Reviews and Views

…in my opinion.

Book of Revelation – Chapter 15

Welcome to the shortest chapter in Revelation. It serves as a preview of the rapid judgments of chapter 16. Here we join John as we witness the final divine punishments of God’s wrath against sinful and rebellious humanity. In this great scene, we see a sea of glass mixed with fire and countless Tribulation saints victorious over the Beast, his image, his mark, and the number of his name. They stand on the sea of glass with harps. Such a marvelous sight to behold, I’m sure.

  • The sea of glass speaks of tranquillity (peacefulness and calmness). The scene before us is calm and stable and typifies the Church at rest and God’s living Word.
  • The sea of glass mixed with fire is a picture of believers standing firmly for Christ under the test of fire, having their feet planted on the Word of God.

They begin to sing the song of Moses (Exodus 14) and the Lamb. It is about the Lord Jesus Christ’s millennium kingdom reign.

NOTE:

In Zechariah 14:16-17, all the world shall go up from year to year to worship the KING, the LORD of hosts, and keep the feast of tabernacles. No rain falls on those that do not attend worship annually.

In verse 5, John explains that the doors of the heavenly temple open, and out walks seven angels, each prepared to deliver the final judgments of God. They dress in pure white linen, fastened with golden belts (verse 6). Each angel receives a bowl full of the wrath of God from one of the four beasts before God’s throne (verse 7). This site was both breathtaking and frightening as we watched.

From God’s glory and His power, smoke begins to fill the heavenly temple. So thick is the smoke that no man could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were satisfied. At this point, the temple area remains sealed or shut to angels and men during the Tribulation hour’s final 42-months (or 3.5 years). God’s throne, which symbolizes mercy and love, is closed to the public until this period of judgment ends. When completed, all may approach the mercy seat again. But until that time, all is hazy and dark because of the smoke filling the temple (verse 8).

Next, in Chapter 16, the Bowl Judgments

March 4, 2024 Posted by | Bible, Last Days, Revelation | , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book of Revelation – Chapter 14

The picture that has unfolded thus far…is that of a world ruined by man. With the seals broken and restraint removed, passions in the human heart, long restrained by God, have been allowed to come to full flower and fruit. The harvest has been one of complete chaos on earth. Trumpets blowing, a world ruled by Satan casts a picture of an even darker hue over the planet. The world has united beneath the banner of the Beast. Hailed as a messiah, the Antichrist receives worship for himself and the dragon. John Phillips commentary, page 177.

What proceeds next is not a chronological sequence of events but rather panoramically (or wide view) with details that follow later.

Before us is a picture of a world rescued by God; starting in chapter 14 to the end of chapter 20. This period covers the final throes (violent pain and struggles) of the Great Tribulation, the Battle of Armageddon, the Golden Millennial Age, the last rebellion of Satan, the Great White Throne Judgment, and on to the edge of eternity. John Philips commentary, page 177.

In chapter 14, our view returns to heaven as celebrations and preparations occur. In verse 1, we have the Lamb (the Lord Jesus Christ), a heavenly mount Zion (since Christ has not come to earth yet), and the 144,000 Jewish evangelists. None of the 144,000 are missing. They stand before God, the living creatures, and the 24 elders in heaven. When they arrived or how they got there is untold to us. These 144,000 are with Jesus wherever He goes. They will enter the millennial kingdom as living men, most likely continuing their evangelistic work throughout the 1,000 years. While only redeemed people will enter the millennium kingdom, the children born to them will not all believe in Jesus, hence the need for evangelism.

144,000 are with Jesus wherever He goes.

A magical sound of harps and voices fills heaven and earth with joy. There is something unique about these 144,000 besides their new song. No other age has produced a company like this, a veritable army of militant believers marching unscathed through every form of danger. They denied the dragon (Satan), baited the Beast (Antichrist), and gave the lie to the False Prophet.

DEFINITION:
To “give the lie” is an English expression meaning exposing a lie or showing a thing is not as represented.

Three angels appear, commissioned with messages, announcements, and warnings for the earth’s inhabitants. 

  1. The first angel preaches the everlasting gospel to everyone on earth (verse 6). The message is in verse 7. God remains merciful and willing to forgive the sinner. Humanity has a final call from God to repent or die. The angel appears in the sky, “flying in mid-heaven,” where the sun appears at its high point at noon. He is out of the reach of the Antichrist, and his ministry is unhindered.
  2. A second angel (verse 8) cries out, “Babylon is fallen.” This proclamation anticipates the complete collapse of the Beast’s political, economic, and religious system. Revealed details are in chapters 17 and 18.
  3. A dire (terrible and urgent) choice is the subject of this third proclamation. The third angel declares the final judgment for those who worship the Beast or his image or receive his mark. The punishment is to be torment with fire and brimstone in the presence of angels and the Lord Jesus Christ. This judgment is horrendous, a never-ending agony never meant for man, but evil men will face it for eternity.

But God’s warnings go unheeded by most of the sinful world. With issues now apparent, the alternatives are unmistakable. “Worship me, or be doomed!” cries the Beast. “Worship Me or be damned!” declares the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice that the message is urgent, short, plain, and unique. No hope exists for those who worship the Beast, bow before his image or receive his mark.

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them. During the Tribulation, the saints’ labors will be exhausting and challenging work. But when they go to heaven, their record will follow with them.

Now we view two harvests: the grain harvest and the grape harvest. John sees a white cloud, one sitting on the cloud, a golden crown, and a sharp sickle. 

  • One sitting like a son of man is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the reaper here.
  • The white cloud represents His glory and majesty.
  • The golden crown is not a king’s crown but the crown worn by victors in war or athletic events.
  • Used to harvest grain, the sharp sickle, held with both hands spread apart and swept back and forth, would cut off the grain stalks to ground level.

In verse 15, a 4th angel comes out of the heavenly temple. This angel is coming from the very presence of God the Father. Given the go-ahead to execute the judgment, the angel tells Jesus to “Put in your sickle and reap…” It is now time! Earth’s harvest is ripe.

Such a harvest is related to Christendom or its remains, since this harvest is religious. The great separation of the wheat (true believers) from the tares (weeds or false believers) begins. So Christ thrust his sickle on the earth, reaping done (verse 16).

Now a 5th angel emerges from the temple in heaven in verse 17, from the presence of God the Father. He carries a sharp sickle and is identified as the reaper of this next harvest and not Jesus, who was the reaper in the first harvest. Followed by a 6th angel who has the title of “the one who has power over fire.” This harvest has to do with the world. Since the 6th angel comes from the altar, his appearance means that it is time for those prayers of the Tribulation saints to be answered. He shouts to the 5th angel with the sharp sickle, “put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from earth’s vine because her grapes are ripe.” So the angel swings his sickle, gathers the clusters, and throws them into the winepress of the wrath of God (verse 19).

Verse 20 tells us blood flows from the winepress of God’s wrath. So much blood that it is 4 feet deep (up to a horse’s bridle) and stretches 200 miles (about the length of Israel). In a series of purgings, we start in the Valley of Jezreel on the plain near Megiddo. The 6th angel from the altar is in charge, but the scene is the work of both angels (5th and 6th). Eventually, the Battle of Armageddon encompasses the entire nation of Israel. This Battle is global in its involvement as the world’s armies meet in the Middle East for the final holocaust of history. They are there to fight against Christ taking earth over as the rightful King, who holds the deed to the earth. As the Battle of Armageddon rages, the Church will not be present as the Rapture occurred before this Battle (chapter 4, verse 1).

“Still, it is difficult to imagine that they could produce a flow of blood ‘up to the horses’ bridles’ for a distance of 200 miles. A better interpretation, whether there are actual horses involved or not, sees this as hyperbole to suggest the slaughter in which blood will splatter into the air profusely along the whole length of the Battle. When the slaughter reaches its peak, blood could flow deeply in troughs and stream beds. As this passage indicates, Armageddon will be a slaughter rather than a battle.”

Refer to John MacArthur, Because The Time Is Near, page 242.

Next is the shortest chapter in Revelation, Chapter 15.

February 25, 2024 Posted by | Bible, Last Days, Revelation | , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book of Revelation – Chapter 13

The Two Beasts: Antichrist and the False Prophet

First, we will look at the Antichrist, sometimes referred to as the Beast. He has all the devil’s characteristics, a political figure who knows no bounds in achieving what he desires. If there ever was a violent and deceptive leader of men, he is it. The Antichrist will be the final or last of the Gentile kings. Crowned by an apostate world, he will accept the title of Lord and Messiah. The world will obey him because of love or follow him through fear.

Out of the sea (of humanity) rises the first beast in verse 1. He is handsome to look upon, but the good looks hide the awful secret inside. There are seven heads, ten horns, ten crowns, and the name blasphemy written upon his heads. Sounds fantastic, not really. He is the visible expression of the invisible devil in every way. As he gathers power, he rules over a ten-nation confederacy from the old Roman Empire. Though the Antichrist wears ten crowns, Jesus Christ wears many crowns.

In verse 2, the Beast has characteristics like a leopard. It describes his nature as ferocious (brutal and cruel), wild, harmful, and immutable (unchanging). And his feet were like the feet of a bear which represents how he treats those in his way. The Beast leaves a trail of blood behind him. With no remorse, any enemy caught in his tenacious (firm or tight) grip is torn to pieces and left to bleed to death. Like the mouth of a lion, he is raging and tearing and harmful. Out of his mouth proceed great blasphemies of profanities against God.

But, in verse 3, it appears that the Antichrist is assassinated or killed midway through the Tribulation hour (see Daniel 11:45). Satan uses this opportunity to perform a resurrection, a counterfeit to Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Once the Antichrist appears alive, his prestige soars. Afterward, the Antichrist will declare himself God and sit in the Temple in Jerusalem during the Tribulation (2 Thessalonians 2:4 and Matthew 24:15). After this happens, alive again, all the world wonders after him. Humanity is overwhelmed by the Antichrist’s power and authority that Satan has given him.

Verse 4 states that millions will now believe in the Antichrist and begin to worship him and the devil, Satan. Later, we see that the second beast (false prophet) enforces this worship.

As discussed earlier, the Antichrist has a big mouth and spouts off a lot of profanity concerning God and heaven. He mocks the Almighty and continues to do so for the last 3.5 years of the Tribulation period. Satan intensifies this profanity because the devil speaks through the Antichrist since his “resurrection.” Let’s consider the following thought-provoking theory:

  • During the first 42-months (of 3.5 years) of the Tribulation, the Antichrist acts under the influence of Satan.
  • In chapter 12, Satan is cast out of heaven and sent to earth, where he incarnates himself into Antichrist’s dead body. By doing so, the beast resurrects from the dead though mortally wounded. The counterfeiter (Satan) dwells in the Antichrist’s body for the final 42-months or 3.5 years, claiming deity.

The fight is on for the Tribulation saints during these final 42-months as we pass verse 7. It is good to remember that this is not the Church since it is in heaven already. Satan will battle the Church as we return with Christ in chapter 19, verse 14, and those who also refused the beast’s mark in chapter 20, verse 4. The Antichrist controls the whole world by this time because so many stand amazed by this self-styled deity taking control. They willingly submit to his authority. But a remnant will not bow. Verse 9 tells us to take heed to these words and think seriously about the days in our future.

Revelation 13:10 speaks of captivity and dying by the sword. This verse is meant to be a caution to the suffering saints of the Tribulation. During this time, there is nothing for them but to endure to the end. God’s people are called to endurance and faith. The world is engulfed in a great hour of trial and temptation. All but the elect of God are deceived. As the first beast is to be met by patience and faith (verse 10), the second beast must be opposed by true wisdom (verse 18). Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible commentary.

Next, we will look at the second beast, the False Prophet. This mysterious person acts as the propaganda chief for the Antichrist. In verse 11, this beast came out of the earth, not the sea. Out of the earth may indicate that the False Prophet is Jewish with his chief function is to glorify the first beast (i.e., the Antichrist.) In the description of two horns like a lamb identifies him with Christianity and speaking as a dragon ties him in with Satan. The False Prophet is a liar. He has a deceptive appearance and is a religious fake fulfilling Matthew 24:24.

But he will have a dynamic appeal. Exercising all the power of the Antichrist, he will cause all of earth’s inhabitants to worship the Antichrist, especially after he is wounded, dies, and regains life again. He performs outstanding (or “lying”) wonders, making fire fall from the sky for all to see. Why does he do all this? To deceive everyone and urge them to set up an image of the Antichrist in the new Temple in Jerusalem. Doing so prepares the earth’s inhabitants for idolatry. Once installed, Antichrist’s statue becomes alive with the ability to speak. To not worship this image means death to anyone refusing. Loyalty to the Antichrist will mean a mark of “666” will be given to all, both rich and poor, free or enslaved men. This mark must be in their right hand or foreheads. Those who do not have this mark may not buy or sell anything—computer systems will enslave the earth’s population during the Tribulation hour. We don’t have to look much farther than the Social Credit System used in China today (2022) to understand how this is possible—acting as an international identification system utilizing a laser tattoo or implant device placed in the right hand or forehead. Somewhere in the individual’s ID number will be the number “666,” similar to a prefix. We cannot know who the Antichrist is until he arrives on the scene. And he cannot arrive on the scene until the Church is raptured home to heaven. Still, God’s Word admonishes (advises) the Christian to be wise (see Matthew 10:16), especially as the day of Christ’s return approaches (see Hebrews 10:25).

BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH.

Next, in Chapter 14, the world is rescued by God, preparations in Heaven.

February 15, 2024 Posted by | Bible, Last Days, Revelation | , , , , | Leave a comment

Book of Revelation – Chapter 12

What follows in chapters 12 and 13 are things that have thus far remained unsaid in previous descriptions of the Trumpet period. Satan’s ruling passion is the theme of chapter 12, and Satan’s regent prince is the theme of chapter 13. 

What is Satan’s ruling passion? Simply put, to exterminate all the Jews. We will understand why as we explore chapter 12, which has to do with the woman, the war, and the woe.

Satan hates whatever God loves, which means Israel and anyone trusting in Jesus Christ for their eternal salvation. In verse 1, the woman is a sign, a great wonder in heaven, symbolizing Israel (becoming a nation again in 1948). In verse 2, she is about to give birth to a child. Birth to whom? Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

Another wonder in heaven is the great red dragon. Of course, we know this dragon to be a biblical symbol for Satan. The heads, the horns, and the crowns are symbols of the earthly power that Satan claims. The seven heads picture his wisdom (Ezekiel 28:12). The ten horns speak of his universal power, but he is not omniscient (all-knowing) or omnipresent (in all places at all times). The dragon symbolizes cruelty, blood-lust (an uncontrollable desire to kill or maim others), and power. He is the cause of the woman’s many sufferings.

The same devil who attempted to destroy the woman’s (or Israel’s) son in centuries past is now about to strike out against the woman herself (Israel) during the Great Tribution period (the last 3.5 years). In Satan’s initiall rebellion in heaven, one-third of the stars (angels) got thrown out of heaven along with him; the cast-outs actively sought to destroy Israel and still do. The devil waited for Jesus to be born to devour him. At the time, Herod was Satan’s tool. But Christ escaped the sword of Herold. He grew up, died for our sins, resurrected three days later, and was caught up to God in heaven and His throne.

The Great Tribulation period (last 3.5 years) carries the description “great” because of its intensity and immensity. Those days of the Great Tribulation become shorter for the elect’s sake. The “elect” here refers to the Jews. God protects the children of Israel.

The War. A war in space or heaven occurs in verses 7 thru 9. The archangel, Michael, and his angels fight against the great dragon (Satan) and those angels following him. The good angels fought to cast Satan and his angels out of heaven and down to earth. By succeeding, Satan no longer has any place in heaven. He no longer accuses the saints of their shortcomings before God. Some scholars believe that this war begins at the Rapture of the Church in chapter 4, verse 1.

NOTE:
Many scholars believe that three heavens exist.

ONE is the aerial heaven or first heaven, the atmosphere, and the multi-spheres extending above the earth. It is where our sky and clouds exist.

TWO is the stellar heaven or second heaven consisting of the cosmos or outer space where the sun, moon, and stars move.

THREE is heaven as we think of it, or the third heaven where God and Christ rule and reign with the angels. Refer to 2 Corinthians 12:2.

Satan was in the 3rd heaven until his fall. He is now in 1st heaven (the aerial heaven) and 2nd heaven (the stellar heaven) but no longer in the third heaven. He is “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). And there he remains, creating chaos and trouble for Israel and the saints. But in verse 9, he is cast to the earth only. Satan’s demise began upon being thrown out of the third heaven (see Isaiah 14:12-14).

Now out of all the heavens and on earth only, he knows that his end is coming and has only a short 3.5 years left. So the hot spot will be where men walk and breathe. The only place of safety will be in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ through His shed blood. “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life.” Revelations 2:10.

In the meantime, rejoicing and praise are heard in heaven because:

  1. Satan’s lost his atmospheric control.
  2. God’s strength has crushed Satan’s might.
  3. The kingdom of Christ is about to arrive on earth.
  4. The power of Christ will be evident as He comes to set up His kingdom.

In verses 13 and 14, the purge of the Jews takes place. But God intervenes immediately. He protects His chosen people (Israel) for the final 3.5 years. In verse 15, the flood portrays a volume of propaganda of anti-Semitic insinuations, slanders, and slurs released internationally. Yet the people of GOD are protected. It is at this point that Satan reaches the height of his anger. So he turns to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keeps the commandments of GOD and has Jesus Christ’s testimony. Those that are Tribulation saints will become Satan’s focus.

The Woe. With the devil (Satan) cast to the earth, his hatred grows strongly. It is Satan himself that personally supervises the last bloodbath of anti-Semitic persecution. Israel’s situation will be desperate, but God will encourage many Gentiles to render help to shield and shelter the Jews at significant personal risk.

Next, chapter 13 – the Two Beasts

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

Book of Revelation – Chapter 10

We are now at another lull in the judgments. This break lies between the sixth and seventh trumpet blasts and continues throughout chapter 10 and into chapter 11, verse 14. Did you wonder what God and Satan have been up to during the blowing of the trumpets? We are about to find out. Be assured that God has not abandoned this besieged planet to His foes.

We now turn our eyes upon Jesus in the first three verses of chapter 10. Check out His character. “And I saw another angel (this is the Lord Jesus Christ) come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud and a rainbow was upon His head, and His face was as it were the sun, and His feet as pillars of fire.” A few things to notice:

(a) Christ, in His deity, is usually surrounded by a cloud. Refer to these passages: Psalm 97:2, Exodus 16:10, 19:9 & 16, 40:34 & 38, Matthew 17:5, Luke 21:27, Revelation 1:7.

(b) The rainbow pictures mercy amid judgment. After the great flood, God made a covenant with Noah by placing a rainbow in the sky, symbolic of His mercy.

(c) Often, pictured as One with a shining face like the sun is Christ.

(d) Christ’s feet as pillars of fire picture judgment. Refer to chapter 1, verse 15.

Verse 2 draws attention to Christ’s claims. “He had a little book open (containing the record of judgments to be unleased) in His hand, and He set His right foot upon the sea and His left foot on the earth.” Jesus Christ is preparing to take control of the earth and sea. They all rightfully belong to Him. At any moment, He will rise from the throne and make the formal assertion of His right to reign. But this is not His final coming, for other things must first occur. 

Verse 3 draws attention to His cry. The Angel “cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars and seven thunders uttered their voices when He had cried.” This cry is a cry of warning of impending danger. John was about to write down what he heard the seven thunders said, but he was forbidden to do so by God. “Seal up those things the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.” We will know someday, but presently GOD commands that this one portion of Scripture be kept secret.

With the final trumpet blast, the Tribulation hour comes to an end. There will be no more waiting periods, no more delays from this point forward. We are now at midnight on the prophetic time clock. There will be great rejoicing in heaven at the proclamation of this news.

Taken out of Christ’s hand is the open book of judgments. John eats or devours the book (he studies and digests the information and knowledge in God’s Word). Absorbing God’s Word through study and personal application it’s both sweet and bitter at times, as it should be with us. John must prophesy before many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings. He is faithful to the end, proclaiming the good news and the bad, presenting the sweet and the bitter. He does this in the following chapters.

Special note to the reader: chapters 12 through 19:15 run concurrently with the judgments already discussed and are considered a repeat of chapters 6 through 11.

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

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