jerusalem). You will not need a candle, nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God gives the residents light, and they shall reign forever and ever. It is the glory of Christ that illuminates the city and its inhabitants.

Now comes the closing remarks as the Book of Revelation concludes with verses 6 through 21.

In verse 6: God-breathed. Everything written, said, and shown was to show God’s servants and believers in the Lord Jesus Christ that these things must happen shortly. The angel proceeds to tell John why God has allowed him to experience this vision of the Revelation. He says, “The God of the holy prophets who is truth and cannot lie, sent me to tell you that the things you have heard and seen must come to pass speedily.” So, “we see that God’s Word is accurate and its truths have been transmitted, recorded, arranged, and preserved exactly as God had in mind.” (John Phillips commentary, page 258).

In verse 7: Now, Jesus speaks, “Behold, I come quickly,” indicating that once a series of events start, they will proceed in rapidly increasing succession. Van Impe adds, “In other words, when these things begin to come to pass (see Luke 21:28), the signs and events will fall into place so speedily – one after another – that a state of preparedness should be maintained.”

What should we do then to be ready? To be prepared for the Lord’s return, an individual “should keep the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Meaning: we are to long for Christ’s return and our eternal fellowship with Him. “After reading Revelation, Christians should love Christ more, seek to be more like Christ, hope for their resurrection bodies, and anticipate their eternal rewards.” John MacArthur, Because the Time is Near, page 330.

Again, John falls before the angel in verses 8 & 9 to worship him in light of all these revelations. He shouldn’t, nor should we worship anyone or anything but God only! The angel sets John straight again on this issue.

From verse 10, we read that the angel speaks to John once more, saying, “Don’t seal the sayings of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.” Therefore, neither should we seal the prophecy of the sayings of this book. People are to be made aware of the future. They must learn the history of the churches and the plan of the ages. Then, as they live in these times, they will understand God’s program. They will also realize that, once the events begin, they will speedily come to pass. Knowing this, they will be prepared. 

In verse 11, there is a choice to be made. Each individual must choose what they shall be; unjust and filthy in hell or righteous and holy in heaven. We are to choose wisely! A person’s response to the exclamation of the prophecy of Revelation will fix their eternal destiny.

In verse 12, the prophetic time clock is ticking, and every event will certainly and speedily come to pass as written. The Lord says, “When I come, I will finish the work of redemption which I began.”

In verse 13, God says, “For I am the Alpha and Omega, the author and finisher of the faith.” (Hebrews 12:2).

Verse 14: 

  • “Blessed are they that wash their robes that they may have right to the tree of life.” Dr. C. I. Scofield.
  • “Blessed are they that wash their robes in the Lamb’s blood that they may have the right to the tree of life and enter through the gates into the city.” Dr. A. C. Gaebelein, Dr. H. A. Ironsides, Dr. J. A. Seuss

From verse 15: a list of those not allowed into the city: dogs (people of a vile & harmful character), sorcerers (those that practice occult activities and those who use drugs), whoremongers (those engaged in illicit sexual activities), murderers, idolaters (people who worship false gods), liars (people who love and practice lying). Listed are those who lack the “new birth” experience and who love and habitually practice any such sins above and continually refuse Christ’s invitation to repentance and salvation, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17. Notice this crowd is also listed in Revelation 21:8.

In verse 16, the message of the Revelation is valid (true) because Christ inaugurates (initiates) and guarantees it. God extends the gospel call one last time before the book closes. Jesus is the root and offspring of David and the bright & morning star. 

“COME” is the call in verse 17. The Holy Spirit and the Bride plead, “COME!” If you hear this call, let your voice join the chorus. God compassionately declares, “Believe in Me; come to Me. Invite Me into your heart and life.” The first part of verse 17 is a prayer addressed to Christ for Him to “Come” by the Holy Spirit and the Church. The second part of the same verse is addressed to unbelievers to come to faith in Christ. It is the last call for unbelievers to repent.

The Bride of Christ says, “COME!”
Clink this link: https://youtu.be/lkqB2hth4rA

Verse 18 and 19: We are to take the Book of Revelation seriously. One must not meddle with or handle lightly the truths that mean so much to the God of heaven and earth. God’s wrath abides on those who tamper with His Word, cutting out the parts that offend them and adding their own ideas to it. 

The final message to the Church is that our Lord will return. In verse 20: Surely I come quickly. With Revelation’s promises given over 2,000 years ago, the history we trace seems like a long time. When you see the beginning of these events and their rapid succession of signs following speedily, Jesus will come soon or suddenly. Remember, it has only been two days since Christ left to prepare a place for us and His promised return (refer to 2 Peter 3:8). The response of His people is AMEN (or so be it). 

Verse 21: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all as an expression of God’s grace toward fallen humanity. The Lord of glory offers heaven to those who accept His glorious invitation and return to Him in light of His inevitable return. AMEN.                                             

FINAL COMMENTS:

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Book of Revelation. I hope you have received encouragement about the future and that your faith has increased in His promises. I recommend that you read the Book of Revelation for yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance to understand His word. May you find courage in living a faithful life before Him.

April 21, 2024 Posted by | Bible, Last Days, Revelation | , , , , | Leave a comment

Book of Revelation – Chapter 11

What about the future facing the unrepentant? It was the worst of times. Foolishness reigns in the heart of evil men. A terrible season of darkness plagues the sturdiest of souls, but nothing except judgment awaits those deluded (lied to or deceived) by the Beast. But there is a bright side to this very dark picture.

Taking a rod or reed, the apostle John proceeds to measure the temple of God (erected during the Tribulation hour, this is the 3rd temple), the altar, and those that worship therein. It’s a measurement of their spirituality. The Jews’ spirituality falls short. The Gentiles trample the Holy City of Jerusalem under their feet for 42 months or 3.5 years (the last half of the Tribulation period). So, now God sends two witnesses before the people in Jerusalem. Given great power, these two men prophesy, telling them what will happen to them in the future and to repent.

The scene is Jerusalem and the rebuilt Tribulation temple. You will notice that this temple has nothing to do with the Church, which is already in heaven. Somehow the Jews regained possession of the Temple site and the right to do something with it. We can assume that the Masque of Omar is rubble with a beautiful new Temple to God in its place. Israel had entered a seven-year pact with the Beast. With his encouragement and support, defying the Arabs, they rebuilt this temple. We are at the mid-point of the seven-year Tribulation period. Unfortunately for the Jews, they have entered into a covenant with death and an agreement with hell (Isaiah 28:15). The Beast honors his commitments in the beginning of this seven-month contract because that works in his interest. However, “halfway through the period, there will be a change of policy, possibly connected with the downfall of Russia and possibly connected with the emergence of the Beast in his new character as ‘the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit” of verse 7, John Phillips commentary, page 146.

Two witnesses make their appearance at this time. Their witness lasts for 1,260 days or 3.5 years. Given great power or authority, they proclaimed God’s message of doom upon the unrepentant. Both men wear sackcloth, a coarse, rough fabric woven from flax or hemp, acting both as a token of mourning for Israel and a call to repentance. Their ministry runs through much of the period covered by the trumpet judgments, then they are slain during the second woe of the sixth trumpet.

Who are these two witnesses? Unknown, since John does not mention them specifically by name. Some scholars guess them to be Elijah, Enoch, Moses, or John the Baptist, with many reasons given for each one. It is not important who they are, or John would have written their names down for us to know. What can be said is that these witnesses are human beings, and there are two of them; that is what we know for sure. These two possess supernatural weapons such as the power to shut heaven and bring drought, turn water to blood, and bring disease or plagues, including calling down fire from heaven. Invincible, the world detests and fears them. Untouchable by man, the Beast finally kills them at the end of the 1,260 days. Left in the streets of Jerusalem with no burial or grave for them, a worldwide holiday is declared. People celebrate their death by presenting gifts to each other. With their lights snuffed out, the world is truly in darkness. It is a wonderfully comforting thought that all of God’s people are immortal until God is through with them. And when you have completed your mission, He will remove you from the earth to heaven.

The location of their death is called “spiritually Sodom and Egypt, where our Lord was crucified” from verse 8. Known as Jerusalem, the name Sodom emphasizes vice, and Egypt points out the vanity that has now enthroned itself in the city of violence. So for 3.5 days, the entire world watches their dead bodies left in the dirty streets with celebrations all around, shown on all television networks, internet, smartphones, and computers.

Then, the unthinkable happens! God puts the spirit of life back into their broken bodies, making them whole again. They stand upright on their feet. No wonder fear grips the heart of those watching at the scene and on media. In front of everyone, up goes the two witnesses in a cloud away from their enemies below. With a great voice, God called them home. As this occurred, a great earthquake shook Jerusalem. One-tenth of the city lies in rubble. Seven thousand men died that day, not counting women and children. Those that survived grudgingly acknowledged that there was a living God, but that impression did not last. No salvation, just a bunch of scared folks! With the second woe completed, the third and final woe comes quickly.

Seventh Trumpet – Crowning of the King

Immediately, the seventh trumpet blasts (verse 15). Heaven is the scene, but earth finds out about the crowning of Jesus, enraging the earth’s inhabitants.

NOTE:
Remember that chapters 6 through 11 run concurrently with chapters 12 through 19:15 or side by side during the Tribulation period, explaining why the King returns in chapter 11, verse 15, and chapter 19, verse 16.

As the King returns, praise and worship services begin in heaven as an act of gratitude. Satan’s reign has finally ended because the King has come to earth! Verse 17 is a prayer to Christ. Yet the wicked are upset over the King’s return. They want things to remain as they are, but a lot of things start to happen with His return.

(1) In their anger, the nations gather their armies to make war against Christ, the returning King, and His army of saints. You can guess who wins this conflict. What were they thinking?

(2) God’s wrath comes as the King returns. Christ kills or severely injures the nations gathered, rules over them with a rod of iron, and treads the winepress of God’s wrath.

(3) The wicked are judged at the end of the King’s 1,000-year reign (chapter 20, verses 11 to 15).

(4) The faithful prophets and saints, small and significant, are rewarded at the end of the 1,000-year reign. Do not confuse this with the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). Rewards presented here are for those faithful during the Kingdom Age for those who did not rebel and follow Satan at his release from the pit. The promise to destroy those who destroyed the earth is a referral to those spirit beings who followed the destroyer, Satan. Their destruction is separate from that of the nations of man. Lastly, amid lightning, voices, thundering, an earthquake, and great hail, God spares His covenant people (Israel).

Next is chapter 12 – the woman clothed with the sun, crowned with stars, and the red dragon.

February 7, 2024 Posted by | Bible, Last Days | , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book of Revelation – Chapter 9

Next, we begin the three woe trumpets, with the first four war trumpets sounding. 

Fifth Trumpet – Woe #1, A Satanically Energized Belief

Humanity, already preconditioned, will look “to the occult for entertainment, enlightenment, and eventual enslavement.” John Phillips commentary, page 124. The star falling from heaven to earth is Satan. Given the key to the bottomless pit, opening the gate, he releases thousands of foul, evil spirits. Satan was given the key and had permission to release those terrible beings upon humanity. We cannot imagine what the earth will be like with the Church removed from the world. 

John Phillips’s commentary stated that we are told 13-things about these released spirits.

(1) they are incarcerated in the bottomless pit. God mercifully chained them there for humanity’s sake but now lets them loose upon the earth for judgment upon man. 

(2) these demons are infernal (hellish; diabolical). They are not ordinary locusts, for they are supernatural and are incapable of being killed.

(3) they are insatiable (impossible to satisfy). Locust-like in their appetites, they go after unregenerate, godless men, those who did not have the seal of God in their forehead. Those with the seal of God are not to be touched.

(4) they are intolerable. The sting of these locust-like demons brings great torment, so great that men scream for death but cannot find it. These tormented men cannot die yet are in anguish beyond words to describe. The torment lasts for 5-months. 

(5) they are intrepid (fearless) like horses prepared for battle; defiant, eager to torment godless men. 

(6) they are invincible. With golden crowns, these demons conquered all in their path. No weapons defeat them. 

(7) they are intelligent as men’s faces, exercising rational thought with a diabolical cunning. This curse would be like an intellectual virus that chooses who and who not to attack, and there is no cure.

(8) they are insidious. “As the hair of women” means something is attractive about these locusts. The occult fascinates humanity, but it will lure men to their doom. 

(9) they are inexorable (impossible to stop). These locusts have the teeth of lions. Nothing can pry them loose once these fearsome demons fasten to their human victims.

(10) they are insensitive. The locust-like demons have breastplates like iron. None of these monsters act with sympathy toward those suffering, crying, and in agony. Being unmoved, they are without heart, showing no mercy. 

(11) they are inescapable. Demonic locust-like wings were like the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. These attackers move like the wind, flying swiftly and surely toward their prey. Men have no place to hide, no refuge, none at all. 

(12) they are injurious (causing damage or harm) with tails like a scorpion with stingers. Notice that this description is repeated twice in verse 10 and verse 3 for emphasis. Such a force has only one aim – to injure man for the next five months.

(13) they are indivisible. This destructive force has a king over them, the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek language has his name Apollyon, meaning “the destroyer.” One woe is not past, but two more woes are coming.

Sixth Trumpet – A Satanically Energized Battle Altering History

The apostle John heard the voice say, “Release the four angels bound in the great river Euphrates.” We know of angelic princes existing from Daniel 10:13, 20-21. These four angels get released to carry out a predetermined plan that God planned long ago for this hour. The “four” are a unique four of significant influence and power because they can marshal their armies by the millions the moment they are released. John heard their number as 200 thousand-thousand or as 200 million. God gave the “four” thirteen months and one day to slay one-third of the remaining humans on earth. This event is under God’s control, and nothing happens without His approval.

Something that we need to note. These 200 million are not the 200 million in chapter 16 at the battle of Armageddon. “The chief feature of that battle (Armageddon) is the involvement of the hordes of the Far East. Here in chapter 9, there is no reference to ‘the kings of the East,’ nor Armageddon. This battle array is another battle altogether, but one that is only slightly less important.” John Phillips commentary pages 130-131. 

This army of 200,000,000 are men driven by demonic forces. Driven mad, they march directly into battle with the latest modern weapons. The warfare will be gruesome as the carnage staggers the mind. This battle will leave more than 1 billion dead. At this point, the Beast is now in power and rapidly stepping forward to assume his role as this world’s god.

For more about this battle in chapter 9, we should refer to Ezekiel 38-39. Briefly, Russia invades Israel along with thousands and thousands of others. Joined with Russia are Libya, Iran, Ethiopia, to name a few. Who is the opposition? Only a few Western nations who wag their fingers and complain in front of a television camera. But the speed of the attack by Russia will leave them wondering how they missed this troop movement. When the smoke clears, Israel, left with a seven-year supply of captured fuel, will take over seven months to bury all the dead bodies of the invaders. Only 1 out of 6 Russians will make it out alive as they run home into Siberia, far away from the slaughter.

The survivors remained unrepented. Nor did they repent of their murders, sorceries, fornications, or thefts. They continued to worship devils, idols of precious metals, stone, and wood. 

Next, another parenthesis occurs in Chapter 10 with the Lord Jesus Christ placing His claim to the earth.

February 3, 2024 Posted by | Bible, Last Days | , , , , | Leave a comment

Book of Revelation – Chapter 3

Sardis was the fruitless church that began in 1520 A.D. and will extend into the Tribulation period. Christ first commended it as He did the previous churches. It had a name but was dead, shining solely by the light of a brilliant past. This church forgot the magnitude of its heavenly calling and its holy character. “It is far better to begin small and grow than begin with great plans, all of which dry up and come to nothing” (John Phillips commentary, page 62). Here we see God calls for a fivefold revival package:

  1. Be watchful or alert, knowing that now it is high time to awake out of spiritual sleep (Romans 13:11).
  2. Strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. Salvage the little good that remained in their bastion of dead orthodoxy.
  3. Remember or recall the former days of their salvation when filled with purity and zeal.
  4. Hold fast or retain the simple truth of the gospel and discard the excess baggage of pomp and ceremony.
  5. Repent or change their minds. It was a call for the entire church, not just a few individuals.

The problem at Sardis is a similar problem with the other churches in compromising with the world system, the flesh, and the devil. But there were and are a few that do not. They possess a genuine salvation experience that will remain eternally in the book of life.

Philadelphia church covers the years from 1750 A.D. until the Rapture. It was a feeble church but was a missionary-minded one, dedicated to spreading the gospel. Though a minority, for they had “a little strength,” they did keep His name. There was no rebuke of the Lord for this church. He assures the church that it will be saved from that hour by the Lord’s coming in the sky. What is coming will be a situation on earth worse than anything before when the Antichrist reigns and the Great Tribulation period begins. We see in verse 12 the promise to those who are faithful:

  1. They become pillars in the temple of GOD;
  2. They have the name of GOD written upon them, thus identifying them and allowing them access into the city of GOD – the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21 & 22);
  3. They have the (Christ’s) new name written upon them. This new name of Christ entitles them to be His servants, where they shall see His face (chapter 22, verses 3 and 4).

The final of the seven churches is Laodicea. This church covers the years from 1900 A.D. to the Tribulation hour. 

Laodicea church, the “fashionable” church, is where materialism was a perennial problem. It drowns its spiritual influence whenever any church has ridden the crest of material affluence. When Christ called out to “the angel of the church of the Laodiceans,” it was to say that the church at Laodicea was none of His. The Lord never dilutes nor distorts the truth. There is no hiding behind little disguises and safe conventions. Laodicea is a deluded church marked by complete compromise with the world. It is the present-day church’s archetype or very typical example. Only God alone knows how serious the present situation is. This era is a highly prosperous one. Her people have erected elaborate church structures worth millions of dollars. Although buildings are necessary for worship and service, we need to see that they should be humble structures rather than the latest multi-million dollar architectural monstrosities that glorify men. God describes the Laodicean church as:

  • Wretched and miserable and poor, because riches usually make one sad (very unhappy) and pathetic (distressful). 
  • Blind because they cannot see the need of the millions who are dying without the Savior and going into eternal loss.
  • Naked, both now and in eternity, don’t have Christ’s robe of righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Then, Christ gave instructions:

  1. Buy gold tried in the fire from Christ, that you may be rich ( 1 Peter 1:7); where the trial of our faith is more than of gold;
  2. Buy white clothing – a reference to the garments of salvation and the robe of righteousness in (Isaiah 61:10);
  3. Anoint your eyes with eyesalve, that you may see – This speaks of illumination which only the saved share. (1 Corinthians 2:14). 

In verse 20: Christ calls out, “Behold, I stand at the door….” 

Here we have the picture of Christ standing outside the latter-day church rather than the heart of an individual. Overcomers are granted to sit with Christ and His Father in heaven. We have now concluded the last warning to the churches for one last time.

Next, we join John in the future, starting with chapter 4.

January 11, 2024 Posted by | Culture, Last Days, Life, Religion | , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book of Revelation – Chapter 2

The letters that John wrote to the seven individual churches apply to all churches of all ages, for these seven churches represent seven stages of church history. Let us see what the Lord had to say.

Ephesus church covers the approximate period of 33 A.D. to 100 A.D. Christ commends that local assembly before scolding them for their sins. Notice that it is not wrong to judge someone when that individual’s doctrine is heretical, or wickedness fills a person’s life. We are to “Try the spirits whether they are of God because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1). The church at Ephesus was strong when it started but slipped from its original moorings and was on the way down. Though busy and outwardly sound, it shifted away from its love for Christ. Ephesus lost its first love. They may have been too busy serving and not taking time to fellowship with Jesus. When one is so active that they have no time for Bible study and prayer, they are too busy. Been there and done that! Let us not lose our first love. Remember, repent, and do the first works. 

Smyrna church covered 100 A.D. to 312 A.D. when the most significant persecution in all Christianity took place. This church had works of faith that brought great tribulation and material poverty. Yet, they spread the Word of God to the entire Roman Empire. They experienced martyrdom with an estimate of nearly 5 million killed. Death was commonplace. Regardless, the church flourished and grew during the Smyrna period. However, the church developed ritualism or a deliberate Judaizing of Christianity. False professors of religion brought much heartache. We should beware of those who claim to be Christians but deny the deity of Christ (1 John 4:3). Also true of those who mix law and grace in their teachings. Smyrna was experiencing persecution from within and without. When our hour of trial comes, we are not to fear but to keep our eyes on Jesus and the eternal rewards He promised (James 1:12).

Pergamos was the faltering church, extending from 312 A.D. to 606 A.D. Materialism, self-indulgence, and worldliness described the church in Pergamos. You might say that it was adrift or had backslid; a marriage of the church and the world. Of necessity, the believer in Christ is in the world. They must constantly guard against becoming involved in the world’s ungodliness. There appeared to be two false creeds in the church:
(1) the doctrine of Balaam – “Let’s be more relaxed in our loyalties.”
(2) the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes – “Let’s be more restricted in our leadership.” An example is when the ministry or leader says, “I am the head, and you have no choice in the matter,” allowing laymen no voice in the church’s affairs.

Christ’s call is always to the individual believer in these churches. Let’s keep ourselves from immorality and refuse to partake in the loose living around us. Be an overcomer. The white stone represents the changeless purity of Christ. 

 Thyatira church covers the years of 606 A.D. to 1520 A.D. It started with a commendation from the Lord. She was known for her good works, love, service, faith, patience, and last works, loaded with excellent service and unusual deeds. This church outdid itself. Many scholars believe that this church is still found in the world today until the revived Roman Empire destroys it in Revelation chapters 17 and 18. The church resisted doing what was right and expected. Judgment always comes. The Lord Jesus Christ searches the minds and hearts and will give every one according to their works. Consider that we don’t lose those rewards we have earned (2 John 8). Even here at Thyatira, a remnant remained faithful despite the deterioration of their local church. In verse 28: Christ has promised faithful believers three rewards upon His return to the earth:

  1. Rulership over the nations during the Millennium (chapter 20, verse 4),
  2. Sharing in this glorious time of perfect righteousness resulting from Christ’s enforcement and order (Psalm 2:8,9), and
  3. The abiding presence of the blessed Savior throughout time and eternity as Christ himself, the bright and morning star, reigns (chapter 22, verses 14, 16).

Next, we will continue with the other churches.

January 3, 2024 Posted by | Culture, Last Days, Life, Religion | , , , , , | Leave a comment

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