Author - Date: Four times the author identifies himself as John (1:1, 4, 9; 22:8). Early tradition unanimously identified him as John the apostle, author of the fourth gospel and three epistles. For example, important second century witnesses to the Apostle John's authorship include Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian. Many of the book's original readers were still alive during the lifetimes of Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, both of who held to apostolic authorship.
There are differences in style between Revelation and John's other writings, but they are insignificant and do not preclude one man from writing both. In fact, there are some striking parallels between Revelation and John's other works. Only John's gospel and Revelation refer to Jesus Christ as the Word (19:13; John 1:1). Revelation (1:7), and John's gospel (19:37), translate (Zech. 12:10), differently from the Septuagint, but in agreement with each other. Only Revelation and the Gospel of John describe Jesus as the Lamb (5:6, 8; John 1:29); both describe Jesus as a witness (compare 1:5; John 5:31-32).
Revelation was written in the last decade of the first century (ca. A.D. 95-96), near the end of Emperor Domitian's reign (A.D. 81-96). Although some date it during Nero's reign (A.D. 54-68), their arguments are unconvincing and conflict with the view of the early church. Writing in the second century, Irenaeus declared that Revelation had been written toward the end of Domitian's reign. Later writers, such as Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Victorinus (who wrote one of the earliest commentaries on Revelation), Eusebius, and Jerome affirm the Domitian date.
The Spiritual decline of the 7 churches (chapters 2 and 3), also argues for the later date. Those churches were strong and spiritually healthy in the mid-60s, when Paul last ministered in Asia Minor. The brief time between Paul's ministry there and the end of Nero's reign was too short for such a decline to have occurred. The longer time gap also explains the rise of the heretical sect known as the Nicolaitans (2:6, 15), who are not mentioned in Paul's letters, not even to one or more of these same churches (Ephesians). Finally, dating Revelation during Nero's reign does not allow time for John's ministry in Asia Minor to reach the point at which the authorities would have felt the need to exile him.
Background - Setting: Revelation begins with John, the last surviving apostle and an old man, in exile on the small, barren Island of Patmos, located in the Aegean Sea southwest of Ephesus. The Roman authorities had banished him there because of his faithful preaching of the gospel (1:9). While on Patmos, John received a series of visions that laid out the future history of the world.
John reports that he saw his visions and was told to write them down while he was on the island of Patmos (1:9, 11; 19:9; 22:9-10, 18-19). Patmos is about 60 miles from Ephesus.
John was told to write down what he saw in a book and to send it to seven churches in the province of Asia (western Asia Minor): Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea (1:11). The original recipients of Revelation were the believers in these seven churches. Tradition reports that the apostle John exercised spiritual oversight over these churches while he resided at Ephesus during the final decades of the first century. The order of the listing of the seven churches forms a semicircle beginning in the west at Ephesus, then extending northward to Pergamos, and subsequently southeastward to Laodicea. Revelation was probably sent initially as a circular letter beginning at Ephesus and thence throughout the province.
When he was arrested, John was in Ephesus, ministering to the church there and in the surrounding cities. Seeking to strengthen those congregations, he could no longer minister to them in person and, following the divine command (1:11), John addressed Revelation to them (1:4). The churches had begun to feel the effects of persecution; at least one man, probably a pastor, had already been martyred (2:13), and John himself had been exiled. But the storm of persecution was about to break in full fury upon the 7 churches so dear to the apostle's heart (2:10). To those churches, Revelation provided a message of hope: God is in sovereign control of all the events of human history, and though evil often seems pervasive and wicked men all powerful, their ultimate doom is certain. Christ will come in glory to judge and rule.
"Theme - Purpose": The theme of Revelation is the revelation of the person and the prophetic program of Jesus Christ. Many purposes can be detected in the book.
First, it was written to encourage believers to endure persecution and to persevere through suffering, knowing that the victory of Christ over the world and the Devil is guaranteed and certain.
Second, the book was written to show how all of prophecy focuses on Jesus Christ, His person and His program for the world.
Third, the book seeks to unite all the various lines of biblical prophecy (both Old and New Testaments), and to show how they converge upon the second coming of Christ to rule the earth in His messianic kingdom.
Fourth, the book seeks to correct some moral and doctrinal problems that existed (and still exist), in the churches, and to instruct Christians in such things as salvation, prophecy, the person of Christ, and Christian living.
And finally, the book may be an attack of the paganism and emperor worship of the Roman Empire, particularly against the emperor Domitian and his persecution of Christians. (There are many possible veiled references to the anti-Christian nature and activities of Rome in the book).
Historical - Theological themes: Since it is primarily prophetic, Revelation contains little historical material, other than that (in chapters 1-3). The 7 churches to who the letters were addressed were existing churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Apparently, they were singled out because John had ministered in them.
Revelation is first and foremost a revelation about Jesus Christ (1:1). The book depicts Him as the risen, glorified Son of God ministering among the churches (1:10ff).
As "The faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth" (1:5);
As "the Alpha and the Omega" (1:8);
As the one "who is and who was and who is the come, the Almighty" (1:8);
As a son of man (1:13):
As the one who was dead, but now is alive forevermore (1:18);
As the Son of God (2:18);
As the one who is holy and true (3:7);
As "the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God" (3:14);
As the Lion of the tribe of Judah (5:5);
As the Lamb in heaven, with authority to open the title deed to the earth (6:1ff);
As the Lamb on the throne (7:17);
As the Messiah who will reign forever (11:15);
As the Word of God (19:13);
As the majestic King of kings and Lord of lords, returning in glorious splendor to conquer His foes (19:11ff); and
As "the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star" (22:16).
Many other rich theological themes find expression in Revelation. The church is warned about sin and exhorted to holiness. John's vivid pictures of worship in heaven both exhort and instruct believers. In few other books of the Bible is the ministry of angels so prominent. Revelation's primary theological contribution is to eschatology, i.e., the doctrine of last things. In it we learn about:
The final political setup of the world;
The last battle of human history;
The career and ultimate defeat of Antichrist;
Christ's 1000 year earthly kingdom;
The glories of heaven and the eternal state; and
The final state of the wicked and the righteous.
Finally, only Daniel rivals this book in declaring that God providentially rules over the kingdoms of men and will accomplish His sovereign purposes regardless of human or demonic opposition.
Interpretive Challenges: No other New Testament book poses more serious and difficult interpretive challenges than Revelation. The book's vivid imagery and striking symbolism have produced 4 main interpretive approaches:
"The preterist approach": Interprets Revelation as a description of first century events in the Roman Empire (see author - date). This view conflicts with the book's own often repeated claim to be prophecy (1:3; 22:7, 10, 18, 19). It is impossible to see all the events in Revelation as already fulfilled. The second coming of Christ, for example, obviously did not take place in the first century.
The historicist approach": Views Revelation as a panoramic view of church history from apostolic times to the present, seeing in the symbolism such events as the barbarian invasions of Rome, the rise of the Roman Catholic Church (as well as various individual popes), the emergence of Islam, and the French Revolution. This interpretive method robs Revelation of any meaning for those to whom it was written. It also ignores the time limitations the book itself places on the unfolding events (compare 11:2; 12:6, 14; 13:5). Historicism has produced many different, and often conflicting, interpretations of the actual historical events contained in Revelation.
"The idealist approach": Interprets Revelation as a timeless depiction of the cosmic struggle between the forces of good and evil. In this view, the book contains neither historical allusions nor predictive prophecy. This view also ignores Revelations' prophetic character and, if carried to its logical conclusion, severs the book from any connection with actual historical events. Revelation then becomes merely a collection of stories designed to teach spiritual truth.
"The futurist approach": Insists that the events of (chapters 6-22), are yet future, and that those chapters literally and symbolically depict actual people and events yet to appear on the world scene. It described the events surrounding the second coming of Jesus Christ (chapters 6-19), the Millennium and final judgment (chapter 20), and the eternal state (chapters 21 and 22). Only this view does justice to Revelation's claim to be prophecy and interprets the book by the same grammatical-historical method as (chapters 1-3), and the rest of Scripture.
Revelation Chapter 6
Verses 6:1 - 19:21: This lengthy section details the judgments and events of the time of tribulation (see notes on 3:10). From its beginning with the opening of the first seal (verses 1-2), through the 7 seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments to the return of Christ to destroy the ungodly (19:11-21).
Revelation chapter 6 begins with the seals that represent the beginning of Christ's judgment of unbelievers on the earth during the Tribulation period (see article “Judgment”). There is a close similarity between these judgments and the event predicted by Christ (in Matthew 24:4-31).
The purpose of the Tribulation period is to punish unbelievers for their sin and rejection of Christ and to bring the remnant to faith in Christ (see article “Tribulation”).
Revelation 6:1 "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see."
The Lamb here is Jesus Christ, the only one worthy to open the seals. This noise as thunder indicates God revealing something to His people. Many times throughout the Bible, God's voice has been mistaken for thunder. Here one of the four beasts, or four living beings, says "Come and see". Of course, all of the four gospels say "Come and see". We are invited to look into the heavenly stage and see things never told upon the earth until now. We will see in the opening of this first seal, the triumph of Christ and His church.
The "seals" represent the beginning of Christ's judgment of unbelievers on the earth during the Tribulation period. There is a close similarity between these judgments and the events predicted by Christ (in Matthew 24:4-31). The purpose of the Tribulation period is to punish unbelievers for their sin and rejection of Christ, and to bring the remnant to faith in Christ.
This part begins what is called "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse". The four horsemen present the picture of man's inhumanity to man. They seem to be a divine prediction of the affairs of humankind that will cause much human suffering. This is not new, for those in control of the affairs of this world have a history of causing their fellow human beings much suffering, with false hopes of peace followed by wars, famines, and death.
One of the worst horrors of the Tribulation is the many plagues that will strike the world's people, particularly those who reject the Savior and refuse to have their name written in the Lamb's Book of Life. The judgments are started with the 7 seals.
Revelation 6:2 "And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer."
The First Seal: Initiates the worldwide conquest by the false messiah, the Antichrist (compare Matt. 24:5). He will be the final Gentile world ruler (see 13:1-7). This horseman is not the same as the one described (in Rev. 19:11), which is Christ at His second coming.
"A White Horse": The first of the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse is white. The rider has a bow but no arrows, indicating that although he is militarily strong, in the beginning he does his conquering by diplomacy. Since he wears a crown, we know he is successful in his efforts. And who is the rider on the white horse? There can be no doubt that it is the “force” of the Antichrist, who through deceit and clever maneuvering will bring a false peace to the world. But that peace will not last.
The animal represents an unparalleled time of world peace, a false peace that is to be short-lived (see note on verse 4). This peace will be ushered in by a series of false messiahs, culminating with the Antichrist (Matt. 24:3-5; (see article “Antichrist”).
"He that sat on him": The 4 horses and their riders do not represent specific individuals, but forces. Many identify this rider with Antichrist. Although he will be the leading figure, John's point is that the entire world will follow him, being obsessed with pursing this false peace.
"Bow": The bow is a symbol of war, but the absence of arrows implies that this victory is a bloodless one, a peace won by covenant and agreement, not by war (compare Dan. 9:24-27).
"Crown": This word refers to the kind of laurel wreath awarded winning athletes. It "was given to him". Antichrist becomes king, elected by the world's inhabitants regardless of the cost, and will conquer the entire earth in a bloodless coup.
The Bible is spoken of as a two edged sword. We are told over and over that the flesh and the Spirit are in constant conflict.
Verses 3-4: The "second seal" brings war and a lack of "peace" (compare Matt. 24:6-7). The "sword" represents armed conflict. Perhaps the attacks on Israel mentioned (in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39; Dan. 11:40-44), are also in view.
Revelation 6:3 "And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see."
John is encouraged to "Come and see". We too, may get a glimpse through the eyes and the pen of John. This red horse means war. This war could be twofold in nature. There is a constant attack of the devil and his demons on Christians, but I believe this goes much further than this. This red horse (in my opinion), indicates a large war.
Revelation 6:4 "And there went out another horse [that was] red: and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword."
The Second Seal: John writes of the 2nd horseman. It was granted to the one who sat on the red horse to "take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword."
"Another horse that was red": Its blood-red appearance speaks of the holocaust of war (compare Matt. 24:7). God will grant this horse and its rider the power to create worldwide war. But as horrible as this judgment is, it will be only the "birth pangs", the beginning pains of God's wrath (Matt. 24:8; Mark 13:7-8; Luke 21:9).
We believe this seal represents a great conflagration we might call World War III. When Daniel's "three kings" oppose the Antichrist, he will respond in deadly fashion, swiftly crushing his enemies and bringing death to earth on a massive scale never before known. Only since the advent of the atomic age has it been possible to bring this kind of unimaginable, swift destruction to bear on widely scattered portions of the globe.
The power given to him that sat on the horse: “And power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another.” This would seem to indicate that the condition immediately preceding this was a condition of tranquility, and that this was now disturbed by some cause producing discord and bloodshed.
"That they should kill one another": Violent slaughter will become commonplace.
His purpose is to cause "mankind to slaughter one another" The Greek word that is used, and the verb, means "to butcher, slaughter or massacre someone". This contains a purpose clause which reveals that peace is taken from the earth for the very purpose that mankind should butcher each other. And in the remainder of the Revelation's Seals, Trumpets and Golden Bowl Judgments, mankind does this to himself with ruthless skill.
"Sword": Not the long, broad sword, but the shorter, more easily maneuvered one that assassins often used and that soldiers carried into battle. It depicts assassination, revolt, massacre, and wholesale slaughter (compare Dan. 8:24).
We read in Zechariah about these four horses, and we can easily see what it is because the Bible tells us.
Zechariah 6:1 "And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains [were] mountains of brass."
"Brass" means judgment. The number "four" means that this is a universal message.
Zechariah 6:2-3 "In the first chariot [were] red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;" "And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grizzled and bay horses."
This is a vision of the same horses that we are reading about in Revelation. To understand the entire message, you need to (read chapters 1 and 6 of Zechariah).
Zechariah 6:4 "Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What [are] these, my lord?"
When Zechariah asked the angel what this meant, this is the answer he got.
Zechariah 6:5 "And the angel answered and said unto me, these [are] the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth."
We see again the spirit of war in this red horse.
Verses 5-6: The "third seal" represents inflation and famine (compare Matt. 24:7). The "balances" or scales are related to commerce and trade. The word "penny", better transliterated "denarius", represented about one day's wages. "Wheat" and "barley" were considered necessities of life. "A measure" (Greek choinix), was 1.92 pints. The price given is about 10 times what was normal. The command "hurt not the oil and the wine" may indicate a restriction of the effects of the famine in this early part of the Tribulation.
Revelation 6:5 "And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand."
The Third Seal: "A black horse": Black signifies famine (compare Lam. 5:8-10). Worldwide war will destroy the food supply which spawns global hunger; (see article “Famine”).
"Pair of balances": The common measuring device, two small trays hung from each end of a balance bean, indicates that the scarcity of food will lead to rationing and food lines.
The "pair of balances" (scales), shows a weighing. We shall be weighed in the balance, and see if we stand or fall. This balance also, indicates a shortage of food. We see this in the color black, and in the balances. The famine will be so great, food will be weighed by the ounce and dispensed carefully. This famine will probably be as bad as the famine that was in Egypt in Joseph's time. Probably drought will trigger crop failures in many places. Only the very rich will be able to buy food. Personally, I believe God will instruct Christians, who are totally sold out to Him. They will know when to plant and exactly what to do, as Joseph was told of God, what to do.
Revelation 6:6 "And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine".
"A measure of wheat": The approximate amount necessary to sustain one person for one day.
"For a penny": One day's normal wage. One day's work will provide enough food for only one person.
"Three measures of barley": Usually fed to animals, this grain was low in nutrients and cheaper that wheat. A days' wage provides enough for only a small family's daily supply.
Since in biblical days a penny was a common wage for a day's work, and a quart of wheat or three quarts of barley are basically subsistence diets, John is indicating that a man will have to work all day just to get enough food to eat, with nothing left over for his family or the elderly.
In the parable of the vineyard (Matthew 20:2), a day's work was a penny. This "penny", in the verse above, means a full day's pay. I believe this means that a loaf of bread will be so inflated in price, because of scarcity of food, that it will take a whole day's wages of a man to buy one loaf.
We surely know that it is a "measure", which is a very small amount. Barley seems to be a third the cost, so perhaps a meager meal of barley for three could cost a whole day's wages. The famine will be so great, that food will be weighed by the ounce and dispensed carefully.
This is run-away inflation to its worst possible conclusion. In many parts of the world inflation is already to that terrible extreme.
When inflation is coupled with famine, we see a situation more horrible than we care to imagine. We must stay closely in tune with God. If He tells us to dig a very deep well, we must do that. If He tells us to plant a garden, we must do that. It is going to be very important to be able to take daily instruction from God. Not to question, just do it. I believe God is even now setting up places of refuge for Christians.
On the other hand, the call to not "harm the oil and the wine," are symbols of wealth, indicates that the rich will do just fine. Or it could mean something referring with Spirit-filled Christians. Oil and wine are symbolic of the Holy Spirit of God. That His Hand will be on the Tribulation Saints protecting them during the tribulation.
I cannot stress enough, that this famine may not be just physical but spiritual, as well. During this time, I believe that many churches will teach false doctrines. Even now there is a terrible famine of truth in the church. Never have so many denied: the virgin birth of Christ, the Red Sea parted, Jonah being swallowed by the large fish, God as Father, or Jesus is God with us, "Immanuel".
Many churches are ordaining homosexuals to preach. Secular Humanism makes man a god.
How much more famine of the Spirit can we take? Truly there will be a physical famine, as well. Stay tuned to the voice of God. He will see you through it all.
The third horseman of the Apocalypse, who rides out early in the Tribulation, will take a heavy toll in deaths and sickness. The black horse he rides is an obvious symbol of famine and disease, which often follow war.
This could be a message of hard times for all of mankind. "black" symbolizes:
1. Woe;
2. Mourning;
3. Terrible times;
4. Famine, physical or spiritual;
5. Evil;
6. Opposite of goodness;
7. Everything that opposes God.
Christian Saints will be saved "in" the famine and not "from" the famine. Noah was saved "in" the flood, not "from" the flood. God can rain manna from heaven if necessary. I believe God will set up places of refuge where believers can run, so they can have physical and spiritual food.
There is a great deal of difference in accepting Jesus as your Savior and accepting Jesus as your Lord. When He is Lord, He is totally in control, and we follow His instructions without questioning. The only thing required of us, for Jesus to be our Savior, is for us to believe. For Jesus to be our Lord, we no longer make our own decisions. He makes them for us. It is so much easier when He is Lord. God will not forsake the righteous.
Revelation Chapter 6 Continued
Verses 7-8: The "fourth seal" brings "death" to a "fourth" of the population "of the earth", through war, famine, and pestilence (compare Matt. 24:7; Luke 21:11). "Death" takes lives, and "Hell" (Hades), holds them for judgment.
Revelation 6:7 "And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see."
"Come and see": This is a phrase often used by the Jews, to stir up attention to what is about to be said.
Revelation 6:8 "And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth."
The Fourth Seal; "A Pale Horse" Or "Ashen", the Greek word from which the English word "chlorophyll' comes, describes the pale, ashen-green, pallor characteristic of the decomposition of a corpse. God grants this horseman the authority to bring death to 25% of the world's population.
"Hell": Or hades, the place of the dead, which is identified as a common and fitting partner for death (20:13; see note on 1:18). This horse represents death.
John says the rider who sat on this horse "was Death, and Hell followed with him. One quarter of the earth's population, almost two billion people, will die as a result of a WWIII war.
I believe that this has to do with wars, such as the one in Israel now, famine and drought worldwide, and death from hundreds of other things. An example is the plant in Russia, Chernobyl, which exploded. "Chernobyl" means wormwood. The Bible says a third of water will become wormwood (Rev. 8:11). I really believe this happens later in the scenario.
That Hades follows Death shows that those slain are unbelievers, for upon death believers do not go to Hades but straight to the Savior's side.
This "pale" here, means a sickly color, a sickly green color, as if sick to the death. "Death, and Hell" are grouped, meaning a termination of earthly dwelling. Death is inevitable for every one of us. Death of the body, that is. Hell does await some, but heaven awaits Christians. Hell is sometimes a word used for the grave. In that particular instance, Hell would follow death, because the bodies of the unrepentant will lie in the grave until resurrection day. Believers would immediately go to heaven and be “under the altar”.
I really believe this is a time in the end that is spoken of as a time when men's hearts will fail them for fear of things that are coming upon the earth (Luke 21:26). We have the capability to knock the earth off of its axis with the nuclear bombs. Fear is rampant, not only here in the U.S., but around the world. All it would take is for one crazy man to push the wrong button and total destruction could occur.
Satan takes peace from the earth, but Christians have THE PEACE, Jesus, in the midst of the problems. In Matthew;
Matthew 24:7 "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."
Matthew 24:13, "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Verses 9-11: The "fifth seal" presents the martyrdom of Tribulation saints throughout the world. They will come to faith in Christ following the Rapture (compare 7:9-17), and many will be killed by satanic opposition to their testimony of Christ. They plead for God's judgment on their unbelieving oppressors (Antichrist and his followers). The "white robes" depict their righteous standing before God. More saints will be martyred, since there is much more of the Tribulation to come.
Revelation 6:9 "And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:"
"Fifth seal": This seal describes the force of the saint's prayers for God's vengeance. Its events will begin in the first half and mark the mid-point and events following, in the 7 year period, which the last 3-1/2 years is called the Great Tribulation (2:22; 7:14; see notes on Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:3-4). The second 3-1/2 year period (11:2; 12:6; 13:5), features the Day of the Lord, in which God unleashes His judgment and wrath on the earth in intensifying waves (see note on 1 Thess. 5:2).
When the fifth seal is broken, John sees "under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held." Christians martyred for their faith (compare 7:9, 13-15; 17:6; Matt. 24:9-14; see also Mark 13:9-13; Luke 21:12-19).
Shortly after the beginning of the Tribulation there will be a great "soul harvest" in which many millions will come to faith in Christ, many as a result of the preaching of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses described (in Rev. chapter 7).
Most of these Tribulation saints will be killed by the forces of Antichrist. These martyred souls will cry out for God to avenge their deaths, but they will be told to "rest a little while longer," until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
Imagine! Despite the desperate evil of the Antichrist, despite the horrors of war and famine and pestilence and death, God is still so much in control of earthly events that even the number of believing martyrs has been fixed by divine decree.
God tells us, as the apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Thessalonians:
2 Thess. 1:6-8 "It is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you," "and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels," "in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."
So many churches have forgotten that persecution comes to the true believer. Many teach that if you are not living prosperously, both physically and spiritually, that you are not in right standing. That's certainly just not so, quite the opposite is true.
We must be crucified with Christ. We must get our flesh under subjection.
In Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
The Christian has tribulation which makes him strong. We are no better than our Master. If He suffered, we will suffer. The difference in our suffering and His, is that our suffering is generally not unto the death.
Revelation 6:10 "And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?"
John did not see these souls with his physical eye, but saw them in the Spirit. These souls were waiting for the Judge of all the earth to interrupt the evil of the devil and his persecution of the saints who remained there. Their cry was the same, in a sense, as the Christians who say, come quickly Lord Jesus.
This is not a reprimand of the Lord, but just a pleading for it to all be over. These souls are not looking for vengeance, but are just crying out for the Lord to end all of it and set up His kingdom. Who better can sympathize with our generation of martyrs than the martyrs of the past? Some of the martyrs of today are not physically killed, but are persecuted by their peers.
Revelation 6:11 "And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled."
These are the ones who were martyred during the tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. White robes are the uniform issued to all believers in the Lord Jesus (see note on 3:4).
"Rest yet for a little season": God will answer their prayer for vengeance, but in His time. God has predetermined the number of the righteous whose death He will allow before moving to destroy the rebels.
When the fullness of time comes, the time that God has chosen, Jesus will appear in the clouds and blow the silver trumpet of redemption. He will gather all believers with Him in heaven. He will not come one hour early or late. He will be on time. It will be at the specific time He chose from the foundation of the earth.
These martyrs are our fellow servants. They arrived in heaven the same way we will, through their faith unto the death. The white in these "white robes" shows that these have been victorious over the problems in this earth.
Revelation Chapter 6 Second Continued
Verses 12-14: The "sixth seal" brings natural disasters of various kinds (compare Matt. 24:7, 29). The earth and the heavenly bodies will go into convulsions. (Joel 2:30-31), predicts many of these judgments in nature as signs of the day of the Lord.
Revelation 6:12 "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;"
"The sixth seal": The force described in this seal is overpowering fear (compare Luke 21:26). While the first 5 seals will result from human activity God used to accomplish His purposes, at this point He begins direct intervention (compare Matt. 24:29; Luke 21:25). The previous 5 seals will be precursors to the full fury of the Day of the Lord which will begin with the sixth seal (verse 17). The events described in this seal unleash the seventh, which contains the trumpet judgments (chapters 8 and 9; 11:15), and the vial or bowl judgments (chapter 16).
The "Great Earthquake": There have been many earthquakes prior to this (Matt. 24:7), but this will be more than an earthquake. All the earth's faults will begin to fracture simultaneously, resulting in a cataclysmic, global earthquake.
Earthquakes generally are God dealing with mankind. This sixth seal has to do with the end of the Gentile age. This has to do with the believers being carried away into heaven. This terrible earthquake is told about in;
Isaiah 2:19 "And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth."
This great earthquake is not one we have been acquainted with before. This may even be the one people are expecting when much of California drops into the ocean. Of course, we do not know that California will ever drop. We just know from what we read that an earthquake of that magnitude will occur.
Our cry, if we are Christians, just before this sixth seal is opened is "The Lord is coming".
"The moon became as blood": Accompanying the earthquake will be numerous volcanic eruptions; and large amounts of ash and debris will be blown into the earth's atmosphere, blackening the sun and giving the moon a blood-red hue (compare Zech. 14:6-7).
The first four seals described judgments largely inflicted by man; the sixth seal describes a judgment clearly supernatural in origin. John tells of an earthquake so massive that "every mountain and island was moved out of its place."
Perhaps John is referring to enormous volcanic activity, for he says "the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood." Particulate matter scattered in the atmosphere after a volcanic eruption has often turned the sky black and made the moon seem to turn red.
The sixth seal brings natural disasters of various kinds (Matt. 24:7, 29). The earth and the heavenly bodies will go into convulsions. (Joel 2:30-31), predicts many of these judgments in nature as signs of the Day of the Lord.
This terrible earthquake is told about (in Isaiah 2):
Isaiah 2:19 "And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth."
In (Ezekiel 32:7-8), we read about the darkness of the sun, moon, and stars.
In (Matthew 24), we read of this same thing in the heavens.
Matthew 24:29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:"
Notice that this occurs at the end of the three and a half years of tribulation (prior to the start of the Great Tribulation), just before the Wrath of God is poured out upon the earth.
Revelation 6:13 "And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind."
"Stars of heaven fell": The word "stars" can refer to any celestial body, large or small, and is not limited to normal English usage. The best explanation is a massive asteroid or meteor shower.
"Untimely figs": Winter figs that grow without the protection of leaves and are easily blown from the tree.
The fig tree (physical Israel), rejected Jesus and His Holy Spirit. In (Acts chapter 2), we read of the sound as of the rushing mighty wind that came and filled them with the Holy Ghost.
This mighty wind is of God. Many times, when we read of the mighty wind, it is a sign of the Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit can be beautiful, as we read (in Acts 2), or frightening to those who do not believe.
The Old Testament and the New Testament agree that there will be a time when the heavens will be shaken. (Isaiah chapters 7, 13, 17, Matthew 24), and at least a dozen more chapters in the Old and New Testaments agree that there will be a day, just as this one spoken of that John saw, when the heavens will be shaken.
We read also, of the spiritual shaking that will take place. We read that there shall be a great falling away in the church right before this occurs.
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;"
As you can see, believers will be tried, and many will fall away. (In Luke chapter 21:16), we read about those who will be betrayed by those of their own household and friends.
We read again of the commotion in heaven:
Luke 21:25-26 "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;" "Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
You can easily see that this is prophesied, not just of John, but by dozens of pens throughout the Bible.
Revelation 6:14 "And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places."
"The heaven departed as a scroll": The earth's atmosphere will be somehow dramatically affected and the sky as we know it disappears (compare Isa. 34:4).
"Every mountain and island were moved": Under the stress created by the global earthquake, great segments of the earth's plates will begin to slip and shift, realigning whole continents.
This earthquake will be so strong that mountains will flatten out and islands will disappear. An earthquake of this magnitude would immediately put up a screen of smoke that nothing in the heavens would be visible. We read (in Isaiah 34), a similar Scripture as above.
Isaiah 34:4 "And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine and as a falling [fig] from the fig tree." Whatever this is, it is of great magnitude.
I remind you again, that Revelation is not written in chronological order. The happenings in the verses above are long after the believers are in heaven. We Christians should not fear things we see happening that is in fulfillment of these passages. We should look up and rejoice at the beginning of any of these things, because our redemption draweth nigh (Luke 21:28).
Verses 15-17: As a result of these first six seal judgments, many unbelievers will want to die and to hide from God, but will be unable to. "The great day of his wrath" is the Day of the Lord, the predicted time of God's judgment of the earth and its inhabitants (compare Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11, 31). The day of wrath is contrasted to the present "day of grace". "Is come", means God's day of judgment "is here". It has finally arrived, having begun with the first six seals.
Revelation 6:15 "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;"
The message in this is, wealth or position will have no influence on God's decision. He is not impressed with our importance. We cannot even fall back on being underprivileged or poor. None of this will matter. The only thing that will matter is what we did about Jesus. This really is the time when neither silver and gold will be able to save people from the Wrath of God.
Hiding in "dens and in the rocks", will be of no use because these openings will close up from the earthquake. Men will seek death, but death will not come (Rev. 9:6).
Revelation 6:16 "And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:"
"The wrath of the Lamb": Earth's inhabitants will recognize for the first time, the source of all their trouble (see note on 5:6). Incredibly, prior to this they will be living life as usual (Matt. 24:37-39).
The people of earth will clearly recognize these phenomena as coming from the hand of God, for they are said to cry out to the mountains where they take cover, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb".
Suddenly they realize who Jesus is, but it is too late, they have rejected Him.
Now that it is too late, they realize their terrible mistake of rejecting Jesus as their perfect Lamb sacrifice. They would rather die right now, than face Him and be told of their eternity in hell that awaits them. They now even realize that Jesus sits on the throne. What a terrible awakening.
This that John sees is very much like a dream, in that the things he sees are not particularly in consecutive order.
Revelation 6:17 "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"
"Great day": The sixth seal will commence what the prophets call "the Day of the Lord" (see Introduction to Joel).
The answer to that is "no one". The thing we must do is make sure that we are not left here to face all of these horrors. The way to assure that is by selling out to Jesus NOW. Make Him Lord of your life NOW before it is too late.
The "great day" spoken of above, begins three and a half years of the worst things you could ever imagine. The last day has to be the last judgment. DOOM for the unbelievers.
Remember, Revelation is written to the church, the Christians. It encourages us to look forward to heaven. It also tells us, the terrible things we will be saved from when the Wrath descends on this earth.
And it leads true Christians to witness to their friends and family while there is still time. Knowing what is coming, we certainly don't want to leave anyone behind.
Revelation Chapter 17
Revelation chapter 17 goes back and fills in some of what has already happened during the Tribulation. Chapter 16 is when the Great Tribulation is finished. Now chapter 17 covers the specifics of when Babylon the Harlot or the Religious Babylon is Destroyed (see article “Babylon the Harlot”).
Archaeologists tell us that Babylon is the cradle of civilization. Located on the shores of the Euphrates River, the ruins of this city have revealed some of the most ancient documents of past generations.
This city begun by Nimrod, who was a rebel before the Lord, authored some of the greatest evils ever to fall on humankind. Two of these evils will be destroyed during the Tribulation period. Revelation 17 is the destruction of the religious Babylon that takes place about the center of the seven years after the Antichrist declares himself to be God and no longer needs the One World Religion.
In chapter 18 we will read about the destruction of the commercial, political Babylon when it takes place at the end of the Great Tribulation.
In ancient days Satan seemed to make Babylon the capital of this evil operation. From this headquarters was started false religion, humanity's attempt for self-government in defiance of God's will and city dwellings for commercial and social purposes contrary to God's command to "be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth" (Gen. 1:28).
These great evils, which have damned the souls of millions by substituting counterfeit solutions to natural human problems that would ordinarily lead a person to God, will all be destroyed at the end of the Tribulation period. Chapter 17 describes the coming judgment of God on the religious system that has enslaved the human race in superstitious darkness for centuries.
The woman is a great city: "The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth" (Rev. 17:18). Many have taken this to mean that the woman represents the capital city of Antichrist's kingdom, but this cannot be, for Antichrist himself rules over the kings of the earth.
If then, the woman is not the Antichrist, what other possible explanation can we have for such unanimous world dominance? The only answer is the one system before which all kings, dictators, and nations have been forced to bow down throughout history, that is, the Babylonian religion of idolatry. One cannot go anywhere in the world without being confronted with some semblance of the idolatry.
No system in the world's history has enslaved more people than this awful religion. It should not take us by surprise that this prostitute woman, the religious system, is referred to as a city. When used symbolically, a woman is always intended throughout the Scripture to signify a spiritual or religious movement. If a good woman, it is "Jehovah's wife" or "the bride of Christ". If an evil woman, such as "a prostitute," it represents the evil religious system of idolatry.
Since the woman who rides the beast gets her authority from the beast, the Holy Spirit uses this description to show how religious Babylon and governmental Babylon are so intertwined they are presented together. However, they are destroyed at different times. The prostitute (religious Babylon), is destroyed by the "beast and the kings of the earth," who "hate the prostitute" and kill her.
This clears the way for Antichrist to fulfill the lifetime dream of Satan to get people to worship him. She is destroyed in the middle of the Tribulation; Babylon the governmental system will be destroyed at the end, when commercial, political Babylon is destroyed (Rev. 18). With "Mystery Babylon, the Mother of Prostitutes" out of the way, "all inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast, all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world" (Rev. 13:8).
The Vision of the Woman - Ten details describe this woman:
- The great prostitute;
- Who sits on many waters;
- With her the kings of the earth committed adultery;
- The inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries;
- A woman sitting on a scarlet beast;
- Dressed in purple and scarlet;
- Glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls;
- She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries;
- On her forehead: Mystery Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abomination of the Earth;
- Drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.
Even before we come to the angel's interpretation of this vision, it is clear that we are not dealing with a mere human being, for no one woman can commit fornication with the kings of the earth, nor can a woman be "drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus."
Verses 1-3: Chapters 17 and 18 picture the judgment of God on a system, empire, or city called Babylon the Great (17:5); it is a more detailed description of the seventh vial (16:17). The “great whore” (verse 1), is named “BABYLON THE GREAT” (in verse 5). Chapters 17 and 18 show her “judgment”. The “waters” represent the various peoples and nations of the earth (verse 15). She “sitteth upon” them in the sense that she has worldwide influence. Her harlotry and “fornication” refer either to physical immorality or (more likely), spiritual adultery. Idolatry and religious apostasy (compare Isa. 1:21; 23:16-17; Jer. 2:20-37; 13:27; Ezek. 16:15-43; Hosea 2:5; Nahum 3:4). The “kings” and “inhabitants of the earth” have opened their arms to her influence. The “beast” is the first Beast of chapter 13, the Antichrist and his empire. Her sitting upon the Beast represents the intimate association between the Antichrist and the harlot (an association of support, influence, or control).
Revelation 17:1 "And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:"
“Seven angels”: The reference to these angels’ links chapters 17 and 18 with the vial (bowl), judgments (chapter 16), which extend to the second coming of Christ (see note on 16:17). Chapters 17 and 18 focus on one aspect of those vial judgments, the judgment of Babylon. The judgments already described are identified as targeting the final world system.
“Great whore” (see note on 14:8). Prostitution frequently symbolizes idolatry or religious apostasy (compare Jer. 3:6-9; Ezek. 16:30ff; 20:30; Hosea 4:15; 5:3; 6:10; 9:1). Nineveh (Nahum 3:1, 4), Tyre (Isa. 23:17), and even Jerusalem (Isa. 1:21), are also depicted as harlot cities.
“Sitteth on many waters”: This picture emphasizes the sovereign power of the harlot. The picture of a ruler seated on a throne, ruling the waters, which symbolize the nations of the world (see verse 15).
This "whore" here is not a literal woman. In Hosea, his wife (who was a whore), was speaking of Israel. Here, this "whore" is speaking of the idolatrous church.
This statement "sitteth upon many waters", speaks of large groups of people. This is not the true church. This is the apostate church. God calls it the harlot church; the church that is not faithful to God, the church that is worldly. This church, while claiming to be Christian, finds many reasons to conform to the beast and the evil world system. This will be the one world religion which will appear after the church (Christians), have been raptured (see article “One World Religion”).
This, without question, is the part of the church that has compromised with the world and is no longer a chaste virgin in the sight of God. I truly believe that a large portion of the church falls into this category today. Worldliness has crept into our churches. The sad thing is that if she would repent, God would take her back, but she will not repent.
The Bride of Christ is called a city, and that is the portion of the church which has not compromised. The other (opposite), side of that is the harlot. It is also called a city but is evil because of compromise. This is not only the apostate church in Rome, but the apostate in many other churches, as well. Again, the waters let us know that this apostate church is throughout the masses of people.
Revelation 17:2 "With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication."
“kings … have committed fornication”: The harlot will ally herself with the world’s political leaders. Fornication here does not refer to sexual sin, but to idolatry (see note on 14:8). All the world rulers will be absorbed into the empire of Satan’s false christ.
“Wine of her fornication”: The harlot’s influence will extend beyond the world’s rulers to the rest of mankind (compare verse 15; 13:8, 13:14). The imagery does not describe actual wine and sexual sin, but pictures the world’s people being swept up into the intoxication and sin of a false system of religion.
We see here, that this universal apostasy (unfaithfulness to God), does not affect just one class of people. This unfaithfulness is from the very rich and powerful (kings), to the very poor.
The same way a drunken person naturally has no earthly idea what he is doing, this apostate group is so carried away with the world that they, too, do not realize the terribleness of what they are doing. God will judge this idolatrous church. Judgment begins at the house of God.
Revelation 17:3 "So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns."
“In the spirit”: Compare 1:10, 4:2; 21:10). The Holy Spirit transports John into the wilderness (a deserted, lonely and desolate wasteland), perhaps to give him a better understanding of the vision.
“A woman”: The harlot (of verse 1), Babylon.
“Scarlet colored beast”: The Antichrist (compare 13:14, 14:9; 16:10), who for a time will support and use the false religious system to effect world unity. Then he will assume political control (compare verse 16). Scarlet is the color of luxury, splendor and royalty.
“Full of names of blasphemy”: Because of his self-deification (compare 13:1; Dan. 7:25; 11:36; 2 Thess. 2:4).
“Having seven heads and ten horns”: This pictures the extent of Antichrist’s political alliances (see notes on verses 9-12; 13:1).
This "wilderness" here, I believe, means the world. This "scarlet colored beast" shows evil world power.
Since this woman sits upon this beast, it means that her power comes from this evil beast (in Revelation 18:2), as It supports her. This woman, it appears, has decided to trust the powers of this world over God's power.
Seven denotes spiritually complete, ten denotes world government, and horns denote power.
You can easily see, since she is on top of this thing, she guides it, but receives her support from the beast. The word "scarlet" can be very good or very evil. In this case, it is very evil. This great evil (blasphemy), that this woman (church), has committed is spiritual adultery (the watering down or changing of the Word).
Verses 4-6: The elegant clothing and jewelry of the “woman” show her wealth and attractiveness, but her activities are filthy and abominable to God. Her mystery name is BABYLON THE GREAT”.
Much of the world’s idolatry can be traced back to historical Babylon (compare Gen. 11:1-9), including the mother-child cult of Semiramis-Tammuz (compare Jer. 44:16-19; Ezek. 8:9, 14), which entered other cultures as Ashtaroth-Baal, Aphrodite-Eros, Venus-Cupid, and even Madonna-Child. As the fountainhead of idolatry, Babylon the harlot is the MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATION OF THE EARTH. The harlot has killed many of God’s “saints” and Christian “martyrs” throughout the ages, and will do so again during the Tribulation period. Admiration” (Greek thauma), here means “amazement” (compare 13:3; 17:6).
Revelation 17:4 "And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:"
“Purple and scarlet”: The colors of royalty, nobility, and wealth. The woman is portrayed as a prostitute who has plied her trade successfully and become extremely wealthy.
“Decked” Prostitutes often dress in fine clothes and precious jewels to allure their victims (compare Prov. 7:10). The religious harlot Babylon is no different, adorning herself to lure the nations into her grasp.
“A golden cup”: Still another evidence of the harlot’s great wealth (compare Jer. 51:7); but the pure gold is defiled by the filthiness of her immorality. Just as a prostitute might first get her victim drunk, so the harlot system deceives the nations into committing spiritual fornication with her.
This "fornication" here spoken of, I truly believe is spiritual adultery or compromise with the world. God will tolerate most anything except the worship of someone else or something else. I truly believe this has to do with the watering down of Jesus (Who He is).
Ancient Babylon is a type or prefigure of this future Babylon. The harlot will do what literal Babylon did in the past:
(1) Oppress God's people, and
(2) Propagate a false religious system.
Semiramis (also known as Ishtar and Isis), who was both Nimrod's wife and mother, was worshiped as the "mother of god" and a "fertility goddess" because she had to be extremely fertile to give birth to all the pagan incarnate gods that represented Nimrod.
Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth.
The color scheme of this one world religion as defined (in Rev. 17:4), is most revealing: "The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet." If you are familiar with pictures of the Vatican Council as published in national magazines, you will have observed that the bishops and cardinals wore purple and scarlet robes.
You will also see that the pope and other church leaders are "glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls." They hold "a golden cup in their hand, filled with abominable things and the filthiness of their adulteries." These abominable things and adulteries are the idolatry and worship of gods other than Jesus Christ. In Rome can be seen all manner of idols in the very headquarters of the Roman Church. More costly surroundings can scarcely be found than in the Vatican.
The Catholic Church is many times decorated this way, but I believe this includes all of the apostate churchs, Protestant and Catholic. Perhaps this is people sitting on a church pew, but not really being the bride of Christ. There are some in all churches, but most assuredly the church in Rome. You can see great masses of gold, silver, and jewels. Usually when a church building is decked out like this, it is in an area where there is abject poverty.
"Purple" indicates that this was in the church, because purple means godliness. This was a false godliness.
This "golden cup" also indicates this is inside the church, because gold symbolically means the purity of God. We know this "cup" belonged to God. To me, it just means that the sins of the world have been brought into the church.
This "fornication" here spoken of, I truly believe is spiritual adultery or compromise with the world. God will tolerate most anything except the worship of someone or something else. I truly believe this has to do with the watering down of Jesus.
Revelation 17:5 "And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."
“Forehead”: It was customary for Roman prostitutes to wear a headband with their name on it (compare Jer. 3:3), parading their wretchedness for all to see. The harlot’s forehead is emblazoned with a 3-fold title descriptive of the world’s final false religious system.
“Mystery”: A New Testament mystery is truth once hidden, but in the New Testament revealed (see notes on Matt. 13:11; Eph. 3:4-5). Spiritual Babylon’s true identity is yet to be revealed. Thus, the precise details of how it will be manifested in the world are not yet known.
“BABYLON THE GREAT”: This Babylon is distinct from the historical, geographical city of Babylon (which still existed in John’s day). The details of Johns vision cannot be applied to any historical city (see note on 14:8)
MOTHER OF HARLOTS”: All false religion stems ultimately from Babel, or Babylon (compare Gen. chapter 11; see note on 14:8).
Just as God marked the 144,000 with the name of the Father, and just as the bride of Christ is marked with the name of Christ, we see here this group marked on the forehead. This name alone makes you know how evil and worldly this church is.
This worldly part of the church, though nominally Christian, is yet more faithful to the world than to God. Notice here, that the church that pretends to be Christian and is not, does more to cause harm than those worldly people who claim to be lost. The worldly church always persecutes the faithful church. This evil in the church is an abomination to God. It is a mystery how this could happen in the church.
As the fountainhead of idolatry, Babylon the harlot is the MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH; the harlot has killed many of God's saints and Christian martyrs throughout the ages, and will do so again during the Tribulation period.
Revelation "17:6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration."
The blood of the saints … martyrs of Jesus”: Some see the first group as Old Testament saints, and the second as New Testament saints, an unimportant distinction since this pictures the “witnesses”, or martyrs, of the Tribulation. John’s point is that the harlot is a murderer. False religion has killed millions of believers over the centuries, and the final false system will be far more deadly than any that preceded it.
The faithless part of the church is guilty of the blood of the saints. In Matthew 12:20 we read that Jesus says "He that is not with me is against me". This watered-down church is actually causing great problems for those who are sold out to God. We do know that Rome had a great deal to do with the death of the martyrs and even had a hand in crucifying Jesus.
Of course, the Jews (church), of that day had even more to do with the crucifixion of Jesus. However, the most blame for His death has to be placed on each of us. Sin placed Jesus on the cross. He went to the cross to crucify sin. His sacrifice stopped us from being a servant to sin.
The wonder of it all is, that with the Bible as their guide, how could these people get so far away from God and still occupy a pew? The answer is quite simple. They never read or study their Bible themselves. They allow someone else to read it and tell them what it is saying.
I truly believe that much of the problem lies at the shepherd's feet. So many preachers are overlooking the need for the spiritual growth of their people. In the 34th chapter of Ezekiel, it says God will take the sheep away from the shepherds that do not care for them. Shepherds BEWARE! We are not to be as concerned with "our" needs as we are with the needs of "our people".
We see from the last few scriptures above that this is probably speaking of Rome and the Catholic Church, who have brought the compromise. Even more than that, it is speaking to individuals in all churches who have compromised themselves.
2 Timothy 3:5. "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
A person claiming to be a Christian on the outside, but who is not on the inside. It's so easy to point to someone else, but in so doing we should examine ourselves as well.
Verses 7-8: These two verses contain a more detailed explanation of the entities depicted symbolically as a “woman” and a “beast”. The Beast as an empire goes through four stages, from the viewpoint of the beginning of the Tribulation period”
(1) It “was”, that is, it existed in the form of the ancient Roman Empire.
(2) It “is not”, that is, it has not existed as an empire since the fifth century and will not exist again until the Antichrist gains worldwide authority during the Tribulation period.
(3) It “shall ascent out of the bottomless pit”, that is, Satan will raise up the Antichrist as his false messiah and give him worldwide rule (compare 11:7; 13:3-4); and
(4) The Antichrist will be cast into “perdition”, the lake of fire (compare 19:20). Unbelievers will “wonder” in amazement at this revival of the power and glory of the Roman Empire (compare 13:3).
Revelation 17:7 "And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns."
“Mystery”: Not that Babylon is a false system of religion, because that is already known, but that the beast will fully support the harlot and together exert vast influence over the whole earth.
The Vision of the Beast - Five details describing the beast are given:
- Blasphemous names (verse 3);
- Had seven heads (verse 3);
- And ten horns (verse 3);
- The prostitute rides it (verse 7);
- The beast was, and is not, and will come up out of the bottomless pit (Abyss), and go to his destruction (verse 11).
The careful Bible student will immediately recognize this beast even before examining the angel's interpretation. In the first place, it is similar to the beast (of Rev. 13), and doubtless represents what all beasts used symbolically represent: either a king or a kingdom that opposes God's will.
When John sees the great prostitute, he is "greatly astonished?" Actually, some parts of this vision should have been familiar to John, for it is obviously the same beast as that described (in chapter 13).
The angel introduces his explanation with the words, "This calls for a mind with wisdom" (verse 9), which indicate that only someone with the wisdom of God (found in the Word of God), can understand this vision.
Revelation 17:8 "The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is."
“The beast”: Both a king and kingdom are referred to by this term.
“Was, and is not; and shall ascend” A reference to the Antichrist’s false resurrection (13:3-4; 12-14; see note on 13:3).
“Out of the bottomless pit”: After his “resurrection”, the Antichrist will become possessed by a great demon from the abyss (see notes on 13:1, 3).
I believe this mark indicates that the power given unto this group comes from the bottomless pit.
Here it is speaking of the reforming of the old Roman empire. The old Roman empire has been reformed by the ten common market nations in Europe today. In my opinion, these "ten horns" are these ten common market nations. The headquarters for these ten nations is in Rome. In 1954 the 10 Member States were: Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.
“Go into perdition”: Eternal destruction (compare verse 11; Matt. 7:13; John 17:12; Phil. 1:28; 3:19; 2 Thess. 2:3; Heb. 10:39; 2 Peter 2:3; 3:7, 16). This is the lake of fire, the place of Antichrist’s destruction (19:20).
“Book of life”: The roll of the elect, written in eternity past by God (see note on 3:5). Only the elect will escape the Antichrist’s deception (Matt. 24:24).
“From the foundation of the world” (see note on 13:8; compare 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2; “long ages ago”). A frequent phrase (Matt. 13:35; 25:34; Luke 11:50; John 17:24; Eph. 1:4; Heb. 4:3; 9:26; 1 Peter 1:20), referring to God’s pre-creation plan.
Go to chapter 13 and re-read the first 2 verses and the descriptive comments of those two verses for an accurate description of what the beginning of verse eight's meaning is.
This word "perdition" means ruin, loss, or damnable. This Roman empire was in great power, it fell, and then revived again in the ten nations. It is a wonder how Berlin was divided into two parts after World War II. This was done so the line of the old Roman empire would be the same. Of course, the governments of U.S. and Russia did not know why they did this, but it established the old territory anyhow.
"The beast that thou sawest".
"Whose names were not written in the book of life". The false religious system of the end times will be very convincing and popular among the unsaved, but those who have committed themselves to Christ will understand that anything idolatrous is not of God.
Revelation Chapter 17 Continued
Revelation 17:9 "And here [is] the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth."
The “seven heads” of the Beast represent “seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth”. The city of Rome was known throughout the ancient world as a city built on seven hills or mountains. John notes that the wise “mind”, will make the proper identification. The woman apparently represents idolatrous, anti-God civilization, centered at Rome but with worldwide influence (compare verse 15). The identification of the seven heads as Rome shows that the Beast will have his major base of operations at Rome also (compare Dan. 9:26), the “people of the prince that shall come” are the Romans (in A.D. 70).
“Seven mountains”: The Greek words often used of hills (Matt. 5:1; 15:29; John 6:15; 8:1). Many commentators interpret this expression to mean Rome, which sits on 7 hills. It is true that the final worldwide system of false religion includes, but is not necessarily limited to Rome; but specifically, the 7 mountains in context likely symbolize the 7 kingdoms and their kings of verse 10.
We will see in this scripture that the city of seven hills is where this evil system has its headquarters. This is a marvel to the world who are not fully aware of the implications of the Bible it shows. Of course, the bride of Christ, the Christians who have their names written in the Lamb's book of life since the world began, are aware of all of this and why it happened.
The Antichrist is a copycat. Just as God has a trinity, so does the devil. God's trinity is: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Devil's trinity is: Antichrist, beast, and false prophet. You see, the false prophet has to be involved in leading a church. He will be proclaiming Jesus on one hand, but denying the power on the other.
It is interesting to note that the Catholic church and the National Council of Churches united in the early 1950’s to make the church one physically. God does want us to be one, but not physically. He wants us to be one in the Spirit. There are people in all churches that will be saved as individuals. We must remove ourselves from the apostate church if possible.
This National Council of churches has come out with a Bible that waters Jesus down to the point that it indicates that Jesus is not God. This is very dangerous. They would have us believe that Jesus was just a man walking down here on earth. My Bible says He was Immanuel; “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
It says (in 2 John 1:7) "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an Antichrist."
In (John 1:14) we read "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
You see by all this, that Jesus was in fact God the Word, who came and inhabited the body of a man, so that it could be possible for His body to die on the cross for our sins. Anyone or anything that denies Jesus as God manifest in the flesh is not of God. The sad thing is, that most people proclaiming to know Jesus have accepted this new Bible and its teachings.
Every time you pick up a brochure on Rome, the very first thing they tell you is that they are the city of seven hills. Here we see that the headquarters for the ten common market nations is here as well. You see anything that you would like to believe here, is located in Rome. The "wisdom" of this is that anyone, who can read a brochure or hear an advertisement on Rome, knows what is spoken of here.
The identification of the seven heads as Rome shows that the Beast will initially have his major base of operations at Rome. It is thought by many studying the end times that after the Harlot has been killed, the beast will move his headquarters to the actual city of Babylon during the last three and one half years.
Revelation 17:10 "And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, [and] the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space."
“Seven kings”: Representatives of the 7 great world empires (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and that of the Antichrist). Compare Daniel’s image in (Dan. 2:37-45).
“Five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come”: When John wrote this, the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Media-Persian and Greek empires had gone out of existence; Rome still existed, and the Antichrist’s empire had not yet come. When it does, it will be brief (12:12; 13:5), and he will end in perdition (verse 11; see note on verse 8).
This could speak of the empires of old such as the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, and the Greeks which make up the past kingdoms. The power to be, when this was written by John, was the Roman government which falls shortly thereafter and then is restored again in the ten common market nations banning together, reviving the old Roman empire.
The seven heads of this beast mentioned, according to Tim LaHaye, are kings of the Roman Empire. The best definition is that they represent five kings up to the time of John; the sixth, Domitian, was the Roman king at the time of John, who then skips forward to the end time for the seventh head, which will bring the king of the revived Roman Empire. This Roman Empire was in great power; it fell, and will be revived again. Then (see verse 11), as this is describing the Antichrist who will be the eighth and final king who will rule the entire world (kingdom).
A rather interesting scripture regarding the Holy Spirit's description of the beasts that represent kingdoms appears in the book of Daniel. When one thinks of world governments, they take on a beautiful shape, as did king Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel. In his dream, the beast contained 4 different types of metals. Each section of that image represented one of the four coming world kingdoms which at that time were coming (Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon was already there and was the first of the four).
Two governments had already come and gone at that time which were Assyria and Egypt.
Those 4 beasts found (in Daniel 2:35), are explained as Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream for him. The four beasts in his dream is Babylon represented by head of gold. The two arms of silver represented the kingdoms of Media and Persia. The belly and thighs of brass (or bronze), represented Greece. And the fourth kingdom described the Roman Empire as the legs of iron. When God describes the coming world kingdoms, He uses beasts to symbolize them. Human beings look favorably on government as a great help to them, whereas God looks on government as a great hindrance to them, as does anyone who has studied history and observed government's bestial treatment of humanity.
Whether this scripture is describing kings or empires doesn't matter as they still mean the same which makes up the beast described here. The seven kingdoms or empires throughout history that have ruled over Israel and much of the known world are:
(1) Egypt;
(2) Assyria;
(3) Babylon;
(4) Medo-Persia;
(5) Greece;
(6) Rome - The Roman Empire existing at the time of John which ceased to exist;
(7) And then the seventh, the revived Rome which has not yet come;
(8) Then the eighth and final will be the Antichrist (see verse 8).
This revived Roman Empire is represented in the book of Daniel by the 10 toes in the image of (Daniel 2:41-44), and by the 10 horns on the fourth beast of Daniel (Dan. 7:7, 20, 24), and in Revelation by the 10 horns on the first Beast (13:1; 17:3, 12, 13). It will exist as a major power only a short while, since it will then give its authority to the Beast (11-13).
Revelation 17:11 "And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition."
“The beast”: The final world kingdom ruled by the Antichrist, is “the eighth” king or kingdom. He “is of the seven” in that he is the culmination of all the previous, pagan, idolatrous empires. But he will go “into perdition”, the lake of fire (compare verse 8; 19:20).
“Was, and is not … an eighth”: The Antichrist’s kingdom is said to be both the seventh and eighth kingdoms because of his supposed demise and resurrection. He is the seventh king before and the eighth king after his “resurrection” when he destroys the harlot’s religious empire and demands exclusive worship of himself (verse 16).
The beast, the final world kingdom ruled by the Antichrist, is the eighth king or kingdom. He is of the seven in that he is the culmination of all the previous, pagan, idolatrous empires and the reason many think the Antichrist will arise up out of the revised Roman Empire. But then he will go into perdition, the lake of fire.
Put another way, the beast that John saw is the Antichrist, the satanic ruler of the last and most powerful empire in human history, who will serve as Satan's instrument to attack Israel, persecute believers, conquer the world for Satan and oppose Christ.
Scripture portraits him as an intellectual genius (Dan. 7:8); an outstanding orator (Dan. 7:20); a military leader without parallel in human history (Dan. 7:23); a shrewd calculating and manipulating politician (Dan 8:25, 11:21); and the ultimate religious charlatan (2 Thess. 2:4). The angel briefly reviews the detailed description of him given (in Rev. 13:1-10).
Verses 12-14: “The ten horns” on the Beast represent “ten kings” of the future revived Roman Empire (compare Dan. 2:41-44; 7:24). Their worldwide “power” will come in association with the “beast”. “One hour” indicates a relatively short time (compare 18:10, 17, 19). These rulers of a 10-nation federation will unitedly give their political authority and military power to the beast to conquer the earth and “make war” against Christ (compare 16:14; 19:19). The purpose of Satan through the Beast and fellow kings is to establish an invincible kingdom that Christ cannot overcome when He returns. But Christ is “King of” all “kings” and will “overcome” the Beast and his kingdom when He returns (compare 19:11-21). Those who follow Christ are “called and chosen” by Him, and “faithful” to Him (compare 19:7-8, 14).
Revelation 17:12 "And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast."
“Ten kings” (see notes on 12:3; 13:1; compare Dan. 2:41-42). Theses kings are sub-rulers under the Antichrist, whose empire will apparently be divided into 10 administrative districts.
Here we see that ten separate countries make up this evil group.
Reading (in Daniel 2:45), the ten toes of the fourth beast (Roman Empire), were made of iron and miry clay making a brittle substance. This is speaking of the 10 kingdoms or kings which will emanate from the Roman Empire and be in existence at the time of Christ's return. Their worldwide power will come in association with the beast.
This is speaking of the reforming of the old Roman Empire. Presently the old Roman Empire has been reformed by ten common market nations in Europe today. There are more currently, but only 10 will come to prominence during the end time. In my opinion, these "ten horns" are those ten common market nations. The headquarters for these ten nations is in Rome.
These rulers of a ten-nation federation will unite to give their political authority and military power to the beast to conquer the earth and make war against Christ (16:14; 19:19). The purpose of Satan through the Beast and fellow kings is to establish an invincible kingdom that Christ cannot overcome when He returns. But Christ is King of all kings, and will overcome the beast and his kingdom when He returns (19:11-21). Those who follow Christ are called and chosen by Him, and faithful to Him (19:7-8, 14).
“Which have received no kingdom as yet”: Thus, the kings cannot be identified with any historical figures.
At this point in his career the Beast will have total control of the world, for he will command ten "kings" who rule the nations of the earth: The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast.
Revelation 17:13 "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast."
These are of one mind, “and shall give their power and strength unto the beast". Then the Beast's kingdom starts to come apart. He hears rumors of insurrection, which fill him "with great fury to destroy and annihilate many," in Daniel's terminology (Dan. 11:44).
It is to fulfill prophecy. Kings and Kingdoms, good and evil, have to do exactly what God wants. Sometimes they are not even aware of why they are doing it. God puts the idea into their head, while all the time, they think it is their clever idea.
He marches to the Valley of Megiddo, where he meets other armies of the world, and there they do an amazing thing as we see in the next scripture.
Revelation 17:14 "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful."
“Make war”: A referenced to the battle of Armageddon (16:14-16), where the Lamb will destroy the kings (19:17-21).
Lord of lords, and King of kings”: A title for God (19:16; 1 Tim. 6:15; compare Deut. 10:17; Psalm 136:3), that emphasizes His sovereignty over all other rulers to whom He has delegated authority.
These shall make war with the Lamb. This will occur when these kings kill His faithful followers and come out to fight against Christ in the “Battle of Armageddon”. Those who join with Christ to overcome them are called "chosen, and faithful," titles used in other Scriptures to describe true believers (1 Pet. 2:9).
You see, as has been said so many times before, we Christians are in a battle. Our leader is the Lamb (Jesus Christ). We are fighting a very real enemy. The devil and his demons are our enemies. This war we are in is a war of the spirit. We must come against the devil in hand to hand combat every day. Our weapon is the two-edged sword (Bible).
This war is fought by an army of believers who always have their weapon (Bible), at their side. Besides having it at their side, they have its contents inside of them (their food is the Word of God). When they are in hot combat, the sword comes from their mouth. They are willing to lay down their lives for the cause of Jesus.
The flag we Christians fly is the banner of righteousness. It is red because of the blood of our leader, it is white because of the righteousness of believers, and it is blue for our heavenly calling. This is a voluntary army. This battle is in the final hours before the return of the Lord. This army will be made up of boys, girls, men and women. God has called a vast army, as He did in Gideon's day.
This group will be sold out completely to God. They will be willing to give up homes, family, friends, wealth, and position in their community to work for God. They will be loyal to Jesus even to the death. They will have a peculiar uniform described (in Ephesians chapter 6, this is the Christian’s armor). This uniform will be provided to us by our Lord (Jesus). Loins girded about with truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the preparation of the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
The big difference is that this army will have patches on their knees. This battle will be fought with much prayer (on our knees). You see this victory is the Lord's. We must fight the good fight. Give it everything you have. The war is peaking now. God needs good Christians who will not compromise for any reason. The battle is hard, but the rewards are beyond comprehension; a home in heaven forever with Jesus and the opportunity to hear Him say, "Well done thy good and faithful servant".
You see, we soldiers shall be kings and priests (Rev. 1:6; Rev 5:10), but He will be Lord and King over all. We are the called, chosen and faithful. Hallelujah!
Verses 15-18: “The whore” has been described as sitting;
(1) On many “waters” (verse 1);
(2) On the Beast (verse 3); and
(3) On seven mountains (verse 9).
Revelation 17:15 "And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues."
Here the waters are identified as “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues”, indicating the worldwide influence and authority of the harlot. (In verse 18), she is identified as “that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth”, referring probably to a worldwide, idolatrous pagan system centered at Rome.
See notes on verse 1.
The Prostitute Explained. Then the angel explains to John the meaning of the water on which the woman is sitting: It is the peoples of the earth. Peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages designate all humanity in the book of Revelation. As in the saying, "sea of humanity".
Those who are followers of the evil system will be from all nations. There will be hundreds of millions lost.
Revelation 17:16 "And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire."
“These shall hate the whore”: After using the false religious system to unify the world kingdoms and gain control of all, the Antichrist, with the help of his 10 sub-rulers, will turn against the system, plunder and destroy it, and seize all power and worship for himself. They will be carrying out God’s will (verse 17; compare Gen. 50:20).
The Coming Destruction of the Babylonian Prostitute (see article “Babylon the Harlot”). The Antichrist will permit the one world (apostate), church to govern his actions during the first three and one half years of the Tribulation while he is gathering more and more power (see article “One World Religion”). But in the middle of the Tribulation, when he feels he can become an autocratic ruler, he and the ten kings will throw off the prostitute because, in reality, while being dominated by her, they "hate the prostitute".
None of the world's political leaders have enjoyed subjugation to religious leaders, but have continued in a servile role only for expediency. When it is no longer necessary, the ten kings will "bring her to ruin and leave her naked", meaning they will confiscate her temples, her gold, and her costly apparel. In so doing, they will unwittingly be the instruments of God in destroying this awful Babylonian system once and for all: "For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose."
Here, we see these evil ten nations turning against the world and the world church. This power, these evil nations have been, and are being used to rule the little people. This fire speaks of war. These ten nations will do away with this church, even though it is the apostate church.
When Will the Prostitute Religion Be Destroyed? The religious Babylon (of Rev. 17), which is destroyed, comes in two parts. One occurs during the first part of the Tribulation when the governmental system of Babylon (pictured as this ugly "beast"), is gaining world control but has to permit the "prostitute" to sit on and ride the beast. We see this as meaning she exercises a degree of control over the Babylonian system by bringing the nations of the world under her idolatrous religious power.
During the first half of the Tribulation she incurs the wrath of the ten kings who see her use the authority of the Antichrist to advance her religious causes. So they plot to kill her. The reason we know this killing of the prostitute of "mystery Babylon" is done in the middle of the Tribulation is twofold:
(1) "The deadly wound" of Antichrist is healed by the indwelling of Satan himself, simulating the resurrection of Christ, in the middle of the Tribulation.
(2) From then on the world does not worship mystery Babylon but the image of the beast. The False Prophet will do away with all religion except the worship of Antichrist Satan, which he will enforce. That begins at the beginning of the Great Tribulation, that's described (in Rev. chapter 13). This is the time when people will have to take the mark of the beast and swear their loyalty to the beast or face death. No middle ground, either accept Jesus or accept the beast.
Since the woman who rides the beast gets her authority from the beast, the Holy Spirit uses this description to show how religious Babylon and governmental Babylon are so intertwined they are presented together. However, they are destroyed at different times. The prostitute (religious Babylon), is destroyed by "beast and the kings of the earth," who "hate the prostitute" and kill her.
This clears the way for Antichrist to fulfill the lifetime dream of Satan to get people to worship him. She is destroyed in the middle of the Tribulation. Then Babylon the governmental system will be destroyed at the end of the Great Tribulation, when commercial Babylon is destroyed (Rev. 18).
With "Mystery Babylon the Mother of Prostitutes" out of the way, "all inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast, all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world" (Rev. 13:8).
Religious Babylon Destroyed. Archaeologists tell us that Babylon is the cradle of civilization. Located on the shores of the Euphrates River, the ruins of this city have revealed some of the most ancient documents of past generations. This city begun by Nimrod, who was a rebel before the Lord, authored some of the greatest evils ever to fall on humankind. Two of these evils will be destroyed during the Tribulation period, according to (Rev. chapters 17 and 18).
In ancient days Satan seemed to make Babylon the capital of this evil operation. From this headquarters was started false religion, humanity's attempt for self-government in defiance of God's will and city dwellings for commercial and social purposes contrary to God's command to "be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth." (Gen. 1:28). These great evils, which have damned the souls of millions by substituting counterfeit solutions to natural human problems that would ordinarily lead a person to God, will all be destroyed at the end of the Tribulation period.
Chapter 17 describes the judgment of God on the religious system that has enslaved the human race in superstitious darkness for centuries.
Revelation 17:17 "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled."
Toward the end of the Tribulation period, however, the 10 kings (compare verse 12), will destroy the harlot system (compare 18:6-24). They will do this as God’s “will”, and will turn their total devotion and worship to the “beast” himself (compare 13:12; 17:13; Dan. 11:36-39). The 10 kings will be God’s instrument to destroy the harlot Babylon (compare 16:19; 18:5-6; 19:2). The destruction of the “woman” or harlot is pictured as the destruction of a “great city” (in chapter 18).
You see, all are subject to God whether they are following the beast or God. Even the devil has to do exactly what God tells him to do. Some of this has happened to fulfill God's word. The devil is not only subject to God, but he is subject to us, as well, through the mighty name of Jesus. We may dismiss the devil, just as Jesus did. The only difference was that Jesus used His own power, and we have no power of our own. We do it in the name of Jesus. It is Jesus' power.
Revelation 17:18 "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth."
“Great city”: Here is another identification of the capital city of Babylon, centerpiece of Antichrist’s empire (compare 18:10, 18, 21).
Many have taken this to mean that the woman represents the capital city of Antichrist's kingdom, but his cannot be, for Antichrist himself rules over the kings of the earth.
If then, the woman is not the Antichrist, what other possible explanation can we have for such unanimous world dominance? The only answer is the one system before which all kings, dictators, and nations have been forced to bow down throughout history, that is, the Babylonian religion of idolatry. One cannot go anywhere in the world without being confronted with some semblance of the idolatry.
No system in the world's history has enslaved more people than this awful religion. It should not take us by surprise that this prostitute woman, the religious system, is referred to as a city. When used symbolically, a woman is always intended throughout the Scripture to signify a spiritual or religious movement. If a good woman, it is "Jehovah's wife" or "the bride of Christ". If an evil woman, such as "a prostitute," it represents the evil religious system of idolatry.
Here we see again, Rome. In its heyday, Rome was thought of as the capital of the world. They truly did reign over all of Europe.
We conclude then, that chapter 17 describes the destruction of the religious system, whereas chapter 18 denotes the destruction of "Satan's seat," the commercial and governmental city of Babylon, marking the prelude to the consummation of the Tribulation.
No longer does the seer John have the ecclesiastical religious system in view but now turns the spotlight of God's judgment on the commercial and governmental systems that originated there. Babylon has had the most harmful effect on mankind of all the cities of the world. For all idolatrous religion, greed-based commerce, and secular government were begun there. At the end of the Tribulation, God will destroy them all in the seventh or last vial judgment in fulfillment of the prophecy (in Isaiah 47:1-9; 21:9).
Revelation Chapter 18
Commercial, Political Babylon is now in view. The destruction of religious Babylon described (in Rev. 17), and commercial Babylon here (in chapter 18), will decisively rid the world of the major evils that have plagued the human race for about 5000 years. We have already seen the destruction to be unleashed on ecclesiastical or religious Babylon in the beginning of the Great Tribulation period.
But the destruction of the commercial and governmental systems will not take place, however, until the end of the Great Tribulation. Some Bible scholars do not distinguish between the destruction of chapter 17 and that of chapter 18, but mold them altogether. The following six reasons establish that they are not the same.
- "After these things" (Rev 18:1), this expression indicates that the events described (in chapter 18), will not take place until after the events of chapter 17 have been fulfilled.
- "I saw another angel coming down from heaven" Events of chapter 17 were introduced by "one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls" (Rev 17:1). The angel referred to (in chapter 18), is obviously not the same as the one who introduced the events of chapter 17. Therefore, we can expect the same sequence of events that have happened throughout the book of Revelation: When an angel fulfills his responsibility, another distinct judgment takes place on the earth.
- The names in the 2 chapters are different. The name in chapter 18 is simply "Babylon the Great" (Rev. 18:2). True, the Babylon destroyed in chapter 17 has the name, "Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abominations of the whole Earth" (Rev. 17:5). But the only similarity is the location, Babylon. When both titles are used fully, the contrast of these two Babylons is clearly seen.
- Babylon the prostitute of chapter 17 will be destroyed by the kings of the earth (Rev. 17:16). The Babylon of chapter 18 will be destroyed by the cataclysmic judgments of God.
- The kings who destroy the Babylon of chapter 17 rejoice. In the Babylon of chapter 18, the kings and merchants lament and weep for her (Rev. 18:9-15).
- If chapters 17 and 18 take place during the last days of the Great Tribulation, there will be no place for the Antichrist and the False Prophet to do away with all religions and substitute the worship of the Antichrist's image as described (in chapter 13).
Verses 1-3: That the city “Babylon” in chapter 18 is the same as the whore or harlot in chapter 17 is shown by:
(1) The parallels between the two (compare 17:1-6, 15-18 with 18:2-3, 6-8, 12, 18-24);
(2) The identification of the harlot as the “great city” in 17:18;
(3) The summary of Babylon’s judgment in 19:2-3; and
(4) The fact that the imagery in both chapters comes from Old Testament references to Tyre, Nineveh, and Babylon (compare Isa. Chapters 13, 14, and 23: Ezek. chapters 26-28; Jer. chapters 50-51).
The language of chapter 18 is highly figurative. The phrase “after these things” shows that chapter 18 is a further revelation concerning Babylon: the results of her destruction. (In verse 2), her doom is announced: “Babylon the great is fallen” (compare Isa. 21:9). The reference to “devils” (demons), and “every foul spirit” shows the total destruction and utter desolation of the harlot system. “All nations”: The “merchants of the earth” have become wealthy through the apostate, idolatrous system centered at Rome.
Revelation 18:1 "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory."
Then John saw another angel coming down from heaven. Whether "another angel" is one of the seven angels who had the seven vials, we are not told. But it seems doubtful, for this angel is distinctive, with such "great authority" that he lights the earth with his glory.
“Earth was lightened with his glory”: The fifth vial (16:10), will have plunged the world into darkness. Against that backdrop, the sudden, blazing appearance of another angel (not the same as in 17:1, 7, 15), will certainly rivet the world’s attention on him and his message of judgment on Babylon (compare 14:8).
In the last lesson we saw that the beast, and his system, and the great whore were revealed. Here in chapter 18, we will see the judgment that comes from God poured out on them. This "angel" (in verse 1), was sent from heaven. This "power" spoken of here is power that God has endowed on this angel for the execution of this punishment. This "angel" has been in close association with the Light. We see here that this powerful Light of Jesus, even though second hand through the angel, still lightens the earth.
Revelation 18:2 "And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird."
“Babylon the great is fallen” (compare 14:8; see note on Isa. 21:9), the verse from which these words come. The Greek text views the results of this as if it had already taken place (see note on 14:8). But the seventh vial is being referred to here and it is yet to come at this point (16:17-21). When it comes, devastation and annihilation will take place, leaving the place to demons.
The message of this angel who cries with a "mighty voice" is this: "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!" Since chapter 18 seems to describe the destruction of a literal commercial city, the governmental capital of the world during the Tribulation, we naturally ask ourselves the question, "Where is that city?" Again, Bible prophecy students are not in agreement. Some suggest the city of Rome, and some years ago suggested New York City because he felt it was the commercial center of the world. Some who believe we should take the Scriptures literally whenever possible are inclined to believe that the city of Babylon will be rebuilt.
There is a similar description of this very same thing in Isaiah:
Isaiah 21:9 "And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, [with] a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground."
Here we see the fall of the great apostate church. We also see the fall of these ten evil nations. God is not mocked. God wins the war. God has given up on them completely. Now judgement comes. Babylon is a very wicked group, but they are not the world. They are the church gone bad. For a while the world and the apostate church were walking hand in hand. The evil ten nations, at last, have turned against this apostate church, both Catholic and Protestant. This is the church that has committed spiritual adultery. Iraq is physical Babylon.
This "...strong voice... came from God. This apostate church God doesn't even claim any more. The real Christians are already in heaven. Now we see even this watered-down church fall, and that leaves the way open for every unclean spirit that exists. Demons control.
In (Rev. 18:10, 16, 18, 19, and 21), you find reference to this Babylon being a city. (In verse 2), the angel cried mightily and said "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen". The “literal” interpretation would dictate that indeed this Babylon is a city. But I do not believe this is so! If you read (Rev. 17:18), you see: "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the Kings of the earth."
The "woman" was the corrupt religious system and not a city. The same applies here. Commercial Babylon is a corrupt commercial, social and political system that will be destroyed at the end of the Tribulation (go back and read the 6 reasons given before verse 1 of this chapter again).
Revelation 18:3 "For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies."
“Wine of the wrath of her fornication”: Religious Babylon (chapter 17), lures the nations into spiritual drunkenness and fornication with false gods (17:2, 4); commercial Babylon (chapter 18), seduces the unbelieving world into a materialistic stupor, so that the people of the world will become drunk with passion because of their relationship with Babylon.
“Kings … merchants”: Political rulers and corporate leaders alike are swept up in this worldwide system of commerce (14:8; 17:2).
Remember in chapter 16 we saw the actual destruction of commercial Babylon. At the end of this chapter I will show it to you again so you can make sense of what is taking place.
The corruption may have had its beginnings at the city of Babylon, but believe me it has spread to every corner of the earth. It will not be until the earth is totally destroyed that this evil will be no more. Those who mourn are those who are loosing their ability to deceive the nations any longer.
Looking ahead at what it says in:
Rev. 18:23: "for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived".
So, you see this is not a city but a very corrupt system that is being destroyed by God by his Judgment to prepare for the coming Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Verses 4-8: Believers must be separate from the harlot system, or else they may be found to share in “her sins” and thereby “receive” part of her judgment. “God hath remembered her iniquities”: The day of judgment for sin has arrived. The “double” judgment emphasizes full punishment for her sins (compare Jer. 16:18; 17:18; 50:29). That she calls herself a “queen” and “no widow” shows her arrogant self-confidence (compare Isa. 47:7-8). She sees herself as beyond any possibility of personal “sorrow”. But the humbling of the harlot (compare Luke 14:11), will involve “torment” and “sorrow”. “One day” may be a literal day or a symbol for the suddenness of the destruction. The “fire” may also be either literal fire or a symbol of the judgment of God (compare Jer. 51:25-58). It is reminiscent of the burning of Rome in A.D. 64 by Nero.
Revelation 18:4 "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."
“Come out of her, my people”: God will call His own to disentangle themselves from this evil system. This may also be God’s calling the elect to abandon the world system and come to faith in the Savior. In either case, the message is to abandon the system before it is destroyed (compare 2 Cor. 6:17; 1 John 2:15). The judgment of God on that society living in sinful, arrogant self-indulgence can be avoided. Compare Isaiah’s and Jeremiah’s message to their people to leave Babylon (Isa. 48:20; Jer. 50:8; 51:6-9, 45). In both cases, the message is to abandon the system.
Read (2 Cor. 6:14-17) below, for a good example of this:
(14) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
(15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
(16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
(17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,
True believers, who are still in this type of church, are very foolish. God through this "voice from heaven" is saying, "Come out of her my people". This is not speaking of Rome, but the apostate church. His people are the church. He leaves no doubt what a person should do if they are caught in these apostate churches.
You see, even though you are not committing sin, as such. You are committing sin by association. The Bible tells us over and over not to be unequally yoked with those of unbelief. If you do not remove yourself, you are guilty of her sin. In (verse 4 above), we read that her plagues will come to you as well.
If your church preaches that Jesus was not born of a virgin, or the Red Sea did not part, that Jonah was not actually swallowed by a whale, or if your church recognizes homosexuals and lesbians as equals, and does not condemn it as sin, you had better get out. No one or nothing should be put ahead of God. There is no mediator between man and almighty god except Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:5 "For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;"
We should not bow down to graven images of anyone or anything. We read in Exodus 20:4, one of the Commandments of God.
Exodus 20:4 "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:"
Be careful how you worship. Be careful about the things of God. Know who Jesus is and why you worship Him. Be thoroughly convinced in your heart. Do not listen to someone telling you what the Bible says. Read and study it for yourself. God will reveal to you what it is saying, if you are earnestly trying to learn. Even check out what I am saying. Do not be easily swayed by anyone. Be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.
The righteous God of the universe has not overlooked the sins of the elite power brokers who have used commerce and government for centuries to live luxuriously at the expense of others. The commercial, social and political systems of the Antichrist will receive double judgment for their sins.
Revelation 18:5 "For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities."
“Remembered”: (see 16:19). God does not remember the iniquities of His people (Jer. 31:34), but does remember to protect them (Mal. 3:16 – 4:2). For unrepentant Babylon, there will be no such forgiveness, only judgment.
Babylon's sins will pile up like a new Tower of Babel, but unlike the ancient tower, her sins will reach as high as heaven.
Then an angel states that God has remembered her sins. He will take note of them as He did that earlier monument to man's sinful, arrogant, prideful rebellion at Babel.
It is always good to remember that all of Revelation was addressed to the church. God gives us warnings and gives us time to repent. Even now, here, when He has already passed judgement on this apostate church, He is crying out for individuals to come out of this apostate church. Jesus calls us all to righteousness and holiness in Him. It is up to us to answer that call.
Verses 6-7: “Reward her”: The angel calls for God to recompense wrath to Babylon in her own cup to repay her according to her deeds (see note on 17:4). This is an echo of the Old Testament law of retaliation (Exodus 21:24), which will be implemented by God (Rom. 12:17-21).
Revelation 18:6 "Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double."
“Double”: Has the sense of “full”, or “overflowing”. The punishment will fit the crime (compare Jer. 16:18).
“Cup”: The cup of wickedness from which so many have drunk (14:8; 17:2, 4, 6), will call for the cup of wrath (14:10; 16:19).
This “reward her” simply means will recompense or repay commercial Babylon according to her works. All of those who are involved and are guilty will suffer double judgment as the cup is filled twice for her for what she has done to the Saints (see article “Babylon the City”).
She will reap what she sowed.
Revelation 18:7 "How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow."
“And am no widow”: A proud, but empty, boast of self-sufficiency, also made by historical Babylon (Isa. 47:8; compare 1 Cor. 10:12).
This is describing 3 sins she is guilty of.
(1) "She has glorified herself" meaning she was proud;
(2) "She lived Deliciously" meaning she pursued self-gratification; and
(3) "I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow" meaning she was not only proud but boastful.
That proud boast echoes that of ancient Babylon who said "I will be a queen forever" and I will not sit as a widow, nor know loss of children. Now read that boast (in Isaiah 47):
Isaiah 47:7-8 "And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: [so] that thou didst not lay these [things] to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it." "Therefore hear now this, [thou that art] given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I [am], and none else beside me; I shall not sit [as] a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children."
Revelation 18:8 "Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her."
“Her plagues”: These could include those (of 16:1ff), but must be the special destruction of the city as well, described as “plagues and mourning and famine”.
“In one day” (see verses 10, 17, 19). The special judgments on Babylon take place in a brief period of time. (Daniel 5:30), records that Babylon of old fell in one day.
(Isaiah 47:9). “But these two [things] shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, [and] for the great abundance of thine enchantments”.
This is saying that Babylon's destruction will not be progressive. The wicked city (system), will be instantly destroyed. (Dan 5:25-28, 30), records a similar fate that befell ancient Babylon; the city fell the very night that God wrote its doom on the wall of the king's palace.
Babylon's doom is certain and cannot be avoided. No one can change God's plans or keep Him from accomplishing what He purposed to do as Nebuchadnezzar discovered above in Daniel. Or in this case his grandson Belshazzar (Dan. 5:13-30).
Verses 9-20: This section records the lament over Babylon’s destruction, not her sin, by those who were part of her system.
These verses consist of three laments over the fallen city of Babylon, from the perspective of kings (verses 9-10), merchants (verses 11-16), and seamen (verses 17-19; compare Ezek. chapter 27), followed by a call for rejoicing on the part of God’s people and His angels (verse 20). The “kings” (of verse 9), are not the kings (represented by horns of 17:16), but rather various earthly kings who have participated in the Babylonian system. The laments picture utter chaos on the earth at the end of the Tribulation period. The “merchants” will find nothing to buy or sell. “In one hour”: The destruction will come suddenly and quickly (verse 17). The world’s pagan economic system will collapse. “They cast dust on their heads” as a sign of mourning and sorrow (verse 19; compare Job 2:12; Lam. 2:10; Ezek. 27:30). “God hath avenged you on her”: God at last judges the Babylonian system for its treatment of God’s people, particularly those who are martyred during the Tribulation (compare 6:9-11). Verse 20 shows heaven’s perspective on the judgment.
Revelation 18:9 "And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,"
“Kings”: The political leaders of the world will weep because the loss of their capital city will signal the doom of Antichrist’s empire, and with it, the source of their power (compare verse 3; 17:2).
“Bewail her, and lament for her”: Bewail means to weep, and “Weep” means “to sob openly”. “Lament” translates the same Greek word used to express the despair of the unbelieving world at the return of Christ (1:7).
This will no doubt include the 10 kings of the earth who rule Antichrist's kingdom under his authority as well as the rest of the world's leaders.
The destruction of the Antichrist's political and economic power will strike a fatal blow to his empire. The fall of Babylon will be a symbol of the fall of the entire evil world system.
And again, Babylon is pictured as a harlot whose death causes her lovers to weep and lament over her.
Revelation 18:10 "Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come."
This "standing afar off", could mean those who heeded and came out of her. It really doesn't matter where. It may be all of these cities and many more, or it might not be a literal city at all. I really believe this is both an evil system and many evil cities as well, being destroyed.
The one hour simply means the judgment will happen rapidly just as verse 8 predicted (compare verses 8, 17, 19).
Revelation 18:11 "And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:"
These mourners are the merchants of the earth who will weep and mourn over Babylon because no one will be able to buy their goods anymore.
Whatever economy there had been will end and so will any semblance of normalcy on this devastated planet that was already in serious trouble brought on by the divine judgments of God.
Verses 12-13: Over half of their commodities appear in the list of (Ezek. 27:12-22).
Revelation 18:12 "The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,"
“Purple”: This refers to garments laboriously dyed with purple dye extracted from shellfish. Lydia (Acts 16:14), was a seller of such expensive garments. A distinctive mark of the Caesars was their purple robes.
“Thyine wood”: Wood from North African citrus trees, highly valued because of its color, which was used to make extremely expensive pieces of furniture.
“Marble”: Marble, imported from Africa, Egypt, and Greece, was widely used in Roman buildings.
It appears that these are classed in several types:
(1) Personal items of jewelry;
(2) Articles used for furniture;
(3) Nice smelling and tasting things;
(4) Food;
(5) Animals;
(6) Souls of men.
What significance this has, I do not know; unless, it means worldly things. Most of these are things a person could do without if hard times came and you had to, even maybe the food for a while.
This "souls of men", is one of the more interesting. In the days of the old Roman Empire, they sold people as you would animals. Perhaps that is what is meant there. They thought no more about selling a person than they did a pair of shoes.
It appears to me, in all of this that trade has just about ceased, period. Probably, all the plagues and wars have just about stopped everything.
Revelation 18:13 "And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men".
“Ointments” (compare Matt. 26:7, 12; John 12:3).
“Frankincense”: A fragrant gum or resin imported from Arabia and used in incense and perfume (SOS 3:6; Matt. 2:11).
Slaves, and souls of men”: The slave trade, long banned by the civilized nations of the world, will reappear in Antichrist’s debauched commercial system.
Revelation Chapter 18 Continued
Revelation 18:14 "And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all."
And the merchandise that was available before are now gone and will never ever be available again. The commercial system is completely shut down and that reality is about to be made manifest.
It will probably be a time when it will be next to impossible to even find enough to feed your family. Even if you did find enough for them to eat, it would probably take all you could possibly make just to have even bread for your family.
This is probably the time when a loaf of bread would cost a whole day's wages. There will be no money at all left for niceties.
Even if you have a tremendous amount of money, there will be great shortages of real items necessary to live on not to mention the things the rich consume will be entirely unavailable.
Revelation 18:15 "The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,"
Here, we see such great fear from these merchants who used to sell their merchandise at tremendous, outrageous profits. Like today when many get rich from oil by taking advantage of those who can't afford the inflated prices. And that includes the government who adds very high taxes to every gallon of gas. When this horrible punishment comes, it will put the fear of God on those looking on. It is about time that someone begins to fear.
These merchants weep because their materialistic passions can no longer be fulfilled. The weeping that begins then will last for eternity in hell.
These greedy merchants are a classic illustration of those in all times who gain the whole world only to end up forfeiting their own souls.
Revelation 18:16 "And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!"
Any city, we would come up with; would be pure speculation. As in the lesson before this, we must realize this "Babylon" is a city and, also the apostate church. These plagues jump back and forth from the city to the church (see article “Babylon the City”).
The "fine linen" has to do with the church world. All of this describes the finery in these big churches. "purple, and scarlet" are Godly colors.
These items were common commodities in the ancient world and were the source of great immense financial gain. Those materialistic, unrepentant people mourn as God brings His judgment against Babylon, knowing these items will never be found again.
Revelation 18:17 "For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,"
In one Hour: The destruction will come suddenly and quickly. The world's pagan economic system will collapse. They cast dust on their heads as a sign of mourning and sorrow (verse 19; Job. 2:12; Lam. 2:10; Ezek. 27:30). God hath avenged you on her: God at last judges the Babylonian system for its treatment of God's people, particularly those who are martyred during the Tribulation (Rev. 6:9-11).
“Shipmaster”: Ship captains will mourn the loss of Babylon and the lucrative transport business that went with it.
Revelation 18:18 "And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What [city is] like unto this great city!"
The people cry and are amazed as they see this destruction taking place before their eyes.
Revelation 18:19 "And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate."
Casting dust on their heads is a typical ancient expression of grief. These last few scriptures state sailors, but could mean any system of transportation and delivery systems of today such as planes, trains, trucks etc. All of these services would be immediately shut down if the commercial system was destroyed including banking and computers.
Even a lukewarm church would certainly be aware of what other believers thought the Bible teaches about the wrath of God. When they realize they have missed the rapture of the Church, there would be grief beyond comprehension. This was a sudden destruction that no one could deny was a punishment from God.
“In one hour”: Not just 60 minutes, but one brief period of swift judgment (see note on verse 8).
Consider what would happen if there was no more electrical system available.
Revelation 18:20 "Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her."
“God hath avenged you on her”: The angel will exhort the tribulation martyrs (6:9-11), to rejoice, not over the deaths of those doomed to eternal hell, but, because God’s righteousness and justice will have prevailed.
God has taken vengeance on the ones who killed his prophets and apostles and even his blessed Son. Finally, all of those martyred by these have been avenged.
The long-awaited moment of vindication, retribution and vengeance for which the martyred tribulation believers had prayed for (in Rev. 6:9-10), and for which all the redeemed have hoped, that time has arrived.
These final verses picture from within the results of the collapse of the Babylonian system. The finality of its destruction is shown by the six fold repetition of the phrase "no more at all". The stone cast into the sea depicts the violence and permanence of the destruction. The Babylonian system began (in Genesis 10), and has continued uninterrupted in one form or another to the present day. But one day it will suddenly "sink," never to return.
Verses 21-24: These verses picture from within the results of the collapse of the Babylonian system. The finality of its destruction is shown by the six fold repetition of the phrase “no more at all”. The “stone” cast “into the sea’ depicts the “violence” and permanence of the destruction. The Babylonian system began (in Genesis chapter 10), and has continued uninterrupted in one form or another to the present day. But one day it will suddenly “sink”, never to return.
Revelation 18:21 "And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast [it] into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all."
“Great millstone”: Millstones were large, heavy stones used to grind grain. This metaphor portrays the violence of Babylon’s overthrow (compare Jer. 51:61-64; see note on Matt. 18:6).
"Sea" sometimes means masses of people, but I do not believe that is the meaning here. Whether this is only a real city, (rebuilt Babylon), or a sinful commercial, social and political system that corrupts the entire world which is being destroyed here, this is speaking of total destruction. More than likely this is speaking of both as the two can be easily associated. This millstone here is similar to the one spoken of as being around a neck and thrown into the sea.
In the light of this Scripture, this is a really bad punishment. I believe this illustration is to show the finality of this judgment of God. We must remember Babylon is destroyed by God Himself, not by the devil.
Verses 22-23: The fall of Babylon ends whatever semblance of normalcy will still exist in the world after all the seals, trumpets and vials. Life will be totally disrupted and the end near. No more music, no industry, no preparing of food (“millstone”), no more power for light, and no more weddings because God will destroy the deceivers and deceived.
Revelation 18:22 "And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft [he be], shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;"
Literally everything grinds to a halt everywhere. Babylon will be completely and so thoroughly destroyed that it will never rise again as predicted by the Old Testament prophets.
Isaiah 13:19-21 "And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah." "It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there." "But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there."
In (verses 23b-24), three reasons are given for the destruction of Babylon:
(1) Its arrogance;
(2) Its deception of the nations; and
(3) Its persecution and martyrdom of God's people.
Revelation 18:23 "And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived."
Three final reasons are given for Babylon's judgment. Notice that the merchants are mentioned as the great men of the earth. That's why this is talking of a commercial system as well as a political system. They are not from the city of Babylon, but from all parts of the earth.
First, they use their wealth to ascent to positions of power, prominence and influence. The abuses of the proud, arrogant rich are well documented in scripture. James, Isaiah and Amos condemned the rich for their self-aggrandizement and maltreatment of the poor.
Second is all the nations were deceived by her sorcery. Sorcery is from pharmakeia, the root word of the English words "pharmacy" and "pharmaceuticals". The word is used in the New Testament to refer to magic and occult practices (Gal. 5:20).
We know that "sorceries" have to do with drugs. It seems this city was dealing in drugs. Of course, nearly every major city in the world is also. This is really no help in determining which city. It just helps us establish the extent of the evil. I still believe this city has worldwide connections to a branch of the church. I truly believe the deception they brought to the world was spiritual in nature. Here again, the things mentioned that have stopped, are normal things that happen in all large cities.
Babylon's hold on the world will not be entirely due to her military and economic power, but also to her occult influence.
Revelation 18:24 "And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth."
A final reason given for Babylon's judgment is her murderous slaughter of God's people.
“Blood of prophets, and of saints”: The religious and commercial/political systems embodied in Babylon will commit unspeakable atrocities against God’s people (compare 6:10; 11:7; 13:7, 15; 17:6; 19:2). God will avenge that slaughter of His people (19:2).
This is the city Babylon and the faithless church as well. True, faithful Christians are many times neglected and even oppressed by the church. We see youth lost because of the shallow teachings of this apostate church. Every time I see strong Christians ridiculed by lukewarm Christians, I am more convinced, more people are lost going to a watered-down church than by not going to church at all. At least those who do not go at all are not fooled into a false sense of security. They know they are lost.
It is much easier to reach someone who never went to church, because they know they need a Savior. The ones who go once or twice a year believe they are already saved and don't need the Savior. It is such a shame that the Shepherds do not teach their people to study the Bible for themselves. Through the Word is where true commitment begins.
Recap
Let's go back and read the end of chapter 16 starting with verse 17 through verse 21, as this was the end of the world as we know it.
This is starting when the Angel pours out the seventh vial or bowl judgment which is the last of the 21 plaques of Revelation right before the second coming of Jesus and the battle of Armageddon.
16:17 “And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done”.
16:18 “And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, [and] so great”.
16:19 “And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath”.
16:20 “And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found”.
16:21 “And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, [every stone] about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great”.
Notice that not only Babylon fell, but also the cities of the nations as well (verse 19).
Also, don't forget the earth is already reeling from the thunders and lightings not to mention the biggest earthquake the world has even known.
Then the great hail that weight about a talent (100 pounds each). This hail is totally capable of destroying cities with no problem at all.
Then (verse 20), tells us that every island fled away and the mountains were no longer found. This is the worst plague of the 21 by far as it completely destroys the political, commercial system called Babylon the Great from off the earth. Not to mention that this is the end of the earth as we have known it as it now has been completely leveled and is ready for the renewal process that's coming.
Revelation Chapter 19
Revelation chapter 19 and 20 bring the climax of the Book of Revelation: the return of Christ to establish His Earthly Kingdom (see article “Kingdom – Christ’s Coming Kingdom”).
But first, the first five verses show heaven's response to the judgment of the harlot.
The multitude in heaven praises God for judging the great whore (Babylon, the harlot), and avenging the blood of the martyrs (7:9-17). The eternal smoke symbolizes the permanence of Babylon's destruction (Isaiah 34:8-10). Amen derives from a Hebrew word meaning "to be firm," and may be translated "truly" or "so be it."
This chapter is one of the most dramatic in all the Bible. In it, the Church, the Bride of Christ, is the guest of honor at the marriage of the Lamb in heaven (verses 1-10), and returns with Christ in His Triumphal Second Coming (verses 11-21). The people mentioned here are distinct from the other beings in heaven, for they are singing a song that includes mention of salvation. This scene incorporates believers, the Old Testament saints, the Church age saints, and the Tribulation saints. Together they join this great chorus proclaiming "Alleluia!"
The scene now shifts from the earth where it has been (since chapter 6), to heaven.
Verses 1-6: “Alleluia”: This Hebrew word appears 4 times in the New Testament. This exclamation, meaning “Praise the Lord”, occurs frequently in the Old Testament (compare Psalms 104:35; 105:45; 106:1; 111:1; 112:1; 113:1; 117:1; 135:1; 146:1). Five reasons for their praise emerge:
(1) God’s deliverance of His people from their enemies (verse 1);
(2) God’s meting out of justice (verse 2);
(3) God’s permanent crushing of man’s rebellion (verse 3);
(4) God’s sovereignty (verse 6); and
(5) God’s communion with His people (verse 7).
Revelation 19:1 "And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God:"
In the last chapter, we saw the terrible destruction of commercial and political Babylon symbolized by its capital city of Babylon. Now the scene totally changes to heaven. We hear the voices of the redeemed. This "great voice" here is because of the number of people speaking. It is not the magnitude of each voice. These words of praise here are focused on the Lord Jesus Christ. The redeemed are the ones who are praising. There are not enough adjectives in the dictionary to say enough about what Jesus has purchased for us all.
“After these things”: This is a time key. After the destruction of Babylon at the end of the “Great Tribulation, just before the kingdom is established (chapter 20). This section bridges the Tribulation and the millennial kingdom.
The marriage of the Lamb and the marriage supper of the Lamb "in heaven" (19:6-9), are evidence of the Church being in heaven prior to the return of Christ to earth. Christ is the Bridegroom at the marriage and his Church is the Bride. The word "church" (Greek ekklesia), appears nineteen times (in Revelation 1-3), and does not appear again until (Revelation 22:16), emphasizing the absence of the Church from the earth during the judgments of (Rev. chapters 4-18).
"I heard a great voice of much people in heaven": The people are the same with the 144,000 seen with the Lamb on Mount Zion (Revelation 14:1), and with those on the sea of glass, who had got the victory over the beast (Revelation 15:2), and are no other than God's covenant people, who are given to Christ, and made willing to be his in the day of his power. And though they are but a seed, a remnant, a small company, when compared with the world and carnal professors; yet are a large body of themselves.
Especially they will be now, when the nation of the Jews shall be born at once, and the fullness of the Gentiles will be brought in. And their voice on this occasion and the downfall of Rome, is said to be "great" partly because of their number. Who will join in acclamations of praise, and partly on account of their great affection and vehemence of spirit, which will be raised hereby.
Revelation 19:2 "For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand."
“Judgments”: Saints long for the day of judgment (compare 6:10; 16:7; Isa. 9:7; Jer. 23:5). Godly people love righteousness and hate sin, for righteousness honors God and sin mocks Him. Believers long for a world of justice and it will come (verse 15; 2:27; 12:5).
It appears that those who were redeemed were looking on from heaven and approving of the destruction of Babel, because the Messiah was bringing justice and righteousness to the world.
There is a reassuring tone here telling the Lord that He was justified in His judgment. They have long waited for the time when God's justice would triumph. Now that time had come.
"Which did corrupt the earth with her fornication": Drew the kings and inhabitants of the Roman empire into wicked and idolatrous practices, and so corrupted and destroyed them in soul, body, and estate.
"And hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand": And by these judicial dispensations God hath also taken vengeance on them for the blood of his saints shed by them. It is remarkable, that all along this book, idolatry and persecution are made the beast’s provoking sins.
Revelation 19:3 "And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever."
“Smoke rose”: This is because of the fire (compare 17:16, 18; 18:8-9, 18; 14:8-11).
This is saying that this judgment is permanent and is like the language that God used (in Gen. 19:28). This is just a statement telling us it will never be built again.
This destruction of the last, most powerful empire in history marks the end of man's day. The rebellion that had begun in the Garden of Eden is finally ended. Never again will there be more false religions, worldly philosophy, injustice or unrighteousness.
Then entire sorry results of human depravity will finally be vanquished.
Revelation 19:4 "And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia."
These twenty-four elders, I believe, as I said before, are two groups of twelve, twelve disciples and twelve Old Testament prophets. These are representative of the church.
“Four beasts”: The four beasts are the cherubim as described (in Rev. 4:6). These compose the same group as (in 7:11), and are associated with worship frequently (4:8, 11; 5:9-12, 14; 11:16-18).
Revelation 19:5 "And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great."
The speaker isn't identified but is probably an angel and refers to God as our God. His instructions are to praise God.
The redeemed in heaven are called God's "Bond Servants", and this is the group being addressed here to add to the other 3 mentioned groups.
“Both small and great”: All distinctions and ranks are to be transcended. The small and the great mean everyone which includes all human categories and distinctions. All redeemed are told to praise God.
Verses 6-10: “Omnipotent”: God is all-powerful, and “reigneth” over His universe. “The marriage of the Lamb”: The “wife” or bride of Christ is the church (compare Matt. 22:2-14; John 3:29; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:25-32), and the marriage is the eternal union of the church with Christ following the Rapture (compare 1 Thess. 4:17). The “fine linen, clean and white”, represents the “righteousness” of the church, which has now been judged and purified at the judgment seat of Christ (compare 1 Cor. 3:12-15; 2 Cor. 5:10). “The marriage supper of the Lamb” represents the millennial kingdom of Christ, which will take place on earth following the return of Christ (20:4; compare Matt. 25:1-13; Luke 14:15-24).
“Called”: Those who are invited to the marriage supper are Israel, who will turn to Christ in faith during the Tribulation (compare Jer. 31:31-34; Zech. 12:10; 13:9; Rom. 11:25-27). “Worship”: Only God is to be worshiped (compare 22:8-9; Acts 10:25-26). “Spirit of prophecy”: The person and message of Jesus is the essence of all true prophecy.
Revelation 19:6 "And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."
So vast is this group that they are without number. These are the faithful. When this great multitude begin to praise God, the volume would be so great as to sound like "mighty thunderings".
“Lord God”: Used many times in Revelation as a title for God (compare verse 15, 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7, 14; 21:22). The great praise of the multitude sounds like a massive crashing of waves.
This name used here, pertaining to our Lord, is a very strange one. This is the only place in the Bible where the word "omnipotent" occurs. Omnipotent means almighty: having unlimited power. When you couple that with "Lord", which means supreme in authority, and "God", which means supreme deity; you have an overwhelming understanding of Who this is.
Then we look at "reigneth". This has no time element attached. It means continually reigns.
At this point the evil world system has been destroyed and God's kingdom has come into its fullness.
Revelation 19:7 "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."
The heavenly praise continues, this time for a call for gladness, rejoicing and giving God glory for a fifth reason, the marriage of the Lamb has come.
“Marriage of the Lamb”: Hebrew weddings consisted of 3 phrases:
(1) Betrothal (often when the couple were children);
(2) Presentation (the festivities, often lasting several days, that preceded the ceremony);
(3) The ceremony (the exchanging of vows).
The church was betrothed to Christ by His sovereign choice in eternity past (Eph. 1:4; Heb. 13:20), and will be presented to Him at the Rapture (John 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:13-18). The final supper will signify the end of the ceremony. This symbolic meal will take place at the establishment of the millennial kingdom and last throughout that 1000 year period (compare 21:2). While the term “bride” often refers to the church, and does so here (2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:22-24), it ultimately expands to include all the redeemed of all ages, which becomes clear in the remainder of the book.
The marriage of the Lamb: The wife or bride of Christ is the church (Matt. 22:2-14; John 3:29; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:25-32). And the marriage is the eternal union of the church with Christ following the Rapture (see 1 Thess. 4:17; see article “Rapture”). The fine linen, clean and white, represents the righteousness of the church, which has now been judged and purified at the judgment seat of Christ (1 Cor. 3:12-15: 2 Cor. 5:10).
This is in total contrast to the harlot Babylon. Here we see the chaste virgin (faithful to Jesus). At a marriage, there is rejoicing and giving of honor. The strange thing to me, is that Jesus would even have us. We have been washed in His blood, and we have on our white wedding garment ready for the wedding. I believe the word "Lamb" is used here, instead of one of the other names of Jesus, to show that we have been cleansed by His sacrificial blood.
In ancient times, a marriage was the single greatest celebration and social event in the biblical world. Preparations and celebrations were much more elaborate than those of today. And they also lasted much longer.
They were in three distinct stages which first involved the betrothal or engagement. This was an arrangement by both sets of parents, was legally binding and could only be broken by divorce. Then there was a time of preparation as the groom prepared for his bride.
Second was the presentation which was a time of festivities just before the actual ceremony. Those festivities could last up to a week and sometimes even more depending on the economic or social status of the bride and groom.
Lastly was the wedding ceremony during which time the vows were exchanged.
The same imagery of a wedding picture's the Lord's relationship with His Church.
Revelation 19:8 "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints."
“Righteousness of saints”: Not Christ’s imputed righteousness granted to believers at salvation, but the practical results of that righteousness in believer’s lives, i.e., the outward manifestation of inward virtue.
The fine linen the bride is clothed in represents the righteous acts of the saints.
Just as I said, these robes have been made white by the blood of the Lamb. This "righteousness" was not ours until we received the Lord Jesus into our lives and took on His righteousness. Our own righteousness had been as filthy rags, but Jesus replaced the filth with His righteousness. Just like, as many other places in the Bible, "her" does not mean just women, it is the bride. All believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are the bride of Christ, whether they are male or female.
I would like to say a few words about this "fine linen". In the tabernacle in the wilderness, the High Priest wore a very ornamented robe with a breastplate of all sorts of jewels when he represented God to the people; but when he went into the Holy of Holies, he wore pure white linen. You see, all of the fineries of the world mean nothing to God. This tells us something about our approach to God. Salvation is simple. It is not complicated, just bare all to God. He knows all there is about us already. We do not have to pretend to be something we are not. He accepts us plain and simple.
Revelation 19:9 "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God."
“Blessed” (see note on 1:3).
“They which are called”: This is not the bride (the church), but the guests. The bride doesn’t get invited, she invites. These are those saved before Pentecost, all the faithful believers saved by grace through faith up to the birth of the church (Acts 2:1ff). Though they are not the bride, they still are glorified and reign with Christ in the millennial kingdom. It is really differing imagery rather than differing reality. The guests also will include tribulation saints and believers alive in earthly bodies in the kingdom. The church is the bride, pure and faithful, never a harlot, like Israel was (see Hosea chapter 2). So, the church is the bride during the presentation feast in heaven, then comes to earth for the celebration of the final meal (during the Millennium). After that event, the new order comes and the marriage is consummated (see notes on 21:1-2).
Those who are invited to the marriage supper are Israel (see article “Marriage Supper”), who will turn to Christ in faith during the Tribulation (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Zech. 12:10; 13:9; and Roman 11:25-27).
The marriage supper of the Lamb represents the millennial kingdom of Christ, which will take place on earth following the return of Christ (20:4; Matt. 25:1-13; Luke 14:15-24). The Jewish marriage consisted of three major elements:
(1) The betrothal;
(2) The presentation; and
(3) The marriage feast (supper), as was discussed just before.
Figuratively, with reference to the church,
(1) The betrothal takes place on earth during the church age;
(2) The presentation will take place in heaven following the Rapture (verse 7); and
(3) The marriage feast will take place on earth following Christ's return with the church.
Revelation 19:10 "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
“Fell at his feet”: Overwhelmed by the grandeur of the vision, John collapsed in worship before the angel (compare 1:17; 22:8).
“Do it not” (compare 22:8-9). The Bible forbids the worship of angels (Col. 2:18-19).
John here was so awed by all of this that he fell at this angel's feet to worship him. Then the angel quickly tells John not to worship him. Only God is to be worshiped (22:8-9; Acts 10:25-26).
“The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”: The central theme of both Old Testament prophecy and New Testament preaching is the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The "testimony of Jesus" is what the whole Bible is about. Without Jesus, there would be no salvation. The Old Testament points forward to Jesus, beginning in Genesis. The New Testament is the "last will and testament" of Jesus, and to receive our inheritance, we must read the will.
If you preach on prophecy, you are bringing the testimony of Jesus. If you understand the testimony of Jesus, then you must preach and prophesy so that others may live (see article “About the Bible”). This testimony here is not Jesus giving it, but we believers who testify of the Lord. Whoever this angel is, he too had the testimony of Jesus.
Revelation Chapter 19 Continued
Verses 11-16: In these next six verses, we are swept up into the triumphal entourage of redeemed saints in the heavenly procession with the King of Kings. Jesus Christ comes to make war on Satan, the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and the kings of the earth. He rides on a white horse and has on His head "many crowns." When this war with Satan is over, He becomes the absolute ruler of the earth.
Throughout both Old and New Testaments, the Scriptures teach a literal, physical (bodily), and visible return of Christ to this earth to establish His kingdom and rule for a thousand years. The greatest theme of all Bible prophecy is the second coming of Christ (see article “Glorious Appearance - Second Coming of Christ”). This was the theme of mankind’s first prophecy (Jude 14-15), and of the last messages of the Bible (22:20). While certain events and experiences may occur in the lives of individuals (Christ appearing to those who are saved, or to those who die), these are of course not the ultimate return of Christ. The term Second Coming should be reserved for His final revelation at the end of the age. In anticipation of the Second Coming, Christians should live soberly, righteously, and godly (Titus 2:12; see Jude 14, Rom. 2:1-16, besides the scriptures here in 11-16).
This “white horse” is not that of 6:2. Here the “True” Messiah returns in victorious conquest. He is “Faithful” to His Word and promises. He will fulfill the twofold role of “judge” and warrior. His judgment of the earth will be totally righteous (compare 16:5-7; 19:2; Psalm 96:13). The “fire” depicts glory and judgment. The “crowns” indicate total sovereignty and authority (contrast 12:3; 13:1). The secret “name” expresses the mystery and greatness of the person of Christ (compare 2:17; 3:12; 19:13, 16; Phil. 2:9-11). The “blood” represents the judgment of Christ’s enemies (compare 14:14-20; Isa. 63:1-6). The name “Word of God” presents Christ as the revelation of God Himself (compare John 1:1, 14, 1 John 1:1). In His first advent, Jesus especially revealed the love and grace of God (compare John 1:17; Rom. 5:8). But in His second advent, He will reveal the holiness, justice, and judgment of God (compare Heb. 4:12).
Revelation 19:11 "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war."
“Heaven opened”: The One who ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11), and had been seated at the Father’s right hand (Heb. 8:1; 10:12; 1 Peter 3:22), will return to take back the earth from the usurper and establish His kingdom (5:1-10). The nature of this event shows how it differs from the Rapture. At the Rapture, Christ meets His own in the air, in this event He comes with them to earth. At the Rapture, there is no judgment, in this event it is all judgment. This event is preceded by blackness, the darkened sun, moon gone out, stars fallen, smoke, then lightning and blinding glory as Jesus comes. Such details are not included in Rapture passages (John 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).
“White horse”: In the Roman triumphal processions, the victorious general rode his white war horse up the Via Sacra to the temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill. Jesus’ first coming was in humiliation on a colt (Zech. 9:9). John’s vision portrays Him as the conqueror on His war horse, coming to destroy the wicked, to over-throw the Antichrist, to defeat Satan, and to take control of the earth (compare 2 Cor. 2:14).
Notice several things about the description of our Lord's return. First, it will be public, obvious, and not restricted to a small group. He says His coming will be like lightning that flashes from the east to the west. Everybody will see it, and there will be no hiding it. Second, He says it will occur "immediately after" the Great Tribulation. Third, His return will be accompanied by "mourning" on the part of "all the tribes of the earth". The mourning of sadness on the part of the Jewish nation, that it so long rejected Christ as Messiah, as well as the mourning of despair on the part of the ungodly, who reject Him as King even as He appears in the sky.
This opening of heaven is not to go in, but is the opening for Jesus and His followers to come out.
Again, as we saw in chapter four, a door opened in heaven. The door to heaven has never been closed for the Christians to enter in. The "horse" symbolizes war, and the fact that it is "white", symbolizes victory. White, also symbolizes holiness and righteousness. This tells us that this war is a holy war, and Jesus is victorious.
“Faithful and True”: True to His word, Jesus will return to earth (Matt. 24:27-31; see note on 3:14).
Just the fact that "Faithful and True" have initial caps, lets us know that this figure is God the Son who has been made Lord of lords and King of kings, Jesus is the Judge. He is always faithful to His promises and what He speaks is always true.
“In righteousness he doth judge” (see 20:11-15; compare Matt. 25:31ff; John 5:25-30; Acts. 17:31). We are assured that His judgments are right. He has been sitting at the Right Hand of the Father in heaven, but now He is about to set up His kingdom here on the earth.
“Wages war”; This startling statement, appearing only here (and 2:16), vividly portrays the holy wrath of God against sinners (compare Psalm 7:11). God’s patience will be exhausted with sinful, rebellious mankind.
The most detailed description of the (“Second Coming”), was given by our Lord Himself in Matthew:
Matthew 24:27 “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be”.
Matthew 24:29-31 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken”. “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory”. “And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other”.
Revelation 19:12 "His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself."
“His eyes were as a flame of fire”: "Eyes" show wisdom, and these, like "flames of fire" can see right into the soul of man. Nothing escapes His penetrating vision, so His judgments are always just and accurate (see note on 1:14).
This "fire" here speaks of purity and judgment. The crowns indicate total sovereignty and authority (contrast 12:3; 13:1). The secret name expresses the mystery and greatness of the person of Christ (2:17; 3:12; 19:13, and 16; Phil. 2:9-11).
“A name … no man knew”: John could see the name, but was unable to comprehend it (compare 2 Cor. 12:4). There are unfathomable mysteries in the Godhead that even glorified saints will be unable to grasp.
There was a secret name on the stone underneath the breastplate of the High Priest worn into the Holy of Holies. This was the unspeakable name of God. This name here is similar to that name. It is a name that no one knew except our Lord. In (Rev. 3:12), we studied about this name the Lord will put on us.
Revelation 19:13 "And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God."
“A vesture dipped in blood”: This is not from the battle of Armageddon, which will not have begun until verse 15. Christ’s blood-spattered garments symbolize the great battles He has already fought against sin, Satan, and death, and has been stained with the blood of His enemies.
This is not representative of the blood Jesus shed on the cross, but is a picture of judgment, not redemption. This is the blood of his slaughtered enemies. This is not His first battle, but His last. He has fought for His people throughout redemptive history and His "war clothes" bear those stains. The blood represents the judgment of Christ's enemies (14:14-20; Isaiah 63:1-6).
“The Word”: Only John uses this title for the Lord (see introduction: Author and Date). As the Word of God, Jesus is the image of the invisible God (Col. 1:15); the express image of His person (Heb. 1:3); and the final, full revelation from God (Heb. 1:1-2).
Over and over in these lessons, I have given the Scriptures where the word of God took on the form of flesh and dwelt among us. In the book of John, the first chapter, we read about the Word of God.
John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
Jump down to;
John 1:14 "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
We also see here, that this Word (Jesus), was, is, and always will be God the Word.
Verses 14-16: Christ is King over all who call themselves kings, and Lord over all who call themselves lords (compare 17:14; Deut. 10:17; Dan. 2:47; 1 Tim. 6:15).
Here we see the Second Coming of Chirst as the armies in heaven come with Him.
Revelation 19:14 "And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean."
“Armies … in heaven”: Composed of the church (verse 8), tribulation saints (7:13), Old Testament believers (Jude 14; compare Dan. 12:1-2), and even angels (Matt. 25:31). They return not to help Jesus in the battle (they are unarmed), but to reign with Him after He defeats His enemies (20:4; 1 Cor. 6:2; 2 Tim. 2:12; compare Psalm 149:5-9).
They will share in Christ's victory and glory (Roman 8:18-19). The linen symbolizes righteousness (verse 8).
Here we see the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ following, these are the called, chosen, redeemed, the bride. The whole army is on "white horses". They have white horses, because they have overcome the devil. They are washed in the blood of the Lamb. They have on pure white linen for the righteousness of Christ. This army has been in heaven waiting for the wrath of God, on the ungodly, to be over.
Revelation 19:15 "And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."
“Sharp Sword”: This symbolizes Christ’s power to kill His enemies (1:16; compare Isa. 11:4; Heb. 4:12-13). That the sword comes out of His mouth indicates that He wins the battle with the power of His word. Though the saints return with Christ to reign and rule, they are not the executioners. That is His task.
The sword from His mouth depicts judgment through His spoken Word (1:16; 2:12-16; Isaiah 11:4; 2 Thess. 2:8). The Bible says that it is so sharp that it can divide the soul and spirit.
Hebrews 4:12 "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."
Smite the nations: Christ will destroy all unbelievers (19:21; Matt. 25:41-46; 2 Thess. 1:8-9). Rod of iron: Christ will subject all nations to Himself, and destroy all His enemies (Psalms 2:8-9; 1 Cor. 15:24-25). Winepress (see 14:17-20).
“Rod of iron”: Swift, righteous judgment will mark Christ’s rule in the kingdom. Believers will share His authority (2:26; 1 Cor. 6:2; see note on 2:27; 12:5; Psalm 2:9).
Words relating to wrath and anger are found 15 times in Revelation. We see how powerful this Word is. This "rod of iron" that He is to rule with just means that His law is absolute and unwavering. He never changes.
“Winepress”: A vivid symbol of judgment (see note on 14:19; compare Isa. 63:3; Joel 3:13).
When we see this "treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath", This wrath of God is for three and a half years of Tribulation, then after those, another three and a half years that is called the Great Tribulation, making a total of seven years of God's Judgment and Wrath.
Revelation 19:16 "And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."
“On his thigh”: Jesus will wear a banner across His robe and down His thigh with a title emblazoned on it that emphasizes His absolute sovereignty over all human rulers (see note on 17:14).
KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS: Christ has universal sovereignty. This expresses His sovereign triumph over all foes and His absolute rule in His soon to be established Kingdom. (17:14; Deut. 10:17; Dan. 2:47; 1 Tim. 6:15).
There are approximately ninety-seven names throughout the Bible that the personage that we know as Jesus is used. The name He was called at the time had to do with the circumstance at hand. Here He is coming to the earth to take over as Supreme Ruler, so He is called by the name "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS".
Verses 17-21: These verses depict the frightening holocaust unparalleled in human history, the Battle of Armageddon, the pinnacle of the Day of the Lord (see note on 1 Thess. 5:2). It is not so much a battle as an execution, as the remaining rebels are killed by the Lord Jesus (verse 21; see notes on 14:19-20; compare Psalm 2:1-9; Isa. 66:15-16; Ezek. 39:1ff; Joel 3:12ff; Matt. 24:25; 2 Thess. 1:7-9). This Day of the Lord was seen by Isaiah (66:15-16), Joel (1:15; 3:12-21), Ezekiel (39:1-4; 17-20), Paul (2 Thess. 1:6ff; 2:8), and our Lord (Matt. 25:31-46).
Verses 17-18: “The supper of the great God” is different from the marriage supper of the Lamb (verse 9). Here, God call the “fowls” or birds of the sky to “gather” to “eat the flesh” of those who have died in the Battle of Armageddon (compare 16:14, 16; 19:21; Ezek. 39:17-20). “All men” indicates “all kinds of men”; not everyone at Armageddon will be an unbeliever (compare Matt. 25:31-46.
Revelation 19:17 "And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;"
An angel speaking in a loud voice invites all of the birds to feed on the results of the carnage which will shortly take place. This angel is declaring Christ's victory before the battle even begins. A similar passage is found (in Luke 17:37) stating: wherever the corpse is, there the eagles (vultures), will gather.
“The supper of the great God”: Also, called “the war of the great day of God, the Almighty” (16:14). It will begin with an angel summoning birds to feed on the corpses of those who will be slain (compare Matt. 24:27-28). God will declare His victory before the battle even begins. The Old Testament frequently pictures the indignity of carrion birds feasting on human dead (Deut. 28:26; Psalm 79:2; Isa. 18:6; Jer. 7:33; 16:4; 19:7; 34:20; Ezek. 29:5).
This "supper" that this speaks of, will be right after the battle of Armageddon. Some people believe the birds are gathering in Israel now for the feast (see article “Armageddon”).
“Unto the supper of the great God”: As if the great God were about to give you a feast, to wit, the carcasses of those slain. It is called "his supper" because he gives it; and the image is merely that there would be a great slaughter of his foes, as is specified in the following verse.
Revelation 19:18 "That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all [men, both] free and bond, both small and great."
What this is saying is that for those lying out there dead in the valley of Megiddo, it will not matter whether you were a general or a private. The birds will not know the difference. With God, there has never been a distinction. He is not impressed with your position in life. The birds will eat them all.
This reveals the extent of the massive slaughter. To have one's unburied body left as food for birds would be the ultimate indignity, especially for the mighty military commanders and the proud kings. The same fate awaits the God hating rebels everywhere in the world.
Verses 19-21: The “armies” of the “beast” and of the “kings” of the East (and of all the “earth”), will gather in Palestine at Armageddon (compare 16:12-16), to attempt to prevent the return and kingdom of Christ. Christ will immediately defeat and capture the Beast and the “false prophet” (compare chapter 13). These will become the first inhabitants of the “Lake of fire” (compare 20:10). The rest of the kings and armies will be killed by the Word of Christ, and will be eaten by the birds (verses 17 and 18). The unbelieving survivors of the Tribulation will be judged by Christ and also sentenced to everlasting fire (compare Matt. 25:41, 46).
Revelation 19:19 "And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army."
“Kings of the earth” (see 17:12-17).
“Their armies”: (see 16:13-14).
“His army”: Zechariah describes this army of the Lord as “all the holy ones” (Zech. 14:15).
This beast is the Antichrist, the leader of the last and greatest empire in human history. The kings of the earth are those ten kings who rule the ten sectors which the Antichrist's worldwide empire is divided into.
The Antichrist has gathered his armies to do battle with Jesus and His army. The formidable and seemingly invincible armed might of the beast, with all of its firepower, now awaits the arrival of the Rider on the white horse.
Ever since the beginning of time, the armies of God and the armies of the devil have been in mortal combat. The flesh and the Spirit have been in combat also. Isaac (Spirit), and Ishmael (flesh), are still in mortal physical combat through their descendants in Israel today. This Scripture above is speaking again of the battle of Armageddon.
Revelation 19:20 "And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone."
“The beast was taken … the false prophet”: In an instant, the world’s armies are without their leaders. The beast is Antichrist (see notes on 13:1-8); the false prophet is his religious cohort (see notes on 13:11-17).
“Cast alive”: The bodies of the beast and the false prophet will be transformed, and they will be banished directly to the lake of fire (Dan. 7:11), the first of countless millions of unregenerate men (20:15), and fallen angels (compare Matt. 25:41), to arrive in that dreadful place. That these two still appear there 1000 years later (20:10), refutes the false doctrine of annihilationism (compare 14:11; Isa. 66:24; Matt. 25:41; Mark 9:48; Luke 3:17; 2 Thess. 1:9).
But before the battle can even begin, it's over. Not only that, but those two demonically empowered leaders, Antichrist and False Prophet, are dealt a terrible blow. Those two are thrown alive into the lake of fire.
The false prophet and the beast were used of Satan to perform his evil deeds. As the two most evil, vile and blasphemous people who have ever lived, it is fitting that they should be the first two to arrive in that awful place. And they will be there by themselves for a thousand years until the devil joins them at the end of the millennium. Then at the second resurrection (the second death), they will be joined by all unbelievers for all eternity.
“Lake of fire”: The final hell, the place of eternal punishment for all unrepentant rebels, angelic or human (compare 20:10, 15). The New Testament says much of eternal punishment (compare 14:10-11; Matt. 13:40-42; 25:41; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 3:17; 12:47-48).
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This is the first mention in the bible of the "lake of fire". This is the final hell and the ultimate destination of Satan, his angels (or demons), and the unredeemed (see article “Hell, for the Unbelieving Dead”).
Hell has always existed, but this is hell's final form. Unlike Hades which was a temporary holding place, this is the final permanent place for incarceration and punishment.
“Lake of fire burning with brimstone” (see note on 9:17. These two are frequently associated with divine judgment (14:10; 20:10; 21:8; Gen. 19:24; Psalm 11:6; Isa. 30:33; Ezek. 38:22; Luke 17:29).
We see here, the total victory over the beast and the false prophet. This shows here that the "KING OF KINGS" throws them into the "lake of fire". This "brimstone" is sulfur. This is final victory over the earthly manifestations of Satan's power.
Revelation 19:21 "And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh."
Then all of the rest who were with the Antichrist and the false prophet will then be destroyed and the rest of those gathered to fight against Christ.
“Sword” (see verse 15; compare Zech. 14:1-13).
Then suddenly it will be all over. Actually, there will not be any war at all as we think of war. There will be just a word spoken from the Rider who sits on the white horse. That's the same One who spoke the heavens and the earth into existence at the very beginning. The One who spoke to a fig tree and it withered away. Who spoke to the howling winds and heaving waves and the storm clouds vanished and the waves were stilled. Who spoke to a legion of demons in a man and instantly they fled.
Now by His Word, the Beast is stricken where he stands. The false prophet windbag from the pit is stilled. Then they're hurled into the everlasting flames. Then another Word and all of the panic-stricken armies’ stagger and fall down dead.
“Fowls were filled with their flesh”: All remaining sinners in the world will have been executed, and the birds will gorge themselves on their corpses. All the birds ate and were filled with the flesh of those who were killed.
The rest of the unredeemed throughout the world will be judged at the sheep and goat judgment which takes place at this time (see Matthew 25:32-46; see article “Judgment on Mankind is Coming”).
This is not just defeat, but is physical death for those who followed the beast and the false prophet. The Word of God defeated them. They actually die in the battle of Armageddon by the Words of Christ and not by an easy death as scripture tells us that the blood in that valley ran up to the horse’s bridles, about 4 to 5 feet deep for the entire length of the 200 mile valley.
Revelation chapter 20
Revelation chapter 20 is one of the most controversial chapters in the Bible, not because it contains anything essentially complex, but because it touches on a subject of preconceived bias.
Now is the time when Satan will be taken, bound and put into the bottomless pit (abyss), where his influence will not have any effect on the Tribulation Saints who have lived through the seven years of Tribulation. Can you imagine a life where Satan isn't around to temp anyone? Do you think that the 1000 year millennium will be a time of paradise? That nothing bad will happen?
No one will enter into the 1000 year millennium unless they are a believer. Most will live for the entire one thousand years and will procreate and have children. Yes, even the curse on the animals is lifted and the wolf will lie down with the lamb and will live in peace with each other.
But human nature is what it is. The children of those Saints will still have to be taught about Jesus, even though He will be with them constantly, many will not accept Him. Remember, the heart is very wicked and unfortunately, that is the nature of man. Many of those children will be rebels and with a tremendous population explosion during those one thousand years, there will be probably billions of people at the end much like it is now. However, the unbelievers at that point will be as "the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea" (verse 8).
Verses 1-3: The “bottomless pit” is simply the Abyss (Greek abussos), the abode of evil spirits (compare 9:1-11; Luke 8:31). The “key” shows authority, and the “chain” depicts imprisonment and binding. Before the millennial kingdom begins, “Satan” (compare 12:9), is “bound” in the Abyss. The “seal” indicates God’s authority and guarantee that Satan will not be released until “a thousand years” have passed. During the Millennium (Latin for “one thousand years”), Satan will not be able to tempt or “deceive the nations”. Any temptation to sin during the Millennium must come from within those people who are born after the kingdom begins. It must be assumed that all of Satan’s demons or fallen angels are also imprisoned at that time (compare Isa. 24:21-23). Christ will reign on earth without opposition, and His kingdom will be characterized by righteousness, peace, and love (compare Isa. 2:3-4; 11:3-5; 35:1-2; Dan. 7:14; Zech. 14:9). However, after the thousand years, Satan will be released for a short time (verses 7-9).
Revelation 20:1 "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand."
This "angel" is not Jesus Himself but is a ministering spirit that Jesus has given authority to. This angel comes from heaven (near the throne). We can assume from this that Jesus has turned the key to the bottomless pit over to this specific angel and has given him power and authority for this job. This "great chain" in this angel's hand, shows the power God has given him over the devil for this task, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended.
“Key of the bottomless pit”: The place where demons are incarcerated pending their final sentencing to the lake of fire (see notes on 9:1; 2 Peter 2:4).
Revelation 20:2 "And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,"
“Laid hold”: This includes not only Satan; but the demons as well (see article “Satan”). Their imprisonment will dramatically alter the world during the kingdom, since their destructive influence in all areas of human thought and life will be removed.
“Dragon”: Likening Satan to a dragon emphasizes his ferocity, and cruelty
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Here we see the devil spoken of as the dragon which we read about in a previous lesson (see note on 12:3). We also see him recognized as the serpent. You see, he was the one who deceived Eve in the garden (Gen. 3:1ff; compare 2 Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim. 2:14).
The devil will not be here on the earth to harass the Christians until the millennial 1000 year reign of Jesus is over.
When he bound the devil for the 1000 years, the angel put him in the abyss, not in the burning hell. This burning hell was reserved for his final punishment.
“A thousand years”: This is the first of 6 references to the length of the millennial kingdom (compare verses 3-7). There are 3 main views of the duration and nature of this period:
(1) Premillennialism sees this as a literal 1000 year period during which Jesus Christ, in fulfillment of numerous prophecies (e.g., 2 Sam. 7:12-16; Psalm 2; Isa. 11:6-12; 24:23; Hosea 3:4-5; Joel 3:9-21; Amos 9:8-15; Micah 4:1-8; Zeph. 3:14-20; Zech. 14:1-11; Matt. 24:29-31, 36:44), reigns on the earth. Using the same general principles of interpretation for both prophetic and non-prophetic passages leads most naturally to Premillennialism. Another strong argument supporting this view is that so many biblical prophecies have already been literally fulfilled, suggesting that future prophecies will likewise be fulfilled literally.
(2) Postmillennialism understands the reference to a 1000 year period as only symbolic of a golden age of righteousness and spiritual prosperity. It will be ushered in by the spread of the gospel during the present church age and brought to completion when Christ returns. According to this view, references to Christ’s reign on earth primarily describe His spiritual reign in the hearts of believers in the church.
(3) Amillennialism understands the 1000 years to be merely symbolic of a long period of time. This view interprets Old Testament prophecies of a Millennium as being fulfilled spiritually now in the church (either on earth or in heaven), or as references to the eternal state. Using the same literal, historical, grammatical principle of interpretation so as to determine the normal sense of language, one is left with the inescapable conclusion that Christ will return and reign in a real kingdom on earth for 1000 years. There is nothing in the text to render the conclusion that “a thousand years” is symbolic. Never is Scripture when “year” is used with a number is its meaning not literal (see note on 2 Peter 3:8).
Revelation 20:3 "And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season."
“The bottomless pit”: All 7 times that this appears in Revelation, it refers to the place where fallen angels and evil spirits are kept captive, waiting to be sent to the lake of fire, the final hell prepared for them (Matt. 25:41).
“Be loosed a little season”: Satan will be released so God can make a permanent end of sin before establishing the new heaven and earth. All who survive the Tribulation and enter the kingdom will be believers. However, despite that and the personal presence and rule of the Lord Jesus Christ, many of their descendants will refuse to believe in Him. Satan will then gather those unbelievers for one final, futile rebellion against God. It will be quickly and decisively crushed, followed by the Great White Throne Judgment and the establishment of the eternal state.
At the end of the 1000 years, Satan will once again be released to deceive the nations. He will find many unsaved descendants of those who lived through the millennium. There will be a very large number as we are told in verse eight as they will be like the sand of the seashore or a vast uncountable multitude.
Satan's deceptive way of getting those sinners to revolt against God is not revealed, but it will fit into God's plan when He destroys those rebels. These rebels will come from the four corners of the earth and this is also known as Gog and Magog (see article “Gog and Magog”). The first mention of Gog and Magog was in Ezek. Chapters 38 and 39 (which I suggest reading), and is mentioned here (in verse eight).
Revelation 20:4 "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."
The “thrones” represent the administration of the messianic kingdom. Those whom John sees come to life are the Tribulation martyrs, who refused to worship the “beast”. They will rule the earth “with Christ” for “a thousand years”. Christ will rule through three classes of kingdom administrators:
(1) Old Testament saints (compare Isa. 26:19; Dan. 12:2), who will be resurrected at this time;
(2) The apostles and the church (compare Matt. 19:28-29);
(3) Tribulation saints (compare Luke 19:12-27).
Only believers will enter the Millennium at its beginning (compare John 3:3, 5). God’s promises to Abraham (Gen. 12:2-3), and David (2 Sam. 7:16), will be fulfilled (compare Luke 1:31-33; Rom. 11:15, 29). After the Millennium, Christ will deliver the kingdom to God the Father and will then be appointed Ruler forever (compare 1 Cor. 15:24-28).
“The souls of them that were beheaded”: These are tribulation martyrs (compare 6:9; 18:24; 19:2). The Greek word translated “beheaded” became a general term for execution, not necessarily a particular method of punishment.
“His mark” (see note on 13:16). Tribulation martyrs will be executed for refusing the mark of the beast (see article “Mark of the Beast”).
“Reigned”: Tribulation believers, along with the redeemed from both the Old Testament and New Testament times, will reign with Christ (1 Cor. 6:2; 2 Tim. 2:12), during the 1000 year kingdom.
Many of the writers do not believe that this thousand years is a literal time. I personally do. They believe that this is spiritual, and that Jesus bound the devil when He defeated him on the cross. If that were so, who is this terrible thing that has been nipping at my heels all the time that I have been working for God. The devil is real. Just as he brought trials and tribulation (with permission from God), on Job, Christians are allowed to go through tribulation here on this earth to make them strong. Believe me; the devil is not locked up now.
In the scripture above, we find that the martyrs and those who refuse to take the mark of the beast will reign with Christ right here on this earth. Christians, from all generations, will live here on this earth during the millennium and will rule and reign with the Lord Jesus. We will rule with Christ during those years but we will not be equal as we will reign as His subordinates. Won't it be wonderful to reign with the martyrs like Stephen?
This 1000 year Millennial reign of Jesus Christ here on this earth, I believe, has to be 1000 years. Mankind has worked six 1000 year days since Adam, and this will be the one “1000” year day of rest (sabbath). God set this universe up on six days of work, one day of rest. The land was set to work six years and one year of rest. Jesus hung on the cross six hours to complete his work. This will be a literal 1000 year of rest to conform to this pattern that God set up.
The thrones represent the administration of the messianic kingdom. Those whom John sees come to life are the Tribulation martyrs, who refused to worship the beast.
Christ will rule through three classes of kingdom administrators:
- Old Testament saints (Isaiah 26:19; Dan. 12:2), who will be resurrected at this time;
- The apostles and the church (Matt. 19:28-29); and
- Tribulation saints (Luke 19:12-27).
Only believers will enter the Millennium at its beginning (John 3:3-5).
God's promises to Abraham (Gen. 12:2-3), and David (2 Sam 7:16), will be fulfilled (Luke 1:31-33; Rom. 11:15, 29). After the Millennium, Christ will deliver the kingdom to God the Father and will then be appointed Ruler forever (1 Cor. 15:24-28).
Verses 5-6: The “first resurrection” is the resurrection included in verse 4. It has three principal phases:
(1) The resurrection of Christ (the firstfruits (1 Cor. 15:23; compare Rev. 1:5);
(2) The resurrection of the church (the dead in Christ (1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. 4:16); and
(3) The resurrection of Old Testament and Tribulation saints (verse 4; Isa. 26:19; Dan. 12:2).
The “rest of the dead” (unbelievers), will be raised in the second resurrection, described (in verses 12-13).
Revelation 20:5 "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection."
The rapture of the church is the first resurrection. Those dead who did not accept the Lord as their Savior, have not risen from the grave yet. This 1000 years is just for the resurrected Christians.
“The rest of the dead”: The bodies of unbelievers of all ages will not be resurrected until the Great White Throne Judgment (verses 12-13).
“First resurrection”: Scripture teaches two kinds of resurrections: the “resurrection of life” and the “resurrection of judgment” (John 5:29; compare Dan. 12:2; Acts 24:15). The first kind of resurrection is described as “the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:14), the resurrection of “those who are Christ’s at His coming” (1 Cor. 15:23), and the “better resurrection” (Heb. 11:35). It includes only the redeemed of the church age (1 Thess. 4:13-18), the Old Testament (Dan. 12:2), and the Tribulation (verse 4). They will enter the kingdom in resurrection bodies, along with believers who survived the Tribulation. The second kind of resurrection then, will be the resurrection of the unconverted who will receive their final bodies suited for torment in hell.
The first part of verse 5 is a parenthesis, and comes chronologically after verse 11.
A parenthesis is defined: A qualifying or amplifying word, phrase, or sentence inserted within written matter in such a way as to be independent of the surrounding grammatical structure.
The first resurrection is the resurrection included in verse 4. It has three principal phases:
- The resurrection of Christ (the firstfruits; 1 Cor. 15:23; Rev. 1:5);
- The resurrection of the church (the dead in Christ; 1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. 4:16); and
- The resurrection of Old Testament and Tribulation saints (verse 4; Isaiah 26:19; Dan. 12:2).
The rest of the dead (unbelievers), will be raised in the second resurrection, described (in verses 12-13).
The first resurrection is a resurrection to life (John 5:28-29), whereas the second resurrection is a resurrection to death. The second death is eternal punishment in the lake of fire (see verse 14).
Revelation 20:6 "Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."
“Blessed”: Those who die in the Lord (14:13), are blessed with the privilege of entering His kingdom (see note on 1:3).
We Christians are the blessed. You can easily see that the wicked dead have no part in this resurrection. We believers in Christ (the redeemed), are not subject to death because we have life (which Jesus breathed into us), when we were born again. We will never die. This second death mentioned here is for the lost. Not only will the Christians reign on this earth with Jesus for 1000 years, but we will live for all eternity in heaven with Jesus, because we have eaten of the Tree of Life which is Jesus Christ our Lord.
“Second death”: The first death is only physical, the second is spiritual and eternal in the lake of fire, the final, eternal hell (verse 14). It could exist outside the created universe as we know it, outside of space and time, and is presently unoccupied (see note on 19:20 for the first two occupants).
This second death mentioned here is for the lost. Not only will the Christians reign on this earth with Jesus for 1000 years, but we will live for all eternity in heaven with Jesus, because we have eaten of the Tree of Life which is Jesus Christ our Lord.
What is the Millennium? Christ's 1000 year reign upon David's throne is the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, Israel and to David, but its more than that, it is the final proof of the incorrigible nature of man's sinful heart. Christ is present in Jerusalem, ruling the world, and the saints of all ages in resurrected bodies administer the kingdom righteously under His direction. All evil is prohibited and punished immediately. Even Satan is locked away so that he cannot in any way influence mankind (see note on verse 2).
Verses 7-10: Many of the believers who enter the Millennium in their natural bodies as survivors of the Tribulation (compare Matt. 25:34), will begin to have children, who will also reproduce throughout the “thousand years”. Many of those descendants will remain unsaved and unregenerate and will therefore be able to sin. At the end of the Millennium, “Satan” will be released from prison to make one last attempt to defeat Christ. He will “deceive the nations” into rebellion against God. The reference to “Gog and Magog” shows that this final battle will be like the invasion described (in Ezekiel chapter 38). The “beloved city” is the earthly Jerusalem, headquarters of Christ’s millennial kingdom (compare Isa. 60:1-22; Zech. 14:1-20). The rebels will be quickly destroyed by “fire … from God”. Satan will then be “cast into the lake of fire” where his henchmen, the Antichrist and the False Prophet are (compare 20:10, 15; 19:20). Their torment will be eternal.
Revelation 20:7 "And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,"
“Satan … loosed”: He is loosed to bring cohesive leadership to the world of rebel’s born to the believers who entered the kingdom at the beginning. He is loosed to reveal the charter of Christ-rejecting sinners who are brought into judgment for the last time ever.
Satan and his demons will be imprisoned in the abyss for 1000 years while Christ rules with unopposed sovereignty. They are not permitted to interfere in the affairs of the kingdom in any way.
All those who initially went into the kingdom were without doubt redeemed sinners who had turned to Christ in faith. The bad news is that they still will possess a sinful human nature. That sin nature is passed on to their children, grandchildren, etc.
Thus each generation born in the millennium will have need for salvation. Many will come to salvation but amazingly despite the most moral society the world will ever know, a great number will love their sin and reject Him.
When Satan is loosed, he provides the leadership needed to bring the latent sin and rebellion to the surface of those unrepentant sinners. This act of rebellion will start immediately when he is released.
Revelation 20:8 "And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea."
This "battle" is very similar to the battle we read about in chapter 19 of Revelation. The only thing that makes this appear to be a different battle is that the one in chapter 19 happens in the valley of Megiddo. and this battle seems to be around the city of Jerusalem.
“Gog and Magog”: The name given to the army of rebels and its leader at the end of the Millennium. They were names of ancient enemies of the Lord. Magog was the grandson of Noah (Gen. 10:2), and founder of a kingdom located north of the Black and Caspian Seas. Gog is apparently the leader of a rebel army known collectively as Magog. The battle depicted (in verses 8-9), is like the one in Ezek. chapters 38 and 39); it is best to see this one as taking place at the end of the Millennium, not the Tribulation.
The use of Gog and Magog here and (in Ezekiel 38 and 39), has confused some readers. A thorough reading of the two passages will reveal that the events are not the same. The one thing these events have in common is that both national entities (Gog and Magog), are driven by the spirit of rebellion against God. In these two cases, God uses the same names because of the deceptively satanic spirit that motivates them both (see article “Gog and Magog”).
Ezek. 38:2 "Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,"
“Meshech and Tubal”: Two peoples were recognized in ancient Assyrian monuments: one called Mushki (Mushku) and the other Tubali (Tabal). Both were in Asia Minor, the area of Magog, modern day Turkey. Summing up, a chief prince, who is the enemy of God’s people, will lead a coalition of nations against Jerusalem. The details of the enemy force and its destruction are given by Ezekiel in the rest of chapters 38 and 39.
Ezekiel 38:3 "And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:"
In Ezekiel 38 and 39 we read detailed information about a battle very similar to this. I believe "Gog and Magog" are modern Russia. When you read this in Ezekiel, you will see Iran (Persia), Libya, Ethiopia and Turkey. All of these are already having problems with Israel.
Look at these two scriptures:
Ezekiel 39:12 "And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land."
Ezekiel 39:9 "And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years:"
When you look at the next scripture, you see a problem with the seven months and years of Ezekiel which doesn’t fit the timing here. As in 20:9 that is pretty much the end of everything. So, you decide if this is two battles or one.
One at the end just prior to the start of the Tribulation, or into the beginning of the Tribulation; and the second one to end the world as we know it at the end of the Millennium.
They will muster their forces from one corner of the globe to the other and will march on Jerusalem, where they will "surround the camp of the saints and the beloved city." But there will be no battle. No call to arms. No defensive strategy or late night negotiations or propaganda campaign or deploying of gigantic nuclear weapons.
The four quarters of the earth refers to the entire globe. Gog is used as a title for an enemy of God's people, not a particular person. Magog seems to be the term used here to describe area where the sinful rebels of all the nations come from, that gather together for the last war in human history.
The number of these rebels will be like the sand of the seashore which is a figure of speech used in the bible to define a vast and uncountable multitude.
Consider how when Joseph sent for his father and family that a total of 70 people came to Egypt. A little over 400 years later there were millions who God lead out of Egypt. There will be a lot more people left than 70 that will go into the millennium and there will be 250% more time for procreation. There will probably be many billions of people at that time so Satan could have a huge gathering that will join together for that final battle. "the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea."
Revelation 20:9 "And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them."
These enemies of God here come against Jesus and the saints. In fact, they surround the saints. The "beloved city" here mentioned is Jerusalem. When the devil thinks he has won, fire comes down from heaven (from God), and devours them.
“Fire”: Frequently associated in Scripture with divine judgment of wicked men (Gen 19:24; 2 Kings 1:10, 12, 14; Luke 9:54; 17:29).
Again, like in the battle of Armageddon before the millennium started, this battle too will in all reality be an execution. As the rebel forces moved in to attack, they are swiftly and totally exterminated. They will be physically killed and their souls will go into the realm of punishment awaiting final sentencing to the eternal hell that will shortly take place.
Revelation 20:10 "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
“Deceived”: Just as his demons will entice the world’s armies into the Battle of Armageddon, Satan will draw them into a suicidal assault against Christ and those with Him (16:13-14).
“Lake of fire and brimstone” (see note on 19:20).
The beast and false prophet have been waiting for Satan in the lake of fire and brimstone for the last one thousand years. Now their deceiver joins them.
“Tormented day and night” (see note on 14:11). Continuous, unrelieved torment will be the final state of Satan, fallen angels, and unredeemed men.
There will not be a moment's peace for them all the rest of eternity.
Revelation chapter 20 Continued
Verses 11-15: These verses describe the final judgment of all the unbelievers of all ages (Matt. 10:15; 11:22, 24; 12:36, 41-42; Luke 10:14; John 12:48; Acts 17:31, 24:25; Rom. 2:5, 16; Heb. 9:27; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7; Jude 6). Our Lord referred to this event as the “resurrection of judgment” (John 5:29). This judgment takes place in the indescribable void between the end of the present universe (verse 11), and the creation of the new heaven and earth (21:1).
Revelation 20:11 "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them."
“Great white throne”: Nearly 50 times in Revelation there is the mention of a throne. This is a judgment throne, elevated, pure, and holy (see article “Great White Throne – Judgment Seat”). God sits on it as judge (compare 4:2-3, 9; 5:1, 7, 13; 6:16; 7:10, 15), in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ (see 21:5-6; John 5:22-29; Acts 17:31).
This is judgment day. Now John describes the terrifying scene set before him. He sees the Judge who is seated on His throne of Judgment and all of the accused standing before Him. The verdicts handed down from this throne will be equitable, righteous and just.
“The earth and the heaven fled away”: John saw the contaminated universe go out of existence. Peter described this moment (in 2 Peter 3:10-13; see notes there). The universe is “uncreated”, going into non-existence (compare Matt. 24:35; see article “Destruction of the Earth by God”).
We also remember (Ecclesiastes 12:14), which promises, "God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil". As well as (Romans 2:5-6), where Paul speaks of the day of God's wrath "when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God will give to each person according to what he has done". It is a fearful thing even to imagine standing before God "from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away", and have nothing but your own wicked works to show for the time on earth the Almighty had given you. On that day, the words of Paul the apostle will come true: "Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God" (Rom. 3:19). The final word of course, will be God's.
This vision follows those of the Second Coming (see article “Glorious Appearance - Second Coming of Christ”), and those of the Millennium, immediately preceding that of the new heaven and new earth (see article “New Heaven and the New Earth”).
The use for the earth is over. The earth, heaven, and everything in them are under control of God, and if He tells them go they will have to. This is an amazing, incredible statement that is describing the un-creation of the universe. The earth was reshaped by the tribulation judgments, restored during the millennial kingdom, now God will create a new heaven and a new earth as it states (in 2 Peter 3).
2 Peter 3:13 "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness"
Verses 12-13: The “dead” are the unbelieving dead of all the ages, the “rest of the dead” mentioned (in verse 5). They are “judged” from two sets of books (see article “Book of Life - All Books”). The “books” contain the record of every unsaved person’s life. Each unsaved person is judged in accordance with his “works” (compare Rom. 2:6, 16), which clearly show that each one is a guilty sinner (compare Rom. 3:9-19), deserving of eternal death (compare Rom. 3:23; 6:23). The “book of life” contains the name of every person who has received eternal life through faith alone (compare John 20:31; 1 John 5:11-13). These unsaved people are shown that they did not take advantage of the offer of eternal life through faith (compare Rom. 9:32; 10:3). “Death and hell” (Hades), are the temporary holding places of unsaved men’s bodies and souls, respectively (compare Luke 16:19-31).
Revelation 20:12 "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."
“Stand before God”: In a judicial sense, as guilty, condemned prisoners before the bar of divine justice. There are no living sinners left in the destroyed universe since all sinners were killed and all believers glorified.
The "dead" are those who are spiritually dead because of their rejection of Christ. They will stand in their resurrected state before Jesus to be judged by Him.
“Books”: These books record every thought, word, and deed of sinful men, all recorded by divine omniscience (see note on Dan. 7:9-10; the verse that is the source of this text). They will provide the evidence for eternal condemnation (compare 18:6-7).
These statements immediately call our attention back to the words of the Lord Jesus: "What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs" (Luke 12:3). And "There is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open" (Luke 8:17).
Remember that the Christian dead have already won their victory. Those were judged by Jesus at the Bema Seat (see article “Bema Seat - A Judgment Seat for Christians”). Now is this final fearful scene, where these include all unbelievers who have ever lived. This is the resurrection of judgment and they stand before Christ now at the White Throne Judgment (see article “Great White Throne Judgment Seat”).
The scope of the scene is chilling. The great mass of these unbelievers before God's throne includes everyone from presidents and kings, to paupers. There is no partiality with God as all will now face judgment.
"Books" is plural here (see article “Book of Life - All Books”). There are books which contain a person's every thought, word and deed. Nothing will be hidden. Think about the fact that God knows the secrets of one's heart. Those who didn't accept Jesus will have to stand or fall on their deeds. Of course, they will all fall if they didn't accept Him, because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. The Christian's sins have been done away with by the blood of Jesus.
God has kept perfect, comprehensive and accurate records of every person's life (deeds), and those will be measured against God's perfect and holy standard.
Those who didn't accept Jesus will have to stand or fall on their deeds. Of course, they will all fall if they didn't accept Him, because scripture clearly tells us that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."
“Book of life”: It contains the names of all the redeemed (Dan. 12:1; see notes on 3:5).
The Book of Life is the Lamb's Book of Life where the names of all believers are written who have accepted, believed and followed Christ. The Christian's sins have been done away by the blood of Jesus. Those Christians all have their names written in the Lamb's book of life and will not taste of the second death.
“Judged … according to their deeds”: Their thoughts (Luke 8:17; Rom. 2:16), words (Matt. 12:37), and actions (Matt. 16:27), will be compared to God’s perfect, holy standard (Matt. 5:48; 1 Peter 1:15-16), and will be found wanting (Rom. 3:23). This also implies that there are degrees of punishment in hell (compare Matt. 10:14-15; 11:22; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 12:47-48: Heb. 10:29).
Revelation 20:13 "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works."
“Death and hell” (see note on 1:18). Both terms describe the state of death. All unrighteous dead will appear at the Great White Throne Judgment; none will escape. All the places that have held the bodies of the unrighteous dead will yield up new bodies suited for hell.
Those who are lost, wait in torment in a place of punishment until judgment day. The terrible thing is that they are aware that they will be thrown into the lake of fire on judgment day. These are all of the unbelievers though all ages who have died. They will be raised up by Christ for judgment called the second resurrection.
Before the sea was uncreated and disappeared out of existence, it gave up the dead that were in it. The sea may be mentioned as it is seemingly the most difficult place from which dead bodies could be resurrected. But God will summon new bodies for all who perished in the sea throughout history.
Death symbolizes all of the places on land from which God will resurrect new bodies for the unrighteous, unrepentant dead.
As the next scene in this courtroom drama unfolds, the lost will be summoned to appear before the judge. Since their deaths, their souls have been tormented in a place of punishment, now the time has finally come for them to be judged and sentenced.
Revelation 20:14 "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death."
The “second death” is eternal punishment in the lake of fire, experienced only by the unsaved. Once this final judgment occurs, there is no further need for either death or hell (Hades; 1:18; 6:8, Isaiah 25:8; 1 Cor. 15:26-55). An eternal separation is now made between those who have life and those who have "death" (Dan. 12:2; John 5:29).
It does not mean these places are thrown into the lake. It means the inhabitants of these places.
Revelation 20:15 "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
The scriptures never refer to death as the mere cessation of life, but instead as the unnatural separation of something from that to which it belongs. Therefore, a body without the spirit suffers physical death (Gen. 35:18). The expression “second death”, defines the separation of a man from God. Human consciousness is conveyed in the biblical description of second death, suggesting that the beast and the False Prophet will both remain alive for a thousand years after being cast into the lake of fire (19:20; 20:10). When a person is saved, he has passed from death to life, and can be assured he will never come into condemnation (John 5:24; see Gen. 2:17; Mark 9:43).
This final hell is described as the lake of fire. It may already exist but presently is not occupied until the beast and the false prophet is cast into it. They don't arrive there until the end of Tribulation.
Those who die in their sins in this world will die a second death in eternity. They will be sentenced to the lake of fire forever at the great White Throne Judgment (see article “Judgment on Mankind is Coming”).
Whether this fire is symbolic, the reality it represents will be even more horrifying and painful. The bible also defines hell as a place of total darkness, which not only separates the unbelievers from the light, but from each other as well.
What is written in these last two verses should drive each of us to continue to spread the gospel as long as there is breath in your body. I cannot bear to think of anyone I know going to this terrible place of torment.
And that's it. In a ball of celestial flame, the rebellion is over. There will be no repeat of the plagues of the Tribulation, nor of the judgments of the Great Tribulation. Once and for all, human rebellion will have been wiped out of existence. And once and for all, it will be crystal clear to a watching universe that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is absolutely essential for making the unrighteous human heart into a receptacle of God's holiness. The Millennium will prove that even the best of conditions, a thousand years of peace, prosperity, safety, long life, health, abundance, cannot change the wickedness of the unredeemed human heart. Only the Lord Jesus Christ can do that!
Awesome is the Word! It probably is not humanly possible to meditate on these awesome truths for extended periods of time. Who can long ponder the lake of fire, an eternal place of torment, possibly billions of unredeemed souls, a divine Person "from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away," or fear some books of judgment that seal the fate of the unsaved?
And yet our Lord tells us of these awesome events. Why? To give us every opportunity to escape the terrible judgment that is to come. Remember, “no believer in Christ” will stand before God at the great white throne. That terrible spot is reserved only for those who have rejected Christ as Savior, who have decided to crown themselves king, and who have refused to accept Jesus Christ as their true Lord.
Do not make that terrible mistake! Instead, place your faith in the Lord Jesus and ask Him to forgive your sins; then you will be ready "to stand before the Son of Man" at the judgment seat of Christ (Luke 21:36). One thing is certain: You will stand in one place or the other. Hell, or heaven. Make sure it’s the latter. And don't think that you can choose not to believe there is such a thing as heaven or hell as it makes no difference. Everyone will be judged and assigned to one place or the other. As on earth, it is the same there, ignorance is no excuse of the law!
It is so easy to get your name written in the Lamb's book of life.
Romans 10:9-10 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
You see, Jesus must be our Lord as well as our Savior. If you truly believe, you will repent and be baptized. If your name is not written in the book of life, do not delay, do it today.
Click http://discoverrevelation.com and read the "The Meaning of Worship" and see what it's like to worship the risen Savior. Also, be sure to click the link http://discoverrevelation.com/Salvation.htmregarding "Can you Lose Your Salvation" once you have it.
Revelation Chapter 21
Verses 21:1-2: Chapters 21 and 22 are a description of the eternal state (following the Millennium and the final judgment), centering in the “new Jerusalem” as the eternal habitation of the saved (compare Heb. 11:10; 12:22-24).
“The first heaven and the first earth” are replaced by the New Heaven and the New Earth, predicted by Isaiah (compare Isa. 65:17; 66:22). The present universe will thus be cleansed from all the effects of sin (compare 2 Peter 3-7, 10-13). Since there will be “no more sea”, the increased land space will be fully capable of handling large numbers of redeemed people from all ages. The New Jerusalem is fully described (in 21:10 – 22:5). It is a holy city, totally separate from sin. (compare verses 8, 27; 22:15). It is being “prepared” (Greek hetoimazo; compare John 14:3), as the habitation of the bride of Christ (compare verse 9). “From God” shows its divine purpose, and “out of heaven” its divine origin.
Revelation 21:1 "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."
As the chapter opens, all the sinners of all the ages, both demons and men, including Satan, the beast and false prophet, are in the lake of fire forever. The whole universe has been destroyed, and God creates a new universe to be the eternal dwelling place of the redeemed.
“A new heaven and a new earth”: The entire universe as we now know it will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10-13), and be replaced by a new creation that will last forever. This is a Old Testament reality (Psalm 105:25-26; Isa. 65:17; 66:22), as well as a New Testament one (Luke 21:33; Heb. 1:10-12; see note on 20:11-15).
“There was no more sea”: Currently three-fourths of the earth’s surface is water, but the new environment will no longer be water based and will have completely different climatic conditions (see notes on 22:1-2).
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up (2 Pet. 3:10).
“A new heaven and a new earth”: The "new heaven" is the atmospheric heaven around and above the earth.
This area has been the domain of Satan (see Eph. 2:2), and must be purified before the heaven of God can come down to the new earth. This new earth will be a perfect environment similar to that of the Garden of Eden. A unique distinction of this new earth will be that the vast oceans of water that now cover three fourths of the world's surface will not be included, leaving much more habitable land for the population of the redeemed.
This "new heaven and new earth" are actually a heavenly pattern of what the Garden of Eden was a miniature of on earth. We will see the Tree of Life restored with water that flows from the throne of God. It didn't rain in the Garden of Eden. Plants were watered from beneath the earth. The water in the Garden of Eden flowed out in four rivers (symbolic of enough for the whole world). This river that flows from the throne of God is the same water that Jesus told the woman at the well, if she drank it, she would never thirst again.
Verses 21:2 – 22:5: By this point in the chronology of Revelation, Old Testament saints, tribulation saints, and all those converted during the millennial kingdom will be incorporated into the ultimate redeemed bride and will dwell in the New Jerusalem. John described the consummation of all things in Christ and the New Jerusalem descending into the eternal state (compare 19:7; 20:6; 1 Cor. 15:28; Heb. 12:22-24).
Revelation 21:2 "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."
“New Jerusalem” (compare 3:12; Heb. 11:10; 12:22-24; 13:14). This is the capital city of heaven, a place of perfect holiness. It is seen “coming down out of heaven” indicating it already existed; but it descends into the new heavens and new earth from its place on high. This is the city where the saints will live (compare John 14:1-3).
This city is the bride of Christ as well; just in the same way that Babylon was an evil city and was the apostate church, all at the same time.
“Bride”: An important New Testament metaphor for the church (compare Matt. 25:1-13; Eph. 5:25-27). John’s imagery here extends from the third part of the Jewish wedding, the ceremony. Believers (the bride), in the New Jerusalem come to meet Christ (the bridegroom), in the final ceremony of redemptive history (see note on 19:7). The whole city, occupied by all the saints, is called the bride, so that all saints must be finally included in the bride imagery and bridal blessing. God has brought home a bride for His beloved Son. All the saints live with Christ in the Father’s house (a promise made before the church began (John 14:2).
Now John sees the new holy city which is not heaven, but is called that since everyone who will be in it is holy. This is Christ's Kingdom. "Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection" (20:6).
New Jerusalem will be coming down to the new heaven and new earth mentioned (in verse 1). The old heaven and earth which was (in 20:11), fled away and was no more.
The city is illustrated as a bride because it contains the bride and takes on her character. John saw the bride adorned for her husband because the time for the consummation had arrived. The concept of the bride includes not only the church, but all the rest of the redeemed from all the ages who will live forever in that eternal city.
1 Cor. 15:28 “And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all”.
Verses 3-5: “Tabernacle of God”: The presence of God will be with His “people”, and He will forever “dwell with them”. A primary purpose of redemption will be accomplished: the complete fellowship of God with His redeemed people. In the eternal state, there will be no “tears, death, sorrow, crying,” or “pain”. Everything will become “new”. God’s promises are “true”, and He is always “faithful” to His Word (compare 19:11).
Revelation 21:3 "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God."
“The tabernacle of God is with men”: The tabernacle was the original symbol of God dwelling with His people. In eternity, mankind will dwell with God. In that eternal state, we will not only enjoy fellowship with our redeemed loved ones but will also have actual fellowship with God Himself.
"Tabernacle" here means dwelling place of God. No longer will he be far off. No longer will he be "veiled" in the human form of Jesus Christ, in a cloud, a pillar of fire or in a Holy of Holies (compare Lev. 26:11-12; Deut. 12:5).
Heaven to me, is where ever Jesus is. Just like God walked with Adam in the garden of Eden, He will be in heaven with us continually. The Bible says, if we are not ashamed of Jesus here on this earth, He will not be ashamed of us in heaven. He will claim us as His very own. He will fellowship with us all the time.
Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”.
Revelation 21:4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
“Wipe away all tears”: Since there will never be a tear in heaven, nothing will be sad, disappointing, deficient, or wrong (compare Isa. 53:4-5; 1 Cor. 15:54-57).
All tears, pain, sorrow, and death will be removed in that heavenly New Jerusalem where Christians will live. This is the exact opposite of the curse that resulted from Adam's sin (see Gen. 3:16-19). The effects of the curse are removed, and all things are made new. God does not merely repair the creation, He re-creates it for His children to enjoy for all eternity.
Just as the disciples knew security when Jesus was there to take care of all their needs, we will know perfect peace and joy in heaven. Jesus is the king of peace. Jesus defeated death on the cross. The biggest fear of mankind is death. We just read where the Christians will not taste the second death. This fear is gone away. Death will no longer hang over the Christian. The Christian has eternal life (not death).
There won't be any reason to cry for in heaven. The devil and all his problems he brought upon the Christians have been thrown into the lake of fire. Every negative thing has been done away with.
Revelation 21:5 "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."
"The One who sits on the throne said", is the same One "from whose presence earth and heaven fled away (Rev. 20:11).
Here we see God sitting on the throne saying that He "makes all things new". When we are saved we become a new creature. We know this saying is true for the believer. Just as He did not throw us away and get a new person: He says here "I make all things new".
He did not say He made new things. He just takes the old things and transforms them into new. Here we see that Jesus commanded John to write, because all the things he has been shown are true. Jesus is the truth.
“True and faithful” (compare 3:14; 9:11). God always speaks truth (John 17:17).
Verses 6-8: “It is done”: The eternal purpose of God to gather a holy, devoted people for Himself has now been accomplished. “Alpha and Omega” (see 1:8; 22:13).
“Beginning”: God is the origin and source of all things (compare Isa. 41:4; 44:6; 48:12).
“End”: He is also the goal or aim of all things (compare Rom. 10:4).
“The water of life” represents eternal sustenance and provision (compare 22:1; Psalm 36:9; Isa. 55:1; Jer. 2:13; John 4:14), available “freely” by faith (22:17).
“He that overcometh” is the one who has genuine, saving, persevering faith (compare 2:11; 3:5; 1 John 5:4-5). He will “inherit” all that belongs to him as a “son” of God (compare John 1:12; Rom. 8:16-17; Gal. 3:29; 4:7). But sinners, who have shown their rebellion against God by their life-style of sin, have already been cast into the “lake” of “fire” (20:12-15; compare 22:15).
The “second death” is eternal death (compare 20:14).
Revelation 21:6 "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."
“Alpha and Omega” (see note on 1:8).
It is done. These words mark the end of redemptive history. This is a statement (Gr. gegonan) of divine finality. It represents God's promise that this new state will be forever. Alpha and Omega is the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Hence, this phrase represents the sum of all things. In (Rev. 1:11; 22:12-13), it is used of Christ. Here it is used of God the Father ("He that sat on the throne"), indicating the deity of both the Father and the Son.
Just as Jesus said on the cross "It is finished". You see, Jesus is the way to get to the water of life. In fact, He is the water. He is life (see article “Tree of Life - River of Water of Life”). He who hungers and thirst after righteousness shall be filled. There is nothing before Him and nothing after Him.
“Him that is athirst”: Heaven belongs to those who, knowing their souls are parched by sin, have earnestly sought the satisfaction of salvation and eternal life (compare Psalm 42:1-2; Isa. 55:1-2; John 7:37-38).
A citizen of heaven is described as one who "thirsts", signifying those who recognize their desperate spiritual need, "hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matt. 5:6).
“Water of life” (compare 7:17; 22:1, 17). The lasting spiritual water of which Jesus spoke (John 4:13-14; 7:37-38; compare Isa. 55:1-2).
Revelation 21:7 "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."
“He that overcometh” (compare 1 John 5:4-5). Anyone who exercises saving faith in Jesus Christ (see note on 2:7).
An overcomer is one who exercises saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. A person who in faith drinks the water of salvation freely offered by God. Each of the seven letters to the churches (in Rev. chapters 2 and 3), end in the promise of he that overcomes will inherit these things.
Just as a bride is an equal inheritor of all that is her husband's, so the Church, the Bride of Christ, will inherit all that is His. He even promises that He will be our God and we shall be His son. These terms of endearment are experiences we as Christians shall enjoy forever (see article “Christian - How Do I Become a Christian?”).
“Inherit”: The spiritual inheritance all believers will receive (1 Peter 1:4; compare Matt. 25:23), is the fullness of the new creation (compare Rom. 8:16-17).
From this scripture, we see there is something we must overcome. If we are faithful to Him in the face of all odds, we will inherit eternal life. The New Testament is actually an inheritance to the believers. If we believe, we can collect on that inheritance. Whoever we are faithful to, is our God. If he is our God, He will claim us as His son.
Revelation 21:8 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
A solemn, serious warning about the kinds of people who will be outcasts from the new heaven and the new earth in the lake of fire. The New Testament often goes beyond just citing unbelief in listing character and lifestyle traits of the outcast, so that believers can identify such people (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19; compare John 8:31).
The contrasts between (verses 7-8), are graphic. They represent the age-old concept that there are only two kinds of people with God, believers and unbelievers. They experience two different lifestyles on earth and go to two different eternal destinies. Believers go to "eternal life" while unbelievers experience "the second death," which is the lake of fire.
Fear is not of God. Fear is the opposite of faith. In fact, it is mentioned twice here by saying "fearful and unbelieving". Jesus cannot be someone's Savior, unless they believe that He is their Savior.
The Bible speaks of sins such as homosexuality as being an abomination. Here, we see those who do abominable things taking part in the second death. Abomination, meaning vile, polluted, detestable, wholly caught up in wickedness and evil. Here, we see those who do abominable things taking part in the second death.
Notice here this says "murderers", not accidental killing or killing in war. This is premeditated murder, or those who hate their neighbors.
We see here "whoremongers". This is a person who has dealings with prostitutes, especially a sexually promiscuous man (this means not only in the physical but also in the spiritual).
"Sorcerers" has to do with the occult and also drugs (see note on 9:27).
"Idolaters" has to do with anything or anyone you put ahead of God.
"Liars" can do more harm than you can imagine. Many have a tendency to tell little white lies, but any untruth is a lie.
Those whose lives are characterized by such things give evidence that they are not saved and will not enter into the heavenly city.
“Lake which burneth with fire (see note on 19:20). “Brimstone” (see note on 9:17). “Second death” (see note on 20:6).
After we are forgiven of our sins and born again, we must practice salvation. We must not have the habit of sinning. We may slip and sin, but if we do, we have an advocate with the Father. Repent and ask forgiveness, and then as Jesus told the woman who the Pharisees had caught in the art of adultery, "Go and sin no more". Do not practice sin. The horror of it all if you do not change from these evils, is that you will be thrown into the lake of fire.
Verses 9-21: These verses describe the beauty and glory of the “holy Jerusalem”. It is called Christ’s “bride” (compare verse 2), a reference perhaps to the church as the city’s principal inhabitant. It is an expression of the “glory of God”. The “wall” shows its security and protection. Its “gates” show accessibility. Saved “Israel” is also present. It has dimensions of approximately 1500 miles cubed. The “gold” and “precious stones” may be earthly materials glorified (compare 1 Cor. 15:50-54). They depict the glory, beauty, and eternal quality of the city. “Jasper” is green, “sapphire” is blue, “chalcedony” is green, “emerald” is green, “sardonyx” is red and white, “sardius” is blood red, “chrysolite” is yellow or gold, “beryl” is green, “topaz” is greenish gold or yellow, “chrysoprasus” is green, “Jacinth” is bluish purple, and “amethyst” is purple quartz. The effect is a magnificent city of brilliant gold adorned with gems of every color. There appears to be only on “street” (compare 22:2), also made of “pure”, radiant “gold”.
Verses 9-10: “The Lamb’s wife”: The New Jerusalem takes on the character of its inhabitants, the redeemed (see notes on verse 2; 19:7-9).
Revelation 21:9 "And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife."
From the past, at the beginning of the millennium, one of the seven angels who poured out a bowl or vial appeared to John.
“Seven vials” (see note on 15:7). “Seven last plagues” (see note on 15:1-8).
Now the angel was to show John the Lamb's bride, the Lamb's wife. New Jerusalem is likened to a bride because the redeemed are forever united to God and the Lamb.
At this point, the marriage has already taken place (in 19:7), and now is referred to as "The Lamb's Wife.
Revelation 21:10 "And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,"
That great city, the holy Jerusalem. The Lamb's wife is described as the new city of Jerusalem. This magnificent city is where the bride of Christ (the Church), will live forever. The most dominant characteristic of the holy city is the presence of God's Glory, which personifies God's presence with His people. The Glory that departed from the Old Jerusalem (see Ezek. Chapters 8 to 11), is restored to the New Jerusalem of the future.
John's incredible vision began when the angel carried him away in the Spirit (in Rev. 1), where he received the visions that make up the book of Revelation. John's visions were not dreams, but spiritual realities, like the one's Paul saw when he was also caught up to the third heaven (see note on 1:10).
From John's vantage point atop a great and high mountain, he repeats his observation (of verse 2), that New Jerusalem came down out of heaven from God, emphasizing its divine origin.
Note what is described here is not the creation of heaven, but the descent of what already existed from eternity past. Now it's being situated in the center of the new heaven and the new earth (see article the “New Heaven and the New Earth”).
Revelation Chapter 21 Continued
Revelation 21:11 "Having the glory of God: and her light [was] like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;"
"The Glory of God": The brilliance radiating from New Jerusalem caused by the full manifestation of God's glory will be so much, the city will have no need of the sun or the moon as the glory of God will illuminate it.
“Jasper”: A transliteration, not a translation, of the Greek word. Rather than the modern opaque jasper, the term actually refers to a completely clear diamond, a perfect gem with the brilliant light of God’s glory shining out of it and streaming over the new heaven and the new earth (compare 4:3).
Verses 12-14: See (verse 16), for the dimensions of the city and, thus, the length of the wall.
Revelation 21:12 "And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:"
The inclusion of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles in the foundations and gates of the city (see 21:14), indicates that both Jewish and Gentile believers will all be part of the family of God and share eternity as one. Although it would seem that the Jews are distinct from the Church during the Millennium, they will all be one as children of the living God for eternity.
If you have ever been to Jerusalem in Israel, you know the old city has a large wall around the city. The physical Jerusalem here has 12 gates. You see, this earthly Jerusalem is a replica of this heavenly Jerusalem.
Here we see their names (twelve tribes), celebrating God's covenant relationship with Israel, the people of the promises, covenants, scriptures and the Messiah.
These angels are stationed to attend to God's glory and to serve His people.
Revelation 21:13 "On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates."
This is reminiscent of the way the twelve tribes camped around the tabernacle (in numbers chapter 2), and the allotment of tribal lands around the millennial temple (Ezek. 48).
Revelation 21:14 "And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb."
The foundation of Christianity was established by Jesus through the twelve apostles. You can easily see, this is not only a city but stands for the Christians as well.
These stones commemorate God's covenant relationship with the church of which the apostles are the foundation of.
The layout of New Jerusalem's gates picture God's favor on all His redeemed people from both the old and new covenant.
Revelation 21:15 "And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof."
“Golden reed to measure”: This rod was about 10 foot long, a standard for measure.
This is like (Ezek. 40:3), and the measuring of the millennial temple. Also, the measuring of the Tribulation temple described (in chapter 11:1).
All three measurements are showing the significance that shows what belongs to God. This action indicates that the capital of heaven belongs to God and He is measuring what is His (compare 11:1; Ezek. 40:3).
Revelation 21:16 "And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal."
“Twelve thousand furlongs”: This would be about two million square miles of ground space, offering plenty of room for all the glorified saints to live.
The city lies foursquare. The size of this city indicates that each border is approximately fifteen hundred miles long. Thus, the dimensions of the city would be equal to the area from the eastern seaboard of the United States to Colorado on one side and from the Canadian border to the southern tip of Florida on the other. In addition to the length and breadth, the city will be fifteen hundred miles high. This great size will afford sufficient space for the habitation of the saints from all ages of history.
“Length and the breadth and the height”: The city has the symmetrical dimensions of a perfect cube, which parallels its closest earthly counterpart, the inner sanctuary in the tabernacle and temple (compare 1 Kings 6:20).
We see here that this city is a cube. Twelve thousand furlongs is 1500 miles. This city is 1500 miles square and 1500 miles high.
Revelation 21:17 "And he measured the wall thereof, a hundred [and] forty [and] four cubits, [according to] the measure of a man, that is, of the angel."
A cubic is 18 inches or 1-1/2 feet. Times 144, the wall was 216 feet across. Just as in Babylon the walls, were wide enough for chariot races. This is even wider.
To emphasize the city's dimensions are literal and not mystical, John tells us that the measurements are given according to human measurements.
Revelation 21:18 "And the building of the wall of it was [of] jasper: and the city [was] pure gold, like unto clear glass."
The massive walls a material called jasper. This is the material of the thick wall, diamond! This is the same diamond like stone that was mentioned (in verse 11), clear as crystal.
“Pure gold, like unto clear glass”: Next the city itself was pure gold, like clear glass. Imagine how God's glory will radiate throughout and light up the entire city.
Unlike earth’s gold, this gold will be transparent so the overpowering radiance of God’s glory can refract and glisten through the entire city.
Verses 19-20: Because some of the names of these gems have changed through the centuries, it is difficult to identify each one with certainty. Eight of the 12 stones are found in the breastpiece of the High-Priest (Exodus chapters 28 and 29), and the other 4 may also be related to the breastpiece. The gems picture a brilliant, indescribable panoply of beautiful colors that send forth the light of God’s glory. The following are possible identifications for these gems.
Revelation 21:19 "And the foundations of the wall of the city [were] garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation [was] jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;"
The foundation of the wall; the promise and power of God, and the purchase of Christ, are the strong foundations of the safety and happiness of the church. These foundations are set forth by twelve sorts of precious stones, denoting the variety and excellence of the doctrines of the gospel, or of the graces of the Holy Spirit, or the personal excellences of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Heaven has gates; there is a free admission to all that are sanctified; they shall not find themselves shut out. These gates were all of pearls. Christ is the Pearl of great price, and he is our Way to God. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. The saints in heaven tread gold under foot. The saints are there at rest, yet it is not a state of sleep and idleness; they have communion, not only with God, but with one another. All these glories but faintly represent heaven.
“Chalcedony”: This name derives from Chalcedon, an ancient name for a city in modern Turkey. The gem is a sky-blue agate stone with translucent, colored stripes.
Revelation 21:20 "The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst".
“Sardonyx”: A variety of chalcedony with parallel layers of red and white (see note on verse 19).
“Sardius”: A common stone from the quartz family, which ranged in color from orange-red to brownish-red to blood-red (4:3).
“Chrysolite”: A gem with a transparent gold or yellowish tone.
“Beryl”: A mineral with several varieties of gems, ranging from the green emerald to the golden yellow beryl to the light blue aquamarine.
“Topaz”: Ancient topaz was a softer stone with a yellow or yellow-green color.
“Chrysoprasus”: The modern form of this jewel is an apple-green variety of quartz. The Greek name suggests a gold-tinted, green gemstone.
"Jacinth”: Today this stone is a transparent zircon, usually red or reddish-brown. The one John saw was blue or shining violet in color.
“Amethyst”: A clear quartz crystal that ranges in color from a faint purple tint to an intense purple.
These brightly colored stones will refract the shinning brilliance of God's glory into a spectrum of beautiful colors that will flash from New Jerusalem throughout the re-created universe.
Revelation 21:21 "And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass."
“Was of one pearl”: Each of the gates of the city is a single, almost 1400 mile-high pearl. Even as earthly pearls are formed in response to the wounding of oyster flesh, so these gigantic, supernatural pearls will remind saints throughout eternity of the magnitude of Christ’s suffering and its eternal benefit.
The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Every gate will be one pearl, each large enough to cover the gateway to this huge city. In addition, the street of the city will be "pure gold, like unto clear glass," indicating that believers will walk on golden streets. The holy city of God will be so magnificent that believers will literally walk on precious metals that today are used for costly adornments.
There is no silver in the city. Silver means redemption and we have already been redeemed. These stones show us things that are important here on the earth are plentiful in heaven. You see, God owns all the wealth in the world. God has so many rare stones He even puts them in the wall. Each gate is made of just one pearl.
And remember the height of the cube is 1500 miles. That makes for a very large pearl.
The streets in New Jerusalem is made of the highest quality of pure gold which is like everything else, transparent. We are not familiar with transparent gold here on earth, but everything in heaven is transparent to let the light of God's glory blaze unrestricted.
Verses 22-23: There is “no temple” in the city, since both the Father and the Son will be present in their fullest manifestations. Its “light” will be provided by the Shekinah “glory of God” and of Christ (compare Exodus 3:3-4; 24:15-17; 33:14-16; Luke 2:9; 9:29; Heb. 1:3).
Revelation 21:22 "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it."
"No temple therein:" Several passages affirm that there is a temple in heaven (3:12; 7:15; 11:19; 15:5). Here, it is clear there is none in eternity. How can this be? The temple is not a building; it is the Lord God Himself. (Revelation 7:15), implies this when it says, “He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them”. (Verse 23), continues the thought of no temple, “except God and the Lamb”. The glory of God which illuminates all heaven defines it as His temple. There is no need for a temple in the eternal state since God Himself will be the temple in which everything exists. The presence of God literally fills the entire new heaven and new earth (compare verse 3). Going to heaven will be entering the limitless presence of the Lord (compare John 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:17).
There will be no need for a temple in heaven to provide a means for a man to fellowship with God. Because of Jesus sacrificial death on the cross, sin will not exist there. God and the Lamb are the temple of the eternal city. This clearly emphasizes the deity of Christ as equal in essence to that of the father.
There will be no need for anyone to go anywhere to worship God. Believers will constantly be in His presence. There will never be a minute when they are not in perfect, Holy Communion with the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. Therefore, there will be no need for a temple, cathedral, church, chapel or any other house of worship. Believers will be the true worshipers God has always sought.
Revelation 21:23 "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof."
No more day and night but there will be one eternal day. The Glory of God will illuminate New Jerusalem and its lamp will be the Lamb Jesus, who is the Light, and does away with darkness.
“Verses 24-27: The glory of God in the New Jerusalem will “light” the “earth”. Whether this is the new earth (verse 1), or the millennial earth is not clear. Perhaps the New Jerusalem will give light to the earth during the Millennium as a satellite city (compare Isa. Chapter 60). The “nations”, ruled by various “kings” and levels of earthly authority, will honor the heavenly city as the dwelling place of God. The clause “of them which are saved” is found neither in the oldest nor in the majority of manuscripts, but clearly expresses the sense of the passage. The open “gates” show that security measures are no longer necessary (compare Isa. 60:11). “Day” is continuous since darkness never comes. Only redeemed and glorified people will have access to or dwell in the New Jerusalem (compare verse 8; 22:15; Isa. 52:1; Ezek. 44:9; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 2 Peter 3:13). No sinful “thing that defileth” will enter God’s presence.
Revelation 21:24 "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it."
“The nations”: Literally “the peoples”. Redeemed people from every nation and ethnic group will dwell in heaven’s light. In the eternal city, there will be no more divisions, barriers, or exclusions because of race or politics. All kinds of peoples in eternity dissolve into the people of God, and they will move freely in and about the city.
The reference to "nations" reminds us that our national distinctions, like our personal appearances, are God-given. (Rev. 7:9), refers to "a great multitude of all nations," and (Revelation 5:10), refers to believers as "kings and priests" who reign with Christ.
Not that any national identities will be preserved in the eternal state, but rather just the opposite. People from every tongue, tribe and nation whether Jews or Gentiles, will be united as God's people. Every believer will be fully equal in the eternal capital city.
This just means that God doesn't care whether you are Chinese, African, or American. If you accept Jesus, you will be in heaven regardless of what country you're from.
Revelation 21:25 "And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there."
Its gates will never be closed. This depicts the city's complete security and that there is no need to close them. The only time most people lock their doors is at night. Most crimes are done under cover of darkness. Jesus is the source of all light. With the source of light present, there will be no night.
New Jerusalem is a place of rest, safety and refreshment where God's people will "rest from their labors." Never again will anything have to be shut up for fear of losing it by thieves and robbers. None of that will ever exist again.
Revelation 21:26 "And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it."
All who enter heaven will surrender their earthly prestige and glory when they enter. All who enter heaven "will cast their crowns before the throne" of God" (Chapter 4:10).
Revelation 21:27 "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."
This Scripture just means that this is a holy city (a place of true worship). There will be no evil of any kind in it. The residents are the redeemed, those washed in the blood of the lamb. Those who have been made righteous in Christ.
Once again, we are confronted with the significance of having our names written in the Lamb's book of life assuring us that Christ knows each believer personally, by name (see note on 3:5; see article “Book of Life - All Books”).
What a wonder this will be, to continually see God's face (Rev. 22:4), and to walk in the light of His presence (Rev 21:23; 22:5). No wonder John tells us there is no temple in heaven (Rev. 21:22), for as Paul wrote, "who hopes for what one already has" (Romans 8:24). What need could you have for a temple when everywhere you go is God? But a temple is not the only thing missing in heaven. What else does it lack?
Consider the following short list:
(1) No more sea (21:1);
(2) No more tears, death, sorrow, crying or pain (21:4);
(3) No more sinners (21:8);
(4) No more fear (21:12);
(5) No more sun or moon (21:23);
(6) No more night (21:25);
(7) No more sin or evil (21:27);
(8) No more disease or injuries (22:2);
(9) No more curse (22:3).
It would be enough to call this place "heaven" just from that list of what it lacks. But that wouldn't tell half of the story! Now consider some of the remarkable features eternity will boast:
(1) Unending fellowship with God (Revelation 21:3, 7, 22);
(2) Unending newness (Revelation 21:5);
(3) Unending water of life (Revelation 21:6; 22.1);
(4) Unimaginable beauty (21:11, 21);
(5) Uncompromised security (Revelation 21:12);
(6) Unbroken unity between believers (21:12, 14);
(7) Unlimited holiness (21:16);
(8) Unparalleled size (21:16);
(9) Untold wealth (21:18-21);
(10) Unending light (21:23; 22:5);
(11) Unrestricted access (21:25);
(12) Unending fruit from the tree of life (22:2);
(13) Unceasing service to God (22:3);
(14) Unending reign (22:5).
Beyond these thrilling descriptions from the book of Revelation, we know from other Bible texts that heaven will be a place of:
(1) Rest (Heb. 4:1-11; Rev 14:13);
(2) Full knowledge (1 Cor. 13:12);
(3) Holiness (Heb. 12:14; Eph. 2:21);
(4) Joy (1 Thess. 2:19; Jude 1:24);
(5) Glory (2 Cor. 4:17);
(6) Worship (Rev. 7:9-12; 19:10).
With all that heaven and eternity have to offer, it is hard to see why anyone would deliberately choose to miss it.
Yet many will, according to (Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:11, 15). Make sure you're not one of them!
Revelation Chapter 22
Revelation chapter 22 contains God's Last Message to Humankind. (Rev. 22:6-9), takes us back to the early part of this book, when the faithful and true witness told us that He would send His angel to convey His message concerning the things that must come to pass.
Here at the close of the Bible we are reintroduced to the tree of life, which has not been mentioned in the Bible (since Genesis 3), where Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. Paradise is restored in the eternal state. All that was lost in the fall is redeemed by the Lamb. The leaves of this tree will be used to heal the relationships of the nations toward each other so that we might live equitably and fairly in eternity.
The picture of eternal life in these verses indicates that we will be busy serving God for all eternity. We will both serve Him (verse 3), and reign with Him (verse 5). Since He is an infinite God, we can be sure He will have infinite things for us to do as we reign there forever. The phrase, "they shall see his face," means that, as believers, we will be granted an audience with the King on a regular basis.
Verses 1-2: These verses depict the abundant life and continuous blessing of the New Jerusalem. One “river”, containing “water of life” (compare 7:17; 21:6; 22:17), comes from God’s “throne” and waters the entire city (compare similar millennial blessings (in Ezek. 47:1-2; Joel 3:18; Zech. 14:8). The “tree of life” pictures eternal sustenance and immortality (compare verse 14; Gen. 2:9; 3:22). Both the variety and abundance of “fruit” are emphasized. The “healing of the nations” may indicate physical healing during the Millennium (compare Ezek. 47:12), or (figuratively), the blessings of God in the eternal state.
Revelation 22:1 "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb."
"Pure River of Water of life." In one final glimpse into the future, John sees this river flowing from the throne of God. It is the source of eternal life that emanates from God. Even in heaven, we will drink water and eat food, probably not out of necessity for our health, but because of the pleasure and fellowship it will give us. This is symbolic of eternal life.
This river is unlike any on earth because no hydrological cycle exists. Water of life symbolizes the continual flow of eternal life from God’s throne to heaven’s inhabitants (see note on 21:6).
Jesus told the woman at the well if she drank of the water He gave her, she would never thirst again (John 4:14). This is the "water" He was talking about here. This "water" possessed life giving powers. The Source is the Father and the Lamb. This "water" springs up into everlasting life. In our day of pollutions, it is hard to visualize water this clear. When the soldier pierced Jesus' side, water and blood gushed forth (John 19:34). This is the water of life.
Just like everything else in the New Jerusalem, the river was clear as crystal so that it could reflect the glory of God as it cascades down from the throne of God and of the Lamb in a dazzling, sparkling never ending flow of everlasting life from God's throne to His people.
Revelation 22:2 "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations."
A symbol of both eternal life and continual blessing (see note on Gen. 2:9). The tree bears 12 fruits, one for each month, and is symbolic of the abundant variety in heaven. The English word “therapeutic” comes from the Greek word translated “healing”. The leaves somehow enrich heavenly life, making it full and satisfying.
The tree of life was present in the garden of Eden, but Adam and Eve did not eat of it. It was in the center of the garden (see article “Tree of Life - River of Water of Life”). I believe this tree is Jesus. When we partake of Him, we have life. The tree bears twelve kinds of fruit that yields its fruit every month suggesting the infinite variety that will fill heaven. This tree offers perpetual life and health as well as food.
Monthly, since time exists no more, emphasizes the expression of the joyous provision of eternity using familiar terms of time.
Nations: meaning the people that are in heaven. Sickness will no longer be, so the healing doesn't imply illness. The leaves therefore will be to promote general health or another way of stating that would be: life in heaven will be fully energized, rich and exciting continuously.
The scripture also doesn't tell us if we will eat the leaves or the fruit. Angels ate food on earth with Abraham and Sarah as did Jesus after the resurrection with his disciples. Perhaps the saints in heaven will eat for enjoyment and not out of necessity.
“Verses 3-5: The effects of the post-Edenic “curse” (compare Gen. 3:14-19), will be totally gone forever. God’s saints will “serve him” (compare 7:15), and “reign” with Him “for ever” (compare Dan. 7:18, 27). The greatest blessing of eternity is that “they shall see his face” (compare Matt. 5:8; Heb. 12:14). Though this is now impossible for an unglorified human being (compare Exodus 33:20), it will occur in the eternal state. The “name” of God “in their foreheads” shows ownership and consecration (compare 3:12; 13:16; Exodus 28:36-38). Since in the New Jerusalem God is always present, His glory makes all other sources of “light” unnecessary (compare 21:23; Isa. 60:19-20; Zech. 14:7).
Revelation 22:3 "And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:"
“There shall be no more curse”: The curse on humanity and the earth because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Gen. 3:16-19), will be finished. God will never have to judge sin again, since it will never exist in the new heaven and new earth.
The one associated with the curse, the old serpent, has been thrown into the lake of fire. The curse of the land is gone. God would not be present here if there was anything cursed left.
The effects of the post-Edenic curse will be totally gone forever. There will be no more curse. God's saints will serve him (Rev. 7:15), and reign with Him forever (Dan 7:18-27).
The picture of eternal life in these verses indicates that we will be busy serving God for all eternity. We will both serve Him (verse 3), and reign with Him (verse 5). Since He is an infinite God, we can be sure He will have infinite things for us to do as we reign there forever. The phrase, "they shall see his face" means that, as believers, we will be granted an audience with the King on a regular basis.
“His servants shall serve him”: This involves the entire revelation which John has just related (see note on 1:1).
Here we see the "throne of God" and on his right hand is "the Lamb". These "servants" that shall serve him are us. We Christians have been bought and paid for with the blood of the Lamb. We will be with the Lamb and the Father, but we will not be their equal. We will be their servants.
Revelation 22:4 "And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads."
“See his face”: No unglorified human could see God’s face and live (Exodus 33:20-23). But the residents of heaven can look on God’s face without harm because they are now holy (compare John 1:18; 1 Tim. 6:16; 1 John 3:2).
The greatest blessing of eternity is that they shall see his face (Matt. 5:8; Heb. 12:14). Though this is now impossible for an unglorified human being (Exodus 33:20), it will occur in the eternal state. The name of God in their foreheads shows ownership and consecration (Rev. 3:12; 13:16; Exodus 28:36-38).
Throughout the Bible, we have been taught that you could not look upon the face of God and live. Even Moses, who was so close to God, wanted to see God, and God told him no. He put His hand over Moses and passed by him, and Moses saw his back side (Exodus 33:22). There we will be in his presence all the time and can look in his face anytime we want to. We are sealed with the Lamb's seal.
The saints in New Jerusalem will see God's face. Being perfectly holy and righteous, they'll be able to endure the blazing, glorious light from God's presence without being consumed. That was impossible for mortal men.
Revelation 22:5 "And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."
Since in the New Jerusalem God is always present, His glory makes all other sources of light unnecessary (Rev. 21:23; Isaiah 60:19-20; Zech. 14:7).
We have talked so much about our Lord Jesus being the Light. He is the source of all Light. When the Light is on full power, you certainly do not need a candle. The sun has no more purpose any more either. This presence of this Light is all they need. This Kingdom has no end. It is for all of eternity.
“They shall reign”: Heaven’s citizens are more than servants (see note on 3:21).
As a final word describing the saint's heavenly experience, they are told it once again that it will never end. They shall reign forever and forever.
(Verses 6 to 9), takes us back to the early part of this book, when the faithful and true witness told us that He would send His angel to convey His message concerning the things that must come to pass. Christ speaks the sixth blessing (beatitude), to those who treat the prophesies of this book as “faithful and true”, and then live accordingly.
Revelation 22:6 "And he said unto me, These sayings [are] faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done."
“His servants”: The members of the 7 churches of Asia Minor who received this letter (1:11), and then all believers who have read, or will read it since.
“The things which must shortly be done: This involves the entire revelation which John has just related (see note on 1:1).
(Verses 6-21), form a conclusion or summary to the book. They emphasize two themes:
(1) The authenticity of the book as a revelation from God; and
(2) The imminence of the return of Christ.
These sayings refer to the entire Book of Revelation. They are authenticated as genuine by the angel whom God sent to give them through John to His servants. That is, the members of the churches (Rev. 1:3, 11).
Here is just a reassurance that all of this is not to be taken lightly. This is the absolute truth. The prophets such as Daniel, Ezekiel, and Isaiah (to name just a few), have all spoken of this special time in history. We even read this (in Matthew chapter 24; Luke chapters 21 and 22). It is the same information, regardless of who pens it, because the author is God.
The angel's words reinforce an important truth: Everything John saw in Revelation will come to pass. John's words are not mystical and the Apocalypse is not a record of his bizarre dreams or the result of an over active imagination. Further it is not an allegory (a form of translation), from which readers can find hidden meanings of their own concoction. It is an accurate description of events and persons that are yet to come.
Revelation 22:7 "Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book."
This is Jesus speaking when He says, "Behold, I come quickly". Jesus’ return is imminent (see note on 3:11).
"Blessed is he that keepeth the saying of the prophecy of this book" (Rev. 1:3). This is referring to the reading of the Book of Revelation. But how in the world can you keep the sayings, if you don't know what these sayings are? Most people avoid Revelation like the plague, but if we must keep the sayings, then we must read and understand what they are. I believe this book also means the entire Bible.
Believers are called to guard or protect the book of Revelation. To defend against detractors who deny its relevance, against those critics who deny its veracity and authority as well as against confused interpreters who obscure its meaning. They are called to not only guard Scripture, but also to obey it.
You might ask, what does it mean to obey the book of Revelation? Think of it as a general command to long for Christ's return and our eternal fellowship with Him. It calls believers to desire heaven, to desire holiness, to desire to see Christ vindicated and for Him to triumph over His enemies. To desire the end of the curse and to desire the glories of Christ's earthly kingdom and the new heaven and the new earth (see article “New Heaven and the New Earth”).
To see God's face, to see an end of the Babylonian Harlot and the corrupt commercial and political system, to look forward to a life of peace and happiness.
Thus, the purpose of Revelation is not to provide entertainment and to merely satisfy the curiosity of believers about the future, but to reveal the glory of God's Son and call believers to live godly, obedient lives in light of His soon return.
Verses 8-11: “John” certifies that he has actually seen and “heard” everything that he has written in the book. He again makes the mistake of worshiping the messenger (“angel”), of God rather than “God” Himself (compare 19:10). Angels are simply “fellow servants” of God (compare Psalm 103:20; Dan. 7:10; Heb. 1:14). In contrast with Daniel, who was told to “seal” up his book of prophecy (since the end was still in the distant future (compare Dan. 12:4, 9, 13), John is told to leave his book open (“Seal not”). The Messiah has come, His return is imminent, and thus “the time is at hand”. Verse 11 is not a command, but rather a statement of fact and a warning. Character tends to become fixed and unchangeable, determined by a lifetime of habitual action. The arrival of the end will prevent any change of destiny. When Christ returns, the deliberate choice of each person will have fixed his eternal fate.
Revelation 22:8 "And I John saw these things, and heard [them]. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things."
“Heard and seen”: John resumes speaking for the first time since chapter 1 and confirms the veracity of the revelation with his own eyewitness testimony, the basis of any reliable witness.
Several times in Revelation, we see John overwhelmed by the presence and the power this angel shows him. He, being overcome by the magnitude of it all, starts to worship this angel. Some people have false doctrine centered on angel worship. We must not worship angels. They are created beings. We must worship the Creator. We are warned over and over not to worship angels. John is told several times in Revelation not to worship this angel (see note on 19:10).
Revelation 22:9 "Then saith he unto me, See [thou do it] not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God."
The angel quickly reminds the apostle that he too, was a created being by his declaration. Not only his, but also of John's brethren the prophets, and of all believers that are defined here as "Them which keep the sayings of this book."
Then the angel commands John to worship God as God alone is the only acceptable Person to worship. The bible forbids the worship of anyone else including angels, saints, the Virgin Mary or any other created being.
Revelation 22:10 "And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand."
“Seal not the sayings of the prophecy” (compare 10:11). Previous prophecies were sealed up (Dan. 8:26; 12:4-10). These prophecies are to be proclaimed so they can produce obedience and worship.
The command not to seal this prophetic message is quite different than what the Lord told Daniel;
Dan 12:4 "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end".
“The time is at hand”: This refers to imminency, which means that the end is next.
The reason for the difference in the instructions is simply stated, "the time is at hand." Until the death and resurrection of Christ, the time for this prophecy had not come. Since Jesus already opened the seven seals prophetically (Rev. chapters 5 and 6), to reveal the future, it is only appropriate that the entire book remain open for us to read as well.
In contrast with Daniel, who was told to "seal" up his book of prophecy (since the end was still in the distant future), but here John is told to leave his book open (Seal not). The Messiah had come, His second coming is imminent, and thus now the time is at hand.
The reason for the difference in the instructions is that one lived after the time of Christ's crucifixion, the other before. In John's day, it was possible to see the unfolding of the events prophesied; in Daniel's day they were a long way off.
Revelation Chapter 22 Continued
Revelation 22:11 "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still."
Those who reject God’s warnings will fix their eternal destiny in hell, where they will retain their evil and filthy natures for all eternity. Those who respond to the warnings will fix their eternal destiny in glory, and realize perfect righteousness and holiness in heaven.
Verse 11 is not a command, but rather a statement of fact and a warning. Character tends to become fixed and unchangeable, determined by a lifetime of habitual action. The arrival of the end will prevent any change of destiny.
Those who hear the truth but continue to do wrong, will by that hardened response fix their eternal destiny in hell. Conversely, those who continue to practice righteousness and keep himself holy give evidence of genuine saving faith.
When Christ returns, the deliberate choice of each person will have fixed his eternal fate.
We cannot cover up from God. God sees into the heart. If you are a sinner, He already knows it. You do not have to tell Him. If you belong to Jesus, He knows that too. Whatever you are down deep, Jesus already knows.
Verses 12-13: Again, Christ declares the imminence of His return. “Reward” is always based on “work” (compare Jer. 17:10; Rom. 2:6; 1 Peter 1:17). For believers, there is the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10; compare Dan. 12:2 for Old Testament saints). For unbelievers, there are various judgments, culminating in the Great White Throne judgment (20:11-15; Matt. 25:31-46). The three designations (of verse 13), are virtually equivalent in meaning. By applying them to Himself, Christ claims unlimited, eternal equality with God (compare 1:8, 17; 2:8; 21:6).
Revelation 22:12 "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."
“I come quickly” (see note on 3:11). Again, imminence is the issue (compare Mark 13:33-37).
Again, Christ declares the imminence of His return. This is in red in the Bible, so this is Jesus speaking directly here. All Christians should be watching the eastern sky for “In a moment when you think not, the eastern sky will open, the trumpet will blow, and Jesus shall shout”. At that time, we will be called to heaven to be with Him forever (see article “Rapture”).
“According as his work shall be: Only those works which survive God’s testing fire have eternal value and are worthy of reward (1 Cor. 3:10-15; 4:1-5; 2 Cor. 5:10).
Our rewards will be for the things (treasures), we have stored in heaven. Rewards are always based on works done by believers based on their faithfulness in serving Christ in this life (see article “Rewards In Heaven For Christians”). Their works will be tested and only those with eternal value "will be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is" (1 Cor. 3:13).
The rewards believers will enjoy in heaven will be capacities for serving God. The greater their faithfulness is in this life, the greater will be their opportunity to serve in heaven, not to mention the crowns believers will receive.
Having knowledge that Jesus could return at any moment shouldn't lead Christians to a life of idle waiting for His coming. Instead it should produce diligent, obedient, worshipful service to God, and urgent proclamation of the gospel to unbelievers.
Try looking at it this way. By telling everyone you meet now about the good news of Jesus but they don't listen to you, then suddenly the Rapture happens, those people will then remember every word you said to them. That is why I personally believe that right after the Rapture, more people will begin immediately seek the truth about Jesus and that will begin the largest soul harvest the world has ever known.
Revelation 22:13 "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."
“I am Alpha and Omega” (see note on 1:8).
The three designations of verse 13 are virtually equivalent in meaning.
(1) Alpha and Omega;
(2) The beginning and the end;
(3) The first and the last.
By applying them to Himself, Christ claims unlimited, eternal equality with God (Rev. 1:8, 17; 2:8; 21:6).
These three designations express Christ's infinity, eternity and boundless life transcending all limitation. These descriptions describe the completeness, timelessness and sovereign authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Verses 14-15: “They that do his commandments” are believers (compare 12:17; 14:12; Matt. 7:13-21; 1 John 3:10). The “tree of life” indicates immortality and divine blessing (compare 2:7; 22:2). To be able to “enter in through the gates into the city” is to have heavenly citizenship in the eternal dwelling place of God and redeemed mankind. All unbelievers are “without” (outside), the city (i.e. in the lake of fire; compare verse 15; 21:8, 27). The “dogs” are impure and malicious people (compare Deut. 23:17-18; Phil. 3:2). “Sorcerers” are those who practice witchcraft (Greek Pharmakos). “Whoremongers” are those who practice all kinds of sexual immorality (Greek pornos; compare 1 Cor. 6:9-10). “Lie” (see 12:9; Prov. 6:16-19; 12:22; l John 8:44).
Revelation 22:14 "Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. "
“Blessed are they that do his commandments” (see note on 1:3). This symbolizes those who have been forgiven of their sins, who have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb of God (Heb. 9:14; 1 Peter 1:18-19; see note on 7:14).
These closing verses of the Bible make it perfectly clear that salvation is a matter of the will, whosoever wishes may come. This clearly implies that whosoever wills “not” to come is lost. This teaching abounds throughout the Scriptures. In contrast to those who reject Christ, we encounter the state of the blessed described here (in verse 14). Those who have washed their robes in the righteousness of Christ have a right to the Tree of Life and thus are entitled to live forever.
He describes their state as "blessed," meaning "happy". Every individual wants happiness. The way to eternal happiness is to receive Christ as Lord and Savior, which entitles you to entrance into the Holy City, access to the Tree of Life, and the marvelous blessings of a loving God. If there is any question in your mind as to whether or not you have received the living Christ, I urge you, on the basis of His challenge, to change your will and receive Him as your Lord and Savior today.
They that do his commandments are believers;
John 14:15: “If ye love me, keep my commandments”. (See Rev. 12:17; 14:12; Matt. 7:13- 21; 1 John 3:6-10).
“Tree of life” (see notes on verse 2; Gen. 2:9).
The tree of life indicates immortality and divine blessing (Rev. 2:7; 22:2). To be able to enter in through the gates into the city is to have heavenly citizenship in the eternal dwelling place of God and redeemed mankind (see article “Tree of Life - River of Water of Life”).
All unbelievers are without (outside), the city, i.e. in the lake of fire (see Rev. 21:8), for a list of the type of sins that exclude people from heaven that was given to John. Also (read Rev. 21:27).
James 1:22 " But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
You see, we are to be about the Father's business. If we truly are sold out to God and have made Jesus the Lord of our lives, the desire of our hearts will be to do His Commandments. The Jews were the natural branches of the tree. We Christians (when we are born again), are grafted into the Tree of Life, who is Jesus Christ our Lord.
Revelation 22:15 "For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie."
“Dogs”: Considered despicable creatures in New Testament times. The term when applied to people referred to anyone of low moral character. Unfaithful leaders (Isa. 56:10), and homosexual prostitutes (Deut. 23:18), are among those who received such a designation.
Sorcerers are those who practice occult or witchcraft. Greek “Pharmakos”, is the root of the English word pharmacy which often accompanies those practices (see note on 9:21).
Whoremongers are those who practice all kinds of sexual immorality. Greek “pornos” is the root of the English word pornography.
Murderers: means pre-meditated murder. This has nothing to do with accidental killing or killing in war. They are included in the list given (in Rev. 21:8).
Rev. 21:8 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
Idolaters are just those who put anything ahead of God which includes mammon (money), or the love of everything which takes one's attention off serving God. Someone once said: Show me someone's calendar and checkbook and I'll tell you where their heart lies. Think about that. Idolaters are also those who worship false gods or worship the true God in an unacceptable matter.
Maketh at Lie: Everyone sometimes during their life has lied as It's human nature. Some tell little white lies, even some Christians. But all lies are acts of deceiving and can be very harmful to others. Simply withholding some of the truth when asked a question is in itself lying.
Consider carefully how you answer and instead of a white lie or withholding a part of the truth, find another way. I would rather be told the truth no manner how bad it is rather than find later I had been deceived. Those who "loveth and maketh a lie" has to do with hurting someone else. Any time we hurt someone else, it is sin.
It is not all who have ever committed any of these sins listed above that will be excluded from heaven. But it is those who love and habitually practice these sins and stubbornly cling to them and refuse Christ's invitation to salvation who will be the ones cast into the lake of fire.
Verses 16-17: “Jesus” now authenticates His “angel” through whom He has given this revelation to John (compare 1:1). “You” is plural, indicating that the revelation is for all the churches. As “the root and the offspring of David”, Jesus is the fulfillment of the messianic promise of (Isaiah 11:1; compare 5:5; Rom. 1:3). As “the bright and Morningstar”, Jesus will shortly bring in the new age: the messianic kingdom (compare Num. 24:17; Rom. 13:11-12; 2 Peter 1:19).
Verse 17 contains four invitations to the unsaved to “come” to Christ in faith for eternal life. The “Spirit” is the Holy Spirit, and the “bride” is the church (compare 19:7-9; 21:9). The Holy Spirit works through the church to evangelize the world. The “water of life” is eternal life, available “freely” by faith in Christ (compare 7:17, 21:6; Isa. 55:1; John 4:14; 7:37).
Revelation 22:16 "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star."
"I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify." This is the first time that the words "I Jesus", appear in the bible. It establishes that this final invitation in Scripture is not a human invitation, but a divine call issued personally to sinners by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (see 1:1).
“The churches”: The 7 churches of Asia Minor who were the book’s original recipients (1:11).
This verse is Jesus' seal of approval on the whole book of Revelation. It marks the first use of the word "church", since chapter three. Why is there no reference of the Church during the time of tribulation on earth described in chapters 6 through 18? Because the church, having been raptured to heaven, will not be on earth.
“The root and the offspring of David”: Christ is the source (“root”), of David’s life and line of descendants, which establish His deity. He is also a “descendant” of David, which establishes His humanity. This phrase gives powerful testimony to Christ as the God-Man (compare 2 Tim. 2:8).
How can Jesus be "the root and the offspring of David" both? In the Flesh this is impossible. David, in the flesh, was the ancestor of Jesus. In the Spirit, Jesus was David's ancestor. Jesus was David's God.
We read (in 2 Peter):
2 Peter 1:19 "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:"
“Bright and morning star”: This is the brightest star announcing the arrival of the day. When Jesus comes, He will be the brightest star who will shatter the darkness of man’s night and herald the dawn of God’s glorious day (see note on 2:28).
You see, it is not unusual in a symbolic way to speak of Jesus as a star. Here is our Bright Star. Until we receive this Star into our life, we are full of darkness.
Revelation 22:17 "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
“Come”: This is the Spirit’s and church’s answer to the promise of His coming.
The Holy Spirit, since the beginning, has been saying “Come". Unless the Holy Spirit of God woos you, you can forget being saved. It is God's wish that all should be saved. I really believe what this is saying, in this particular instance, is that the Spirit and the believers are saying, "Come quickly Lord Jesus". Salvation is open to whosoever will.
“Let him that heareth say”: This is an unlimited offer of grace and salvation to all who desire to have their thirsty souls quenched (compare Isa. 55:1-2).
The Lord's Last Invitation to Humankind. The Lord Jesus Christ, ever concerned for the souls of the lost, closes His great revelation with a challenge for individual people to call on His name. He indicates that there are two who invite us to come to Him: the "Spirit" and the "bride". In addition, He will even use "him who hears."
God the Holy Spirit will use the printed page as well as those who are just repeating what they have heard but may not even believe what they are saying. He also uses the "bride", which indicated that the primary ministry of the Church of Christ during the entire Church Age is to tell others about the Savior. All Christians everywhere should be engaged in saying to their fellow human beings: "Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." Jesus Christ, of course, is the water of life (see article “Christian - How Do I Become a Christian?”).
Everyone has a hungering and thirsting for God. Some do not know what they are hungering for. It is so simple just to give in and let Jesus bring you salvation, peace, joy, and life that lasts forever. When we take of this Water of Jesus, it brings Eternal Life (see note on verse 1). The water, Spirit, and blood testify for us and assure us of a heavenly home (John 5:8).
Verses 18-19: Jesus offers extended testimony on the authority and finality of the prophecy. He commissioned John to write it, but He was its author. These are not the first such warnings (compare Deut. 4:2; 12:32; Prov. 30:6; Jer. 26:2). These warnings against altering the biblical text represent the close of the New Testament canon. Anyone who tampers with the truth by attempting to falsify, mitigate, alter, or misinterpret it will incur the judgments described in these verses. The speaker is Christ Himself (see verse 20), who thus claims a canonicity for the book (and the entire New Testament), equal to that of the Old Testament. Anyone who willfully distorts the message of the Book of Revelation shows himself not to be a genuine believer and will not participate in eternal life or the blessings of the New Jerusalem. Almost all Greek manuscripts read "tree of life" instead of "book of life".
Revelation 22:18 "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:"
The speaker who testifies to the authority and finality of the words of the prophecy of this book is the Lord Jesus Christ.
A severe warning to the detractors from this prophecy. I (Jesus), warns everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
Revelation 22:19 "And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book."
This is one of the most awesome challenges in the Word of God against tampering with Holy Writing. Far too many today glibly ridicule, detract from, and cast disparaging remarks on Holy Scripture. This is their day of opportunity, but their judgment will come upon them swiftly in God's good time. It is a fearful thing to disbelieve God, and it is unbelief that causes someone to detract from His Holy Word.
Although this is not a reference to Bible believing commentators of the Word who mistakenly translate some passage and inadvertently minimize it. The Lord's warning here is addressed to those who engage in deliberate falsification or misinterpretation of Scripture, those who Paul denounces as peddlers of the Word of God (2 Cor. 2:17).
Still it does serve as a soul stirring challenge to those who have taken in hand to write and preach on this marvelous book.
Verses 20-21: The final promise of Christ in the Bible is that His return is imminent (see also verses 7, 12). “Amen” means “truly” or “so be it”. The believer’s response is simply, “Come, Lord Jesus”, which is the equivalent of the Aramaic “Maranatha” (1 Cor. 16:22). The answer to the problems of life is to be found in the return of the sovereign Son of God. Verse 21 is a benediction of “grace” (compare Rom. 16:24; 1 Cor. 16:23; Phil. 4:23; 1 Thess. 5:28; 2 Thess. 3:18; contrast Mal. 4:6d).
Revelation 22:20 "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
“Surely I come quickly” (see note on 3:11). In light of this future expectation, what is now required of believers is outlined by Peter (see 2 Peter 3:11-18).
As previously stated, the translation is "Surely I come suddenly", when least expected. The cry of every Christian should be "come quickly Lord Jesus", as I said before. My cry, as I go through the land telling people of my Savior and Lord, is "JESUS IS COMING".
John speaks for all true believers when he writes, "Come Lord Jesus", since Christians are those "who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:8). Scoffers may mockingly ask, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation" (2 Peter 3:4). But things will not continue forever as they are. Jesus will return, just as Revelation predicts. If the certainty of Christ's return to judge sinners does not motivate people to repent, then nothing will.
"Amen" means so be it.
Revelation 22:21 "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen."
This scripture is an expression of God's grace toward fallen humanity.
Without the "grace of our Lord Jesus" none of us would be saved. While we were yet in sin, Jesus died for us. Salvation is a free gift of God.
The letters of GRACE are commonly known as: God's Riches At Christ's Expense.
The Lord of glory, as He promised in Scripture, offers heaven exclusively to those who accept His gracious invitation. Without the "grace of our Lord Jesus" none of us would be saved.
Antichrist
The Antichrist and his kingdom
The Antichrist is symbolized by the rider on the white horse in White Horse (Rev. 6:2), as the first seal judgment. Emperors such as Napoleon, Alexander the Great, and many other would be conquerors rode on horses. The purpose of this rider is clearly stated: "a conqueror bent on conquest." This is none other than "the little horn," that "willful king" that Bible students have been anticipating for many years. Ushering in a false peace, he will be the superman who promises to solve all the world's problems.
A good deal of confusion exists among many splendid Christian people relative to the ministry of the Holy Spirit during the Tribulation period. Much of the confusion is caused by the footnote in the Scofield Reference Bible (on 2 Thess. 2:1-12). This footnote indicated that the Holy Spirit, the restraining influence on the devil today, will be taken out of the world when the Church is Raptured just before the Tribulation begins. Most prophecy scholars today hold that here Paul means that the Holy Spirit in the church (today's morally restraining influence), will be Raptured, but the Holy Spirit as a member of the Trinity will still be on earth as a convicting agency, much as He was during the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit will most assuredly be here to empower the ministry of the 144,000. The prophet Joel foresaw this ministry of the Spirit of God in Joel.
Joel 2:28-32a "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions" "And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit." "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke." "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come." "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered:".
This passage makes it clear that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit experienced on the day of Pentecost (referred to by Peter in Acts 2:17-21), will be the type of outpouring experienced by the 144,000 witnesses of the Tribulation.
The Holy Spirit will not be taken out of the world when the Church is raptured. Although widely accepted, this erroneous idea (caused largely by footnotes in the Scofield Reference Bible's interpreting the "restrainer" (of 2 Thess. 2:3-8 as the Holy Spirit), creates more problems than it solves. First, it is not a good translation of the Greek text, which really has in view the restraining kings (of Daniel chapter 11), not the Holy Spirit. Second, the Holy Spirit is omnipresent and thus will not leave the world. Third, no one can be saved without the Holy Spirit, and since our text clearly states there will be countless conversions during the Tribulation (Rev. 7:9; 14), it is evident that He will be on earth at that time in great power.
Although the Antichrist and his followers will be delighted that the Church has been taken out of this world, many thoughtful individuals will be seriously impressed by the mysterious evacuation of millions of people. Some have suggested, and I think rightfully so, that the Rapture will leave its mark on humankind. Consider for a moment what would happen if the Rapture took place while Christian airline pilots were flying their 747's or DC-10's loaded with people. Or think of the impact on humanity when hundreds of Christian train engineers and bus and automobile drivers are suddenly snatched from the controls of their moving vehicles.
Because Christians have invaded almost every legitimate profession, the Rapture will leave an unprecedented vacancy and cause the most chaotic and disruptive consequences that have ever been created by a single event. Yes, the world will be fully aware of the supernatural aspect of the Rapture of millions from all over the world, particularly when they discover that the only common denominator of those raptured is their personal faith in Christ.
The impact of these strange events will soon be forgotten by the majority of those living in the Tribulation because of the lies and deceit of the Antichrist, who will sign a covenant with Israel and start his diplomatic conquest of world government. But many reflective, perceptive individuals will not forget the effects created by this strange Rapture, which will doubtless stir a revival of interest in prophetic studies among them. Such a mental climate will provide fertile ground for the 144,000 Jewish evangelists.
Nationality of the Antichrist: One of the most frequently asked questions about the Antichrist concerns his nationality. Revelation 13:1 indicates that he "saw a beast coming out of the sea," meaning the sea of peoples around the Mediterranean. Beast Coming Out of the Sea. From this we gather that he will be a Gentile. Daniel 8:8-9 suggests that he is the "small horn" that came out of the four Grecian horns, signaling that he will be part Greek. (Daniel 9:26), refers to him as the ruler of the people that will come, meaning that he will be of the royal lineage of the race that destroyed Jerusalem. Historically that was the Roman Empire; therefore, he will be predominantly Roman. (Dan. 11:36-37), tells us that he regards not "the God of his fathers".
Taken in context, this suggests he will be a Jew according to Tim LaHaye. In all probability, the Antichrist will appear to be a Gentile and, like Adolph Hitler and others who feared to reveal Jewish blood, will keep his Jewish ancestry a secret. It may be known only to God, but the Bible teaches that he will be a Roman Grecian Jew, a composite man representing the peoples of the earth. This technically qualifies him to be the embodiment of all evil men.
The Antichrist: His Rise to Power - As seen (in Rev. 6:2), the Antichrist will come on the scene in the "latter times" and assume power by the stealth of diplomacy. He will not gain control by war but by tricking the leaders of the world into the idea that he can offer peace and by gaining enough support from each of the ten kings of the earth. "He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power." (Dan. 8:25).
The Antichrist's Covenant with Israel: (Dan. 9:27), indicates that the Antichrist will make a covenant with Israel for 7 years, which will be broken in the middle of the Tribulation when it suits his purposes. This covenant will only serve to keep the children of Israel from seeking God; just as they looked to Egypt in the Old Testament, they will look for help and alliance to the Antichrist for the first three and one-half years of the Tribulation.
The Antichrist's Death and Resurrection: The Antichrist will die and be resurrected. (Rev. 17:8), states that "the beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and will come out of the Abyss and go to his destruction". In other words, the Antichrist will die in the middle of the Tribulation. Since Satan will be cast out of heaven, aware that his time is short, he will indwell the Antichrist and duplicate the resurrection. From that point on, indwelled by Satan himself, Antichrist will have power to perform "counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders" (2 Thess. 2:9-12), and can potentially deceive "those who are perishing."
The Beast Explained:
(1) "The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits". (Rev. 17:9). The seven hills of this passage of Scripture have caused some to suggest that since the city of Rome is built on seven hills, she is the one designated here as the beast with seven heads. But there are good reasons for not accepting this interpretation. Geographically, it would be difficult to establish the seven hills of Rome. In addition, the context seems more to indicate that these are 7 kings or kingdoms (Isa. chapter 2).
Tim LaHaye states that the seven hills are kings: "Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come." As stated there, I am inclined to believe that the first five represent five kings of the Roman Empire through John's lifetime; the existing king, Domitian was the sixth; thus, we have the five that were, the sixth that is, and the seventh who is to come, referring to Antichrist at the end of time.
(2) "The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction" (See Beast; Rev. 17:11). This strongly suggest that the Antichrist is the 7th head. He will die in the middle of the Tribulation period, duplicate the resurrection of Jesus Christ by coming back to life, but at the end of the Tribulation will be destroyed. (Rev. 19:20).
(3) "The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour, (meaning a short while) will receive authority as kings along with the beast." 10 Horns. (Rev. 17:12). The ten horns coincide with the ten toes of Nebuchadnezzar's vision (of Daniel 7 and Revelation 13). These are the ten kings who will make up the Antichrist's world confederacy of nations. During the last 3-1/2 years of the Tribulation period they will promise complete allegiance and cooperation to the beast.
(4) The end of the beast: Looking forward to the end of the Tribulation, the angel explains to John that these ten kings will continue to function until they bring their armies to the Valley of Megiddo in the last great rebellious act of humankind against Christ, who will "overcome them" at the battle of the great day of God Almighty". He will overthrow them because He is "Lord of lords and King of kings" Make War with the Lamb
(Rev. 17:14).
The Problem of Evil (Satan's demise): We can look to the problem of the origin of evil. Since God is holy and cannot create evil, who did? To ascribe the power of creation to Satan would tend to make him a god. There is no indication in Scripture that Satan can create anything (i.e., make something from nothing). But like other of God's creatures equipped with a free will, Satan can manufacture items from the things God has created. Satan evidently took the forces of God that created perfect, combined them in an imperfect manner, and "manufactured evil."
The force of evil in the world today, directed by the person of Satan and his cohorts, is a misapplication of the perfect forces and creation of God. This can be illustrated in the chemical world, composed of over one hundred elements which, when improperly combined, can become disastrous. For example, common table salt is made up in part of sodium, one of the necessities of life; but by changing the mixture and introducing other elements, sodium can become the basis for a deadly poison. In this sense Satan did not create evil any more than did the chemist who creates poison. He merely manufactures poison out of those things God has already created.
Evil is a matter of the will. The basic sin in the force of evil is selfishness or pride, both stemming from the same root. Satan said, "I will ascent"; "I will make myself like the Most High" (Isaiah 14:14). I will, I will. His will; in opposition to the will of God, constituted the great sin, and it is so still! Those who pit their will against God's will commit evil and bring on themselves the judgment of God.
The Great Lie: Scripture teaches that a great lie will be published and believed by the masses left behind after the Rapture. The apostle Paul describes it like this:
The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thess. 2:9 -12).
Of course, we do not know what that lie will be, but if it's coming from the antichrist, you can be sure it will be very believable, especially to those who do not know the Word. That is why it is so important right now to tell everyone you can about what is about to take place and if they won't listen, make sure you leave as much information for them to read later as possible.
Bibles (which could get real scarce), books, notes, letters, everything which can be read by those left behind so that they will know what is happening. Even if they won't listen to you now, when you and millions of others disappear, they will remember your words. They will know and if you've told them what to do in that event, they can search the truth out for themselves.
The Little Horn: The wicked activities of the Antichrist were first foreseen by the prophet Daniel, who saw him as a "little horn." In the following passage note the character of this "little horn":
"There was another horn, a little one, and there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words". (Dan. 7:8) Speaking Great Things and Blasphemies
(see Rev. 13:5).
"I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame" (Dan. 7:11).
"I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them" (Dan. 7:21).
He shall speak pompous words against the most High, shall persecute the saints of the most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time". "But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever" (Dan 7:25-26).
Several items stand out in Daniel's vision of the Antichrist. Among them:
1. He will speak pompously and arrogantly.
2. He will persecute and "make war" against the saints of God for 3-1/2 years.
3. He will intend to change the times and laws.
4. He will eventually be destroyed and his body thrown to the flames.
That is not the end of Daniel's vision of the Antichrist. In this vision the Antichrist is called "the king": Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done.
"He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god, for he shall magnify himself above them all. But in their place, he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. Thus, he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain".
"At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships, and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon".
"He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him" (Dan. 11:36-45).
In this passage we learn several more details about the Antichrist:
1. He will magnify himself above every god (verse 36);
2. He will blaspheme the true God (verse 36);
3. He will be a thorough going secularist who puts full confidence in his great military strength (verse 38);
4. He will be a brutal conqueror (verses 39-42);
5. He will control the world's finances (verse 43);
6. He will meet his end "between the seas and the glorious holy mountain: (that is, in Israel in verse 45).
Daniel gives us a few more valuable pieces of information about the Antichrist.
Dan. 9:26-27 "And after the sixty two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; and the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, and till the end of the war desolations are determined." "Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering, and on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate."
From this crucial passage we learn that Antichrist will be of the racial stock of those who destroyed the city and the temple in 70 A.D. ("the people of the prince who is to come"). From history we know this "people" refers to the Romans, so Antichrist's heritage must also be "Roman", that is, from the eastern Mediterranean.
The Man of Sin: The apostle Paul tells us a little more about the coming Antichrist. His name for this wicked ruler is "the man of sin." To the Thessalonians who were worried that the Day of the Lord had already arrived, Paul wrote. "That Day will not come unless the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." (2 Thess. 2:3-4).
"For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way." "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:" "[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders," "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved" (2 Thess. 2:7 -10).
Paul agrees that the Antichrist will sit in the temple of God and there proclaim himself to be God. He also says the demonic influence that will sweep Antichrist to power is "already at work," although it is being kept in check by the Holy Spirit working through the church. Once the Rapture takes place, the Antichrist will be revealed to the world.>
"I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words" (Dan. 7:8).
"Then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet;" "and about the ten horns that were on its head, and about the other horn which came up, before which three flee, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows".
"The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; he shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue three kings" (Dan. 7:24).
Daniel makes it plain that these ten kings will "arise" before the Antichrist makes his own rise to power. Three of them will not like his rapid ascent and will try to resist him, but they will quickly be defeated. Daniel says they will be "plucked out by the roots," "fall", and be "subdued" by the Antichrist, the horn with eyes and a pompous mouth, "whose appearance was greater than his fellows."
A Closer look at the Beast: After having given John a view of all the past world powers and their seduction by the Harlot of Babylon, the angel now narrows his focus to the "beast" in its final form. He says the beast was and is not, and then will exist again and be destroyed. He must be referring to the fact that Rome existed in his day, but that a day was coming when it would no longer exist. Then it would rise again and be destroyed. A review of the history of Rome shows us that Rome was never conquered by anyone; it fell from within because of its own decadence.
For nearly 15 centuries, Rome has not existed as a viable world political power. But the move in Europe today is destined to put the old Roman Empire back together again. Thus, the Revived Roman Empire is referred to as a beast, as is the scintillating world leader who will control it and is also known as the Roman Antichrist. Although the "beast" we are looking at here has only seven heads, John says that it briefly sprouts another, an eighth head, but this head is really an outgrowth of the seventh (the Revived Roman Empire), and is quickly destroyed. Like a wart that grows out of the 7th head and is cut off.
The Beast Out of the Sea (Antichrist): "And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority" (Rev. 13:1-2). The beast is obviously unlike any animal we have ever seen. Therefore, we apply the Golden Rule of Interpretation: "When the plain sense of the Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense." Because the plain sense of this passage does not make common sense, we naturally seek another sense.
Since there are no seven headed animals, this composite picture of a leopard, lion and bear must be a symbol. This is not the first time that the Holy Spirit has used the symbol of a beast to describe either a king or a kingdom. (In Daniel chapter 7), we find that several beasts are employed to convey the meaning of coming world governments, with the lion referring not only to the Babylonian Empire, but to Nebuchadnezzar himself (Dan. 2:38). This is significant because Daniel said to Nebuchadnezzar, "You are that head of gold." We find that the beast opens his mouth and speaks blasphemy, indicating a reference not only to a kingdom but to a specific personage.
The Antichrist's Atheistic Religion: The religion of the Antichrist appears in several places in Scripture (primarily Dan. 11:36-39 and 2 Thess. 2:1-12). These passages teach that the Antichrist "will exalt himself "over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God" (2 Thess. 2:4). This evil personage will be a master of deceit even in the religious realm.
According to (Rev. chapter 17), the Antichrist will give tacit approval to the ecumenical world church, which after the Rapture, merges all the religions of the world. Not because he believes in it, but because of its tremendous political overtones and his aspiration to control the world. He apparently will be dominated by the ecumenical church, as we will see (in Rev. chapter 17), since the prostitute (the ecumenical church), rides the beast, indicating that she will actually limit or dominate many of his governmental activities. But this will all be subterfuge on his part until he can gather sufficient control to throw her off and kill this idolatrous ecumenical religion that is even today gathering momentum in our own generation.
The Antichrist's true religion will be atheism, which has been increasing in prominence since the early days of German rationalism and today is given the respectability of intellectualism. People today demand religious tolerance for all, which is why Christians and the Tribulation saints cannot go along with it. Antichrist's religion of atheism is rapidly increasing already, particularly in key positions of influence. It is well known that the headwaters of the educational system in America rise from Columbia University, which, thanks to John Dewey and others, is predominantly atheistic in philosophy.
The atheists have propagated and enforced a purely secular education for our young people, contrary to all American principles. The current amoral attitude toward moral values can be traced to secular humanism in education. All of these things fitted together are merely pieces of a puzzle that will spread the philosophies of atheism. This does not even include the fact that the foundation stone of communism and socialism is atheism.
The Ultimate Destruction of the Antichrist: (2 Thess. 2:8 declares):
"And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming."
This destruction of Satan by our Lord at His coming is graphically described (in Rev. 19:11-20). Christ will destroy Satan and his armies all at one time and will cast him alive into the lake of burning sulfur.
One of the plaguing problems of the younger generation is that of rebellion against law and order and a desire to reject restraint. Instead of morality, honesty, and decency based on the fixed standard of God's Word, we find immorality and self-expression.
Self-indulgence is the watchword of life today! The Bible defines the spirit of lawlessness as sin in (1 John 3:4), The root word is identical:
"Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness."
The spirit of rebellion in the heart of any person signifies that he or she is a subject of the Antichrist even before he arrives. The spirit of submission to the law of God is a supernatural result of having invited Jesus Christ into one's life.
The word of God Clearly states that God can speak through anything that he created, even a Donkey in Numbers 22:22.
Hell. Hell was prepared for Satan and demons, not mankind. Matthew 25:41. Wicked people will receive punishment: Romans 1:18. God will punish those who do not turn from their sin: 2 Peter 2:4-9. Hell is a place of eternal fire: Jude 1-7. God will send to hell those who do not believe in him: Revelation 21:8.
1 chronicles 12:32 from the tribe of Issachar; there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take. I J’kiesh Elder is from this tribe according to prophecy and there are many more from this tribe that I have met who know what is going on, however, they are not talking, or they have not had the chance to speak about it. Joel 2:28 Jesus will pour his spirit on all flesh to get our attention. 2:28 speaks about dreams and vision, and prophesy that will happen from this last attempt to save a lot of Jesus people. Joel 2:30 clearly states, and I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth-blood and fire and columns of smoke. This means blacks, whites, Spanish and other race of all sex good evil will get a final chance to know him.---- Even the animals. God speaks fast some times to me and he give me pictures and glimpse into the future, therefore, I make sure and ask for confirmation before I speak, however, I am human and can make mistakes.
2 chronicle 20-20. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.
More testimonies:
I started hearing Holy Spirit say about 5 months be for an American disaster in an Earthquake category and it was added 3-12-11. Now it’s 6-15-2011, and Jesus is telling me, that the Earthquake will hit in this time frame. 7-03-2011 is the Earthquake high alert date because Father God wants me to be specific; however, if I were you, I would be on alert right now, and towards the end of August 2011; Actually happened.
When I started hearing Earth Quake, I began to speak about it to church members located here in New York. Take a look at the following emails:
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Date:
Sat, Feb 19, 2011 6:29 pm
This is the email I sent you on the 13 and on the 16 the earthquake warning made news, however, as you will see Holy Spirit already have been telling me this since last year and you as well. You do know that Jesus is protecting you, and the Holy Spirit told you about the oil spill. Look on page 94 or toward the end and you will see the place that I talked about the earthquake and the bridge breaking.I was telling my friend from church who also was receiving vision and messages about an earthquake.
The vision came to me as I was living in New York, and it was at least 1-5 bridges falling and breaking apart, so this is going to be a large Earthquake if it happens.
It was emailed to my Friend who also gets these same kinds of vision and can hear the voice of God. On the 13 of Feb 2011, and on the 16 of Feb 2011 Earth quake news hit the Metro news paper published in New York.
The spiritual definition for Woman means that she is born with a womb and has eggs to produce children, not me thank God, that job is too hard for me. The only children I can have, must be birth from the Holy Spirit that lives in me, However, I'm born different from my mother’s womb as stated in Matthew 19:11 and a lot more people including people like Caster the South African Track runner who did an outstanding job at the Olympic games.
We were made special for a close walk with God, Gays also.
I was attending church with J'kiesha, located at Lewis ave, in the month of Jan to early February when the prophet prophesied a word from God. The church name is Potters House located on Lewis ave in Brooklyn New York, the prophet told J'kiesha that God gave her a ministry and it’s is something that J'kiesha Elder wanted to do. She needs help with this as she stated, and truly want to do the will of Jesus. The Ministry will be as the remnant of Jesus following his guidelines. Your support is needed to make this happen. My name is Sister H.C and I witness this prophecy around Jan—early Feb of 2011.